BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Terrance Michael Ciszek a/k/a DrMonster, 34, of Buffalo, NY, with possession of unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud and making a false statement to an agency of the United States, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the cases, stated that since August 2018, the FBI has been investigating an illicit online marketplace known as Genesis Market, whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin.
According to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, between March 16 and July 29, 2020, Ciszek, a Buffalo Police Detective, purchased 11 packages on Genesis Market that included 194 stolen account credentials. Investigators also determined that Ciszek had bitcoin wallet addresses associated with UniCC, a dark web carding website. Carding websites are illicit marketplaces and/or forums used to share stolen credit card data and discuss techniques for obtaining credit card data, validating it, and using it for criminal activity. On April 15, 2020, Ciszek recorded a video explaining to others how he anonymized his identity on the internet when purchasing stolen credit cards, and described his use of UniCC. In the video, he stated, among other things, “And then I usually get my credit cards from UniCC, which is an amazing place if you guys don’t have it.
On April 4, 2023, Ciszek is accused of making false statements to the FBI, claiming that he had not purchased stolen credentials from the internet, and further stating that his nephew may have been responsible for the online purchase of stolen credentials.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a child.
Ricky Lane Bowers, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 17 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Bowers to 20 years of supervised release following incarceration.
On July 25, 2023, Bowers pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Bowers admitted that he had been in contact with a man who was arrested in Texas, who had sent Bowers images and videos of child sexual abuse. Bowers also admitted that he had taken pornographic photos of a child victim and sent them to the man in Texas.
Investigators seized Bowers’s cell phone that he used to communicate with the Texas defendant. Forensic examiners found files of child pornography on the cell phone, as well as evidence of images and videos of the child victim whom Bowers used to produce child pornography.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit http://www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) Jordan Harvey, Avi Panth, and Anthony Mozzi will lead the Office’s efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 5, 2024, general election. AUSAs Harvey, Panth, and Mozzi have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Eastern District of Virginia, and in that capacity are 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.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Aber. “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).
“The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Aber. “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. 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, AUSAs/DEOs Harvey, Panth, and Mozzi will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.”
Contact information for the DEOs is as follows:
Northern Virginia – Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Harvey, 703-299-3700
Tidewater region – Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Mozzi, 757-441-6331
Central Capitol region – Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth, 804-819-5400
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 FBI field offices in the Eastern District of Virginia can be reached by the public at:
Washington Field Office – 202-278-2000
Richmond Field Office 804-261-1044
Norfolk Field Office – 757-455-0100
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.
“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney Aber. “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.
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter demanding transparency from U.S. Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken on the Department’s use of taxpayer dollars to pay the salaries of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) employees instead of promoting U.S. security overseas.
Last month, reporting revealed top DEI officials at the Biden-Harris State Department make nearly $200,000 each year – nearly double the pay of average State Department employees.
The State Department Goes to Extreme Lengths to Prioritize Diversity Over Competence
“I write with concern regarding the State Department’s use of hundreds of thousands of taxpayer funds to pay the salaries of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) employees. The State Department’s apparent willingness to go to extreme lengths to prioritize diversity over competence in formulating a workforce for the agency, whose stated mission, in part, is to ‘protect and promote U.S. security,’ is demonstrated by the hefty salaries of top DEI officials. According to financial disclosures, the position of Chief Diversity and Inclusion officer received an annual salary of $194,510, and the State Department’s Special Representative for Racial Justice and Equity receives $191,000 per year. Conversely, the base salary of the average State Department employee is just $97,000.”
As Iran, China, and Russia Wage War on Democracy, the State Department’s DEI Agenda Is Offensive and Irresponsible
“As you know, the current geopolitical landscape is dangerously volatile, and the United States is entangled in multiple diplomatic conflicts worldwide. Israel, one of our closest allies, is fighting an existential war against Iran’s proxy terrorist groups on several fronts, Communist China continues to threaten Taiwan’s sovereignty and bully nations in the Indo-Pacific into subservience, and Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine has now resulted in at least one million casualties on both sides. During this capricious period, it imprudent and offensive for your agency to allocate hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to support a DEI agenda that does not support, but in fact undermines, America’s interests abroad. The American people deserve transparency over the use of their tax dollars to advance a divisive ideological agenda, particularly when it comes at the expense of protecting and promoting U.S. security overseas.”
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – William Seneca, Sr., age 64, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to sexual exploitation of a child and distribution of child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Seneca admitted that from approximately 2000 through 2008 he engaged in sexual conduct with V1, starting when V1 was about seven years old. On several different occasions during that period, Seneca created child pornography depicting V1. Seneca also admitted that, on at least one occasion, he distributed the material he created depicting V1 to someone in Canada.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 13, 2025, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Seneca faces a term of imprisonment of least 15 years and up to 50 years, post-release supervision of between five years and life, a fine of up to $250,000, and restitution to the victim. Seneca also will be required to register as a sex offender upon release.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the New York State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Police officers were quick to respond to a reported robbery in Northcote on Thursday (17 October), arresting a 22-year-old-man in relation to a number of offences across the North Shore.
Waitematā East Response Manager, Acting Senior Sergeant Andy Godsalve, says Police first became aware of the man’s alleged offending following a reported road rage incident just before 3pm in Glenfield.
“The man is alleged to have gotten into a verbal altercation with another motorist then followed the victim’s vehicle in his own car, throwing several items out of his window at the vehicle, including alcohol containers and a hockey stick, which damaged the vehicle.
“He continued to follow the victim’s vehicle for several kilometres, causing them much concern.
“The man has then driven to a liquor store in Northcote and allegedly told the worker behind the counter that he had a knife.”
At this point, Acting Senior Sergeant Godsalve says the suspect’s actions began to grow more violent.
“He picked up of bottle of alcohol and smashed it on the floor before allegedly stealing a further eight bottles of alcohol, worth over $400.
“Police were quickly on the scene, with officers witnessing the man pull a car jack tool from his pants and allegedly threaten the liquor store worker with it.
“He was arrested as he exited the store with the alcohol, and later blew an excess breath alcohol reading of three times over the legal limit.”
A 22-year-old man appeared in the North Shore District Court yesterday charged with robbery, wilful damage, theft, threatening behaviour, possession of an offensive weapon, driving while disqualified, and driving with excess breath alcohol. He is due to reappear on 14 November.
“We won’t tolerate this type of anti-social behaviour on our roads or in our communities,” Acting Senior Sergeant Godsalve says.
