NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI Security: Recidivist Sex Offender is Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

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

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. –  A recidivist sex offender was sentenced to 120 months in prison yesterday for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Registered sex offender Ricky Grover Aaron, 62, of Charlotte, a was also ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release and pay restitution to his victims.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making the announcement.

    According to court documents and the sentencing hearing, the FBI was conducting an undercover online investigation to identify individuals sharing CSAM using peer-to-peer file sharing networks. Investigators determined that Aaron was utilizing a BitTorrent application to make CSAM available for others, and on multiple occasions, were able to download CSAM files from one or more of Aaron’s electronic devices.

    In November 2022, a search warrant was executed at Aaron’s residence. Several electronic devices were seized and forensically examined. In total, investigators found that Aaron possessed the equivalent (when taking videos into account) of more than 300,000 CSAM images that depicted, among other things, minors including infants, toddlers, and children under the age of 12, being sexually abused and exploited, having violence inflicted upon them, appearing in bondage, and otherwise subjected to sado-masochistic conduct.

    At the sentencing hearing, the Court also heard that Aaron failed to register as a sex offender in Mecklenburg County after he moved to North Carolina, as he was required to do because he had two convictions prior to this one, a federal conviction for receipt and possession of CSAM, and a state conviction for false imprisonment and aggravated exploitation of a minor in Tennessee.  Under the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) convicted sex offenders are required to register with the Sex Offender Registry Board in any state or jurisdiction where they work or reside.

    On October 29, 2024, Aaron pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained age 12. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the FBI for their investigation of the case.

    Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Armstrong of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

    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 the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    Operation Restore Justice

    This week, the FBI in North Carolina announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, following a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The enforcement action was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    Among those arrested as part of Operation Restore Justice was a former Charlotte resident, Terrell Shawn Anderson, 30, who is charged in the Western District of North Carolina with distributing child sexual abuse material and possession of child sexual abuse material. Anderson was arrested in Atlanta and faces at least five years in federal prison and up to twenty years on each distribution count and up to twenty years on the possession count.

    “We will aggressively prosecute these cases, as we do all cases against those who seek to exploit and abuse children,” said Russ Ferguson in the joint announcement made with the FBI. “The individuals charged and arrested in this operation are accused of engaging in conduct that harms children and perpetuates their abuse. I commend the FBI in North Carolina and the entire law enforcement community for their ongoing efforts to identify these perpetrators and bring them to justice so they cannot hurt another child.”

    You can find additional information about the national Operation Restore Justice initiative here.

     

    The charges against Anderson are allegations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

     

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Robbery of Marijuana Stash House in Oklahoma City Lands Four Men in Federal Prison for 25 Years Collectively

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

    OKLAHOMA CITY – WILLIAM LEWIS DANIELS, 26, of Texas, has been sentenced to serve 96 months in federal prison for interference with commerce by robbery, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and being a drug user in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    On July 31, 2024, Daniels was charged by Superseding Information with interference with commerce by robbery, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and being a drug user in possession of a firearm. According to public record, on February 8, 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) responded to a reported armed robbery at a metro home. Victims in the home told authorities that three men, later identified as Daniels and codefendants JORDON ISAIH WATSON, 26, and KELDON SHERROD WILLIAMS, 27, both of Texas, entered the home and ordered the victims onto the floor where their hands were restrained with zip-ties. The victims told police that one of the defendants, later identified as Daniels, had a firearm and held them at gunpoint. The defendants then ransacked the house and stole more than $36,000 in cash, more than 600 pounds of marijuana stuffed into trash bags, and other items. OCPD officers quickly determined the residence was a black-market marijuana stash house. Security footage from an adjacent property showed four vehicles leaving the stash house after the robbery, including a getaway car driven by codefendant BRANDON MICHAEL NORMAN, 26, of Florida, and a car that Daniels stole from the victims. The stolen car was later located by OCPD officers in a nearby business parking lot, where the perpetrators met and swapped out vehicles.

    Authorities pulled over two of the suspect vehicles shortly thereafter without incident, and arrested Watson, Williams, and Norman. Daniels, however, led authorities on a high-speed chase in his personal vehicle down Interstate 235 during rush hour traffic, wrecked his vehicle, and fled briefly on foot before he was arrested. Between the three vehicles, OCPD recovered 690 pounds of marijuana, $40,710.00 in cash, and one firearm.

    On August 7, 2024, Daniels pleaded guilty to the Superseding Information, and admitted he took cash and marijuana from the victims, possessed marijuana which he intended to distribute to others, and possessed a firearm despite knowing he was an unlawful user of a controlled dangerous substance.

    At the sentencing hearing on May 1, 2025, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Daniels to serve 96 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Jones noted the serious and violent nature of the offenses, the need to protect the public, and the need to adequately deter others from engaging in similar criminal conduct which endangers the community.

    Watson, Williams, and Norman have each been sentenced after pleading guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, with Watson sentenced to serve 96 months, Williams sentenced to serve 60 months, and Norman sentenced to serve 48 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for each defendant.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew E. Davis prosecuted the case.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. John’s — RCMP-RNC IICE charges Cape St. George man with online child exploitation offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Thirty-three-year-old Guy Gerard Rouzes Jr. of Cape St. George was arrested by the RCMP-RNC Integrated Internet Child Exploitation (IICE) Unit on May 8, 2025, in relation to charges of online child exploitation offences.

    Last Thursday, as part of an ongoing investigation, IICE attended the Cape St. George home with a warrant to search the property, obtained under the Criminal Code. Rouzes was arrested without incident and a number of electronic items were seized.

    Rouzes is charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Possession of child pornography
    • Transmitting child pornography
    • Accessing child pornography

    In accordance with arrest and release procedures, Rouzes was released on conditions designed to protect the general public. He is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court in Stephenville on August 8, 2025.

    Child pornography cases require complex forensic examination of seized electronics followed by additional investigation actions. Consequently, other criminal charges may be laid pending the results of the forensic examination of the seized exhibits.

    The RCMP-RNC IICE team encourages caregivers and youth to learn about current online threats and safety practices at cybertip.ca, protectchildren.ca, kidsintheknow.ca and dontgetsextorted.ca.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nigerian Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking and Other Charges Related to the Sexual Extortion and Death of a Local Young Man

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

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Imoleayo Samuel Aina, aka “Alice Dave,” 27, of Nigeria entered a plea of guilty before United States District Court Judge Joel H. Slomsky Monday to cyberstalking, interstate threat to injure reputation, receiving proceeds of extortion, money laundering conspiracy, and four counts of wire fraud, in connection with the sexual extortion and death of a young man in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

    Aina and co-defendant Samuel Olasunkanmi Abiodun, 25, were arrested on a complaint and warrant in Nigeria, taken into custody by the FBI on July 31, 2024, and extradited to the United States to face charges in this case. They and another Nigerian co-defendant, Afeez Olatunji Adewale, 25, were then charged by indictment in August 2024.

    Aina is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11 and faces a statutory maximum of lifetime imprisonment.

    Abiodun pleaded guilty in December to money laundering conspiracy and four counts of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10 and faces a statutory maximum of 100 years’ imprisonment.

    Adewale has also been charged with money laundering conspiracy and four counts of wire fraud. He remains in Nigeria, pending extradition to the U.S.

    The case was investigated by the FBI and the Abington Township Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Brown.

