NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI Security: Paducah Woman Sentenced to Over Two Years in Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay $400,000 in Restitution for Defrauding Employer

    Source: US FBI

    Paducah, KY – A Paducah woman was sentenced on June 11, 2025, to 2 years and 4 months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.

    Nichole M. Lawrence, 35, was sentenced to 2 years and 4 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for six counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, between December 2019 and February 2023, Lawrence was employed as an office manager for a business in Western Kentucky and used her position to embezzle approximately $400,000 from the business. Lawrence used the stolen money to pay personal expenses.

    Lawrence was also ordered to pay $400,000 in restitution.

    “Ms. Lawrence’s conduct was fueled by pure greed to the detriment of her employer—who provides many solid jobs to Western Kentuckians,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner. “This sentence appropriately reflects the abuse of trust her employer bestowed on her.”

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Paducah Satellite Office and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation Offense

    Source: US FBI

    Owensboro, KY – A Muhlenberg County, Kentucky man was sentenced on June 10, 2025, to 5 years in federal prison for distribution of child pornography.

    U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.

    According to court documents, James Matthew Rosenkranz, 41, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for one count of distribution of child pornography.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    The case was investigated by the FBI Owensboro Resident Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 13th, 2025 Heinrich’s ‘Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act’ Heads to the White House

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich announced that his Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs, under the Controlled Substances Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Heinrich introduced the HALT Fentanyl Act in January with U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). Heinrich announced passage of his bill in the U.S. Senate in March. The legislation now heads to the White House to be signed into law.

    This permanent scheduling will give law enforcement added tools to help get extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets, dismantle organized criminal trafficking operations, and keep New Mexicans safe.

    “I’m pleased that my HALT Fentanyl Act passed both chambers of Congress and is headed to the White House to be signed into law,” said Heinrich. “I urge the president to immediately sign the HALT Fentanyl Act, which is urgently needed to help our law enforcement crack down on illegal trafficking and allow prosecutors to build stronger, longer-term criminal cases. I will never stop fighting to deliver the resources to get deadly fentanyl out of our communities and save lives.”

    The HALT Fentanyl Act is endorsed by the Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies, the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Directors Association, the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and the National District Attorneys Association, as well as state and local law enforcement across New Mexico.

    “Fentanyl has negatively impacted the city of Las Cruces in significant ways. In the past five years, we have experienced a substantial increase in crime, homelessness, and quality of life issues. I firmly believe fentanyl has been the biggest driver of these issues. It is time to take meaningful action to reverse the harm caused by this illicit substance,” said Jeremy Story, Chief of the Las Cruces Police Department.

    “Like any illegal substance, whether it be opioids or fentanyl use, there are no easy or quick solutions and often combatting their abuse requires a multi-layered approach. The HALT Fentanyl Act is just that, which is why I fully support it. We may be inclined to not concern ourselves with research, for example, but those trafficking in this market do concern themselves with research. Let us endorse this bigger picture approach to help combat fentanyl use in our country,” said Kim Stewart, Doña Ana County Sheriff.

    “The HALT Fentanyl Act is another tool to go after transnational gangs and help make our community safer. Legislation is key for law enforcement to do their job,” said John Allen, Bernalillo County Sheriff.

    Background:

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were 107,543 overdose deaths in the United States in 2023. Fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances accounted for nearly 75,000 of those deaths. Since 1999, the overdose crisis has increasingly been characterized by deaths involving these illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl-related substances (FRS), which are commonly sold through illicit drug markets for their fentanyl-like effect, and are often mixed with heroin or other drugs, such as cocaine, or pressed in to counterfeit prescription pills. During this same period, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (excluding methadone) increased 103-fold. By comparison, overdose deaths involving heroin and prescription opioids increased 2.5-fold and 4.1-fold, respectively.

    Traffickers are continually altering the chemical structure of fentanyl to evade regulation and prosecution, sometimes with tragic results. Since 2013, China has been the principal source of fentanyl, fentanyl-related substances, and the precursor chemicals from which they are produced. Chinese product is commonly shipped to Mexico and smuggled into the United States’ illicit drug market via U.S. citizens. Traffickers have favored fentanyl-related substances to skirt around committing the crime of trafficking fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized nearly 12,000 pounds of illicit fentanyl, including fentanyl powder and more than 78 million pills laced with illicit fentanyl. The 2023 seizures were equivalent to more than 388.8 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

    In 2018, as an initial response to this unprecedented crisis, the DEA issued a temporary scheduling order that placed FRS in Schedule I, under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), after classifying it as an imminent hazard to public safety. Previously, Congress has only closed this loophole temporarily by designating fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. Congress has extended the FRS temporary scheduling order several times, most recently on December 21, 2024, with a measure that expires on March 31, 2025.

    Heinrich’s HALT Fentanyl Act will finally make permanent the scheduling of illicitly produced fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs and streamline the regulatory process for scientists seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to research Schedule I substances.

    Clear and Enforceable Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking:

    A permanent scheduling of FRS is necessary to make penalties for criminals clear and enforceable under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), reducing the supply and availability of illicitly manufactured FRS. The HALT Fentanyl Act places controls and penalties on FRS that have no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential.

    Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will permanently impose the following quantity-based federal trafficking penalties on FRS:

    Mandatory minimum penalties: 5 years for 10 grams or more (10 years for second offense); and 10 years for 100 grams or more (20 years for second offense).

    Discretionary maximum penalties: 40 years for 10 grams or more (life for second offense); and life for 100 grams or more.

    Expanded Scientific and Medical Research:

    More closely aligning the research and registration process for Schedule I substances, including FRS, with Schedule II substances will facilitate increased FRS research. By accommodating more medical research into fentanyl-related substances, the bill will establish a new, streamlined registration process for research funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or under an Investigative New Drug (IND) exemption from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

    Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will enhance our understanding of these illicitly manufactured substances by:

    • Allowing researchers in the same institution to participate in multiple scientific studies.
    • Permitting researchers with ongoing studies to examine newly added Schedule I substances.
    • Allowing researchers to manufacture small quantities of FRS without a separate registration.

    The text of the HALT Fentanyl Act is here.

    A section-by-section summary of the HALT Fentanyl Act is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley Outlines Judiciary Provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON –Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) authored a Fox News op-ed offering a detailed look at the Judiciary Committee’s provisions included in Senate Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

    “The Judiciary Committee’s provisions provide historic investments to strengthen our nation’s border security and immigration system, support local law enforcement and protect American families,” Grassley wrote. “I look forward to helping turn this legislation into law and deliver on President Trump’s promise of a secure border for years to come.”

    Click HERE for a one-pager of the Judiciary title.
    Click HERE for a section-by-section of the Judiciary title.
    Click HERE for bill text of the Judiciary title.

    Read the full op-ed HERE and below.

    How Senate Republicans are restoring the rule of law and securing the border for years to come.
    By Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley
    Fox Digital
    June 13, 2025

    America is at a crossroads.

    During the Biden-Harris administration, over 10 million illegal immigrants – including violent criminals and potential terrorists – poured over our nation’s border. After four years of chaos, Americans overwhelmingly elected President Donald Trump, who campaigned on a platform of securing the border, removing dangerous criminals and restoring law and order.

    President Trump is standing on that platform, and Senate Republicans are supporting him every step of the way.

    In President Trump’s first 100 days, illegal border encounters plummeted by 95 percent, illegal immigrant “gotaways” fell 99 percent and violent criminals and suspected terrorists were quickly removed from the country.

    During those same 100 days, Democrats fought to keep criminals in the country and took taxpayer-funded trips to El Salvador to defend an illegal immigrant who’s facing charges of human trafficking, gang-related killing and domestic abuse.

    In the past week, thousands of rioters have taken to the streets of Los Angeles to violently protest ICE officers who are simply enforcing federal immigration law, as well as court-ordered search warrants. Rioters have lit cars on fire, looted mom and pop shops and attacked police officers with concrete slabs and Molotov cocktails. Yet Democrats insist the mob’s actions are “peaceful.”

    The nation is keenly aware of what happens when law enforcement is slow to respond to violent protests. During the Los Angeles riots of 1992, 63 people died, thousands were injured and the violence only stopped after the National Guard arrived. Thankfully, President Trump isn’t repeating the mistakes of the past. His quick decision to mobilize the National Guard protected innocent lives and valuable property.