“The public has the right to feel safe, and I’m very happy the alleged offender will be held to account for his actions.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Harold Hal Rogers (KY-05)
PIKEVILLE, KY – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell introduced mirroring legislation to designate the Kentucky Wildlands as Kentucky’s first National Heritage Area. Congressman Rogers announced the news on Friday during the annual SOAR Summit in Pikeville. “Our beautiful Appalachian Mountains in southern and eastern Kentucky are full of outdoor adventures, incredible wildlife, and communities filled with a rich heritage of talented musicians and artisans. The National Heritage System links our region to tourism benefits that will boost our economy, adding a national spotlight here at home,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “This legislation will be the final step in getting the designation to highlight our rich Appalachian culture in Kentucky, and I’m proud to partner with Senator McConnell to get it over the finish line.” “Securing Kentucky’s first National Heritage Area has been a project years in the making, and I’m grateful to see our state move one step closer to securing this designation. I’ve been proud to partner with Congressman Hal Rogers over the years to help advance this effort and tap into Eastern Kentucky’s great potential. Our state’s Appalachian region deserves to be preserved for families to enjoy, and this project will help do just that while driving more visitors and economic activity into Eastern Kentucky communities,” said Senator Mitch McConnell. Last month, the National Park Service (NPS) determined that 35 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky are eligible to become part of the National Heritage System. It was the result of a feasibility study that Rogers and McConnell secured federal funding for in 2019. Eastern Kentucky PRIDE received a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in 2019 to brand the region as the Kentucky Wildlands. As a National Heritage Area, the region would receive technical assistance and federal funding through a partnership with the National Park Service. The NPS study concluded that the region embodies the concepts of self-reliance, sustainability and community recognized as the foundation of central Appalachian identity. Through the area’s rich natural resources that fueled the rise of late 19th and 20th century industry, local musicians’ enduring influence on popular American music, the accomplishments of community-driven civic leaders, and the resilience of groups calling Eastern Kentucky home, the reach of the people and products of Kentucky Wildlands extends far beyond the mountainous terrain where they originate. The NPS determined the 35 counties directly supporting the themes for a potential NHA boundary include: Bath, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Clay, Elliott, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Madison, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe. Within these counties, natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources support the overall landscape, cultural tradition of the area, and the nationally important heritage of the Kentucky Wildlands.? For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media. ###
Edmonton, Alta. – From October 20 to 26, Alberta RCMP is helping to promote road safety for all youth road users. The annual campaign aims to increase road safety awareness in youth ages 15 to 24. This year’s campaign theme is #OurFutureRoads, focusing on empowering youth to shape the roadway systems being built today to ensure everyone can travel safely.
Road crashes are the third-leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 24 in Canada, for this reason it is vital to ensure youth are part of the safety conversation.
This year Alberta RCMP encourages youth to speak up about road safety issues in their communities, such as:
Dimly lit roadways that could use more lighting for pedestrian safety
A busy intersection that could use traffic calming measures
Areas in the community that lack bike lanes for safer cycling
“youth use many modes of transportation, from driving to cycling, and even public transit,” states Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. “It’s important that they feel heard regarding issues in their communities that relate to their safety, such as roadways. Together, we can help ensure that everyone feels safe when commuting, no matter their mode of transportation.”
Alberta RCMP wants to remind the public that road safety is important for all ages and is the responsibility of all road users. For traffic safety information, follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and X @RCMPAlberta.
East Hants District RCMP is investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Walton.
On October 17, at approximately 12:12 p.m., East Hants District RCMP, fire services, and EHS responded to a report of a vehicle that had crashed into a residence along Hwy. 215. RCMP officers learned that a Toyota Camry had veered off the roadway, rolled, and came to rest against the house.
The driver and sole occupant of the Camry, a 19-year-old man from Upper Kennetcook, was located deceased at the scene. Nobody at the residence was physically injured.
An RCMP collision reconstructionist attended the scene and the investigation is ongoing. Hwy. 215 was closed for several hours but has since reopened.
Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.
Farmers are vital to Alberta’s economy, providing essential food resources and driving rural prosperity, yet they often face burdensome paperwork and high accounting fees that hinder their productivity. Governments are making changes to the AgriStability program to address these challenges.
October 17, 2024 – Edmonton, Alberta – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Changes to Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)’s AgriStability program will reduce paperwork and lower costs for producers.
Farmers are vital to Alberta’s economy, providing essential food resources and driving rural prosperity, yet they often face burdensome paperwork and high accounting fees that hinder their productivity. Governments are making changes to the AgriStability program to address these challenges.
A new option to align AgriStability reporting with tax filing in 2025 will result in less paperwork, reduce accounting fees, and make enrolment and participation in the program much easier. An accelerated deadline to submit program forms to AFSC will lead to earlier payment. Enrolling in AgriStability can also provide producers access to other credit options like the federal Advance Payments Program, which offers low-cost cash advances.
AgriStability is an individual, whole-farm, margin-based program that helps producers who experience margin declines greater than 30% due to production loss, adverse market conditions and increased costs. In 2023, AgriStability also increased compensation for margin declines exceeding 30%, offering 80 cents per dollar of decline, up from the previous rate of 70 cents.
Producers rely on business risk management programs to offset the financial impact of many challenges. AgriStability provides income stabilization protection to help producers manage large margin declines that threaten their farm’s viability.
Risk management is critical in farming and each producer needs to examine their situation and the tools available before making decisions. AFSC has a robust suite of lending, business risk management and insurance options that producers can access.
Quotes
“Farmers can often face uncertainty, and programs like AgriStability help them to protect their operations. To make things a little bit easier, we’ve made changes to the AgriStability program that will reduce paperwork, so our farmers can get the support they need, faster, and continue producing top-quality products.”
– The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“We value the dedication and adaptability of our province’s farmers. These changes to the AgriStability program will better respond to each producer’s unique situation, making the program more predictable, timely and simpler to access, which is what producers have been asking for.”
– RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation
“Through our risk management programs, AFSC plays an important role in sustaining the agriculture industry. By making enrolment and participation in the AgriStability program easier it allows us to support Alberta producers more effectively.”
AgriStability protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming margins for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.
AgriStability is one of the Business Risk Management programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
For more than 80 years, AFSC, a provincial Crown corporation, has provided loans, crop insurance and farm income disaster assistance programs to farmers, agribusinesses and other small businesses.
AFSC provides leading, innovative, client-focused financial and risk-management solutions to grow agriculture in Alberta.
The deadline to apply for 2025 program coverage is April 30, 2025.