    Aina and Abiodun were extradited to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with assistance of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI Legal Attaché in Abuja, and the FBI. The support and assistance of Nigerian security authorities was essential to this effort, notably that of Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Justice’s International Criminal Justice Cooperation Department, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Beaconsfield — Southwest Nova Street Crime Enforcement Unit charges two people after executing search warrant

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The RCMP’s Southwest Nova Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU) has charged two people with drug and firearms offences after a search warrant was executed at a home in Beaconsfield.

    On May 1, officers with the Southwest Nova SCEU, with the assistance of the Annapolis District RCMP, executed a search warrant at a home on Beaconsfield Rd. in relation to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

    At the residence, officers safely arrested two men before seizing quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, psilocybin, assorted pills, and drug paraphernalia. Two long guns, ammunition, brass knuckles and cash were also seized.

    Troy David Alder, 53, from Beaconsfield, has been charged with:

    • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (two counts)
    • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
    • Unsafe Storage of a Firearm
    • Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000

    Ryan Andrew Laviolette, 36, from Beaconsfield, has been charged with:

    • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (two counts)
    • Unsafe Storage of a Firearm (two counts)
    • Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
    • Failure to Comply with Release Order (five counts)

    Both Alder and Laviolette appeared in Digby Provincial Court on May 2. Laviolette remains in custody and is due back in court on May 21. Alder has been released on conditions and is due back in court on June 9.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stephenville — Bay St. George RCMP seeks public’s assistance locating stolen vehicle that fled from police (UPDATED)

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Update: The stolen vehicle was located. The investigation into the theft and flight from police is continuing.

    Bay St. George RCMP is seeking assistance from the public in locating a stolen vehicle that fled from police in Stephenville on the evening of May 1, 2025.

    Shortly before 8:30 p.m. last night, Bay St. George RCMP attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Gallant Street in Stephenville. The vehicle failed to stop for police and fled the area in a dangerous manner. In the interest of public safety, police did not pursue the vehicle.

    A short time later, at approximately 9:15 p.m., police received a report of a stolen vehicle from a residential property on Hillview Avenue in Stephenville which occurred sometime earlier that day. The stolen vehicle, a 2018 brown Mazda CX5 SUV, with NL licence plate JHC530, matched the vehicle that fled from police. An image of a similar vehicle is attached.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Bay St. George RCMP asks the public to check for possible surveillance footage of the vehicle on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Anyone having information about the current location of the stolen vehicle, the driver, or any other information about this incident is asked to contact police at 709-643-2118. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oklahoma Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children

    Source: US State of California

    An Oklahoma man was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in prison for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    According to court documents, Landon Joe Black, 25, of Stilwell, was sentenced for producing CSAM featuring two child victims that he shared on the “dark web.” Black would pose as a young girl on the internet to establish relationships with children and would then direct them to create CSAM. He would then share images of his victims along with their ages, as well as other CSAM images, on the dark web. He would refer to some of his victims as “baits.” Documents found on Black’s computers included a draft how-to guide for other offenders. Black also collected detailed information about one child, including information about their family, school, and daily movements. The pictures Black produced and shared continue to circulate, causing significant ongoing harm to his victims.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Pippin for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case, with substantial assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Marek.

    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 epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Leads Pocan, Bishop, Ivey in Sending Letter to Top Appropriations Republicans Demanding They Respect Judiciary’s Independence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC –  Today, Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) led Subcommittee Members Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), and Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD-04) in sending a letter to Appropriations Chair Tom Cole and FSGG Subcommittee Chair David Joyce demanding they respect the independence of the federal judiciary.
     
    The letter condemned recent calls from House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan to use the appropriations process to retaliate against federal courts and judges that issue rulings unfavorable to the Trump Administration. The letter implored Republicans to reject this unprecedented assault on the rule of law and the separation of powers and system of checks and balanced enshrined in the Constitution.
     
    “Policy riders to punish courts because one political party does not like how judges are ruling undermines our Constitution and misuses our authority as appropriators,” the lawmakers wrote. “All are free to criticize judgments where one’s opinions differ from the rulings. All are free to vigorously appeal nationwide injunctions to the Supreme Court. However, judges make their ruling based on the law and facts of the case and must do so without any fear that their rulings could provoke attempts to diminish the independence of the judicial branch. We should not be politicizing our judicial system to score political points.”
     
    The full text of the letter is included below:

    Dear Chairman Cole and Chairman Joyce:

    We write in response to Chairman Jordan’s letter of March 31, 2025 requesting that the Committee on Appropriations take the unprecedented action of leveraging the appropriations process to retaliate against the federal judiciary for unfavorable rulings. The type of policy riders that Chairman Jordan recommends would not only undermine our constitutional system of separation of powers with checks and balances but are not within the purview of this Committee or the appropriations process. They must be rejected outright.

    Since his inauguration, we have seen a dangerous trend seeking to eviscerate the independence of the judiciary. Members of the Administration have argued that the President can defy court orders it disagrees with and that they “don’t care what the judges think.” The President and his allies have bullied and threatened judges who rule against the President. One of our colleagues has even introduced articles of impeachment against a federal court judge. Further, the President has signed a flurry of executive orders to penalize individual law firms and lawyers who bring cases challenging the administration, strong-arming firms into so-called “settlements” that exact significant concessions.

    The president has a constitutional duty to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.” Nationwide injunctions issued by judges have impeded on political priorities for both parties throughout history, but our commitment to the rule of law must remain steadfast. President Trump’s actions undermine that sacred duty, endangering the Founders’ system of checks and balances that protects our rights, our economy, our communities, and our safety. Moreover, rather than exercising Congress’s constitutional role to reinforce our system of checks and balances, Chairman Jordan now seeks to sideline the courts and allow the president to continue his disregard of our laws and American values. This is inconsistent with the constitution’s three co-equal branches, the system that the Framers felt necessary to preclude that “the King can do no wrong.”

    It is the role of the courts, not the President, to “say what the law is.” In its recent rulings, the courts have not exceeded their constitutional authority; rather, they have upheld their constitutional duty to fairly and impartially adjudicate cases, even when brought against the executive branch. As recently as 2023, conservative Members of Congress and state Attorneys General have celebrated judicial rulings granting the very nationwide  injunctions that Chairman Jordan seeks to undermine. Courts are ruling against the President at record rates because so many of his actions disregard established law, often demonstrating contempt for core constitutional principles like the rights to free speech, dissent, and due process. The Trump administration’s lawlessness is readily apparent to judges appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents, including some put on the bench by President Trump himself.

    Our judicial system cannot function if the courts are not sufficiently resourced. It is our responsibility as members of the Appropriations Committee to carefully review the budget requests submitted by the Supreme Court, Judicial Conference, and Administration Office of the U.S. Courts and to provide appropriations to allow the judiciary to appropriately serve the communities, businesses, and individuals that rely on the courts for justice. We should be providing the resources the courts need to meet their critical operational needs at a time when caseloads in the federal court system are the highest they have ever been and security threats against judges and their staff are increasing.

    Questions about the judiciary’s budget request are more appropriately addressed by holding hearings and conducting oversight, as we have done in years past. Policy riders to punish courts because one political party does not like how judges are ruling undermines our constitution and misuses our authority as appropriators. All are free to criticize judgments where one’s opinions differ from the rulings. All are free to vigorously appeal nationwide injunctions to the Supreme Court. However, judges make their ruling based on the law and facts of the case and must do so without any fear that their rulings could provoke attempts to diminish the independence of the judicial branch. We should not be politicizing our judicial system to score political points.