    Hardworking and decent Americans know it’s wrong to attack law enforcement officers, rob small businesses and break the law.

    While Democrat allies riot in the streets, Republicans are standing up for what’s right.

    Today, as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I released legislative text for my committee’s section of the One Big Beautiful Bill. The Judiciary Committee’s provisions provide historic investments to strengthen our nation’s border security and immigration system, support local law enforcement and protect American families from violence like we’ve seen in Los Angeles.

    It significantly boosts funding for local law enforcement and immigration agencies that were overwhelmed by the Biden-Harris administration’s open border. The Department of Homeland Security will receive funding to hire more staff and enhance migrant screening and vetting processes, including background checks. It will also allow for the expedited removal of criminal illegal aliens and coordination with state and local governments to root out cartels and gangs.

    The costs of the Judiciary section are offset by immigration application fees, which inject accountability into the immigration system. The Judiciary Committee’s bill also preserves humanitarian protections by including fee exemptions for certain emergency or humanitarian purposes, and it makes fees paid by sponsors of migrant children 100 percent reimbursable, so long as the child safely appears in court as the law intends.

    When the Biden-Harris administration turned its back on border security, patriotic states stepped up to protect American communities. The Senate Judiciary Committee is giving these states the thanks they deserve by implementing the Bridging Immigration-related Deficits Experienced Nationwide (BIDEN) Reimbursement Fund. The BIDEN Reimbursement Fund will help states recoup the dollars they spent investigating, locating, apprehending and temporarily detaining criminal illegal aliens. It also helps cover the cost inflicted on local courts for prosecuting crimes committed by illegal aliens, like drug and human trafficking.

    American taxpayers spent billions covering for Biden’s Border Breakdown. It’s time they were compensated for their losses.

    Despite Democrat efforts to defund the police, Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans are unwavering in our support for local, state and federal law enforcement. That’s why our legislation expands resources for these brave men and women in blue.

    Finally, the Senate Judiciary Committee is advancing solutions in the One Big Beautiful Bill to restore the constitutional role of the federal judiciary and ensures courts follow current law when handing down decisions. Our bill will provide funding to the Department of Justice to hire additional attorneys focused on challenging universal injunctions and require courts to track the frequency of universal injunctions. It will also establish judicial training programs on universal injunctions’ lack of constitutionality and enforce the existing, lawful requirement that courts impose a bond upfront when attempting to hit the government with a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order that results in costs and damages ultimately sustained by American taxpayers.

    The rule of law matters, and Republicans are committed to enforcing it. I look forward to helping turn this legislation into law and deliver on President Trump’s promise of a secure border for years to come.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced in the Death and Injury of 2-Month-Old Twins

    Source: US FBI

    TULSA, Okla. – Michael David Gregory from Commerce, Oklahoma was sentenced today for the death of a two-month-old child who died from severe head and eye injuries that a child abuse pediatrician diagnosed as abusive head trauma. Additionally, Gregory was also sentenced for assault related to brain injuries he caused to another two-month-old child, the twin sister of the first infant, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

    U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Gregory, 30, to a total of 240 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Hill further ordered Gregory to pay a $200 special monetary assessment.

    According to a charging document, Gregory pleaded guilty to one count of Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country and one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. According to his plea agreement, Gregory was caring for the twin two-month-old infants at an apartment he shared with his girlfriend in Commerce, Oklahoma. While Gregory’s girlfriend was at work, Gregory forcefully picked up and handled the newborn infants. Gregory admitted that his actions caused traumatic and severe brain and eye injuries in both infants, resulting in the death of one child identified as A.M.R.

    Michael David Gregory is not a member of a federally recognized tribe. However, the apartment in which Gregory cared for the twins is located on the Quapaw Nation reservation, and both infants are considered “Indian persons” because they are eligible for membership in the Choctaw Nation. 

    Michael David Gregory was previously released on bond in this case. Judge Hill ordered him to report to a United States Bureau of Prisons facility on July 22, 2025.

    The Commerce Police Department and the Quapaw Nation Marshal Service in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melody Nelson prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Visits North Idaho to Strengthen Partnerships with Law Enforcement in Fight Against Child Exploitation

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Visits North Idaho to Strengthen Partnerships with Law Enforcement in Fight Against Child Exploitation

    POST FALLS — Attorney General Raúl Labrador visited North Idaho this week to meet with police chiefs and strengthen partnerships between local law enforcement and the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The visit included stops at the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association Conference, participation in biannual mental health training for ICAC investigators, and discussions with Post Falls Police Department leadership.
    “Our ICAC investigators do incredibly demanding work to protect vulnerable children from online predators, and they can’t do it alone,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Building strong partnerships with police departments across Idaho, including here in North Idaho, is essential to keeping our kids safe. Our investigators confront the worst of humanity in their work, which is why providing them with mental health resources through professionals like Dr. Crampton and Dr. Ginkel is so critical to supporting our team.”
    At the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association Conference, Labrador thanked police chiefs for their dedication to protecting Idaho communities. He let them know his office is available to be a resource and assist local law enforcement with certain investigations and prosecutions, especially ICAC cases. The Attorney General then spent time at the ICAC booth at the conference, speaking directly with chiefs who stopped by about collaboration opportunities and resources available to their departments.
    Attorney General Labrador then joined his ICAC investigators and team members in Post Falls for their biannual Mental Health and Resiliency training conducted by Dr. Alex Crampton and Dr. Ross Ginkel, the contracted psychologists for the ICAC team. These investigators are heroes who work tirelessly to protect children in Idaho. Every day, they confront horrific images and disturbing cases as they conduct search warrants and arrest online predators. The Attorney General’s office ensures these investigators have mental health resources available whenever they need them, and it was an honor for Labrador to join them for part of this critical training. The Attorney General’s office has ICAC investigators stationed throughout the state. These full-team mental health trainings are held in different locations across Idaho to accommodate investigators statewide and bring the entire team together.
    The Attorney General also met with Captains Mark Brantl and Jason Mealer at the Post Falls Police Department to discuss ongoing collaboration between local law enforcement and the Attorney General’s ICAC Task Force.
    The Attorney General’s ICAC Unit works with the Idaho ICAC Task Force, a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, to investigate and prosecute individuals who use the internet to criminally exploit children.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hamburg Sex Offender Arrested on New Child Pornography Charges, Investigators Looking to the Public for Assistance

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Bernard (“Bernie”) J. Keller, 27, of Hamburg, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that in 2017 and 2018, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received reports that files of suspected child pornography had been shared on the Kik application. Subsequent investigation traced the files to Keller, who was ultimately convicted in Erie County Court of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child less than 16 in August 2022, sentenced to 10 years’ probation, and placed on the New York State Sex Offender registry. In March 2025, the New York State Police received another report from NCMEC that four files of suspected child pornography were shared between two users on the Kik application. Subsequent investigation traced the files once again to Keller. On May 21, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Keller’s residence, during which investigators seized his cellular telephone. A preliminary search located suspected child pornography on the cell phone.

    If any members of the public have information regarding this defendant, you are asked to call the FBI at 716-856-7800.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.

    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.   

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Business Owner and Town of Cortlandt Employee Sentenced to Prison for $2.4 Million Environmental Crime Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that GLENN GRIFFIN, the owner and president of Griffin’s Landscaping Corporation, was sentenced to two years in prison for a scheme in which GRIFFIN bribed a Town of Cortlandt employee to gain unauthorized access to a Town facility to dump loads of unauthorized materials.  GRIFFIN was also sentenced for a separate bid-rigging scheme.  The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Vincent L. Briccetti.

    On May 20, 2025, ROBERT DYCKMAN, the former Assistant General Foreman for the Town of Cortlandt, was sentenced by Judge Briccetti to a year and a day in prison for his participation in the bribery and dumping scheme.  As part of their sentences, GRIFFIN and DYCKMAN were each ordered to pay $2.4 million in restitution to their victims.

    “Glenn Griffin and Robert Dyckman’s corruption not only damaged public land and fragile wetlands but also undermined the public’s faith in our government and institutions” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Griffin, a successful business owner and president, bribed Dyckman so that he could save money and, in the process, illegally dump harmful, unauthorized materials on public property generating $2.4 million in damages.  Moreover, Griffin then took government money to remove and haul away the very materials that he had illegally dumped.  Together with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to rooting out such brazen and wasteful corruption.” 