Associated links
Contacts
For media:
Annie Cullinan Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food annie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Jason Douglas, 40, of Highgate, Vermont, pleaded not guilty in United States District Court in Burlington on October 16, 2024 to a charge that he possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. At a subsequent hearing on October 17, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jerome Niedermeier ordered that Douglas be released on conditions that include home confinement during the pendency of the case.
On September 26, 2024, a federal grand jury in Burlington returned a one-count indictment charging Douglas with unlawfully possessing a Ruger .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol as a convicted felon. According to court records, Douglas is barred from possessing firearms because he has two separate felony convictions in Vermont for kidnapping and burglary. The federal prosecution of Douglas stems from an incident in downtown Burlington on July 29, 2024, in which it is alleged that Douglas pointed a firearm at an individual in the middle of the day. Douglas was arrested shortly thereafter and law enforcement recovered a loaded pistol from the driver’s compartment of the car Douglas was driving. As a result of this incident, Douglas has also been charged in Vermont Superior Court with reckless endangerment.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge in the indictment is merely an accusation and that Douglas is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If convicted, Douglas faces up to 15 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
This case was investigated by the Burlington Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Douglas is represented by Federal Public Defender Mike Desautels. 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.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
BOSTON – A member of the violent Boston gang Cameron Street was sentenced yesterday for committing an armed home invasion robbery with fellow gang members.
Brendon Amado, 27, of Randolph, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 70 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In February 2024, Amado pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats or violence.
Amado was identified as an associate of Cameron Street, a violent gang based largely in the Dorchester section of Boston that uses violence, including murder and attempted murder, to preserve, protect and expand their territory.
In July 2018, Amado, along with Cameron Street members and co-defendants Deronde Bethea and Michael Nguyen, committed a home invasion robbery with firearms of two victims at the home of a rival drug dealer in Canton. Amado, Bethea and Nguyen broke into the home through the back door, wearing masks and dark hoodies and carrying firearms. One victim ran out of the front door of the house and called 911. The second victim was brought into the living room, punched in the head, had a gun put to her head. as the men ransacked the house demanding, “where’s the stuff, where’s the money, where’s your boyfriend?” Amado, Bethea and Nguyen later fled the house in a silver pickup truck after stealing $2,000 in cash and a safe. Among other evidence, Amado and Bethea were identified on convenience store surveillance footage shortly before the robbery took place.
In December 2023, Nguyen pleaded guilty and in March 2024 he was sentenced to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Bethea pleaded guilty in February 2024 and in June 2024 was sentenced to 250 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. 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 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.
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.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants named in the indictment are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: United States Department of Justice (Hate Crime)
HAMMOND – Brian O’Neill, 46 years old, of Whiting, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to two counts of Interference with Housing based on Race and one count of Making False Statements to Law Enforcement announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
O’Neill was sentenced to 10 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, between June 2022 and August 2023, O’Neill acted willfully to drive out a family from living next door to Whiting home because of his animosity against that family’s race. O’Neill’s efforts to drive out the next door multi-racial family included: threatening to assault a member of that family; shouting racial slurs at members of that family; and telling them to move out of Whiting. O’Neill also threatened harm on the landlord who had rented the house to that family. When questioned by law enforcement about his actions, O’Neill denied directing racial slurs to the neighboring family and denied making any threats. However, there was a recording that refuted his false denials. As part of his guilty plea in this case, O’Neill acknowledged both his hostile acts against his neighbors and that his actions were motivated by his opposition to persons of color living in his neighborhood.
“Freedom to acquire housing and the freedom to live peaceably in that housing are keys to building a more stable, safe, and prosperous society. When, as in this case, a person interferes with another person’s ability to attain and retain housing because of racial prejudices, they have committed a hate crime,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “My office and our law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate and prosecute these crimes whenever and wherever they occur in the Northern District of Indiana.”
“Every hate crime is a calculated attack on a person’s right to peace and sense of belonging and can leave scars that can linger long after the act itself,” said FBI Indianapolis Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas Winterhalter. “The FBI’s commitment to investigating hate crimes underscores the seriousness of these offenses. It is not just about enforcing the law but protecting communities and ensuring the rights of individuals to live free of fear.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hammond Police Department with assistance from the Lake County Prosecutors Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath and Thomas A. Johnson, Trial Attorney with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.
If you believe you are a victim of, or witness to, a hate crime or discriminatory act, you are encouraged to report the incident to local and federal law enforcement. In addition, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana maintains the below Civil Rights webpage where you may obtain information about your rights and make a complaint directly to the United States Attorney’s Office. https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndin/civil-rights-enforcement
Source: United States Department of Justice (Hate Crime)
Public Invited to Learn Strategies for Protecting Faith-Based Institutions from Hate Crimes
Memphis, TN — Faith-based leaders, law enforcement, and community members will gather on Thursday, October 24, 2024 for the Protecting Places of Worship Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. Hosted by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service (CRS) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, this vital forum will address the growing concern over hate crimes targeting places of worship.
What: Protecting Places of Worship Forum
When: Thursday, October 24, 2024, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM CT
Where: FedEx Event Center at Shelby Farms Park – 415 Great View Dr. E. – Cordova, TN 38018
Why Attend:
As the frequency of hate crimes and violent threats against religious institutions increases, this forum offers an essential opportunity for faith-based leaders, security personnel, and community members to learn how to protect places of worship. Participants will receive expert advice on federal and state hate crime laws, as well as tools and resources for assessing safety and preventing violence. Key highlights of the event include:
Overview of Hate Crimes Laws: Learn about the latest federal and state protections.
Active Shooter Training: Prepare for emergency situations with practical insights from law enforcement.
Best Practices for Prevention: Explore strategies to safeguard your congregation from threats and ensure the safety of your community.
Speakers and Partners:
Experts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Memphis Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and other local and federal agencies will lead sessions. This forum is also supported by the Governor’s Office, the City of Memphis, and several community organizations, including the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Alliance and the National Black Prosecutors Association.
How to Register: Attendance is free, but registration is required. Visit the registration link to secure your spot.
Contact Information:
For more information about this forum and how you can participate, please contact Cherri Green in the U.S. Attorney’s Office at Cherri.Green@usdoj.gov.
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This forum serves as an essential platform for protecting vulnerable spaces and ensuring that places of worship remain safe, inclusive environments for all. Don’t miss this important opportunity to engage with experts and strengthen the security of your faith community.