    As we continue the appropriations process, we must remain good stewards of taxpayer dollars while ensuring that our nation maintains an independent judiciary that is capable of upholding the rule of law. If we do not, we become a government of men, not laws.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Schiff Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Boost Teacher Compensation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — During Teacher Appreciation Week, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) reintroduced the bicameral Respect, Advancement, and Increasing Support for Educators (RAISE) Act, legislation that would boost teacher compensation by putting tax money back in their pockets and help diversify the teaching workforce. The bill would provide educators with a minimum of $1000 in refundable tax credits and as much as $15,000.
    Teachers play a critical role in shaping young lives throughout our nation. Currently, public elementary and secondary teachers earn about 27 percent less than similarly educated professions. Based on a worldwide comparison, the average salary gap between teachers and others with comparable educational backgrounds is greater in the U.S. than in any other OECD country with available data.
    There were over 41,000 unfilled teacher positions that same year. Teacher shortages across the U.S. leave instruction in high-need subjects like science, math, special education, and English language development understaffed. Furthermore, according to a recent analysis of state-reported teacher shortage data, 49 states plus the District of Columbia employed over 365,000 teachers who were not fully certified for their teaching assignment in 2024. Additionally, high poverty districts also experience higher rates of teacher turnover, leaving students from families with low incomes at greater risk of experiencing a shortage. Low wages are often cited as a source of high turnover and teacher vacancies.
    Through refundable tax credits, the RAISE Act will help boost the compensation of early childhood, elementary, and secondary school teachers. Depending on the level of poverty in the schools educators serve, public school teachers would be eligible for a tax credit up to $15,000. The bill would also double the educator tax deduction, which teachers can use to offset the cost of school supplies and expand eligibility to early childhood educators.
    “Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and tasked every day with the responsibility to help shape and develop the minds of our nation’s children,” said Senator Booker. “It’s unacceptable that despite the invaluable role they play in our society, teachers are still underpaid and undervalued. This legislation aims to provide up to $15,000 in tax credits for public school teachers so we can close the wage gap and finally give our educators a much needed raise.”
    “Public education is the foundation of upward mobility in our society and the chance for a better life, and our teachers play the most vital role. If we want to attract and retain the best teachers amidst all of the challenges of staffing shortages, large classrooms and aging facilities, they need our support. We must provide teachers with the long-overdue wage increases they deserve for shaping the next generation of citizens and leaders,” said Senator Schiff.
    “The Trump agenda of gutting the Department of Education while slashing taxes for the ultra-wealthy will ultimately take money out of the pockets of hard-working New Jersey educators and families,” said NJEA President Sean Spiller. “Trump’s cuts to education funding and his billionaire tax giveaways will mean fewer resources for children, especially students with special needs, and less money to support New Jersey’s educators and our best-in-the-nation public schools. We applaud Senator Booker for the RAISE Act of 2025, which provides tax breaks where they belong: to working class educators and to parents.”
    “The RAISE Act introduced by Senator Booker recognizes the commitment and dedication of our early childhood, elementary and secondary school teachers. While giving tax credits doesn’t solve the underpaying of teachers, it will help with a school district’s recruiting and retention efforts. The bill also rewards districts that maintain or increase salaries with additional grants that can be used for more recruiting and retention efforts especially in our neediest districts. AFTNJ thanks Senator Booker for introducing and continuing to advocate for this important and necessary legislation,” said Jennifer S. Higgins, President, American Federation of Teachers New Jersey (AFTNJ).
    The RAISE Act would improve financial compensation for elementary, secondary, and early childhood teachers to help address the teacher shortage and wage disparity. Specifically, the legislation would:
    Create Refundable Tax Credits for Educators: 
    A sliding scale tax credit of up to $15,000 for public school teachers, with the highest credits for educators in high-poverty schools.
    Up to $15,000 for early childhood educators with a bachelor’s degree and up to $10,000 for those with an associate degree or CDA credential. 
    $1,000 refundable tax credit for all eligible early childhood and K–12 educators.

    Increase the educator tax deduction to $500 to offset teacher’s purchases of school supplies. 
    Increase, by nearly $3 billion, annual mandatory funding for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act’s Title II, which supports educator recruitment, retention, professional development, and class size reduction. 
    Create and fund a federal grant program to incentivize local educational agencies to increase teacher salaries and strengthen, retain, and diversify the educator workforce. 
    The RAISE Act is endorsed by the following organizations: National Education Association (NEA), New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), Prepared To Teach, Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK), The Teacher Salary Project, Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), National Writing Project, First Five Years Fund, Education Law Center (ELC), Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Center for Black Educator Development, Educational Testing Service (ETS), National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), AASA – The School Superintendents Association, National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), Early Edge California, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), The Education Trust (EdTrust), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), First Focus Campaign for Children, Deans for Impact (DFI), National Parents Union, All4Ed, NAACP, Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, Joint National Committee for Languages (JNCL), Center for American Progress (CAP), American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA), Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL), TEACH, Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), Education Reform Now, National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), Leading Educators, Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA), Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), Public Advocates, ZERO TO THREE, National PTA, National Center for Languages and International Studies, Advance CTE, AFL-CIO California Federation of Teachers (CFT), American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), UnidosUS, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), MomsRising, and Educators for Excellence, the Southern Education Foundation.
    The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).
    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Arizona case sends Phoenix man to 52 months in prison for alien smuggling resulting in death

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SELLS, Ariz. — A Phoenix-area man was sentenced April 29 to 52 months in prison for his role in transporting two illegal aliens in March 2024, one of whom suffered fatal injuries after jumping out of the vehicle while it was moving. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation in this case.

    “Human smuggling is not a victimless crime, it’s illegal and unfortunately at times ends in irreversible tragedy — a life lost in the shadows of greed and disregard,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola. “HSI and our partner agencies are committed to preventing not just smuggling activity along the border but to also educate people about the dangers of human smuggling — dying isn’t worth the risk.”

    Cesar Abraam Velasquez-Munoz, 20, of Peoria, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens for profit placing in jeopardy the life of any person and resulting in death.

    On March 6, 2024, Velasquez-Munoz and his co-defendant, Steven Beltran-Lugo, picked up two illegal aliens near the Mexican border with the intent to smuggle them further into the United States. Velasquez-Munoz drove the vehicle while he and Beltran-Lugo communicated with a Phoenix-based smuggling coordinator. At some point, Velasquez-Munoz noticed U.S. Border Patrol agents following their vehicle who verbally instructed Velasquez-Munoz to stop the vehicle. The first illegal alien jumped out of the moving car while it was traveling approximately 45 miles per hour. Velasquez-Munoz then accelerated as the second illegal alien attempted to exit the vehicle, causing him to violently strike the pavement. As a result, he suffered a brain hemorrhage and internal bleeding, ultimately succumbing to his injuries two days later in the hospital.

    The sentencing is the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 360 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 330 U.S. convictions; more than 275 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response (ICJR) Program Pre-Application Information Session

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    OVW conducted a pre-application information session for its Fiscal Year 2025 Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response (ICJR) Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). During the presentation, OVW staff reviewed this NOFO’s requirements and discussed the opportunity.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Offering Reward for Information That Leads to Arrest of Canton Parents Facing Charges for Death of 3-Year-Old Child

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Canton, OH – The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating and arresting Demetres Givens (42) and Jamie Thompson (37). Givens and Thompson are wanted by the Canton Police Department for involuntary manslaughter and endangering children.

    On May 5, Canton Police responded to a home in the 3100 block of Gilbert Circle NE for a report of a child that was found in bed not breathing. The child was later pronounced at the hospital. Givens is described as a black male, 5’11”, 155 pounds. Thompson is described as a white female, 5’3’’, 180 pounds.