    According to statements made in public filings and court proceedings:

    Illegal Dumping Scheme

    From 2018 until February 2020, GRIFFIN and DYCKMAN engaged in an unauthorized dumping scheme.  DYCKMAN gave GRIFFIN and his employees unauthorized access to Arlo Lane, a Cortlandt facility, to dump hundreds of large truckloads of unauthorized materials such as thick concrete, cement with rebar, tiles, bricks, large rocks, and soil.  After the illegal dumping, GRIFFIN billed and received payments from the Town of Cortlandt for removing and hauling away the very materials that GRIFFIN had illegally dumped at Arlo Lane with DYCKMAN’s assistance.

    DYCKMAN generally allowed GRIFFIN and his employees to access Arlo Lane on Saturdays or after working hours.  To carry out the scheme, DYCKMAN would attempt to clear senior Town of Cortlandt management away from Arlo Lane around the time of the unauthorized dumping.  When DYCKMAN arranged for a subordinate Town of Cortlandt worker to work overtime when GRIFFIN was dumping unauthorized loads, DYCKMAN would falsely record the worker’s overtime as having occurred during the week in order to conceal the scheme.

    In exchange for access to Arlo Lane, GRIFFIN paid DYCKMAN cash bribes.

    GRIFFIN and DYCKMAN were ordered to pay the Town of Cortlandt and the Westchester Land Trust, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization which owns damaged wetlands abutting the Town of Cortlandt’s Arlo Lane property, a total of $2.4 million to remediate and restore their property following GRIFFIN’s and DYCKMAN’s criminal conduct.

    Bid-Rigging Scheme

    Between 2015 and 2018, Griffin also engaged in a bid-rigging scheme.  GRIFFIN defrauded the village of Croton-on-Hudson for work on its schools, and the hamlet of Verplanck for work at its fire department.  GRIFFIN made sham, non-competitive, and inflated bids on behalf of entities that GRIFFIN did not work for or have authorization to submit bids on behalf of, so that GRIFFIN would be the low bidder in a pool of purportedly competitive bids and receive public money for work on the projects. Based on these sham, non-competitive, and inflated bids, GRIFFIN was awarded contracts with a combined value exceeding $133,000.

    *                *                *

    In addition to the prison term, GRIFFIN, 56, of Cortlandt, New York was sentenced to three years of supervised release and a $50,000 fine.  He was also ordered to forfeit $220,000 and pay $2.4 million in restitution, with $1.2 million due to the Town of Cortlandt and $1.2 million due to the Westchester Land Trust.  On August 26, 2024, GRIFFIN pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    In addition to the prison term, DYCKMAN, 53, of Verplanck, New York, was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2.4 million in restitution, with $1.2 million due to the Town of Cortlandt and $1.2 million due to the Westchester Land Trust.  On August 26, 2024, DYCKMAN pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Reznik to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. 

    Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Westchester County Police Department in this investigation.  Mr. Clayton also thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and the New York City Department of Investigation for their assistance in the investigation.

    This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys David R. Felton and James McMahon are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Monticello, New York, Man Charged with 2017 Murder

    Source: US FBI

    Victim of Alleged Homicide Was Murdered in Connection with Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

    The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton; the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia; and the District Attorney for Sullivan County, New York, Brian Conaty, announced the filing of a Superseding Indictment charging DWAYNE JOHNSON with the May 2017 murder of Shaniece Harris (the “Victim”), as well as additional controlled substance and firearms offenses.  JOHNSON was previously taken into custody on controlled substance and firearms charges following the recovery of, among other things, marijuana and approximately 30 firearms from his residence in May 2023.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Vincent Briccetti.  Earlier today, JOHNSON was arraigned on the charges in the Superseding Indictment.

    “As alleged, more than eight years ago, Dwayne Johnson murdered Shaniece Harris in Monticello, New York, in connection with a long-running drug conspiracy,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Thanks to the hard work of the prosecutors in this Office and our law enforcement partners at FBI, New York State Police, NYPD, and the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, Johnson will be held to account for this cold-blooded crime.  This brutal murder shows the harsh truth that drug trafficking and violence go together, and drug trafficking poses incredible dangers to communities throughout New York.  As this Superseding Indictment shows, we work every day to deliver justice for the victims of senseless violence—no matter how many years have passed.  We hope this prosecution brings some measure of peace to the victim’s loved ones.”

    “Dwayne Johnson allegedly murdered Shaniece Harris as part of his drug trafficking operation,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia.  “We are committed to ending the senseless and irreparable damage caused to our communities by violence connected to drug trafficking.  The FBI has a long memory.  No matter how much time has passed, we will not cease in our efforts to find justice for victims of murder and other violent crimes.”

    “I am thrilled that this arrest is the first step in bringing closure to the family and loved one’s of Shanice Harris,” said District Attorney Brian Conaty.  “I applaud the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Southern District of New York.  I am proud that members of my office were able to assist these entities in this investigation.  I thank all the law enforcement entities involved for their unwavering dedication to investigating and apprehending the individual who was responsible for this heinous crime.  It is law enforcement collaborations such as this that send a stark message that the victims of violent crime will never be forgotten.”

    As alleged in the Superseding Indictment and other public filings: [1] 

    On or about May 29, 2017, JOHNSON shot and killed Shaniece Harris in Monticello, New York, in furtherance of his long-running conspiracy to traffic over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere. Following a series of searches in 2023, law enforcement recovered multiple videos made by JOHNSON in which Johnson displayed his cache of firearms and articulated his intent to shoot anyone who attempted the steal his marijuana or marijuana proceeds.  On or about May 24, 2023, law enforcement recovered from JOHNSON’s residence body armor, a large quantity of ammunition, and approximately 30 firearms, including multiple short-barreled rifles.

    *                *                *

    JOHNSON, 46, of Monticello, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of murder through use of a firearm, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of death or life in prison; one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of possession of a short-barreled rifle in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to be served consecutively to any other term of prison imposed and a maximum sentence of life in prison; and one count of unlawful possession of firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

    The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

    Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, the FBI Hudson Valley White Collar Crime Task Force, the New York State Police, the NYPD, the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. 

    This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaiya Arroyo and Jorja Knauer are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Liam Ronan.

    The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
     

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictment and the description of the Superseding Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact descried therein should be treated as an allegation. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Drug Trafficker Unlawfully Residing in Oregon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Dispatcher-Based Drug Trafficking Organization

    Source: US FBI

    PORTLAND, Ore.— A Portland drug trafficker was sentenced to federal prison Friday for possessing fentanyl on multiple occasions.

    Yesmin Miseal Medina Vargas, 20, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Oregon, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release.

    According to court documents, in February 2023, Medina Vargas was identified as a leader of a dispatcher-based drug trafficking organization in the Portland area. Medina Vargas was responsible for taking orders from customers and coordinating drug deliveries.

    In February 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents executed a search warrant on Medina Vargas’ residence and seized more than 20 pounds of fentanyl, body armor, ammunition, and cellular phones.

    Medina Vargas resumed drug trafficking and several months later, in August 2023, Medina Vargas arrived at a controlled buy in Tigard, Oregon, with a minor in his vehicle. Medina-Vargas and the minor were arrested, and agents seized approximately 2,000 fentanyl pills.

    On September 12, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Medina Vargas with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    On November 5, 2024, Medina Vargas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. As part of his plea agreement, Medina Vargas admitted that he was part of a drug trafficking organization that caused an overdose death.

    This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the FBI, Westside Interagency Narcotics Team, and Lake Oswego Police Department. It was prosecuted by Cassady A. Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    This case 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.

    Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

    If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

    If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Murphy, Gomez, Beyer: Let Every American Choose Medicare

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, Connecticut’s U.S. Senator Christopher Murphy, and U.S. Representatives Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34) and Donald Beyer (D-VA-08) today reintroduced the Choose Medicare Act. This revolutionary proposal opens Medicare to all Americans with a new ‘Part E’ and builds on the system we have today by allowing Medicare to compete with private health insurance.