Source: United States Department of Justice (Hate Crime)
The Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC) program provides critical and tailored technical assistance resources to state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies on a wide variety of topics. It features a “by the field, for the field” approach while delivering individualized technical assistance using leading experts in a range of public safety, crime reduction, and community policing topics. CRI-TAC is a public service and offered at no-cost to your agency.
“The assistance was timely, forward thinking, progressive, and deeply appreciated.” – Feedback received through the CRI-TAC Customer Satisfaction Survey
Request Technical Assistance
To help us best serve you, please include the following information: 1) Name of your agency 2) Number of sworn officers 3) Size of population served 4) Topic and service requested 5) Contact information
If you wish to contact the COPS Office Collaborative Reform Initiative team, please email TechnicalAssistance@usdoj.gov or call the COPS Office Response Center at 1-800-421-6770.
“This is not similar to other federal programs that bog down [an agency] in paperwork and bureaucracy. This is truly a “where the rubber meets the road” program that provides inputs and guidance/supports where it is locally needed and necessary.” – Feedback received through the CRI-TAC Customer Satisfaction Survey
Technical assistance encompasses a host of methods including training, peer-to-peer consultation, analysis, coaching, and strategic planning. Participating agencies identify areas of assistance to best suit their local needs, which may include the following:
CRI-TAC is launching a renewed focus on assisting smaller and rural law enforcement agencies. Smaller and rural agencies will continue to have access to the no-cost training and technical assistance that CRI-TAC is known for, but now CRI-TAC will provide training and technical assistance opportunities geared for the unique challenges confronting smaller and rural policing agencies. Through the Smaller and Rural Agency Initiative, agencies will be able to participate in training programs addressing areas such as active assailant response, multi-jurisdictional coordination, community partnerships, resource allocation, addressing hate crimes, report writing, duty to intervene, and crash re-construction.
Mass Demonstrations Response: Virtual Training for Campus Agencies
In response to the continued risk of mass demonstrations across the United States, CRI-TAC is partnering with the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators to deliver no-cost, virtual training related to planning for and responding to mass demonstrations on college campuses. Starting Tuesday, July 30, CRI-TAC will host one-hour, bi-weekly webinars for college campus agencies to hear expert recommendations. These webinars are open to all college campus police leaders and administrators. To register for upcoming webinars (8/27, 9/10, 9/20, 9/24) or view previous recordings, please visit https://www.iaclea.org/mass-demonstrations-response-virtual-training-for-campus-agencies.
CRI-TAC staff will work with you to provide a customized solution. Types of services the CRI-TAC can provide include:
Resource Referral Toolkits, reports, and other relevant publications
Web-based Training Recorded webinars and live online training
In-person Training Existing and customized on-site training
Virtual Mentoring Personnel from the requesting agency will be connected with subject matter experts to share information and promising practices via phone or video conference call.
Meeting Facilitation Subject matter experts will assist in facilitating meetings among agency members and other public and private sector stakeholders
Mass Demonstration Rapid Response Team (MDRRT) Provides resources, tools, strategies, and information to problem-solve and maximize communications between the agency and community when faced with a mass demonstration
“The subject matter experts were the best in the nation! Fantastic instructors, flexible and responsive. They bring years of experience to the table and were fantastic resources.” – Feedback received through the CRI-TAC Customer Satisfaction Survey
Trainings
CRI-TAC is pleased to offer the following CRI-TAC developed trainings upon request:
Take Action: Make the R.I.G.H.T. Choice and Intervene trains, encourages, and empowers law enforcement personnel to actively intervene when needed to prevent colleagues from committing policy or procedure mistakes or unprofessional, unethical, or criminal conduct. Intervening is critical for officer safety and wellness and community trust. This curriculum was developed for law enforcement officers of all ranks and experience, including basic entry-level recruits. This training can be delivered as an 8 hour direct or a 16 hour train the trainer.
Hate Crimes: Recognition and Reporting enhances law enforcement’s response and the uniform patrol officer’s ability to recognize and report a hate crime. This includes addressing victim needs, reporting incidents, and building community trust. This curriculum was developed primarily for uniformed law enforcement officers (e.g., police, sheriff deputies, troopers, agents, etc.) and first line supervisors. This training can be delivered as an 8 hour direct or a 16 hour train the trainer.
Hate Crime Investigations provides step-by-step methods for conducting a thorough hate/bias crime investigation to ensure accurate reporting and successful prosecution. The training provides specific strategies that effectively support victims and engage communities in the aftermath of a hate crime or hate incident. The curriculum was developed primarily for law enforcement personnel with investigatory responsibility (e.g., police, sheriff deputies, troopers, agents), investigators, and local prosecutors. This training is delivered as an 8 hour direct training.
Volunteer Engagement for American Indian and Alaska Native Missing Person Cases prepares and introduces the basic elements and practices for creating a volunteer engagement program to support law enforcement and communities in responding to emergent missing person cases. This training program includes two components: (1) Leadership Kick-Off Meeting is a 90-minute briefing that assists in preparing and gaining agency buy-in for the 8-hour volunteer engagement program training. This briefing is designed to be delivered virtually or in person. (2) Volunteer Engagement for American Indian and Alaska Native Missing Person Cases is an 8-hour training that introduces the practices and strategy for developing, implementing, and maintaining a volunteer engagement program. This training can be delivered in person or virtually.
These trainings are provided at no cost to your agency through CRI-TAC. To request a training, please submit a request.
All requests must be received from the chief executive of a law enforcement agency or with expressed authorization from the chief executive of the law enforcement agency. Requesting agencies do not need to be a member of the IACP or any partnering organization to be considered for technical assistance services. Requesting agencies should be from a state, local, county, tribal, campus, or territorial law enforcement agency.
The CRI-TAC understands that each technical assistance request is unique and are open to exploring other services should specific needs arise. Please note this is not a grant program and certain costs cannot be supported through CRI-TAC project to include agency personnel and equipment needs.
Upon receipt, CRI-TAC staff will contact you to schedule a screening call, discuss the process, and obtain additional pertinent information.
From there, an intake call is scheduled with CRI-TAC staff and partners. This call gives you the opportunity to discuss your technical assistance needs in detail including your vision for the goals and outcomes of the technical assistance.
Post intake, we will develop a formal technical assistance request for review and approval.
Once your request is approved, we will develop a technical assistance work plan. This work plan includes a detailed description of the technical assistance, SMEs, and staff assigned to your project. The work plan is subject to your review, input, and approval before we move forward to begin delivering technical assistance.
Upon your approval of the work plan, we will initiate the technical assistance delivery. Throughout delivery, we will continue to ensure we are meeting your needs with regular communication.