    Demetres Givens

    Jamie Thompson

     Anyone with information concerning Givens and Thompson can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833). You can also submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Publication of financial reports: Federal Office of Justice imposes disciplinary fine on VARTA AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The disciplinary fine order related to a breach of section 325 of the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB). VARTA AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT failed to submit its accounting documents for the financial year 2023 for the purpose of disclosure to the operator of the German Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger) in electronic form. The legal basis for the sanction is section 335 of the HGB.

    The company lodged an appeal against the Federal Office of Justice’s decision to impose a disciplinary fine.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Publication of financial reports: Federal Office of Justice imposes disciplinary fine on VARTA AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The disciplinary fine order related to a breach of section 325 of the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB). VARTA AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT failed to submit its consolidated accounting documents for the financial year 2023 for the purpose of disclosure to the operator of the German Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger) in electronic form. The legal basis for the sanction is section 335 of the HGB.

    The company lodged an appeal against the Federal Office of Justice’s decision to impose a disciplinary fine.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Man remains in custody in connection with arson attacks

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man arrested in connection with a series of arson attacks remains in police custody.

    The 21-year-old was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, 13 May on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

    He was arrested at an address in Sydenham.

    The man was taken to a London police station, where he currently remains in police custody.

    The arrest relates to three incidents.

    On Monday, 12 May at 01:35hrs, police were alerted by the London Fire Brigade to reports of a fire at a residential address in NW5.

    Officers attended the scene. Damage was caused to the property’s entrance, nobody was hurt.

    As a precaution and due to the property having previous connections with a high-profile public figure, officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command are leading the investigation into this fire. Enquiries are ongoing to establish what caused it.

    The investigation team are also considering two other incidents – a vehicle fire in NW5 on Thursday, 8 May and a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on Sunday, 11 May – and are investigating whether they may be linked to the fire in NW5 on 12 May.

    All three fires are being treated as suspicious at this time, and enquiries remain ongoing.

    Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “We are working at pace and continue to explore various lines of enquiry to establish the cause of the fires, and any potential motivation for these. A key line of enquiry is whether the fires are linked due to the two premises and the vehicle all having previous links to the same high-profile public figure.

    “We recognise that this investigation may cause concern to other public figures – particularly MPs. The protection of MPs is something we take extremely seriously across the whole of policing and I would encourage any MP who is concerned about their own safety to get in touch with their dedicated local Operation Bridger officer, who can provide further advice and support.

    “In the meantime, our investigation remains ongoing and we will continue to work closely with local officers in the areas affected. Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in those areas over the coming days, but if anyone has concerns, then please speak with a local officer, or call us.”

    Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.

    We would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then to report it to police – either by calling police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT

    In an emergency, always dial 999.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harbour Grace — Man arrested by RCMP East District General Investigation Section following internal fraud investigation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following an investigation that began in April 2023, charges have been laid by RCMP NL’s East District General Investigation Section (GIS) against 53-year-old Craig Williams.

    In April 2023, Independent Fish Harvesters Ltd. contacted the RCMP about possible internal fraud. Williams, who was the company’s office manager and accountant, was suspected as being involved.

    As part of the investigation, RCMP GIS engaged the Forensic Accounting Management Group (FMAG) and a forensic financial audit was completed. The investigation discovered internal fraud in excess of $125,000.00.

    Williams was arrested on March 12, 2025, and is charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Fraud over $5,000.00 – four counts
    • Theft over $5,000.00

    Williams is set to attend court in Harbour Grace on July 2, 2025.

    RCMP East District GIS thanks Independent Fish Harvesters Ltd. and FAMG for their cooperation and assistance provided during the police investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lansdowne Station — Update: Missing children investigation and search in Pictou County

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Pictou County District RCMP, with the assistance of the Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit, continue to investigate the disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan.

    “We’re exploring all avenues in this missing persons investigation,” says Staff Sergeant Curtis MacKinnon, Pictou County District RCMP. “We have officers from multiple disciplines dedicated to finding Lilly and Jack, including highly trained RCMP major crime and forensic investigators.”

    To date, more than 180 tips have been received from the public, and are being followed up on. Officers have so far identified 35 people for formal interviews as part of the investigation, including community members and those closest to the children. And on May 8 and 9, the RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team (URT) scoured bodies of water around Lansdowne Station; URT’s two-day operation didn’t uncover any evidence.

    “We continue to work day and night on this file,” says S/Sgt. MacKinnon. “Like all Nova Scotians, we want answers, and we want to know what happened to these children.”

    On May 2, at approximately 10 a.m., Pictou County District RCMP received a report that Lilly and Jack were missing. They were believed to have wandered away from their home on Gairloch Rd. A multi-agency search and missing persons investigation began immediately.

    The search, which was scaled back to specific areas on May 7, has covered 5.5 square kilometres of heavily wooded, rural terrain in the Gairloch Rd. area. It has involved up to 160 trained volunteer searchers and many others, and tens of thousands of search hours. Efforts to locate Lilly and Jack also included two vulnerable missing persons alerts.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Lilly and Jack is asked to contact Pictou County District RCMP at 902-485-4333. To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    Our thoughts continue to be with the children’s loved ones and the community at this difficult time.

    Note to media: As this is an active, ongoing investigation, information will be released as it becomes available.

    File #: 2025-583775

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Met officer jailed over inappropriate relationship

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A former Met constable has been jailed for misconduct in public office following an inappropriate relationship with a teenage girl while he was a serving officer.

    Che Homersham was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 13 May following an investigation by the Met’s Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command, as directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

    Former PC Homersham’s offending came to light after he was arrested over a separate matter in August 2023.

    An examination of his phone found evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old girl he had met while attending a domestic incident involving the teenager in December 2018.

    The investigation found he had pursued her over several weeks, sending intimate messages and touching her inappropriately when they met.

    He was arrested in December 2023.

    Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, who leads policing in north west London, said:

    “Former PC Homersham’s conduct in making inappropriate contact with a victim of crime was completely unprofessional and unacceptable.

    “Any woman or girl should feel safe with a male police officer, but Homersham’s actions have clearly undermined that trust the public have in us. It is right he has faced criminal charges, and is no longer a part of the Metropolitan Police Service.”

    Homersham, who was attached to the North West policing team, resigned from the Met in January 2024.

    A misconduct hearing was held in June 2024 which found that had he still been serving, he would have been dismissed without notice. The hearing found Homersham had breached professional standards of behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct, honesty and integrity and authority, respect and courtesy.

    Homersham was added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

    Anyone with any information about a police officer or member of staff who works for the Met and is corrupt, or abusing their position and power, can call the Anti-Corruption and Abuse Hotline, run by independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 085 0000 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-org.uk.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Honors Law Enforcement for Police Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring American Samoa’s police, and law enforcement officers everywhere, in recognition of National Police Week (May 11-17), and National Peace Officers Memorial Day (observed May 15th every year).

    This year, Congresswoman Amata is cosponsoring two Resolutions expressing support for professional law enforcement officers and honoring their vital role in the safety of communities, that are being introduced during Police Week. In 2019, she cosponsored the House bill authorizing the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Commemorative Coin (final passage in Consolidated Appropriations, Public Law 116-94, signed by President Trump). In April of this year, Congress passed the yearly Resolution for special use of the U.S. Capitol grounds for this year’s 44th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service, and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.