    “In the richest country in the world, no person should have to worry about whether they’ll be able to afford care if they become sick or get into an accident. At a time when proposed cuts from Republicans threaten the health and financial security of millions, it’s more important than ever to expand access to high-quality, affordable health care,” said Merkley. “The Choose Medicare Act does just that by allowing every American to buy into Medicare, protecting and expanding this effective, popular system, and putting consumers and businesses in the driver’s seat on the road to universal health care.”

    “Instead of shielding big insurance companies from competition, we should give Americans the option to choose Medicare’s high-quality, low-cost coverage if it’s right for them and their families,” said Murphy. “While Republicans spike the cost of living and cut health care for millions of Americans, we’ll keep fighting to expand access and affordability.”

    “I got pneumonia when I was seven years old, and my family almost went bankrupt because we were uninsured. Today too many families are still one medical emergency away from financial crisis,” said Gomez. “Our bicameral legislation lets every American opt into Medicare — which is affordable, effective, and trusted — and we’re going to keep fighting until everyone has access to the care they need.”

    “Our bill would give all Americans access to Medicare, one of the most popular and successful health care delivery programs in history,” said Beyer. “Allowing employers and the general public the option to choose Medicare would fill many of the gaps in our health care system, get more people covered, and make the nation healthier. Every American should be able to access affordable, quality health care, and this bill represents the kind of bold action required to make that a reality for all.”

    The Choose Medicare Act is co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL). The bill is supported by Families USA, MoveOn, American Federation of Teachers, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, and the Center for Health and Democracy.

    “Now, more than ever, millions of people are grappling with skyrocketing health care costs and rising concerns that they won’t be able to access affordable health insurance and the care they need to keep their families healthy. Lawmakers should be doing all they can to ensure people across the country have more options for affordable health care, not less. The Choose Medicare Act is an important effort that creates a new pathway to make Medicare accessible to more consumers and employers, and makes important improvements to the current program like coverage of all reproductive health and essential health benefits,” said Jane Sheehan, Deputy Senior Director of Government Relations for Families USA.

    “The Choose Medicare Act would improve the existing Medicare program by creating a critically needed out-of-pocket cap in traditional Medicare,” said David Lipschutz, Co-Director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy. “The bill would also enable people currently not yet eligible for Medicare to enjoy the benefits of traditional Medicare, without the restrictions of limited provider networks found in many Medicare Advantage plans.”

    “Big Insurance’s monopoly control over health care in this country has led to higher health care costs and a growing medical debt crisis, all while making health care unaffordable and inaccessible to a majority of Americans. It is a system designed to put profits over patients. This bill is a vital step towards breaking Big Insurance’s strangle hold over health care in this country and will open up the most successful health care program in our country’s history, Medicare, to even more people. I applaud Senator Merkley for introducing it,” said Wendell Potter, President, Center for Health and Democracy.

    Medicare ‘Part E’ aims to be self-sustaining and fully paid for by premiums. Plans would be offered on all state and federal exchanges, giving people the ability to use existing Affordable Care Act subsidies to help cover their premiums. Additionally, employers could choose to select Medicare ‘Part E’ rather than private insurance to provide affordable and reliable health care to their employees.

    The Choose Medicare Act:

    Increases Access, Competition, and Choice

    1. Opens Medicare to employers of all sizes and allows them to purchase high-quality, affordable health care for their employees without requiring replacement of employment-based health insurance.
    2. Addresses the discrepancy between consumer protections in the individual and group markets by extending the ACA’s rating requirements to all markets, to end discrimination based on pre-existing conditions once and for all.

    Provides Comprehensive Coverage

    1. Includes the ACA’s 10 essential health benefits and all items and services covered by Medicare.
    2. Provides high-quality, gold-level coverage and cost-sharing.
    3. Ensures coverage for a wide range of reproductive services, including abortion.

    Improves Affordability

    1. Establishes an out-of-pocket maximum in traditional Medicare.
    2. Increases the generosity of premium tax credits and extends eligibility to all earners.
    3. Directs Medicare to negotiate fair prices for prescription drugs by incorporating in the program the drug price negotiation section of the Inflation Reduction Act.
    4. Drives down private insurance premiums through competition from Medicare by allowing the HHS Secretary to block excessive private insurance rates.
    5. Extends traditional Medicare protections on balance billing or surprise bills to ‘Part E’ plans.

    Full text of the Choose Medicare Act can be found by clicking here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Grand Juries in Bowling Green and Paducah Indict 4 Illegal Aliens for Immigration Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Bowling Green and Paducah, KY – Federal grand juries in Bowling Green and Paducah, Kentucky, returned indictments on June 10 and 11, 2025, charging three individuals with illegal reentry after deportation or removal and one individual with use of a false passport.

    U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville, and Sam Olson, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement made the announcement.

    According to the indictments:

    Santiago Tehandon-Paneda, age 45, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in Owensboro, Kentucky, with reentry after deportation or removal and false claim to United States citizenship. On or about May 12, 2025, Tehandon-Paneda was an alien found in United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about May 4, 2007, and August 13, 2012. On or about May 15, 2025, Tehandon-Paneda willfully represented himself to be a citizen of the United States. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 13 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI, ICE-ERO.

    Feliz Morales-Rangel, age 38, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in Bowling Green with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 26, 2025, Morales-Rangel was an alien found in United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about March 20, 2008, and May 1, 2010. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI, ICE-ERO.

    Francisco Campos-Guardian, age 32, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in Paducah with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about May 8, 2025, Campos-Guardian was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about January 7, 2020. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI, ICE-ERO.

    Bogdan Drapac, age 41, a citizen of Romania, was charged in Paducah with use of a false passport. On or about May 14, 2025, Drapac willfully and knowingly used and attempted to use a false, forged, and counterfeited Spanish passport; that is, he presented the passport to law enforcement during a traffic stop to conceal his identity. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI, ICE-ERO.

    A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, and Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, are prosecuting the cases.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baxter Springs man charged with child pornography possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man has been charged through criminal complaint in Wichita, Kansas, on allegations related to child sexual abuse materials.  

    According to court documents, Kenneth Norman Baker, 41, of Baxter Springs is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Newton Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Newton man pleaded guilty on June 10, 2025 in federal court in Boston to illegally possessing two firearms and ammunition.

    James Welch, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Sept. 11, 2025. Welch was charged in February 2025.

    On Feb. 28, 2025, during a search of the defendants Newton residence a pistol and a rifle, as well as ammunition were recovered. Welch is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions.

    The charge of possessing ammunition after being convicted of a felony provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of a $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah Foley and Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The Newton Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric L. Hawkins of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Honors Glen Moore for Training Schools to Prevent Mass Violence

    Source: US FBI

    The model works to mitigate developing threats or concerns before they escalate to the level of involving law enforcement. Specifically, Mr. Moore trains schools on how to create threat assessment teams, how to identify and help students of concern, and how to off-ramp them from continuing down a potential path towards violence.

    SAC Crocker said, “We cannot prove a negative after a concern has been resolved. However, we are aware many schools successfully identified students of concern and helped meet the students’ needs.”

    In addition, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has attributed a jump in anonymous tips to its Courage2Report tipline as a result of the School Safety Initiative conferences.

    Topics during today’s conference included: A Student’s Pathway to Violence, Building School Threat Assessment Teams, Trends in Youth Crisis Intervention, Hoax Threats, Swatting and Sextortion, and Online Threats and the Joint School-Law Enforcement Response.

    To date, FBI St. Louis has held 10 School Safety Initiative conferences for school administrators and law enforcement since 2021 in St. Louis metro, Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Rolla, and Sullivan. We thank Ladue High School for hosting today’s conference once again.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met sets out policing plans ahead of protests this weekend

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Met is preparing for another busy weekend in the capital with a protest in Tower Hamlets and Westminster.

    On Saturday 14 June, a protest against proposals for a new Chinese embassy will take place between 14:00hrs until 17:00hrs at Royal Mint Court, north of Tower Bridge. The Met has set out conditions, which are detailed below.

    A protest organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), Stop the War and other groups is also due to take place on Saturday at 14:00hrs in Parliament Square. There are currently no conditions in place, however there will be a police presence to ensure the protest takes place safely and any incidents can be dealt with. Any conditions will be updated on this page.

    Currently we have not been informed of any planned counter protests, but the Met will be prepared and have sufficient resources in place.