“The staff is outstanding and goes above and beyond for the local and county agencies they serve. They truly understand their market and their “customers” and have made this experience quite enjoyable!” – Feedback received through the CRI-TAC Customer Satisfaction Survey
The US Department of Justice may be on the verge of seeking a break-up of Google in a bid to make it less dominant. If the government goes ahead and is successful in the courts, it could mean the company being split into separate entities – a search engine, an advertising company, a video website, a mapping app – which would not be allowed to share data with each other.
While this is still a distant prospect, it is being considered in the wake of a series of rulings in the US and the EU which suggest that regulators are becoming increasingly frustrated by the power of big tech. That power tends to be highly concentrated, whether it’s Google’s monopoly as a search engine, Meta’s data gathering from Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, or by small businesses becoming dependent on Amazon.
But what would a breakup of these tech giants achieve for consumers? Those in favour of shaking up Silicon Valley in this way argue that it would lead to more competition and more choice. And the best-case future scenario might look something like this:
The year is 2030, and you are on your way to meet a friend for a meal. You receive a message notification on WhatsApp, which was sent by your friend using her Signal messaging app. Sending and receiving messages from different apps is now so common you barely notice it.
In fact, “interoperability” – where different systems and tech work seamlessly together – is everywhere. In the same way you could send an email from Gmail to Hotmail back in 2024, you can now choose from a range of social media apps – alongside Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat – with text, pictures and video posted on one network easily accessible via another.
You choose an app because you like the way it looks or the way it filters and presents content – not just because everyone else is on it.
Similarly, your choice of restaurant and information on directions came from apps you have chosen from a much wider selection than the one you had access to back in 2024. You look at reviews produced by people you follow, irrespective of the platform they used to share it.
Product placement and AI-generated content have practically disappeared, as the mapping app does not want to risk giving you advice you don’t want. If it did, you would simply switch to a competitor which provides a superior service.
This increased level of competition is central to those who argue for breaking up big tech. Instead of app developers having to pay 30% of their sales to Google or Apple, there would be numerous app stores available, all competing to offer the best apps by cutting their profit margins. The theory is that the app market – and technological innovation – would thrive as a result.
Research also suggests that the existence of competing apps makes consumers less lazy, and forces businesses to deliver better products, and better value for money.
Private browsing
In 2024, you would have had to trust the results provided to you by Google search, Google Maps, or a Google advert. And because Google owned your data, it could auction information about you to other businesses trying to reach you, without your say.
You might have found Google’s services useful, but most of the benefit from personalised data would have gone to Google. And another big change that could come from breaking up big tech is that you might finally become the unique owner of that data.
Potentially, you would be the only one with full access to your browsing history – the products you searched for, the ones you bought and the ones you almost bought. You would own the information about where you went for lunch, what you ordered, and how much you spent.
Other information that would be owned by you might include how you commute to work, which video clips make you laugh, and which books you finished and the ones you abandoned immediately. The same goes for how you met your partner online, your dating history, and the health data your watch has collected about how hard you work at the gym.
In the imagined year of 2030, you would keep this data on an encrypted server, and different companies would offer apps to help you organise and manage your information. Whenever you wanted to, you could decide to use your data for your own purposes.
Breaking up is hard to do
Splitting up big tech companies is not without risks however. An obvious consequence is that those big companies would be less profitable.
Right now, Google and Meta make (a lot of) money from advertising, and this is only possible because they own so much information about us. If they didn’t, they might end up charging users for the services they provide.
Interoperability and greater competition may also provide more room for scam app operators. And while more choice about apps may be fine for some, it may be problematic for those who find modern technology challenging enough already.
For regulators though, the challenge of modern technology seems to be a sense of powerlessness. And if they do decide to take the radical option and break up dominant companies, it could make a big difference to the online world for all of us.
Renaud Foucart does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
On October 18, 2024, at approximately 1:40 am, St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision in the eastbound lane of Highway 1, located between Road 27E and Road 28E, in the RM of Tache.
The initial investigation has determined that a vehicle, travelling westbound in the eastbound lane, collided with an eastbound semi-trailer. Both vehicles entered the ditch and caught on fire.
The 36-year-old male driver of the semi-trailer along with his 37-year-old male passenger were treated on scene for minor injuries.
The driver, and lone occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced deceased on scene. The deceased has not yet been identified.
St Pierre-JolysRCMP,along with an RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, continue to investigate.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Foreign Secretary David Lammy met Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi, in Beijing today.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy met Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi, in Beijing today (18 October).
The Foreign Secretary set out that as fellow Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, it is a necessity that the UK and China increase bilateral engagement. He made clear that, as global players, both countries have an obligation to work together to find pragmatic solutions to complex challenges.
Areas of pragmatic, mutually beneficial cooperation were clear. This included working together on achieving the global green transition; making greater efforts on development and global health; and the safe use of AI. The Foreign Secretary reiterated his commitment to promoting secure and resilient growth through increased trade and investment which creates jobs, drives innovation, boosts productivity and provides economic stability and certainty for the UK economy. They agreed that the UK and China can support both countries’ growth objectives, with China as the world’s second largest economy and the UK’s 4th largest trading partner.
The Foreign Secretary also raised a number of foreign policy and security matters, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, where he stated how both the UK and China have a shared interest in European peace and ending the war. He reaffirmed that concerns over China’s supply of equipment to Russia’s military industrial complex risks damaging China’s relationships with Europe whilst helping to sustain Russia’s war. The Foreign Secretary urged Wang Yi to take all measures to investigate and to prevent Chinese companies from supplying Russia’s military. The Foreign Ministers agreed to continue to discuss this and other broader foreign policy issues, such as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Human Rights were discussed, including in Xinjiang, and the Foreign Secretary referenced this as an area which the UK and China must engage, even where viewpoints diverge. Hong Kong is a shared interest, and the Foreign Secretary raised serious concerns around the implementation of the National Security Law and the ongoing treatment of British national Jimmy Lai, again calling for his release.
The meeting was constructive across the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, from areas of pragmatic cooperation to issues of contention. Both the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister agreed that maintaining channels of communication was essential and committed to holding regular discussions across their respective governments at Ministerial level.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)
[WASHINGTON] — Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY) released the following statement after the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) appointment of a District Election Officer to oversee voting rights violations in Puerto Rico under the Election Day Program:
“The appointment of an election officer to address allegations of fraud, discrimination, and intimidation in Puerto Rico is welcome news. However, this step does not address the island’s deep structural electoral issues.