    “My heartfelt thank you to all of our law enforcement officers as we observe this National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day. In a time of crisis, we look to you. That fact means you deserves our strong support, including the best in training and preparation activities, and high quality equipment and facilities. When there is a need, our officers rush toward it, including the possibility of danger. As a free and law-abiding society, we depend on honorable, dedicated officers that protect and serve. May God bless our police, law enforcement and peace officers daily, and especially keep them safe in times of crisis.” 

    “We also specially think of Peace Officers Memorial Day, which commemorates those who gave their lives in the line of duty. We respect, honor, and remember their sacrifice, and pray for their families and memories.” 

    HISTORY: In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and Congress that year established National Police Week. The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum holds an annual Candlelight Vigil, which is May 13th this year, for fallen officers. The Memorial, dedicated in 1991, currently has the names of more than 24,000 officers carved into the walls, with names added yearly, as part of National Police Week. In April, 10,000 daffodils bloom at the Memorial site. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Disrupting criminal finances in Africa: INTERPOL’s Silver Notice

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    NAIROBI, Kenya – Law enforcement and financial crime experts from across Africa have gathered for a workshop dedicated to promoting and implementing the INTERPOL Silver Notice and Diffusion.

    Organized crime in Africa, as in other regions, thrives on illicit financial flows and the laundered proceeds of crimes such as scams, illegal logging, terrorism and corruption. These crimes are increasingly supported by complex financial structures that span borders.

    Launched in January 2025, the INTERPOL Silver Notice allows participating countries to request information related to criminal assets — such as real estate, vehicles, financial accounts, or businesses — with links to individuals suspected or charged of various offences including fraud, drug trafficking and migrant smuggling. The mechanism supports cross-border intelligence exchange and can lay the groundwork for subsequent requests for asset seizure or confiscation under national legal frameworks.

    The Silver Notice, currently in pilot across 51 countries, is one of several tools—alongside the I-GRIP stop-payment mechanism—empowering agencies to move swiftly against illicit finances and fraud.

    The four-day event (13-16 May) brings together 85 participants from 12 pilot African countries including representatives from INTERPOL National Central Bureaus, financial intelligence units, prosecutors’ offices, judicial authorities and asset recovery focal points. This regional session follows similar workshops held in the Americas and Europe earlier this year.

    Mohamed I. Amin, Director of Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations, said:

    “The Silver Notice is more than a tool, it is a symbol of global solidarity against crime. By targeting illicit wealth, we strike at the heart of criminal enterprises and uphold justice. Let us commit to leveraging this mechanism, ensuring that crime never pays, anywhere, at any time.”

    Theos Badege, Director pro tempore of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Corruption Centre said:

    “Money is the thread that runs through almost every form of organized crime. For some, it’s the motive; for others, the means. To dismantle criminal networks, we must follow the money—identify it, trace it, and disrupt the financial systems that enable these operations to survive and expand.”

    INTERPOL Silver Notice/ Diffusion Pilot: Regional Workshop for Africa

    IFCACC Director: Theos Badege, Director pro tempore of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Corruption Centre

    Alena Kern, Head of Development Cooperation of the German Embassy

    DCI Director: Mohamed I. Amin, Director of Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations

    Building capacity for maximum impact

    Throughout the workshop, participants will explore how to leverage INTERPOL’s full range of capabilities—including its Notices, databases, expert networks, and operational support tools—to conduct financial investigations and disrupt criminal economies. Sessions also focus on emerging technologies, such as the use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain in laundering illicit funds.

    Interactive table-top exercises and case-based discussions are designed to encourage regional exchange, identify common challenges and stimulate the practical use of Silver Notices in ongoing cases.

    The workshop was supported by German Development Cooperation through the GIZ Global Program Combatting Illicit Financial Flows and the GIZ Program on Strengthening Good Governance in Kenya, as well as the EU-joint action SecFin Africa.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lebanese National Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Running a Ponzi Scheme

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

    Note: See the factual proffer here.

    MIAMI – On May 8, 2025, Henry Abdo, 48, of Lebanon, was sentenced to 168 months in prison and ordered to pay a $300,000 fine and $375,479 in restitution by United States District Court Judge William P. Dimitrouleas.

    Abdo pled guilty in federal court to orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that solicited over $6 million from investors under false pretenses. According to court records, Abdo’s company, Titanium Capital LLC, purported to operate a foreign exchange platform that guaranteed fixed returns for investors. In reality, Titanium Capital had no such platform, and Abdo used investor funds to pay off earlier investors and finance his personal lifestyle.

    Beginning in July 2014, Abdo falsely claimed that Titanium Capital was a “zero-risk” investment fund that generated profits from fees on foreign currency transactions. Abdo further deceived investors by claiming Titanium Capital was part of a multibillion-dollar holding company, had developed proprietary software, and was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. None of these claims were true.

    Court documents indicate that Abdo solicited investments through in-person meetings, emails, video conferences, and phone calls. Abdo directed potential investors to websites and promotional materials that falsely depicted Titanium Capital as a legitimate enterprise. In truth, Titanium operated as a classic Ponzi scheme, using funds from new investors to pay earlier investors while diverting large sums of money for Abdo’s personal use, including international travel and other expenses.

    In addition to fraudulent investment claims, court records reveal that Abdo attempted to bolster his credibility by falsely associating himself with various charitable and educational organizations. Abdo also falsely claimed that Titanium Capital’s profits were donated to assist the blind and handicapped.

    After soliciting millions from over 200 investors, Abdo’s scheme unraveled. Many victims were financially devastated. Several victims reported losing retirement accounts and personal savings that they had relied on for basic living expenses, such as food and medication.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. 

    FBI Miami’s Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the case. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Bailyn and Justin Chapman in West Palm Beach, Florida, prosecuted it.  

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-80209.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Defendants Sentenced for Their Roles in Drug Trafficking Organization

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

    ATLANTA – Six members of a drug trafficking organization have been sentenced for their roles in distributing deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout the metro-Atlanta area.

    “These defendants distributed substantial amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine with no regard for the grave public safety risk,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Our Office will continue to closely coordinate with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prosecute drug traffickers and prevent dangerous narcotics from poisoning our communities.”

    “These drug traffickers endangered countless lives by distributing large quantities of deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine,” Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division commented on the case. “DEA will continue to aggressively pursue the criminals that contribute to the drug crisis.”

    “This case highlights the critical role Homeland Security Investigations plays in dismantling transnational drug trafficking organizations operating in our communities,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “The defendants in this case were responsible for introducing massive quantities of deadly narcotics into the metro-Atlanta area—methamphetamine that was trafficked across borders, chemically altered, and distributed without regard for the devastating impact on public health and safety. Through the combined efforts of HSI and our federal, state, and local partners, we’ve disrupted a dangerous supply chain and brought key members of this organization to justice.”

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: In 2022, federal special agents discovered that a drug trafficking organization (DTO) was distributing drugs obtained from a Mexico-based supplier throughout metro-Atlanta. These drugs included methamphetamine which arrived from Mexico in liquid form and was converted to crystal methamphetamine.

    During an early phase of the investigation, defendant Erik Rosales-Lopez was arrested in December 2022 at a residence used to process liquid methamphetamine that had been mixed with paint. Rosales Lopez had distributed methamphetamine on three previous occasions, including to an undercover agent. During a search of his residence, investigators seized 11 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine. 

    In April 2023, agents surveilled defendants Brayan Garcia-Picasso and Bryan Pacheco-Carranza as they left a residence believed to be used as a methamphetamine lab. Local law enforcement then conducted a traffic stop of their vehicle. Police officers seized approximately 16 kilograms of methamphetamine during a search of the vehicle. Agents later searched the residence as well and, while doing so, confirmed that the location was a methamphetamine lab. The agents found approximately six kilograms of methamphetamine and methamphetamine conversion equipment on the premises.

    Following the arrests of Garcia-Picasso and Pacheco-Carranza, agents continued to investigate the DTO. In June 2023, defendant Alex Chamorro-Valencia was arrested after a search of a vehicle he was driving was found to contain nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine. Investigators also searched the residence from which he was seen departing and discovered a second methamphetamine lab used by the DTO. Agents recovered 15 gallons of liquid methamphetamine and 135 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine in the residence. Defendant Hedgarciney Gameno-Cortez was encountered in the residence and arrested.  

    The following defendants were convicted and sentenced:

    • Juventino Rodriguez was sentenced earlier today by U.S. District Judge Victoria M. Calvert to 54 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Rodriguez was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl after he pled guilty on December 19, 2024.
    • Garcia-Picasso was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown to 12-and-a-half years in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Garcia-Picasso was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine after he pled guilty on November 7, 2023.
    • Pacheco-Carranza was sentenced by Judge Brown to six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Pacheco-Carranza was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine after he pled guilty on January 18, 2024.
    • Chamorro-Valencia was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross to eight years in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Chamorro-Valencia was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine after he pled guilty on October 16, 2023.
    • Hedgarciney Gameno-Cortez was sentenced by Judge Ross to eight years in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Gameno-Cortez was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine after he pled guilty on February 28, 2024.
    • Erik Josue Rosales-Lopez was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg to seven years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Rosales-Lopez was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after he pled guilty on July 31, 2023.

    The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance from the Clayton County Police Department, Henry County Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, DeKalb County Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, and Cobb County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren E. Renaud and Sandra E. Strippoli, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Howard, prosecuted the case. 

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. The specific mission of the David G. Wilhelm Atlanta OCDETF Strike Force (Atlanta Strike Force) is to eliminate transnational organized crime syndicates and major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in the Atlanta metropolitan area and the Northern District of Georgia. To accomplish this mission, the Atlanta Strike Force will target these organizations’ leaders, focusing on targets designated as Consolidated Priority Organization Targets, Regional Priority Organization Targets, and their associates.  The Atlanta Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, USMS, USPIS, and IRS, as well as numerous state and local agencies; and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Albany Man Charged with Threatening Public Officials

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

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A New Albany man has been charged with federal crimes related to sending at least 65 threatening letters and electronic communications to approximately 34 victims, including public officials, a local TV station and law enforcement. Many of the letters included a white powder and one letter included a bullet etched with the victim’s last name.

    “Perpetrators who violate federal law by sending such serious threats in the mail or online will not remain anonymous. Actual or threatened political violence in any form must be condemned,” said Acting United States Attorney Kelly A. Norris. “We will work with our law enforcement partners to identify these bad actors and prosecute them.”

    “Targeting public officials with threatening messages and substances is a serious federal crime that won’t go unpunished,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “FBI agents have worked closely with our local, state, and federal partners to investigate these incidents and arrest the suspected offender.”

    Ronald Lidderdale, 39, appeared in federal court in Columbus this afternoon. He is charged with making interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure, mailing threatening communications, false information and hoaxes, and cyberstalking.

    According to charging documents, Lidderdale allegedly sent the threatening communications to publicly elected officials holding statewide office in Ohio, elected officials holding office in the federal government, and individuals involved in Ohio politics.

    It is alleged that Lidderdale sent at least 49 letters containing suspicious white powders, which at times the sender claimed to be Ricin. To date, 29 victims received the white powder letters.

    One letter contained a 9mm bullet with the last name of the public official etched on it.

    For example, between July and early August 2024, it is alleged that Lidderdale sent a dozen threatening letters via the mail in five different mailings. The return labels on the letters contained mailing information for individuals who were either currently or previously employed by the targeted public official.

    In the letters, Lidderdale allegedly threatened violence against the letter recipients, including language like, “I will kill you for your ignorant loyalty to your pedophilic party” and “I will kill you for the good of The People. Your death will come when you least expect it.”

    Last week, Lidderdale allegedly sent letters to eight victims containing a hitlist of eight individuals he said he would kill in the month of May.

    Court documents allege that Lidderdale sent a letter to a local TV station and emails to federal and local law enforcement outlining his plans.

    It is further alleged that Lidderdale sent threatening emails to public officials stating, “Each [victim] will receive the gift of their names etched onto a single bullet. Their skull is the target the bullet is the gift.”

    On May 8, Lidderdale allegedly told FBI agents that he had sent the letters and emails with the intent to incite fear, including the fear of bodily injury, and to make threats with the goal of changing behavior.

    Mailing threatening communications carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Making interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure, conveying false information and hoaxes, and cyberstalking are all federal crimes punishable by up to five years in prison.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); as well as the U.S. Capitol Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol and several Ohio police departments; announced the charges filed today. Deputy Criminal Chief Brian J. Martinez and Assistant United States Attorneys Damoun Delaviz and Jessica W. Knight, National Security Division Counterterrorism Section Trial Attorney James Donnelly and Trial Attorney Aaron L. Jennen of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are representing the United States in this case.

    A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montgomery County, Ohio, Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Elderly Victims of Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars

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

    CINCINNATI – Ronald Scott Daley, 53, of Miamisburg, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to wire fraud and tax evasion related to a scheme to defraud clients, including elderly victims. 

    According to his plea agreement, which includes a recommended sentence of up to 60 months in prison, Daley was employed by a life insurance brokerage firm and advised several elderly clients with respect to life insurance and annuity products.

    From at least 2012 until 2020, Daley fraudulently convinced client victims to withdraw certain assets from the insurance brokerage firm and to deposit the funds into their own personal accounts. Daley then influenced the victims to make payments to a bank account for an entity that Daley controlled.

    For example, Daley defrauded three victims of more than $707,000 in total.

    Furthermore, Daley failed to file and pay taxes on the fraudulent income.

    As part of his conviction, he will repay the approximately $707,000 in restitution.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations; announced the guilty plea entered on May 5 before U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy S. Mangan is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Sex Offender Indicted for Attempting to Entice 11-Year-Old Child to Engage in Sexual Activity

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

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Geoffrey Lee Dudding (39, Concord, NC) with attempting to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Dudding faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Dudding is a registered child sex offender who was twice previously convicted in North Carolina – once of indecent liberty with a minor (2007) and of solicitation of a child by computer to commit an unlawful sex act (2024). 

    According to court documents, on January 13, 2025, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an undercover operation to identify individuals seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as the parent of an 11-year-old child, the UC posted several short messages in a public chatroom on an online social messaging platform (app). An individual using the name “metalh34d321,” who was subsequently identified as Dudding, contacted the UC by private text message on the app and expressed interest in the UC’s “daughter.” Dudding told the UC, “Let me know if ya ever down to let me do her.” Despite being advised several times that the “child” was 11 years old and lived in Florida, Dudding stated that he wanted to meet the “child” to “[h]ave a good time and sex.” Dudding described sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child” and sent the UC an explicit video of himself to show to the “child.”

    Dudding and the UC also communicated by cellphone text messaging. They discussed plans for Dudding to travel to Jacksonville so that he could engage in sexual activity with the “child.” Dudding told the UC that he would book a hotel room in Jacksonville.

    On May 8, 2025, Dudding was arrested by FBI agents in Concord, North Carolina. He was detained and will be transported by the United States Marshals Service to Jacksonville for prosecution in this case. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cabarrus County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gainesville Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years for Receipt of Child Pornography

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

    GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Stephen Christopher Young, 58, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 121 months imprisonment for receipt/attempted receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

    “Crimes against children are unacceptable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Spaven. “Those who seek to view and maintain child pornography facilitate the abuse of children by those who produce and profit from this illegal content. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that we aggressively prosecute these offenders.”

    In March 2024, investigators executed a federal search warrant at Young’s residence and discovered Young had been exchanging child pornography with others using various applications intended to avoid detection by using end-to-end encryption.

    Young’s prison sentence will be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $20,500 in restitution. Young will also be required to register as a sex offender and be subject to all sex offender conditions.

    “It’s crucial to prioritize the protection of children from sexual abuse,” said Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott.

    The case was investigated by Internet Crime Against Children Task Force Gainesville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith Steer and Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.

    “This case is another example of the FBI’s relentless commitment to protecting children by removing predators from our community,” said Jason Carley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville. “Let this be a lesson to others who prey on vulnerable kids; the FBI and our partners will never stop working to identify, pursue, and hold child predators accountable.”

    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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Legalization of illegal income becomes more complicated – Russia restricts transfers without opening an account

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Mainfin Bank –

    How will the transfer limit work?

    Amendments to Federal Law No. 115 will come into effect in Russia on May 30 – the previously adopted document proposes the introduction of the following restrictions:

    the limit for sending funds without opening an account, including through various money transfer systems, will be 100 thousand rubles; a similar limit will apply to wallets and accounts with simplified identification; for transfers in foreign currency, a limit equivalent to the specified amount will also be set.

    There are currently no such limits for transferring funds – if a client wants to send an amount over 15 thousand rubles, he only needs to provide passport details. With smaller amounts, the situation is even more anonymous – identification is not required for sending.

    Why is a new limit being introduced for transfers?

    The authors of the bill, which provides for a limit on transfers without identification or opening a bank account, are confident that the measure will help in the fight against money laundering and the sponsorship of terrorist activities. It will now be more difficult for criminals to send large sums – they will have to make many small transactions, which can also attract attention from jar.

    “Transfers without identification are rarely used by bona fide clients due to high fees – sending funds often requires paying 3-5%, while transactions between accounts are much more profitable,” the lawyer noted.

    Russians were reminded of the possibility of sending money from one account to another or from cards to the card – restrictions will not apply to such transactions. Moreover, the commission for interbank transfers is on average up to 1%, and you can send funds via the SBP free of charge (with a commission of 0.5% when exceeding the limits).

    15:00 05/13/2025

    Source:

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //Mainfin.ru/novosti/ Legalization-nezakonnaya-renewal-is sunk-in-Russia-restore-translates-bez-open-account-accounts

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lunenburg County — Police arrest two people from Lunenburg County for drug trafficking

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The South Shore Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit has arrested two people from Lunenburg County for drug trafficking in Lunenburg and Queens Counties.

    On May 8, police conducted a targeted traffic stop in Hebbville as part of an investigation into drug trafficking in Lunenburg and Queens Counties. Officers safely arrested a 30-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, both of Lunenburg County. A short time later, police executed a search warrant at a home on Charles Boliver Rd. in Conquerall Mills. Officers seized a quantity of cocaine, hydromorphone, cash, ammunition and mobile devices during a search of the vehicle and home.

    The woman and man were released on conditions by police to face drug trafficking charges. They are scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on August 20.

    The investigation, which is ongoing, is being led by the South Shore Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit with assistance of the Criminal Intelligence Service of Nova Scotia, Lunenburg District RCMP and the Bridgewater Police Service.

    Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

    Note: The South Shore Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit is made up of members of the Lunenburg District RCMP and Bridgewater Police Service.

    File # 2025-503339

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oklahoma Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    An Oklahoma man was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in prison for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    According to court documents, Landon Joe Black, 25, of Stilwell, was sentenced for producing CSAM featuring two child victims that he shared on the “dark web.” Black would pose as a young girl on the internet to establish relationships with children and would then direct them to create CSAM. He would then share images of his victims along with their ages, as well as other CSAM images, on the dark web. He would refer to some of his victims as “baits.” Documents found on Black’s computers included a draft how-to guide for other offenders. Black also collected detailed information about one child, including information about their family, school, and daily movements. The pictures Black produced and shared continue to circulate, causing significant ongoing harm to his victims.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Pippin for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case, with substantial assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Marek.

    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 epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 Economics: Phillips 66 Issues Statement Following Glass Lewis and ISS Reports

    Source: Phillips

    Disagrees with ISS’ and Glass Lewis’ Recommendations which Failed to Address Critical Issues Reiterates The Strength Of Phillips 66’s Highly Qualified Board And Nominees

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) today announced that it strongly disagrees with the recommendations issued by Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) and Glass Lewis & Co. (“Glass Lewis”).
    “We disagree with the recommendations issued by ISS and Glass Lewis,” said the Phillips 66 Independent Directors. “We remain committed to engaging with and listening to our shareholders on the issues in this campaign.”
    The Company notes the following issues and omissions in the reports’ analyses that remain critical factors for shareholders to consider:
    Elliott’s break-up thesis not examined: The reports did not opine on the merits of Elliott’s thesis to break up Phillips 66, which is the primary objective of Elliott’s campaign. In fact, ISS stated clearly that its report “is not an endorsement of a Midstream and/or Chemicals separation.” Supporting Elliott’s directors implicitly supports this risky path and overrides the judgment of Phillips 66’s highly qualified Board. Our Board continually evaluates the portfolio to maximize shareholder value and currently believes that the integrated model is the best path to shareholder value creation. As we always have, we remain committed to regularly and aggressively assessing these options going forward.
    Concerning assessment of director independence: By recommending against Robert Pease, the reports establish a concerning precedent on evaluating director independence.
    The reports suggest a director selected and vetted by a shareholder can be determined to lack independence after one month on the board and one vote. The single vote was for a combined CEO and Chair, a policy that is in place at 44% of S&P 500 companies.1
    This analysis disregards the fact that Mr. Pease’s vote represented his professional judgment as a 30-year corporate leader and ignores the fact that Mr. Pease was carefully evaluated for his qualifications and independence by Elliott. It also fails to apply any scrutiny to Elliott’s self-interested lack of support for its recently supported director.

    Reliance on board analysis from five years ago: ISS acknowledged that Phillips 66 has refreshed its Board substantially since July 2020. Yet, it still claimed that a lack of Board refreshment prior to the COVID-19 pandemic reflects a need for change now.
    Concerning governance overlooked: ISS and Glass Lewis disregarded Elliott’s ongoing efforts to acquire CITGO. The reports also overlook the fact that this pursuit took place concurrently with discussions of a second director appointment. Notably, neither report mentions anything about Elliott’s misleading disclosures and the overlapping relationships of its director nominees. These are unresolved issues that are highly relevant to shareholder considerations.
    Phillips 66 reiterates its commitment to ongoing transformation and governance refreshment. The Company reminds shareholders of key facts including:
    Consistent refreshment: Phillips 66 has added five new independent directors in the past four years to equip the Board with fresh perspectives and independent viewpoints. In its report, ISS acknowledged the Company’s board refreshment efforts, noting “Beginning in July 2020, the pace of board refreshment accelerated rapidly. The board appointed Julie Bushman early that month, Lisa Davis in October 2020, Denise Singleton and Doug Terreson in July 2021, and Greg Hayes in July 2022. Mark Lashier also joined in July 2022 in connection with his succession as CEO. Accompanying these appointments, Ferguson departed in August 2020, and McGraw and Tschinkel departed in March 2021.”
    Strong governance practices: The Board is firmly committed to declassification that would require all directors to stand election each year. The last attempt to do so received approval from 73% of outstanding shares.
    In its report, ISS supported Phillips 66’s declassification proposal, arguing, “The proposed declassification, assuming it can clear the supermajority hurdle, would enhance board accountability to shareholders, and the resubmission of this proposal to a vote after it failed in prior years demonstrates a commitment to shareholders’ interests on the part of management.”

    Early days in transformation strategy: ISS recognizes that Phillips 66 has improved its operating results since Mark Lashier stepped in as CEO on July 1, 2022 and achieved a total shareholder return above that of key competitors. ISS noted, “Since the appointment of Lashier as CEO through May 8, 2025, PSX has outperformed VLO by 20.9 percentage points.” Phillips 66 has made it clear that it is working to improve operations but is not satisfied with its results. In under three years, the Company has made progress on corporate cost takeout, refining performance, asset divestitures and more. These are facts recognized by the reports. These actions reflect a commitment to improvement that is continuing and will lead to further performance improvement and ultimately increased shareholder value.
    Relevant director skills: Phillips 66’s Board composition is closely aligned with the Company’s strategy and the issues raised in this campaign. Of the continuing Directors and nominees, six have refining experience, five have chemicals experience and five have midstream experience. The majority has experience in business transformations, several have expertise in finance and a number are experts in supply chains.2 Notably, the Company’s Directors and nominees have overseen more than $300 billion in “breakup or major divestiture transactions.3
    Phillips 66 encourages shareholders to reach their own informed conclusions.
    Elliott is seeking rapid, irreversible change in pursuit of a short-term thesis that would introduce significant risks to Phillips 66 shareholders. Do not let Elliott’s short-term and misinformed thesis disrupt your consistent and compelling returns.
    Phillips 66 recommends that shareholders use the WHITE proxy card to vote:
    ‘FOR’ only its four nominees using the WHITE proxy card;
    ‘FOR’ management’s proposal to approve the declassification of the Board of Directors, in line with the recommendations from ISS & Glass Lewis;
    ‘AGAINST’ Elliott’s proposal requiring annual director resignations, which implementing would violate Delaware law and put your Board at significant legal and reputational risk.
    The Board strongly recommends that shareholders safeguard their investment in Phillips 66 by casting their vote as soon as possible, regardless of plans to attend the Annual Meeting virtually on May 21, 2025.
    Shareholders may receive materials from Elliott Management that say “Gold proxy card” or “Gold voting instructions” or similar language. Phillips 66 recommends that shareholders DISCARD any Gold voting materials they may receive from Elliott. Shareholders may cancel out any vote made using a Gold proxy card by voting again TODAY using the Company’s WHITE proxy card. Only the latest-dated vote will count.
    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.
    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws relating to Phillips 66’s operations, strategy and performance. Words such as “anticipated,” “committed,” “estimated,” “expected,” “planned,” “scheduled,” “targeted,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “efforts,” “strategies” and similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date they are made. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, and you should not unduly rely on them as they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: changes in governmental policies or laws that relate to our operations, including regulations that seek to limit or restrict refining, marketing and midstream operations or regulate profits, pricing, or taxation of our products or feedstocks, or other regulations that restrict feedstock imports or product exports; our ability to timely obtain or maintain permits necessary for projects; fluctuations in NGL, crude oil, refined petroleum, renewable fuels and natural gas prices, and refining, marketing and petrochemical margins; the effects of any widespread public health crisis and its negative impact on commercial activity and demand for refined petroleum or renewable fuels products; changes to worldwide government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs including the renewable fuel standards program, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for renewable fuels; potential liability from pending or future litigation; liability for remedial actions, including removal and reclamation obligations under existing or future environmental regulations; unexpected changes in costs for constructing, modifying or operating our facilities; our ability to successfully complete, or any material delay in the completion of, any asset disposition, acquisition, shutdown or conversion that we have announced or may pursue, including receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals or permits related thereto; unexpected difficulties in manufacturing, refining or transporting our products; the level and success of drilling and production volumes around our midstream assets; risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions of actual or potential competitive suppliers and transporters of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels or specialty products; lack of, or disruptions in, adequate and reliable transportation for our products; failure to complete construction of capital projects on time or within budget; our ability to comply with governmental regulations or make capital expenditures to maintain compliance with laws; limited access to capital or significantly higher cost of capital related to illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets, which may also impact our ability to repurchase shares and declare and pay dividends; potential disruption of our operations due to accidents, weather events, including as a result of climate change, acts of terrorism or cyberattacks; general domestic and international economic and political developments, including armed hostilities (such as the Russia-Ukraine war), expropriation of assets, and other diplomatic developments; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; changes in estimates or projections used to assess fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and property and equipment and/or strategic decisions with respect to our asset portfolio that cause impairment charges; investments required, or reduced demand for products, as a result of environmental rules and regulations; changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations (including alternative energy mandates); political and societal concerns about climate change that could result in changes to our business or increase expenditures, including litigation-related expenses; the operation, financing and distribution decisions of equity affiliates we do not control; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Phillips 66’s businesses generally as set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Phillips 66 is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
    Additional Information
    On April 8, 2025, Phillips 66 filed a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the “Proxy Statement”) and accompanying WHITE proxy card with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting”) and its solicitation of proxies for Phillips 66’s director nominees and for other matters to be voted on. This communication is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement or any other document that Phillips 66 has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with any solicitation by Phillips 66. PHILLIPS 66 SHAREHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (AND ANY AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT SOLICITATION MATERIALS FILED WITH THE SEC AS THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders may obtain copies of the Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements to the Proxy Statement and other documents (including the WHITE proxy card) filed by Phillips 66 with the SEC without charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by Phillips 66 with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at Phillips 66’s investor relations website at https://investor.phillips66.com or upon written request sent to Phillips 66, 2331 CityWest Boulevard, Houston, TX 77042, Attention: Investor Relations.
    Certain Information Regarding Participants
    Phillips 66, its directors, its director nominees and certain of its executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in connection with the solicitation of proxies from Phillips 66 shareholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the names of such persons and their respective interests in Phillips 66, by securities holdings or otherwise, is available in the Proxy Statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 8, 2025, including in the sections captioned “Beneficial Ownership of Phillips 66 Securities” and “Appendix C: Supplemental Information Regarding Participants in the Solicitation.” To the extent that Phillips 66’s directors and executive officers who may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation have acquired or disposed of securities holdings since the applicable “as of” date disclosed in the Proxy Statement, such transactions have been or will be reflected on Statements of Changes in Ownership of Securities on Form 4 or Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3 filed with the SEC. These documents are or will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
    1. Matthew Tonello, “2023 Disclosure Practices on Board Leadership and Structure,” Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance, May 12, 2025, https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2024/01/18/2023-disclosure-practices-on-board-leadership-and-structure/.2. Source: Company filings, public filings.3. Source: Deal Point Data, Reuters, FactSet, Financial Times, RBC Capital Markets.

    Source: Phillips 66

    MIL OSI Economics –