    Details on conditions are below:

    Section 12 – Public Order Act

    Any person taking part in the procession element of the protest against the proposed Chinese embassy site must not deviate from the route shown on the map below.

    Having completed the procession, any person continuing to take part in the static element of the protest must remain in the area detailed below.

    Section 14 – Public Order Act

    Any person taking part in the static assembly element of the protest against the proposed Chinese embassy site must remain within the area shaded red on the map below.

    The assembly must conclude by 17:00hrs.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov of Azerbaijan – Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator, Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO)

    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2

    nited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Ramiz Alakbarov of Azerbaijan as his new Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator, Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO).  Dr. Alakbarov will also serve as Humanitarian Coordinator.  He succeeds Muhannad Hadi of Jordan, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his dedication and service.  The Secretary-General also thanks Sarah Poole of the United States, who has been providing steadfast support in an ad interim capacity. 

    Dr. Alakbarov brings more than 30 years of extensive international experience in executive leadership, strategic planning and policy-making, development programming and management, and humanitarian response.  He has been serving as the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia since 2023.  Prior to this, he held the position of Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), where he was also the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, from 2021 to 2023.  In Afghanistan, he also served as UN Resident Coordinator ad interim in 2020.

    Dr. Alakbarov has served in several positions within the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), including as Deputy Executive Director for Management and United Nations Reforms (ad interim) and Director of the Policy and Strategy Division in New York, Country Representative in Haiti, Deputy Regional Director of the Regional Office for Arab States in Cairo and Head of the Office in South Sudan.  Prior to these positions, he served in various roles at UNFPA supporting country programmes in Arab States, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.  His roles included Programme Officer covering Sudan, Somalia, and Iraq and Humanitarian Response Officer for Operations, in Afghanistan, Palestine and the Great Lakes Region.  From 1992 to 1995, he was an Assistant Professor at Azerbaijan Medical University and a practicing physician.

    Dr. Alakbarov holds M.D. and Ph.D. degrees in internal medicine from Azerbaijan Medical University and a Master of Arts in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.  He is fluent in Azerbaijani, English, French, Russian and Turkish.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Anti-drug TV programme aired

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    A large-scale anti-drug variety TV programme “Let’s Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!” presented by the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) was held at TVB City in Tseung Kwan O this evening, with Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki delivering a speech at the programme.

    Mr Chan also officiated at the kick-off ceremony of a series of anti-drug performances along with Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk.

    The Chief Secretary said in his speech that Hong Kong was previously plagued by drug problems in the 1960s. Since the establishment of ACAN, the Government and various sectors of the community have been working together to combat drug problems.

    He noted that from 1977 – when records started to be kept – to 2024, the total number of reported drug abusers has dropped by as much as 70%. Last year, the number of young people under the age of 21 arrested for serious drug offences was at a record low. ACAN has been instrumental in the success of Hong Kong’s anti-drug efforts.

    Mr Chan said: “On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all those who have participated in the anti-drug cause. I would like to appeal to all members of the public to help spread the steadfast message of ‘Let’s Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!’ and work together towards a drug-free future to safeguard the health of every member of the public.”

    In the programme, various young idols and singers performed songs with positive messages, including an upbeat anti-drug theme song that shares with young people positive energy and encourages them to hold dear to positive values in life.

    Members of Customs, the Police Force and the Correctional Services Department also presented their performances in the programme.

    Additionally, the programme has arranged for artists to re-enact short plays based on the true stories of rehabilitees who have successfully quit drugs, and the rehabilitees have participated in the plays themselves.

    The programme will be broadcast on TVB Jade at 9pm on June 21.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Pleads Guilty to $70 Million Kickback Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    BOSTON – A New York-based director of operations and sales for the Northeast region of a mobile medical diagnostics company pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to conspiring to offer and pay kickbacks to doctors in exchange for ordering medically unnecessary brain scans.

    James Rausch, 57, of Port Jefferson Station, N.Y., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-kickback statute. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for July 10, 2025. Rausch was charged in May 2025.

    From approximately March 2015 through approximately September 2020, Rausch conspired with others, including two managers for a mobile medical diagnostics company that performed transcranial doppler (TCD) scans, to enter into kickback agreements with various doctors. TCD scans are brain scans that measure blood flow in parts of the brain. Rausch and his alleged co-conspirators agreed to offer and pay doctors kickbacks, some in cash and others by check, based on the number of TCD ultrasounds the doctors ordered. Rausch and his alleged co-conspirators created purported rental and administrative service agreements, which on paper made it appear as if doctors were compensated for the TCD company’s use of space and administrative resources of the ordering doctor’s practice based on fair market value and not based on the volume or value of referrals. These agreements were shams that hid the true nature of the arrangement of paying per test.  

    The scheme as a whole resulted in fraudulent bills of approximately $70.6 million to Medicare. Medicare paid approximately $27.2 million to the TCD company for the fraudulent claims.

    The charge of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Field Office; Kelly M. Lawson, Acting Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard Locker and Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Health Care Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Company sentenced for workplace injuries

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chinese Culture Festival opens

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Chinese Culture Festival 2025 opened today at the Cultural Centre, launching over 280 events to be held from June to September, with Chief Executive John Lee addressing the opening ceremony via a video speech.

    The festival is presented by the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department.

    In his video speech, Mr Lee said that the Government will fully leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle to promote outstanding traditional Chinese culture globally and ride on Hong Kong’s international network in telling good stories of China to the world.

    He pointed out that an important strategic direction featured in the Blueprint for Arts & Culture & Creative Industries Development, published by the Government last year, is on the promotion of the profound traditional Chinese culture.

    Mr Lee expressed confidence that the Chinese Culture Festival will become an annual signature cultural event in Hong Kong, presenting the rich and vibrant Chinese culture to audiences through innovative approaches.

    The Chief Executive added that the Government will continue to promote the essence of Chinese culture to citizens of Hong Kong and visitors from overseas and the Mainland, with a view to achieving “shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism” and fostering the integration and mutual reinforcement of culture and tourism.

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law attended the opening ceremony as an officiating guest.

    The opening programme of this year’s festival staged tonight is a contemporary dance performance “Dongpo: Life in Poems”. Through contemporary dance, the production deeply integrates various fine traditional Chinese culture elements, such as poetry writing, traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, seal engraving, guqin, Chinese opera and martial arts.

    The programme also featured an open rehearsal under the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” this afternoon at the Grand Theatre of the Cultural Centre. Close to 400 primary and secondary school students and teachers as well as members of the community were invited to attend, free of charge.

    The thematic exhibition on “Dongpo: Life in Poems” is currently being held at the Cultural Centre Foyer, introducing the concept and structure of the production. The exhibition will run until tomorrow. Admission is free.

    Click here for the festival details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Applauds Successful Law Enforcement Interdiction Operations in Kansas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) introduced a Resolution commending federal, state, and local law enforcement for their efforts in protecting Americans by combating drug trafficking and agroterrorism and for their recent actions in Kansas and across the country. 
    “At a time when our communities are under threat from both foreign and domestic criminals, I want to commend our hard-working law enforcement officials at all levels for the work they do each and every day to keep America safe,” said Senator Marshall.
    The Resolution highlights work done by the Emporia Police Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in stopping and preventing crime.  
    “I am very thankful for the combined efforts of the Emporia Police Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the federal agencies that assisted in this matter,” said Trey Cocking, Emporia City Manager. “Their work demonstrates the power of true professional collaboration. Together, we can take meaningful steps to stem the tide of illegal substances impacting our communities.” 
    “Thank you to Senator Marshall for recognizing law enforcement’s continuing efforts to fight against the threat of illicit drugs that have infiltrated every corner of Kansas,” said KBI Director Tony Mattivi. “Our federal, state, and local partnerships are critical in standing up to drug trafficking organizations who threaten our communities.”
    “Kansas Wheat is grateful for the law enforcement agencies working to protect the national security of our food supply,” said Justin Gilpin, CEO of Kansas Wheat. “Threats from foreign adversaries using agriculture to disrupt our food safety and security systems must be taken seriously and acted upon.” 
    Click HERE to read the full resolution.  
    Background: 

    In May 2025, a joint team consisting of agents from Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Emporia Police Department arrested six individuals for transporting more than 85 gallons of liquid methamphetamine from Mexico to Emporia, Kansas. 
    On June 5, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration executed a record drug bust, seizing over 93 kilograms of fentanyl, 97 kilograms of methamphetamine, nearly 18 kilograms of heroin, and about 10 kilograms of cocaine. The value of this confiscation exceeds $9 million, and the quantity could have killed nearly 50 million individuals. 
    On June 10, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested two Chinese nationals, with alleged Chinese Communist Party ties, who were caught smuggling the fungus Fusarium Graminearum into the United States. This fungus can cause ‘head blight’, which devastates wheat, barley, maize, and rice crops, and has caused billions of dollars in economic losses globally. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: The Government of Barbados Announces an Offer to Purchase for Cash its 6.500% Notes due 2029

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Government of Barbados (the “Offeror”) announces that it has today launched an offer (the “Offer”) to holders (the “Noteholders”) of any and all of its outstanding U.S.$407,642,670 6.500% Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”) to purchase any and all of such Notes for cash on the terms and subject to the satisfaction of the New Financing Condition (as defined below) and the other conditions set forth in the tender offer memorandum dated 13 June 2025 (the “Tender Offer Memorandum”).