“This type of electoral official is assigned to every state in the nation. Puerto Ricans need more than a simple protocol announcement. They need targeted action to address the irregularities threatening the island’s democratic system. Allegations of poor management of the electoral register and ongoing disenfranchisement are undermining faith in the upcoming election.
“Three weeks ago, I led a call to DOJ requesting staff from the Civil Rights Division be deployed to directly monitor Puerto Rican elections. Given the ongoing threat to the right to vote in Puerto Rico, this move is appropriate and absolutely necessary.
“The DOJ recently announced that it will assign federal monitors to observe the election in Portage County, Ohio. There is no reason the same cannot be done in Puerto Rico. The DOJ has the authority, and there is more than enough evidence to intervene.
“There are less than twenty days until the election. Puerto Rico needs fair and transparent elections, and I am determined to ensure that all available federal oversight mechanisms are in place. The DOJ must act now.”
The federal government’s generational investments like the Canada Child Benefit, which provides families with up to nearly $8,000 per child, per year, help cover the costs of essentials children need. We’re building on this support by providing healthy meals at school, so children have what they need to learn, grow, and succeed—regardless of their family’s circumstances.
October 18, 2024 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Department of Finance Canada
When children have access to healthy food, they do better in school and are set up to succeed.
The federal government’s generational investments like the Canada Child Benefit, which provides families with up to nearly $8,000 per child, per year, help cover the costs of essentials children need. We’re building on this support by providing healthy meals at school, so children have what they need to learn, grow, and succeed—regardless of their family’s circumstances.
Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, alongside the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, announced that the governments of Canada and Manitoba have reached an agreement to expand school food programs in Manitoba. This agreement, made possible by the federal government’s $1 billion National School Food Program, will enhance and expand Manitoba’s existing school food programs to provide meals to about 19,080 more kids every year, starting this school year.
Manitoba is the second province, after Newfoundland and Labrador, to sign an agreement with the federal government for the new National School Food Program. Today’s agreement includes an initial federal investment of approximately $17.2 million over the next three years to ensure more kids get the nutritious food they need to thrive.
The federal government invites all provinces and territories to help more kids get access to school food by reaching these agreements. It is one of the best investments we can make to lower costs, support families, and care for the next generation.
With an investment of $1 billion over five years, the National School Food Program will feed up to 400,000 more kids across Canada every year. This is a generational investment, especially in the most vulnerable children, who are most impacted by a lack of access to food. Through today’s agreement, the federal government is helping children across Manitoba reach their full potential.
Quotes
“Giving our children the best start in life is an essential part of fairness for every generation. Today’s agreement with Manitoba will ensure that over 19,000 more children get the food they need at school, starting this year, while saving a family with two kids up to $800 on groceries annually. Our National School Food Program will cut costs for families and help build a Canada where every child is set up to succeed.”
– The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
“Kids can’t learn on an empty stomach. We made a commitment to Manitoba families that we’d make sure kids across our province had access to food when they go to school, and we’ve delivered on that promise. Kids across Manitoba can now get a meal or a snack when they need one, so they can concentrate, learn and reach their full potential.”
– The Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba
“It’s wonderful to see another province partner with us to deliver our National School Food Program. This agreement with the Government of Manitoba means that more of the top-quality, local food that our hardworking farmers produce will reach kids who need it and help set them up for success in the classroom and beyond.”
– The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Today, we’re delivering a promise to the kids and parents of Manitoba—a promise that every child will have access to the healthy meals they need to succeed. It’s simple: when kids eat well, they learn better, play harder, and feel good. And for parents, it gives them peace of mind, knowing that their kids are getting the fuel they need to focus on just being kids. We will keep working to make sure that every family across Canada benefits from this program.”
– The Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
“Every child deserves the best start in life. And that begins with ensuring that no one goes to school on an empty stomach. I’m incredibly proud that Manitoba is the second province to sign onto our National School Food Program, so we can fill the gap and make sure every child has the chance to thrive.”
– The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs
Quick facts
In Budget 2024, the federal government launched a new National School Food Program, providing $1 billion over five years, to provide meals for up to 400,000 more kids each year, ensuring all children have the food they need to have the best start in life, regardless of their family circumstances.
The Program is expected to save the average participating family with two children $800 per year in grocery costs, with lower-income families benefitting the most.
Budget 2024’s investment of $1 billion over five years includes distinctions-based funding for First Nations on-reserve, as well as Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty and Self-Government agreement holders. The federal government is working directly with Indigenous partners to rollout that funding, with more information to come.
On June 20, 2024, the federal government released the National School Food Policy, as the foundation for collaborative and complementary action by all orders of government to improve access to food at school.
In addition to the National School Food Program, the federal government launched the new School Food Infrastructure Fund in September, which will deliver $20.2 million to help not-for-profit organizations invest in infrastructure and equipment to support school food programming across Canada.
In addition to today’s $17.2 million federal investment, the Government of Manitoba is investing $30 million to create a Universally Accessible School Nutrition Program for 2024-2025, which will deliver funding through three streams:
$15 million directly to Manitoba’s 37 school divisions;
$6 million to 50 schools in communities with high socioeconomic need; and,
$9 million in grants to community partners.
To give every child the best start in life, the federal government is also:
Giving families more money through the Canada Child Benefit to help with the costs of raising children and make a real difference in the lives of kids in Canada. The Canada Child Benefit, which is providing up to nearly $8,000 per child in 2024-25, is indexed annually to keep up with the cost of living and has helped lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty since its launch in 2016.
Building a Canada-wide system for $10-a-day child care, which has already cut fees for regulated child care to an average of $10-a-day or less in over half of all provinces and territories, and by 50 per cent or more in all others.
Rolling out the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which is already available for children under 18, with family incomes under $90,000, because no one should have to choose between taking care of their kids’ teeth and putting food on the table. Families are encouraged to apply online at Canada.ca/dental.
Associated links
Contacts
Media may contact:
Katherine Cuplinskas Deputy Director of Communications Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Katherine.Cuplinskas@fin.gc.ca
Media Relations Department of Finance Canada mediare@fin.gc.ca 613-369-4000
The Secretary-General has transmitted to the President of the General Assembly the report of the Eminent Person, former Chief Justice of Tanzania, Mr. Mohamed Chande Othman, concerning the investigation into the conditions and circumstances resulting in the tragic death of Dag Hammarskjöld and of the members of the party accompanying him. The Secretary-General’s letter to the President of the General Assembly is accompanied by the Eminent Person’s report and will be publicly available as General Assembly document A/78/1006.
Dag Hammarskjöld served as Secretary-General from April 1953 until his death in a plane crash in Ndola, Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia, along with 15 others, UN staff members and crew, on the night of 17/18 September 1961. The Secretary-General pays tribute to all those that died and emphasizes that their families deserve answers.
The Secretary-General is grateful to Judge Othman for his unwavering commitment to this matter and is encouraged that the body of relevant knowledge has grown with each successive mandate of the Eminent Person. He notes that significant new information has been provided to the Eminent Person during his present mandate, including in the areas of: (i) probable intercepts by Member States of relevant communications; (ii) the capacity of the armed forces of Katanga, or others, to have conducted a possible attack on flight SE-BDY; (iii) the presence in the area of foreign paramilitary and intelligence personnel; and (iv) further new information relevant to the context and surrounding events of 1961.
At this juncture, the Eminent Person assesses it to remain plausible that an external attack or threat was a cause of the crash. The Eminent Person notes that the alternative hypotheses that appear to remain available are that the crash resulted from sabotage, or unintentional human error.
The Secretary-General is encouraged by the disclosure of new information by some Member States and by some key Member States’ continued commitment to engage with the Eminent Person. He is also grateful for the cooperation and collaboration by Independent Appointees of Member States as well as individual researchers.
The Secretary-General notes that the Eminent Person considers that it is almost certain that specific, crucial and to date undisclosed information exists in the archives of Member States. The Secretary-General further notes the Eminent Person’s assessment that he has not received, to date, specific responses to his specific queries from certain Member States. The Secretary-General has personally followed up on the Eminent Person’s outstanding requests for information, and calls upon Member States to release any relevant records in their possession.
With significant progress having been made, the Secretary-General calls on all of us to renew our resolve and commitment to pursue the full truth of what happened on that fateful night in 1961.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Crow will field calls from the public regarding allegations of fraud or voting rights abuses
Memphis, TN – Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Will Crow will lead District efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.
AUSA/DEO Crow has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Tennessee, 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.
“Voting is the cornerstone of American democracy,” said Acting United States Attorney Fondren. “We have a duty to ensure that every citizen who chooses to exercise their right to vote can do so without interference or discrimination and that those votes are counted in a fair and free election.”
Fondren added, “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. Our office and 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 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).
Acting United States Attorney Fondren 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.”
AUSA/DEO Crow will be on duty while the polls are open 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. He can be reached by the public at 901-544-4231.
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 Nashville Division of the FBI, which covers the entire state of Tennessee, can be reached by the public at 865-544-0751.
Anyone with specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud should make that information available to the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
However, if you witness 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.
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Wilmington, Massachusetts, man was arrested yesterday and charged by complaint in Rhode Island federal court, after allegedly travelling to Rhode Island to meet and have sexual contact with a person he believed to be a fourteen-year-old girl, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Robert Consorti, 63, was arrested on Thursday by members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations after arriving in Warwick at a location where he believed he would be meeting with the girl.
As reflected in court documents, for more than a week prior to his arrest, Consorti allegedly communicated online and by text message with a person who he thought to be a young teenage girl, but who was, in reality, an East Providence Police Department Detective assigned to the ICAC Task Force.
It is alleged that, at Consorti’s direction, the communications rapidly turned sexual in nature, and that Consorti proposed that the two meet for sexual encounters. On Thursday, when Consorti arrived at a Warwick location where he was allegedly expecting to meet the 14-year-old, he was instead met by members of the ICAC Task Force and arrested. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement officers seized a backpack that allegedly contained condoms, lubricant, massage oils, and a vibrator from Consorti’s vehicle.
Consorti appeared on Thursday before a U.S. Magistrate, charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police ICAC Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.
The ICAC Task Force is comprised of members of the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit along with detectives from the Warwick Police Department, Cranston Police Department, East Providence Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Bristol Police Department, Middletown Police Department, and Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – United States Attorney Jason R. Coody announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Grogan will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Grogan has previously been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Florida, 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.
United States Attorney Coody 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 has and will continue to 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 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).
United States Attorney Coody 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 Grogan will be on duty in the district while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at (850) 216-3838.
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 (904) 248-7000.
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.
United States Attorney Coody 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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Trevor Knapp, 32, of Tonawanda, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in April 2024, a 17-year-old minor female contacted the Flagstaff, Arizona Police Department stating that she was being harassed by a 32-year-old male named Tyler Knapp online. The minor victim met Knapp in 2020, when she was 13-years-old, on a website called, “mylol,” a friend finding website that she no longer uses. As the two began communicating, the conversations became sexual in nature. Knapp sent sexually explicit videos of himself to the minor victim. He also asked that she send naked images of herself, but she declined. However, the minor victim would get out of the shower naked while the two were video chatting and Knapp would screen capture an image of her. The two also messaged through Google Chat and Knapp utilized multiple Google email accounts. The minor victim, who was uncomfortable with how he was talking, would delete or block Knapp but he would utilize a new account to regain contact. Knapp also located the minor victim’s Instagram account and messaged her on that platform as well. The minor victim advised Knapp multiple times of her real age.
The minor victim requested for months that Knapp leave her alone, stating that she had a boyfriend. Knapp then requested images of the minor victim and her boyfriend having sex. He also sent her a naked image of a second minor victim, a female living in Pennsylvania. The two minor victims began communicating, and the second minor victim described Knapp as “the pedophile.” Subsequent investigation traced Knapp back to the Western District of New York.
On October 10, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Knapp’s residence, during which investigators seized his cell phone. A preliminary search recovered a sexually explicit video that included Knapp and the first minor victim.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Flagstaff, Arizona Police Department, under the direction of Chief Sean Connolly, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
ST. LOUIS – A Pennsylvania man on Thursday admitted stealing $650,000 from investors in a sports betting fund.
Elijah A. Goshert, 48, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to three counts of wire fraud. He admitted defrauding investors from at least Feb. 1, 2017, through Nov. 15, 2023, by falsely claiming the Magellan Sports Fund used a “sophisticated computer algorithm” that substantially reduced betting risks. Goshert sent emails to investors falsely claiming that he’d used their money to make sports bets and false “investors performance” updates claiming that their investments were making substantial profits.
Goshert spent the vast majority of the victims’ investments on unauthorized expenses. He admitted stealing about $654,861 from at least 12 victims.
Goshert is scheduled to be sentenced January 22, 2025. Each wire fraud charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both prison and a fine.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting the case.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
ST. LOUIS –U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Thursday ordered a woman who fraudulently obtained five pandemic relief loans to repay $113,223 to the U.S. Small Business Administration and placed her on probation for five years.
Camille N. Foster, now 32, of St. Louis County, Missouri, obtained five Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans between May 2020 and November 2021 by submitting fraudulent loan applications on behalf of three businesses: Humble Hearts Home Healthcare LLC, Embellished Jewels LLC and Muse Me Boutique LLC. On the applications, she knowingly misrepresented the payroll and annual income of the businesses, which were not in operation at the time. She also submitted fraudulent tax forms with the applications. In a loan application for Muse Me Boutique, Foster used someone else’s name and Social Security number on the application, and signed that person’s name on the application without the person’s knowledge.
PPP loans were intended to help struggling small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Foster did not use the money for that purpose. She spent it on retail purchases, dining, cosmetic surgery, bill payments, travel, taxes and payments to others. She then submitted fraudulent applications for PPP loan forgiveness for many of the loans she received, claiming that she had spent most or all the money on payroll costs.
Foster, also known as Foster-Nunley, pleaded guilty in April to two counts of wire fraud.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow prosecuted the case.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
CONCORD – Ten defendants have been indicted in connection with a Methuen and Lawrence-based organization trafficking narcotics to New Hampshire, U.S Attorney Jane Young announces.
Today, law enforcement officers arrested seven defendants in New Hampshire and Massachusetts on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, namely, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack cocaine. The defendants are scheduled to appear in federal court at various times this week and next week.
The following defendants have been indicted in connection with this drug trafficking organization:
Donaida Gonzalez, aka Yijana Rodriguez, age 52, of Methuen, MA; she is in custody.
Diana Bautista-Arias, aka Alba Cruz-Solano, age 43, of Lawrence, MA; she is in custody.
Eddy Balbuena-Gomez, age 30, of Lawrence, MA; he is in custody.
Redondo Dore, age 28, of Berlin, NH; he is in custody.
Trevor Mackenzie, age 33, of Rochester, NH; he is in custody.
Katie Curtis, age 38, of Rochester, NH; she is in custody.
Tabitha O’Brien, age 44, of Rochester, NH; she is in custody.
Craig Grant, age 41, of Somersworth, NH; he has not yet been arrested.
Jamie Bonner, age 42, of Somersworth, NH; she has not yet been arrested.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Michael Martinez and Redondo Dore are facing mandatory minimum penalties of 10 years based on their involvement in the conspiracy. Katie Curtis is also facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years based on her involvement in the conspiracy. 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.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshal Service, the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police, the Keene Police Department, the Salem Police Department, the Berlin Police Department, the Londonderry Police Department, the Nashua Police Department, the Concord Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Lawrence Police Department, and the Methuen Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande and Jarad Hodes are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
CONCORD – After a 2-week trial,a Windham man was convicted by a federal petit jury, for wire fraud and money laundering in connection with his ownership of an information technology (IT) company that contracted with the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley (United Way) while being employed by United Way, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Imran Alrai, 50, was convicted of 12 counts of wire fraud and 6 counts of money laundering. United States District Court Judge Joseph Laplante ordered Alrai detained pending sentencing, which is scheduled for January 17, 2025.
“The jury’s swift verdicts in this case underscore the overwhelming evidence presented at trial of Mr. Alrai’s guilt,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Over the past two weeks, prosecutors skillfully untangled the web of the defendant’s deceit, highlighting for the jury how he used his position of trust to rig and maintain a major contract with United Way in favor of a company he owned and controlled. The United Way lost millions to the defendant – we hope the jury’s verdicts in this case is a step forward for their community.”
“Imran Alrai abused his position of trust with the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley to steal millions of dollars to which he knew he wasn’t entitled, money that was intended to help the less fortunate in our area. Instead, he used it to pay off his house, and increase his personal wealth,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI is grateful for the jury’s swift verdict, and we will not hesitate to investigate and bring to justice anyone engaged in such egregious financial fraud.”
Between 2012 and June 2018, Alrai, an IT professional at the United Way, obtained approximately $6.7 million in payments for IT services supposedly provided to United Way by an independent outside contractor, DigitalNet Technology Solutions, Inc. Alrai misrepresented material facts about DigitalNet and fraudulently concealed that he owned and controlled DigitalNet. In early 2013, Alrai rigged the bidding process for a major contract to provide managed IT services at the United Way so that DigitalNet was chosen. Alrai then gave fake references and false information about DigitalNet to United Way.
For the next five years, while serving as United Way’s Vice President for IT Services, Alrai steered additional IT work to DigitalNet, so that his company soon became United Way’s second-largest outside vendor, receiving more than $1 million annually. Alrai concealed his connection with DigitalNet from his colleagues. He routinely sent emails with attached invoices from a fictitious person to himself at United Way.
After the fraud came to light, in June 2018, officials at the United Way confronted Alrai and terminated him. Federal agents executed search and seizure warrants and seized incriminating documents and data from Alrai’s home office in Windham, as well as approximately $2.2 million in fraud proceeds in bank and investment accounts. During the scheme, Alrai wired $1.2 million in fraud proceeds to a DigitalNet bank account in Lahore, Pakistan.
According to expert testimony at the trial, United Way lost at least $3.5 million as a result of DigitalNet’s excessive billing, duplicate billing, and billing for services not delivered.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. The Internal Revenue Service provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles L. Rombeau and John J. Kennedy are prosecuting the case.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Lee E. Moore, Jr., 36, of Sicklerville, New Jersey, was sentenced yesterday to three years of probation with six months of home detention and a $5,000 fine by United States Magistrate Judge Scott W. Reid, all arising from Moore smuggling mobile phones into the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia (“FDC”) while he was employed as a correctional officer at the FDC.
From August 2016 to June 2023, Moore was a correctional officer at the FDC. During May-June 2020, Moore smuggled mobile phones into the FDC in exchange for payments from an inmate’s wife. In June 2020, Moore also approached a second inmate about smuggling in contraband or other special favors in exchange for payment.
“Correctional officers have a tough enough job without having to deal with inmates who have access to smuggled contraband,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Lee Moore put his fellow COs and the public at risk by smuggling cell phones into the FDC for a price. But the price for breaking his law enforcement oath is much higher: he’s lost his job and now has a federal conviction on his record.”
“When a corrections officer chooses greed over integrity, it undermines the hard work and dedication their colleagues put forward every day to ensure a safe environment inside our detention centers,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI and our partners reaffirm our commitment to holding accountable those in the corrections system who abuse their positions of trust.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Detention Center and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vineet Gauri.