    Capitalised terms used in this announcement but not defined have the meanings given to them in the Tender Offer Memorandum.

    All documentation relating to the Offer including the Tender Offer Memorandum and any amendments or supplements thereto will be available to Noteholders via the website for the Offer accessible at: www.dfking.com/barbados. The Offer is subject to offer and distribution restrictions in, among other countries, the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium and France, as described below.

    Summary of the Offer

    Description of Notes Outstanding Principal
    Amount as of the Date
    Hereof and subject to the Offer    		 ISINs / CUSIP No. Purchase Price(1)
    6.500% Notes due 2029 U.S.$407,642,670 Rule 144A Notes:
    US067070AH54 / 067070 AH5

    Regulation S Notes:
    USP48864AQ80 / P48864 AQ8

    		 U.S.$1,000

     

    (1) Offered as Purchase Price per each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Expiration Deadline (as defined below) and accepted for purchase. The Purchase Price does not include Accrued Interest (as defined below). On 26 June 2025 (subject to the right of the Offeror, at its sole discretion, to extend, re-open, amend and/or terminate the Offer) (the “Settlement Date”), Noteholders will also receive Accrued Interest on all Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase.
       

    Rationale for the Offer

    The Offeror is making the Offer (subject to the New Financing Condition (as defined below)) in connection with the Offeror’s broader debt management strategy to refinance short-dated debt with longer-dated debt.

    All Notes purchased by the Offeror pursuant to the Offer will be cancelled and will not be re-issued or re-sold.

    Tender Offer Consideration

    The Offeror will, on the Settlement Date, pay for the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or before the Expiration Deadline pursuant to the Offer and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer a cash amount (rounded to the nearest U.S.$0.01) equal to the sum of (i) the Purchase Price for such Notes, as set forth in the table above; and (ii) interest accrued and unpaid on the Notes from (and including) the interest payment date for such Notes immediately preceding the Settlement Date to (but excluding) the Settlement Date in respect of such Notes (the “Accrued Interest” and the payment thereof, the “Accrued Interest Payment”).

    The Offeror will calculate any Accrued Interest with respect to the Notes accepted for purchase in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes, and the calculation will be final and binding on all Noteholders whose Notes were accepted for purchase, absent manifest error.

    The Offeror reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to modify in any manner and at any time any of the terms and conditions of the Offer.

    New Financing Condition

    Whether the Offeror will accept for purchase any Notes validly tendered in the Offer is subject to (unless such condition is waived by the Offeror in its sole and absolute discretion), among other things, the prior closing of the issuance by the Offeror of one or more series of debt securities (the “New Notes”) in the international capital markets (the “New Notes Offering”) in an aggregate principal amount, and at a price and on terms and conditions acceptable to the Offeror in its sole and absolute discretion, a portion of the net proceeds of which will be used by the Offeror to purchase any Notes tendered and accepted pursuant to the Offer (the “New Financing Condition”).

    The New Notes Offering will be made solely by means of an offering memorandum relating to the New Notes Offering (the “New Notes Offering Memorandum”), and this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes. You may not participate in the New Notes Offering unless you have received and reviewed the New Notes Offering Memorandum, and not in reliance on, or on the basis of, this announcement or the Tender Offer Memorandum. The New Notes will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers in the United States in reliance on Rule 144A and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act, and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction.

    Even if the New Financing Condition is satisfied, the Offeror is not under any obligation to accept for purchase any Notes tendered pursuant to the Offer.

    In order to be valid, Tender Instructions must be submitted in respect of a minimum nominal amount of U.S.$100 and in integral multiples of U.S.$100 in excess thereof (the “Minimum Denomination”). Noteholders who do not tender all of their Notes must ensure that they retain a principal amount of Notes amounting to at least the Minimum Denomination.

    Expected Timetable of Events

    The times and dates below are indicative only.

    Date Events
    13 June 2025 Commencement of the Offer

    Offer announced. Tender Offer Memorandum available from the Information and Tender Agent.
       
    20 June 2025, 5 p.m. (New York Time) Expiration Deadline

    Deadline for receipt by the Information and Tender Agent of all Tender Instructions in order for Noteholders to be able to participate in the Offer and to be eligible to receive the Purchase Price and Accrued Interest Payment on the Settlement Date.
       
    As soon as reasonably practicable on or after the Expiration Deadline and expected to be 23 June 2025 Announcement of Results

    Offeror’s announcement of the amount of Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Offer.
       
    Promptly after the New Financing Condition has been met or waived Announcement of Notes accepted for purchase

    The Offeror will announce, promptly after the New Financing Condition has been met or waived, (i) the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tendered that will be accepted for purchase, and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Notes remaining outstanding following the completion of the Offer. See “Terms and Conditions of the Offer –Announcements” in the Tender Offer Memorandum.
       
    26 June 2025 (but subject to change without notice) Settlement

    Expected Settlement Date for the Offer. Payment of Purchase Price and Accrued Interest Payment in respect of the Offer. All Notes purchased pursuant to the Offer will be cancelled on the Settlement Date and will no longer be outstanding.
       

    The above times and dates are subject to the right of the Offeror to extend, re-open, amend, waive any condition of and/or terminate the Offer at any time (subject to applicable law and as provided in the Tender Offer Memorandum). Noteholders are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Notes when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a Noteholder in order for that Noteholder to be able to participate in, or (in the limited circumstances in which revocation is permitted) revoke their instruction to participate in, the Offer before the deadlines specified in the Tender Offer Memorandum. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and each Clearing System for the submission of Tender Instructions will be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified above. See “Procedures for Participating in the Offer” in the Tender Offer Memorandum.

    Announcements

    Unless stated otherwise, announcements in connection with the Offer will be by the issue of a press release through the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and by the delivery of notices to the relevant Clearing Systems for communication to Direct Participants. Such announcements may also be made by the issue of a press release to a Notifying News Service. Copies of all such announcements, press releases and notices and will be available on the Offer Website or alternatively they can also be obtained upon request from the Information and Tender Agent, the contact details for which are below. Significant delays may be experienced where notices are delivered to the Clearing Systems and Noteholders are urged to contact the Information and Tender Agent for the relevant announcements during the course of the Offer. In addition, Noteholders may contact the Dealer Managers for information using the contact details below.

    Tender Instructions

    In order to participate in and be eligible to receive the relevant Purchase Price and any Accrued Interest Payment pursuant to the Offer, Noteholders must validly tender their Notes by delivering, or arranging to have delivered on their behalf, a valid Tender Instruction in respect of the Offer that is received by the Information and Tender Agent by 5.00 p.m. New York City time on 20 June 2025 (the “Expiration Deadline”).

    Tender Instructions will be irrevocable except in the limited circumstances described in the Tender Offer Memorandum.

    Noteholders are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Notes when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a Noteholder in order for that Noteholder to be able to participate in, or (in the limited circumstances in which revocation is permitted) revoke their instruction to participate in, the Offer by the deadlines specified in the Tender Offer Memorandum. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and each Clearing System for the submission of Tender Instructions will be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified in the Tender Offer Memorandum.

    Tender Instructions must be submitted in respect of a nominal amount of Notes equal to or greater than the Minimum Denomination.

    A separate Tender Instruction must be completed on behalf of each beneficial owner.

    Disclaimer

    This announcement does not contain the full terms and conditions of the Offer. The terms and conditions of the Offer are contained in the Tender Offer Memorandum, and are subject to the Offer and distribution restrictions set out below and more fully described therein.

    Further information

    J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Standard Chartered Bank have been appointed by the Offeror to serve as dealer managers (the “Dealer Managers”) for the Offer. D.F. King (the “Information and Tender Agent”) has been appointed by the Offeror to act as the information and tender agent in connection with the Offer.

    For additional information regarding the terms of the Offer, please contact J.P. Morgan Securities LLC by telephone at (866) 846-2874; Collect: (212) 834-7279 and Standard Chartered Bank by telephone at (212) 667-0351 (U.S.) or +44 20 7885 5739 (U.K.) and by email at liability_management@sc.com.

    Requests for documents and questions regarding the tender of Notes may be directed to the Information and Tender Agent D.F. King & Co., Inc. via:

    Banks & Brokers Call: (212) 269-5550

    Toll free: (866) 342-4881

    Email: barbados@dfking.com

    The Tender Offer Memorandum is expected to be distributed to Noteholders beginning today. A copy of the Tender Offer Memorandum is available on the tender offer website accessible at www.dfking.com/barbados.

    No Recommendation

    The relevant Purchase Price, if paid by the Offeror with respect to the Notes of any series accepted for purchase, will not necessarily reflect the actual value of such Notes. Noteholders should independently analyse the value of the Notes and make an independent assessment of the terms of the Offer. None of the Offeror, the Dealer Managers or the Information and Tender Agent has or will express any opinion as to whether the terms of the Offer are fair. None of the Offeror, the Dealer Managers or the Information and Tender Agent makes any recommendation that Noteholders should submit an offer to sell or tender Notes or refrain from doing so pursuant to the Offer, and no one has been authorised by any of them to make any such recommendation.

    Offer and Distribution Restrictions

    Neither this announcement nor the Tender Offer Memorandum constitutes an offer to participate in the Offer in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such offer or for there to be such participation under applicable securities laws. The distribution of the Tender Offer Memorandum in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession the Tender Offer Memorandum comes are required by the Offeror, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions

    Nothing in this announcement or the Tender Offer Memorandum or the electronic transmission thereof constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes in the United States or any other jurisdiction.

    In addition, each Noteholder participating in an Offer will also be deemed to give certain representations in respect of the other jurisdictions referred to above and generally as set out in “Procedures for Participating in the Offer” of the Tender Offer Memorandum. Any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to an Offer from a Noteholder that is unable to make these representations will not be accepted. Each of the Offeror, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to investigate, in relation to any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to an Offer, whether any such representation given by a Noteholder is correct and, if such investigation is undertaken and as a result the Offeror determines (for any reason) that such representation is not correct, such tender shall not be accepted. The acceptance of any tender shall not be deemed to be a representation or a warranty by any of the Offeror, the Dealer Manager or the Information and Tender Agent or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or affiliates that it has undertaken any such investigation and/or that any such representation to any person underwriting any such Notes is correct.

    United Kingdom

    The communication of the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offer are not being made, and such documents and/or materials have not been approved, by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the “FSMA”). Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials is exempt from the restriction on financial promotions under section 21 of the FSMA on the basis that it is only directed at and may be communicated to (1) those persons who are existing creditors of the Offeror within Article 43(2) of the FSMA (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended, and (2) to any other persons to whom these documents and/or materials may lawfully be communicated.

    Belgium

    Neither the Tender Offer Memorandum nor any other documents or materials relating to the Offer have been, or will be, submitted to or notified to, or approved by, the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autorité des services et marchés financiers/Autoriteit voor Financiële Diensten en Markten) and, accordingly, the Offer may not be made in Belgium by way of a public offering, as defined in Article 3 of the Belgian Law of 1 April 2007 on takeover bids (loi relative aux offres publiques d’acquisition/wet op de openbare overnamebiedingen), as amended or replaced from time to time.

    Accordingly, the Offer may not be, and are not being advertised, and the Tender Offer Memorandum, as well as any brochure, or any other material or document relating thereto (including any memorandum, information circular, brochure or any similar document) may not, have not and will not be distributed, directly or indirectly, to any person located and/or resident within Belgium, other than those who qualify as qualified investors (investisseurs qualifiés/qekwalificeerde beleggers), within the meaning of Article 2, e), of the Prospectus Regulation acting on their own account. Accordingly, the information contained in the Tender Offer Memorandum or in any brochure or any other document or material relating thereto may not be used for any other purpose, including for any offering in Belgium, except as may otherwise be permitted by law, and shall not be disclosed or distributed to any other person in Belgium.

    France

    The Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offer are only addressed to and are only directed at qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation in France. Each person in France who receives any communication in respect of the Offer contemplated in the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offer will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with the Dealer Managers and the Offeror that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation.

    European Economic Area

    In any European Economic Area (“EEA”) Member State, this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum are only addressed to, and are only directed at, “qualified investors” (as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017, as amended (the “Prospectus Regulation”)) in that Member State.

    Each person in a Member State of the EEA who receives any communication in respect of the Offer contemplated in this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with each Dealer Manager and the Offeror that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bradenton Men Plead Guilty In Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Colin Zirpoli (44, Bradenton) and Tony Marsh (25, Bradenton) have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, Zirpoli pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and Marsh pleaded guilty to two counts of the same offense. They each face a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. The sentencing dates have not yet been set.

    According to court records, in February 2024, Zirpoli sold methamphetamine to an undercover officer. Law enforcement determined Zirpoli’s source of supply was Elizabeth Poff, a co-defendant who previously pleaded guilty. Law enforcement then later determined that Poff’s source of supply was Marsh. Law enforcement continued to investigate the case, leading to four additional arrests in connection with the methamphetamine distribution.

    This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Life-Saving Bleed Kit Donated to Local Shard End Florist as Part of Citywide Safety Drive

    Source: City of Birmingham

    A new bleed control kit has been donated to a local florist in Shard End after it was stolen.

    The kits offer vital emergency equipment in an area that has experienced the devastating consequences of knife crime.

    The installation is part of a wider regional initiative funded by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), who has provided the resources for hundreds of bleed control kits to be distributed across Birmingham. The kits are designed to be used in the critical minutes following a serious injury where immediate action can mean the difference between life and death.

    Each pack contains essential medical equipment to help control severe bleeding while waiting for paramedics. With ambulance response times averaging around seven minutes, and fatal blood loss potentially occurring in as little as three, having access to these kits in public places is a life-saving intervention.

    The project is being delivered in partnership with Birmingham Community Safety Partnership,  West Midlands Police and the Daniel Baird Foundation. Together, they have identified key locations for kit installation, focusing on areas with higher risk and need.

    In a gesture of community support, Birmingham City Council Community Safety Team will also be donating a bleed kit to Bobby’s Florist in Shard End. The shop had its kit stolen during a recent break-in, and the Council is committed to ensuring that vital safety resources remain accessible to local businesses and residents.

    Councillor Jamie Tennant, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said:

    “Installing bleed control kits in areas like Shard End is a powerful and practical response to the devastating impact of knife crime. These kits are more than medical supplies—they are a lifeline and a visible symbol of our commitment to protecting our communities. I’m particularly proud that we are able to support local businesses like Bobby’s Florist, who play an important role in our neighbourhoods, by replacing their stolen kit. This is community safety in action—collaborative, compassionate, and focused on saving lives.”

    The initiative continues to be championed through monthly Local Community Safety Partnership meetings, where agencies work together to reduce serious violence, tackle anti-social behaviour, and strengthen public safety.

    Bleed control kits are a reassuring presence in our public spaces and represent a proactive step toward creating safer communities for everyone.

    West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “I am really impressed by Bobby-Ray and his outstanding initiative and commendable dedication to our community. At just 16 years old, he has shown remarkable leadership and compassion by raising funds to provide five bleed control kits for Yardley. His actions are a testament to the positive impact young people can have in preventing harm and saving lives.

    “Bobby-Ray’s efforts align with my commitment to prevent and tackle knife crime and to ensure the safety of our residents. Last year, I distributed 420 bleed control kits across the West Midlands, and it is heartening to see young people like Bobby-Ray taking up this vital cause. Together, we can make a positive and significant difference, in our collective commitment, to prevent and tackle violence in all its forms.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Anti-drug variety TV programme reviews 60 years of anti-drug history envisioning drug-free Hong Kong (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The large-scale anti-drug variety TV programme “Let’s Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!” presented by the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) was held at TVB City in Tseung Kwan O this evening (June 13). The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, delivered a speech at the programme and officiated at the kick-off ceremony of a series of spectacular anti-drug performances along with the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Chairman of ACAN, Dr Donald Li; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, and other guests.

         Mr Chan said in his speech that Hong Kong was previously plagued by drug problems in the 1960s. Since the establishment of ACAN, the Government and various sectors of the community have been working together to combat drug problems. From 1977, when records started to be kept, to 2024, the total number of reported drug abusers has dropped by as much as 70 per cent. Last year, the number of young people under the age of 21 arrested for serious drug offences was at a record low. ACAN has been instrumental in the success of Hong Kong’s anti-drug efforts.

         He said, “This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Action Committee Against Narcotics. I am glad to be able to take part in the programme today and review with everyone the development of the anti-drug efforts in Hong Kong on this important occasion…On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all those who have participated in the anti-drug cause…I would like to appeal to all members of the public to help spread the steadfast message of ‘Let’s Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!’ and work together towards a drug-free future to safeguard the health of every member of the public.”

         At the opening ceremony, Mr Chan led the officiating guests in activating a device, after which seven props symbolising different drugs were dropped into a machine symbolising the destruction of pernicious drugs. Mr Chan led the officiating guests to read out the anti-drug slogan “Let’s Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!” to launch a series of spectacular anti-drug performances.

         Delivering a speech through a recorded short video for the programme, Dr Li said that the progress of Hong Kong’s anti-drug efforts owed a lot to the active participation of members of the public in Hong Kong and the concerted efforts of several generations in the fight against drugs over the past 60 years. He thanked everyone who had participated in anti-drug work before for their contributions. “I invite you, in front of the TV, to continue to participate actively in the anti-drug efforts. I believe that with your participation, a drug-free Hong Kong is just around the corner,” he added.

         In the programme, various young idols and singers performed songs with positive messages, including an upbeat anti-drug theme song that shares with young people positive energy and encourages them to hold dear to positive values in life.

         Members of Hong Kong Customs’ “Customs YES” played the harp and danced in a musical segment. Through the impact of classical music and modern dance, a message was conveyed that positive hobbies not only broaden one’s horizons and let one’s talents shine, but also strengthen one’s determination against drugs.

         Members of the Hong Kong Police Force’s “Leadership Institute on Narcotics” performed rope skipping and hip hop dance with energetic vibes, letting the audience know that one of the best ways to resist the temptation of drugs is to build a strong body and a determined mind through sports. Wushu athlete Juanita Mok and table tennis athlete Wong Chun-ting also cheered for youngsters in this segment with their respective fortes – Wushu (Taolu) that combines strength and flexibility, and table tennis, which is known for its speed.

         Members of the Correctional Services Department’s “Rehabilitation Pioneer Leaders” performed in the form of busking with ukulele, electric piano and guitars, in the hope of striking a chord with young people and expressing through the songs that a healthy state of mind is essential for staying away from drugs.

         In addition, the programme has arranged for artists to re-enact short plays based on the true stories of rehabilitees who have successfully quit drugs. The rehabilitees have participated in the plays themselves.

         Co-organised by the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau and ACAN, and produced by Television Broadcasts Limited, the programme aims to review Hong Kong’s anti-drug history over the past 60 years and rally community support for combating drug problems. Audience members from different sectors, including students, youth groups and representatives from the education and social welfare sectors, attended the programme. This programme is one of the events held in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of ACAN.

         The programme will be broadcast on TVB Jade at 9pm on June 21. Members of the public are welcome to watch and disseminate anti-drug messages for building a drug-free Hong Kong together.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Riverhead — RCMP charges a man with child pornography offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged a man with child pornography and child luring offences in Riverhead.

    On June 3, the RCMP’s ICE Unit, assisted by Barrington RCMP, Shelburne RCMP and RCMP Digital Forensic Services executed a search warrant at a home on Oak Park Rd. and safely arrested a 41-year-old man from Riverhead.

    Investigators were directed to the residence after a social media application notified law enforcement that child pornography had been transmitted using their service.

    Through the course of the investigation, it was also learned that the man had communicated online with a child in Newfoundland and had sent sexually explicit material. With the assistance of the RCMP-RNC Integrated Internet Child Exploitation Unit, the child victim was located and evidence gathered.

    Robert Nickerson, 41, has been charged with:

    • Possession of Child Pornography
    • Distribution of Child Pornography
    • Luring a Child
    • Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child

    Nickerson was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Yarmouth Provincial Court on September 2, 2025.

    With these types of offences, specifically Luring a Child, it is possible there may be more victims. The RCMP ICE Unit is encouraging anyone with additional information concerning this incident to call their local RCMP detachment or municipal police agency.

    In Nova Scotia it is mandatory for citizens to report suspected child pornography; anyone who comes across child pornography material or recordings must report it to the police. Failure to report could result in penalties similar to those for failure to report child abuse set out in the Child and Family Services Act. Be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting suspected offences to your local police or to Canada’s national tipline: www.cybertip.ca.

    File 2024-1888833

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Antonio Man Sentenced to More than 12 Years for 2 Counts of Enticing, Coercing a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced in a federal court to 151 months in federal prison and 20 years of supervised release for attempted online enticement and coercion of a minor.

    According to court documents, between June and August of 2023, Stephen Eugene Hall, 41, communicated with two undercover law enforcement agents whom he believed to be 12- and 14-year-old girls. Throughout their conversations over the Kik app, Hall attempted to entice them to engage in sexual activity and to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    Hall was arrested by FBI agents on Aug. 23, 2023, when he traveled to a hotel in San Antonio with the intent to engage in sex with the individual whom he thought was a 14-year-old girl. He pleaded guilty on Feb. 10, 2025, to two counts of attempted online enticement and coercion of a minor and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez.

    “These proactive law enforcement operations, using the social media apps many children use today, are vital and necessary in order to catch child predators before they can cause their irreparable intended harm,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Thanks to the work of our FBI partners in Boston and in San Antonio, we were able to put another child predator in federal prison for over a decade, with another 20 years of supervised release to follow.”

    “This sentencing sends a clear message that neither the FBI, our law enforcement partners, nor the American people will tolerate those who seek to sexually abuse or exploit children,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office. “We want to thank our colleagues at the San Antonio Police Department and Bexar County Sheriff’s Office for their outstanding work and ongoing partnership as we continue to seek justice on behalf of the victims in this case.”

    The FBI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Mangels prosecuted the case.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nevada Man Sentenced to 32 Months in Prison for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MOLINE, Ill. – Luisito Espanola, 65, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced on May 21, 2025, to 32 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons following his convictions for wire fraud and money laundering. United States District Judge Sara Darrow ordered Espanola to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons on June 23, 2025.

    During the one-week jury trial, the government presented evidence that on December 2, 2020, and December 22, 2020, Espanola created and sent fraudulent emails to the City of Moline requesting that the City make ACH (payment information) changes for two vendors with which the City conducted business. As a result of that fraud, the City of Moline suffered a loss of $404,764.59.

    “We thank the thorough and professional efforts of the Moline Police Department and the United States Secret Service in investigating this matter and bringing this fraudster to justice,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy A. Bass.

    Espanola faced a penalty of up to twenty years in prison on each of his two fraud convictions and a penalty of up to twenty years in prison on each of his two money laundering convictions.

    The United States Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bass and Jennifer L. Mathew represented the government in the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 420 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SOUTH BEND – Late yesterday, Jonathan Alan Peters, 33 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Peters was sentenced to 420 months in prison, 15 years of supervised release.  Restitution will be imposed at a later date.

    According to documents in the case, Peters took photographs depicting images of child sexual abuse material. He then distributed the images to other people on the Internet. The investigation revealed he possessed 110 images and 29 videos which depicted child sexual abuse material.

    This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police and the Mishawaka Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T Jones.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –