NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fourth Member of Chicago Carjacking and Robbery Crew Sentenced to Federal Prison

    Source: US FBI

    CHICAGO — A man who committed multiple carjackings and robberies in Chicago, including carjacking a vehicle with an infant in the back seat, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

    DWIGHT HASBERRY, 32, of Chicago, and three others engaged in a series of carjackings and robberies in the overnight hours of Sept. 28 and 29, 2022.  The defendants have been in law enforcement custody since 2022.  On July 10, 2025, U.S. District Judge Manish Shah sentenced Hasberry to 15 years in federal prison.  Earlier this year, Judge Shah sentenced the three other members of the carjacking and robbery crew—DAMANDRE HENLEY, TYLER OATES-NELSON, and DAVARIO MCDOWELL, all of Chicago—to prison terms ranging from 15 to 22 years.

    The sentences were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.

    The carjacking involving the infant occurred late on the evening of Sept. 28, 2022, when the four men carjacked a Volkswagen Tiguan SUV in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood.  Henley, Hasberry, and McDowell pointed guns at the driver and the infant in a rear car seat and ordered them out of the vehicle. The driver removed the infant from the car before Henley, Hasberry, and McDowell got into the Volkswagen SUV and drove away.

    A short time later, the four men, now all traveling in the stolen SUV, drove to Chicago’s Ravenswood Manor neighborhood, where Henley, McDowell, and Hasberry robbed one victim at gunpoint of their cell phone, wallet, and keys, and another victim of their backpack.

    The crew then robbed a nearby 7-Eleven convenience store.  With Oates-Nelson waiting in the stolen SUV, Henley, McDowell, and Hasberry entered the store carrying guns.  Henley used his gun to strike a store clerk in the head while forcing him to open the cash register.  The defendants fled the store with cash, cigarettes, and liquor bottles.

    “Defendant’s crimes terrorized innocent Chicagoans and showed a complete disregard for human life, for societal norms, and for the law,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Elie Zenner argued in the government’s memorandum filed with the Court ahead of Hasberry’s sentencing hearing. “Robberies scare away businesses and ruin neighborhoods.  Carjackings like those here not only leave the victims scarred and perhaps looking for new places to live and new jobs, but they impact the sense of safety and security for all Chicagoans.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Louisiana Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unauthorized Archaeological Digging of Arrowheads and Illegal Possession of a Firearm

    Source: US FBI

    ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Roy Everett Jordan, Jr., 57, of Georgetown, Louisiana, has been sentenced for the unauthorized removal of archaeological resources and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. United States District Judge Dee D. Drell sentenced Jordan to 24 months in prison for the archeological crime, and another 6 months in prison for the firearm possession, for a total of 30 months in prison. After release from prison, Jordan will be on supervised release for 2 years. 

    Jordan was convicted by a federal jury in March of these offenses. Evidence at the trial revealed that U.S. Forest Service agents learned in 2022 that there had been unauthorized digging at four Native American archaeological sites in the Kisatchie National Forest in the Grant Parish, Louisiana. The digging had been done in places where arrowheads and other human-altered stones were known to be present. Through their investigation, agents obtained photo evidence of Jordan being in the area where the digging was taking place. Just a few hours after photo evidence was taken of him conducting unauthorized digging, Jordan made a post on social media about a find that he had made that day in that location and the piece of pottery he found. 

    A search warrant was obtained for Jordan’s residence and upon execution of that warrant, agents found numerous arrowheads and pottery shards. A table covered in a camouflage cloth was found which matched the photo Jordan had posted on social media. In addition, there was an outbuilding/shed on the property that was full of Jordan’s belongings and numerous arrowheads and pottery shards in multiple places. Agents found clothing in the shed that matched what Jordan had worn in the photo evidence that was obtained by law enforcement agents. In addition, agents found and seized a loaded ISSC semi-automatic .22 caliber pistol. Jordan has three prior felony convictions prohibiting him from possessing any firearm or ammunition. 

    The case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police and Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William C. Gaskins.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Officers and Louisiana Business Owner Indicted on Charges of Bribery, Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud, and Mail Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook,  Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Eric Delaune, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, announced that a federal grand jury in the Western District of Louisiana has returned an indictment charging five individuals, including law enforcement officers and a central Louisiana business owner, with conspiracy and fraud charges. Those charged in the indictment and a list of their charges are as follows:

    Defendant Name Charges
    Chandrakant Patel a/k/a “Lala,” of Oakdale, LA

    Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count)

    Bribery (1 count)

    Mail Fraud (24 counts)

    Money Laundering (8 counts)
    Chad Doyle, Chief of Police for the City of Oakdale, LA

    Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count)

    Visa Fraud (6 counts)

    Mail Fraud (6 counts)

    Money Laundering (1 count)
    Michael Slaney a/k/a “Freck,” Marshal of the Ward 5 Marshal’s Office in Oakdale, LA

    Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count)

    Visa Fraud (6 counts)

    Mail Fraud (6 counts)

    Money Laundering (2 counts)
    Glynn Dixon, Chief of Police for the City of Forest Hill, LA

    Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count)

    Visa Fraud (6 counts)

    Mail Fraud (6 counts)

    Money Laundering (1 count)
    Tebo Onishea, former Chief of Police for the City of Glenmora, LA

    Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count)

    Visa Fraud (6 counts)

    Mail Fraud (6 counts)

    The 62-count indictment alleges that from on or about December 26, 2015, and continuing until at least July 15, 2025, Patel, Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, and Onishea conspired together to commit Visa fraud, namely a nonimmigrant U-Visa, which defendants knew to be procured by means of false claims and statements and otherwise procured by fraud and unlawfully obtained by the defendants.

    The indictment alleges that Patel, Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, Onishea, and others, authored, facilitated, produced and authenticated false police reports in several central Louisiana parishes. Each report listed several victims of purported armed robberies in the central Louisiana area and the defendants produced false police reports so that the purported victims of the robberies could apply for U-Visas. 

    Congress created the U nonimmigrant status (“U-Visa”) with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in October 2000. The legislation was intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crime while also protecting victims of crimes who are willing to help law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. Foreign nationals are eligible for a U-Visa if they meet certain criteria, including but not limited to, if they were a victim of qualifying criminal activity that occurred in or violated laws of the U.S., or possessed information about the criminal activity. Qualifying crime victims could apply for U-Visa status by submitting a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status; a Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification (“I-918B”) (requires signature of an authorized official of a certifying law enforcement agency confirmation that individual was a victim of a qualifying crime); and evidence to establish each eligibility requirement. 

    The indictment alleges that as part of this conspiracy to defraud, individuals seeking U-Visas (“aliens”) would contact Patel, or another facilitator who would then contact Patel, to be named as “victims” in police reports alleging that an armed robbery had occurred, so that they could submit applications for U-Visas. The indictment also alleges that aliens paid Patel thousands of dollars to participate, and in exchange, Patel would ask his co-conspirators, including Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, and Onishea, to write false police reports naming the Aliens as victims of alleged armed robberies and provide certification and attestation of U-Visa I-918B supporting documents as representatives of their respective law enforcement agencies.

    It is also alleged in the indictment that Patel did corruptly give, offer, and agree to pay an agent of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office the sum of $5,000 on February 18, 2025, intending to influence and reward said agent in exchange for a fraudulent police report from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

    The indictment further alleges that from approximately September 27, 2023 until December 26, 2024, Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, and Onishea did knowingly submit false statements with respect to material facts in immigration applications by signing I-918B forms as certifying officials stating that individuals were cooperating victims of crimes, which statements the defendants knew to be false and that the individuals were never victims of the crimes alleged in the I-918B forms. 

    In addition, the indictment alleges that for the purpose of executing the above-described scheme and artifice to defraud, Patel, Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, and Onishea did commit mail fraud by knowingly placing or causing to be placed in an authorized depository for mail matter, to be sent and delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, a private interstate carrier, or a commercial interstate carrier false Form I-918B created and submitted to USCIS.

    Also included in the indictment are money laundering charges and forfeiture allegations against each defendant seeking forfeiture of various bank accounts, real property, and vehicles. 

    If convicted, the defendants each face a sentence of up to 5 years in prison on the conspiracy charge; up to 10 years on the visa fraud charges; up to 20 years on the mail fraud charge; and Patel faces up to 10 years on the bribery charge. In addition, they could be ordered to pay a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. 

    This case is being investigated and prosecuted by the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The case is being investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services – Fraud Detection and National Security Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John W. Nickel and Danny Siefker.

     An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Members of MS-13 Clique Indicted on Racketeering Conspiracy in Connection with Three Murders in Baltimore

    Source: US FBI

    Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland unsealed an indictment, charging four members of the Centrales Locos Salvatruchas (CLS) clique of MS-13 in Baltimore, with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act Conspiracy.

    This marks the second indictment the Office unsealed this week in connection with MS-13 RICO Act conspiracy activity. On July 15, three other MS-13 members were indicted on RICO Act conspiracy charges in connection with murdering a homeless man and drug trafficking in Prince George’s County.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the CLS indictment with Ivan J. Bates, State’s Attorney for Baltimore City; Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).

    According to the indictment, beginning in at least 2023, the defendants engaged in a racketeering conspiracy as members of MS-13 CLS. They committed multiple murders, engaged in drug distribution, and extorted victims.

    In late November 2023, Eliseo Alexander Lopez Alvarez, 23, of El Salvador, aka “10,” “Zorro,” and “Terrible;” Olvin Josue Posas Alvarenga, 23, of Honduras, aka “Elevado;” and other CLS members used a fake Instagram account, purporting to be a female, to lure a victim to a wooded area in southeast Baltimore where they murdered the victim. Additionally, in March 2024, Kevin Cuestas, 20, of Honduras, aka “Mickey” and “Gemelo,” and another CLS member, shot and killed a victim on a southeast Baltimore street before fleeing in a getaway car. Then in April 2024, Josue Anibal Guerra Ramos, 20, of Honduras, aka “Flaco,” and another CLS member, shot two victims on a southeast Baltimore street, killing one of them. All four defendants also conspired to distribute marijuana to raise funds for CLS, and CLS members extorted individuals by threatening to use force, violence, and fear.

    The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, BPD, and DPSCS for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. O’Donohue III and Kenneth S. Clark who are prosecuting the case, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for their assistance throughout the investigation.

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

    Additionally, this operation is part of Summer Heat, the FBI’s nationwide initiative targeting violent crime during the summer months. As part of this effort, the FBI has launched a multi-pronged offensive to crush violent crime. By surging resources alongside state and local partners, executing federal warrants on violent criminals and fugitives, and dismantling violent gangs nationwide, we are aggressively restoring safety in our communities across the country.

    Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement.  The FBI and HSI both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know.  You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three MS-13 Members Charged with RICO Conspiracy Involving Murder

    Source: US FBI

    Greenbelt, Maryland – Three men, who are alleged members and associates of the notorious gang La Mara Salvatrucha — commonly known as MS-13 — have made their initial appearance in the District of Maryland. The men are charged for their roles in a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) conspiracy, including murder and drug trafficking.

    According to court documents, on July 4, 2024, Maxwell Ariel Quijano-Casco, 24, of El Salvador; Daniel Isaias Villanueva-Bautista, 19, of El Salvador; and Josue Mauricio Lainez, 21, of Hyattsville, Maryland, allegedly killed a homeless man in connection with their involvement with MS-13. Then on July 5, a passerby called 911 after discovering the deceased victim sitting in a blue 2008 Dodge Caravan parked in a used-car lot in Hyattsville, Maryland.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Assistant Director Jose A. Perez, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Criminal Investigative Division; and Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

    As outlined in court documents, upon arrival, law enforcement located the deceased victim, who appeared to have been stabbed in the neck.  Investigators arrived on scene and obtained video surveillance from a neighboring business that captured the incident.  The surveillance video shows that on July 4, at approximately 11:35 p.m., Quijano-Casco and another person approached the victim on foot. The homeless victim then wielded what appears to be a metal pole at Quijano-Casco. Then Quijano-Casco and the other person fled on foot and the homeless victim returned to the blue Dodge Caravan.

    Approximately 15 minutes later, Quijano-Casco returned with co-defendants Villanueva-Bautista and Lainez, along with another person. At approximately 11:48 p.m., video surveillance shows that all four perpetrators approached the blue Dodge Caravan. Then Quijano-Casco, Villanueva-Bautista, Lainez, and an unnamed person opened the van’s rear sliding driver’s side door, reached inside, and exhibited movements as if they were striking someone. The victim did not exit the blue Dodge Caravan after the attack.

    “The brutal retaliatory murder of this victim is a chilling reminder of the MS-13 gang’s callous disregard for human life,” Hayes said.  “Those who assault and kill others must be brought to justice and ultimately held accountable for their actions.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland will continue to work relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent criminal organizations that terrorize our communities.” 

    “MS-13 is an especially brutal gang,” Galeotti said. “Instead of simply walking away from an altercation with a homeless man, defendants returned to the scene and allegedly murdered the victim while he was sitting calmly inside a vehicle. Bringing those who commit violent crime to justice is one of the highest priories for the Criminal Division, and we will continue to work to make our communities secure.” 

    “The FBI and our partners are committed to using every tool available to prevent violent criminals from terrorizing the communities they live in,” Perez said. “We will not let up. We will relentlessly pursue those who engage in violent activity like murder and drug trafficking until they are held accountable.”

    On August 23, PGPD arrested Quijano-Casco and Villanueva-Bautista. At the time of his arrest, Quijano-Casco possessed a black Ruger P95DC semi-automatic handgun and approximately eight grams of cocaine. Quijano-Caso and Villanueva admitted that they were present for the altercation that resulted in the homeless man’s death. Additionally, Quijano-Casco admitted to stabbing the individual but claimed he did so in self-defense.

    Quijano-Casco, Villanueva-Bautista, and Lainez are all charged with RICO conspiracy, including the July 4, murder. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

    Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and PGPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Crespo and William Moomau, along with the Department of Justice Trial Attorney Christina Taylor, who are prosecuting the federal case. 

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

    Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement.  The FBI and HSI both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know.  You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Drug Trafficking Organization That Distributed Controlled Substances Shaped to Resemble Candy Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: US FBI

    An estimated eight million individual doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder seized during the investigation

    BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) on the North Shore of Massachusetts. In November 2023, millions of doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder with street value estimated to be over $7 million, were seized from a stash location and clandestine laboratory used by organization.

    Deiby Felix, 41, of Lynn, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In February 2025, Felix pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to manufacture and distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and other controlled substances; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Felix was arrested and charged along with Emilio Garcia and Sebastien Bejin in November 2023.

    In July 2023, an investigation into an overdose death in Salem led investigators to a DTO led by Felix, Bejin and Garcia. On Nov. 1, 2023, searches were conducted at four locations in Lynn that resulted in what is believed to be one of the largest single-location seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Massachusetts and the region. The seizure included nine kilograms (20 pounds) of pink heart shaped fentanyl-laced pills pressed to look like candy. Additional narcotics and five firearms were also seized. During the course of the investigation over 75 kilograms (198 pounds) of fentanyl and methamphetamine was seized, along with multiple additional kilograms of cocaine and dozens of kilograms of cutting agents, including xylazine, that is used to adulterate controlled substances.

    In total, an estimated eight million individual doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder was seized. The street value is believed to be upwards of $8 million.

    Searches of Felix’s residence resulted in the seizure of more than three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of pressed pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, a firearm and a clandestine drug laboratory that had been built into a small room in the basement. Multiple industrial pill presses, mixing equipment and other manufacturing paraphernalia and equipment were also recovered.

    Bejin was sentenced in May 2025 to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In May 2025, Garcia was sentenced to 18 years in prison, to be followed five years of supervised release.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the Lynn, Lynnfield and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Trinitarios Leader Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    BOSTON – The former leader of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios was sentenced today in federal court in Boston on RICO conspiracy charges.

    Aaron Diaz Liranzo, a/k/a “Sosa,” 26, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Nathaniel M. Gorton to 14 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In March 2025, Diaz Liranzo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. Diaz Liranzo was arrested and charged in February 2025 at which time he was the Leader of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios. 

    The Trinitarios is a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Trinitarios adhere to a Magna Carta, employ an internal hierarchy to or organize and execute violence, and undertaken extensive efforts to maintain the secrecy of the organization and its members.  

    In February 2025, federal racketeering charges were unsealed against 22 leaders and members of the Trinitarios. The charges were the result of a multi-jurisdictional investigation, which began in the aftermath of four murders as well as a series of attempted murders and shootings that took place in Lynn in 2023, allegedly committed by the Trinitarios criminal enterprise and its members.

    During a period from at least 2021 through 2025, Diaz Liranzo served as the Primera or Number One of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios. Diaz Liranzo admitted to participating in a shooting that took place in March 2019 that targeted multiple rival gang members outside of a Lynn nightclub. The victims were lured there by another member, who posed as a woman who needed a ride. Equipped with a firearm and knowledge of the victim’s whereabouts and vehicle they were driving, the defendant travelled to the nightclub and opened fire on the vehicle, discharging at least six rounds. During the incident, Diaz Liranzo shot two of the three victims seated in the car. Both victims suffered life-threatening injuries, but ultimately survived the incident.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble; and Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office; the Rockingham County District Attorney’s Office (NH); and the Andover, Boston, Lawrence, Peabody and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wilbraham Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Public Officials, Private Individuals, and Children

    Source: US FBI

    BOSTON – A Wilbraham man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. to making numerous violent threats on social media targeting public figures, private individuals, children in Wilbraham and Boston, and an elementary school in Springfield.

    Funwayo Mbilini Nyawo, also known as “Jonathan Funwayo Nyawo,” “Michael Jacobs” “Robert, Jacobs,” and “Carl Fields,” 37, pleaded guilty to 13 counts of interstate transmission of threatening communications and one count of stalking through facilities of interstate commerce. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Oct. 23, 2025. In March 2025, Nyawo was indicted by a federal grand jury. Nyawo was previously arrested on Feb. 5, 2025 in the Southern District of Florida and ordered detained until his appearance in federal court in Springfield, which will be scheduled at a later date.

    Between July 30, 2024 and Oct. 1, 2024, Nyawo posted various threatening communications on X (formerly known as Twitter). These threats explicitly referenced killing, shooting, or bombing; targeted a wide variety of public figures, private individuals and sensitive public locations such as shopping malls and an elementary school; and often urged Islamic terrorist groups or holy warriors to commit these acts of violence.

    Nyawo’s threats included threats to kill an elected United States official (and their family), a former United States official (and their family); a former member of a Massachusetts police department (and their family); two private individuals; local officials and their family members; the children of Wilbraham and Boston; members of the Wilbraham Police Department and Wilbraham Fire Department (and their families); and targeted two shopping malls and an elementary school in Springfield, among others.

    In addition, between Aug. 17, 2024 and on or about Oct. 1, 2024, Nyawo used X to engage in a course of conduct with the intent to harass and intimidate the elected United States official, their spouse, their child, their child’s spouse and their grandchildren.

    All of the charges provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and J. Thomas Manger of the United States Capital Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Wilbraham Police Department, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department and the Miami-Dade Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wilbraham Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Public Officials, Private Individuals, and Children

    Source: US FBI

    BOSTON – A Wilbraham man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. to making numerous violent threats on social media targeting public figures, private individuals, children in Wilbraham and Boston, and an elementary school in Springfield.

    Funwayo Mbilini Nyawo, also known as “Jonathan Funwayo Nyawo,” “Michael Jacobs” “Robert, Jacobs,” and “Carl Fields,” 37, pleaded guilty to 13 counts of interstate transmission of threatening communications and one count of stalking through facilities of interstate commerce. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Oct. 23, 2025. In March 2025, Nyawo was indicted by a federal grand jury. Nyawo was previously arrested on Feb. 5, 2025 in the Southern District of Florida and ordered detained until his appearance in federal court in Springfield, which will be scheduled at a later date.

    Between July 30, 2024 and Oct. 1, 2024, Nyawo posted various threatening communications on X (formerly known as Twitter). These threats explicitly referenced killing, shooting, or bombing; targeted a wide variety of public figures, private individuals and sensitive public locations such as shopping malls and an elementary school; and often urged Islamic terrorist groups or holy warriors to commit these acts of violence.

    Nyawo’s threats included threats to kill an elected United States official (and their family), a former United States official (and their family); a former member of a Massachusetts police department (and their family); two private individuals; local officials and their family members; the children of Wilbraham and Boston; members of the Wilbraham Police Department and Wilbraham Fire Department (and their families); and targeted two shopping malls and an elementary school in Springfield, among others.

    In addition, between Aug. 17, 2024 and on or about Oct. 1, 2024, Nyawo used X to engage in a course of conduct with the intent to harass and intimidate the elected United States official, their spouse, their child, their child’s spouse and their grandchildren.

    All of the charges provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and J. Thomas Manger of the United States Capital Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Wilbraham Police Department, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department and the Miami-Dade Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon Sentenced for Florissant Bank Robbery

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Tuesday sentenced a man who robbed a Florissant bank in 2022 and fired a gun at a witness to 138 months in prison.

    Jeffery Alexander, 64, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis February to one count of bank robbery, one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted robbing a bank in the 1000 block of North Highway 67 on April 13, 2022.

    During the robbery, Alexander pointed a handgun at employees and demanded that a teller put money in a bag. He was wearing a dark rain poncho, a mask and blue nitrile gloves.

    A witness saw the robbery and followed Alexander, who fired a shot at the witness’ vehicle so he could get away. Police quickly found Alexander in a neighborhood about two miles away, sitting in his Dodge Ram with the money from the robbery, his disguise and his Hi-Point .40-caliber pistol.

    Alexander is a convicted felon, having been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a 1981-armed robbery in Illinois and 55 years for a second armed robbery conviction there.

    The case was investigated by the Florissant Police Department and the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley M. Walker prosecuted the case.   

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 419, Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 419 would reauthorize the appropriation of $7.5 million annually over the 2025-2029 period for the Department of Justice to make grants to state and local law enforcement agencies and other organizations to provide family support and mental health services to law enforcement personnel. Under current law, the authorization for those grants expired at the end of 2024.

    Based on historical spending patterns for similar programs, CBO estimates that implementing S. 419 would cost $35 million over the 2025-2030 period, and an additional $3 million after 2030, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Jeremy Crimm. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 1316, Strong Communities Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 1316 would amend the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to permit the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award competitive grants to local law enforcement agencies for training programs for their recruits and officers. To be eligible, recruits and officers would need to serve in a local law enforcement agency within seven miles of their residence, or within 20 miles if they live in a county with fewer than 150,000 people, for at least four of the eight years after they complete the training program. The bill would require officers or recruits to repay the training costs if they do not meet the service requirements. Lastly, the bill would require DOJ to report to the Congress annually on the grants it awards under the bill.

    Most underlying authorizations for the COPS program expired in 2009. The Congress has continued to provide funding for the program and provided $417 million for the program in 2025. In this estimate, CBO is estimating the cost of the amounts necessary to implement the new activities specified in the bill and not the cost of reauthorizing the COPS program.

    Using information from DOJ about awards in recent years under the COPS program, CBO expects that about 40 law local law enforcement agencies would receive grants each year under the bill, with an average of five recruits or officers per agency. On average, CBO estimates that it costs about $25,000 to train a recruit or officer. On that basis and based on the historical spending pattern for the program, CBO estimates that implementing the grant program would cost $10 million over the 2025-2030 period. CBO expects that the reporting requirement would cost less than $500,000 over the same period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Jeremy Crimm. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas First-Degree Murder Suspect Captured in Memphis by U.S. Marshals

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Memphis, TN – On July 17, 2025, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) captured Arkansas murder suspect Travis Boyd, 30, in Memphis, Tennessee.

    On November 8, 2024, Orlando Garza was shot and killed after exiting a casino in West Memphis, AR. An arrest warrant was issued in Crittenden County, Arkansas, charging Travis Boyd with First-Degree Murder.

    On December 2, 2024, the case was adopted by the USMS Eastern Arkansas Fugitive Task Force. When the investigation indicated that Boyd was hiding out in the Memphis area, the USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task (TRVFTF) in Memphis was requested to assist.

    Today, Investigators with the TRVTF developed information and went to a residence in the 3900 block of Watkins in Memphis to search for Boyd. He was located and taken into custody without incident. He is being held at the Shelby County Jail awaiting extradition back to Arkansas.

    The U.S. Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby, Fayette, Tipton, and Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 3,000 violent offenders and sexual predators.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Behind bars, not beyond rights: UN Peacekeeping & the Nelson Mandela Rules

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    Written by Maya Kelly, a Strategic Communications Consultant and Social Media Coordinator for the UN Department of Peace Operations. She has a background in media, communications, technoculture, and education policy

    Human rights belong to everyone – including prisoners.  

    Nelson Mandela once said, “A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but rather its lowest ones.” Imprisoned for 27 years under apartheid, the late president of South Africa saw firsthand the injustices faced behind bars. He spent his life advocating for the fair and human treatment of all people, including prisoners. 

    His fight continues today. Around the world, prisons hold individuals convicted of violent or non-violent offences, political prisoners, juveniles, and pre-trial detainees held for months or years without any conviction – and who accounted for nearly a third of the world’s 11.5 million prison population as of 2022. 

    In many places, these prisoners’ rights are still not upheld. Many are subjected to violence. Many are denied humane treatment, clean water, adequate food, proper sanitation, healthcare, and legal protections. Overincarceration, overcrowding, underfunding, poor conditions and the serious neglect of prison services threaten the lives of prisoners, the safety of communities, and the global community’s efforts to advance human rights, sustainable development, and peace. 

    The Nelson Mandela Rules, adopted by the UN General Assembly 10 years ago, seek to change this by establishing minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners. In the countries where we operate, UN peacekeeping helps host governments put these rules into practice in countries like South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Kosovo*. Our efforts protect the rights of detainees, improve the safety and security of communities, and help advance sustainable peace in regions affected by conflict.

    What are the Nelson Mandela Rules?

    The UN first adopted rules for the treatment of prisoners in 1955. They were not updated again until 2015, when after five years of revisions, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the revised United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners – known today as the Nelson Mandela Rules.  

    The new resolution was named to honour the legacy of Mandela’s lifelong struggle for global human rights, equality, democracy, and the promotion of a culture of peace. 

    The Nelson Mandela Rules are the universally recognized blueprint for effective and humane prison management in the 21st century.

    While there are 122 rules in total, they are guided by a set of key principles, which seek to create prison systems that ensure humane treatment for prisoners and help prevent repeat offences:

    1. Humane treatment: Every prisoner is a human being whose rights and dignity must be respected. This includes protection from torture and from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, and the right to food, water, and medical attention.
    2. Non-discrimination: The rules should be applied equally and without discrimination based on race, gender, language, religion, sexuality or another other status.
    3. Normalisation: Life in prison should be as similar as possible to life in the wider community, with access to resources and regular family contact, to support reintegration and deter repeat offences.
    4. Safety and security: Prisons should provide a safe and secure environment for prisoners, prison staff, service providers and visitors, including protecting prisoners from violence.
    5. Tailored rehabilitation: Rehabilitation opportunities, including education and vocational training, should meet prisoners’ individual needs to prepare them to live a law-abiding and self-supporting life upon release. Rehabilitation reduces the likelihood of repeat offences upon prisoners’ release. 

    Ensuring prisons meet these standards protects the prisoners and personnel inside and improves the safety of surrounding communities.

    Why are the Mandela Rules Important?

    When the Nelson Mandela Rules are applied, we’re all better off: the rules improve both prisoner and community safety and security.

    Humane, rehabilitative prisons lower reoffending rates upon release, improving public safety. Overcrowding and poor sanitation in prisons accelerates the spread of disease, threatening the health of inmates and the wider community. Improving prison health protects public health. Incarceration disrupts families and communities for generations, while prison alternatives and maintained family contact during incarceration leads to stronger social and community cohesion. Incarceration is not only expensive for governments but has long lasting economic costs for families and communities who lose economic potential. 

    While the Mandela Rules establish the minimum standards in countries where United Nations peace operations are present, chronic underfunding, overcrowding, and outdated infrastructure severely limit governments’ abilities to meet even the most basic standards of detention. If left unchecked, prisons become breeding grounds for communicable disease, violence, and radicalization with social, economic and political costs that are felt well beyond the prison walls. We, therefore, work together with national authorities and partners to implement and uphold the Mandela Rules in prisons in some of the world’s toughest conflict environments.

    How UN Peacekeeping helps countries put the Mandela Rules into practice

    UN Peacekeeping deploys Justice and Corrections experts to improve how prisons are run, support programs that help prisoners reintegrate into society, and train national prison staff to strengthen justice for prisoners and wider community members.

    We support host governments implement the Nelson Mandela Rules, building safer, fairer prisons that respect human rights, reduce the risk of violence and radicalization, and strengthen public trust in justice institutions. These are key foundations for building lasting peace, security, and stability in conflict and post-conflict settings.

    In prisons in South Sudan, climate shocks, regional conflict, stalled imports and overcrowding in prisons mean that prisoners do not have enough to eat. The peacekeeping mission UNMISS is working with the Food and Agriculture Association (FAO) to train inmates in agriculture and let them grow food on “prison farms” to supply the prisons. The results have been transformative: food insecurity has been reduced, and prisoners have gained vocational skills that give them hope for their futures. “This farm helps us produce food, gives us the physical exercise we need, but above all, gives us hope for rebuilding our lives once we finish our sentences,” says Jakor Kuron, an inmate.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Behind bars, not beyond rights: UN Peacekeeping & the Nelson Mandela Rules

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    Written by Maya Kelly, a Strategic Communications Consultant and Social Media Coordinator for the UN Department of Peace Operations. She has a background in media, communications, technoculture, and education policy

    Human rights belong to everyone – including prisoners.  

    Nelson Mandela once said, “A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but rather its lowest ones.” Imprisoned for 27 years under apartheid, the late president of South Africa saw firsthand the injustices faced behind bars. He spent his life advocating for the fair and human treatment of all people, including prisoners. 

    His fight continues today. Around the world, prisons hold individuals convicted of violent or non-violent offences, political prisoners, juveniles, and pre-trial detainees held for months or years without any conviction – and who accounted for nearly a third of the world’s 11.5 million prison population as of 2022. 

    In many places, these prisoners’ rights are still not upheld. Many are subjected to violence. Many are denied humane treatment, clean water, adequate food, proper sanitation, healthcare, and legal protections. Overincarceration, overcrowding, underfunding, poor conditions and the serious neglect of prison services threaten the lives of prisoners, the safety of communities, and the global community’s efforts to advance human rights, sustainable development, and peace. 

    The Nelson Mandela Rules, adopted by the UN General Assembly 10 years ago, seek to change this by establishing minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners. In the countries where we operate, UN peacekeeping helps host governments put these rules into practice in countries like South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Kosovo*. Our efforts protect the rights of detainees, improve the safety and security of communities, and help advance sustainable peace in regions affected by conflict.

    What are the Nelson Mandela Rules?

    The UN first adopted rules for the treatment of prisoners in 1955. They were not updated again until 2015, when after five years of revisions, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the revised United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners – known today as the Nelson Mandela Rules.  

    The new resolution was named to honour the legacy of Mandela’s lifelong struggle for global human rights, equality, democracy, and the promotion of a culture of peace. 

    The Nelson Mandela Rules are the universally recognized blueprint for effective and humane prison management in the 21st century.

    While there are 122 rules in total, they are guided by a set of key principles, which seek to create prison systems that ensure humane treatment for prisoners and help prevent repeat offences:

    1. Humane treatment: Every prisoner is a human being whose rights and dignity must be respected. This includes protection from torture and from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, and the right to food, water, and medical attention.
    2. Non-discrimination: The rules should be applied equally and without discrimination based on race, gender, language, religion, sexuality or another other status.
    3. Normalisation: Life in prison should be as similar as possible to life in the wider community, with access to resources and regular family contact, to support reintegration and deter repeat offences.
    4. Safety and security: Prisons should provide a safe and secure environment for prisoners, prison staff, service providers and visitors, including protecting prisoners from violence.
    5. Tailored rehabilitation: Rehabilitation opportunities, including education and vocational training, should meet prisoners’ individual needs to prepare them to live a law-abiding and self-supporting life upon release. Rehabilitation reduces the likelihood of repeat offences upon prisoners’ release. 

    Ensuring prisons meet these standards protects the prisoners and personnel inside and improves the safety of surrounding communities.

    Why are the Mandela Rules Important?

    When the Nelson Mandela Rules are applied, we’re all better off: the rules improve both prisoner and community safety and security.

    Humane, rehabilitative prisons lower reoffending rates upon release, improving public safety. Overcrowding and poor sanitation in prisons accelerates the spread of disease, threatening the health of inmates and the wider community. Improving prison health protects public health. Incarceration disrupts families and communities for generations, while prison alternatives and maintained family contact during incarceration leads to stronger social and community cohesion. Incarceration is not only expensive for governments but has long lasting economic costs for families and communities who lose economic potential. 

    While the Mandela Rules establish the minimum standards in countries where United Nations peace operations are present, chronic underfunding, overcrowding, and outdated infrastructure severely limit governments’ abilities to meet even the most basic standards of detention. If left unchecked, prisons become breeding grounds for communicable disease, violence, and radicalization with social, economic and political costs that are felt well beyond the prison walls. We, therefore, work together with national authorities and partners to implement and uphold the Mandela Rules in prisons in some of the world’s toughest conflict environments.

    How UN Peacekeeping helps countries put the Mandela Rules into practice

    UN Peacekeeping deploys Justice and Corrections experts to improve how prisons are run, support programs that help prisoners reintegrate into society, and train national prison staff to strengthen justice for prisoners and wider community members.

    We support host governments implement the Nelson Mandela Rules, building safer, fairer prisons that respect human rights, reduce the risk of violence and radicalization, and strengthen public trust in justice institutions. These are key foundations for building lasting peace, security, and stability in conflict and post-conflict settings.

    In prisons in South Sudan, climate shocks, regional conflict, stalled imports and overcrowding in prisons mean that prisoners do not have enough to eat. The peacekeeping mission UNMISS is working with the Food and Agriculture Association (FAO) to train inmates in agriculture and let them grow food on “prison farms” to supply the prisons. The results have been transformative: food insecurity has been reduced, and prisoners have gained vocational skills that give them hope for their futures. “This farm helps us produce food, gives us the physical exercise we need, but above all, gives us hope for rebuilding our lives once we finish our sentences,” says Jakor Kuron, an inmate.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson on Squawk Box: This is the Beginning of a Great Run for America

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    WASHINGTON — This morning, following House passage of landmark crypto legislation and the first spending rescission in 25 years, Speaker Johnson joined CNBC’s Squawk Box to discuss how the House Republican economic agenda is delivering for American families.

    Watch the full interview here

    On the pocketbook benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill:

    The reason we named it the One Big Beautiful Bill is because there’s so much in it for everyone. And I’m delighted to hear the former HUD Secretary sing the praises of the bill. There are a lot of praises to sing, and everyone will be singing that tune, and certainly the voters will when they come to the midterms in 2026. And the reason for that is because we wrote this bill for the lower- and middle-class earners in America. We’re the working-class party, the Republican Party is, and we delivered for them. And it’s important to point out, all the Democrats in Congress voted against all those great provisions.

    You’re talking about historic tax cuts, historic savings at the same time. But what it means for the typical family in America, an additional average $13,000 in their pocket at the end of the year in take home pay, you’re talking about the child tax credit. 91% of Americans will benefit from the increase that we did there. Seniors got tax relief, no tax on tips and overtime, things that are really going to mean a lot to people, and it’s going to be jet fuel the US economy. You’re beginning to see just the enthusiasm that the passage of the bill has sparked. This is the beginning of a great run for America. President Trump called me early this morning, we were doing a victory lap together on the phone about the passage of the rescission bill late here last night. And he said, Mike, we’re just winning. We’re going to continue to win. This is a great moment for America. I said, sir, it’s historic and there’s much more to come.

    On Jerome Powell’s job as Fed Chairman:

    I’m as anxious to see how that plays out as you are. I will tell you that the sentiment here, my opinion is that we should reduce interest rates. The American economy is hot, and we have so many good things going on. We’re delivering over and over. The Republican majority here for the American people, not just the One Big Beautiful Bill, not just with the rescissions package that we passed last night, clawing back with $9 billion of wasted taxpayer funds…the sectors of the economy right now that are giving us the most concern is, as the president has discussed, home ownership, you know, you’ve got a lot of young people and people of all ages who are having a hard time getting into the real estate market because they can’t afford the interest rates on a home. And it affects purchases of automobiles and all large ticket items. If you reduce that, I don’t say slash interest rates but do something that’s meaningful to get that humming again, because that will last. It’ll have a lasting effect. And if you combine that with the other things that are happening, I think we’ll have the greatest economy in the history of the world.

    On House Republicans pushing for maximum transparency regarding the Epstein Files:

    I believe in maximum transparency. And so does President Trump, and that’s what he said. He says it many different ways. Many different times. But we want all credible evidence to be put out there for the American people. Reagan used to remind us to trust the American people. They’re smarter than anybody gives them credit for. And I believe people can draw their own conclusions about that, but they have to have the documents. Now, at the same time, I think the interest here and the concern, and frankly the duty, the responsibility is to protect the innocent, right? If you have minors who are victims of sex trafficking, heaven forbid, predatory activity, you can’t have their names out there, right?

    So, the courts and law enforcement and government agencies have a custom of protecting the innocent [and] bogus allegations that would be made against people that can’t be authenticated. So that’s the concern. They’re trying to thread that needle because the Department of Justice does have a responsibility to make sure those people’s lives are not destroyed.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Met reiterates warning on support for proscribed organisations ahead of Saturday protests

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    There will be an increased police presence in Westminster on Saturday when a number of protests are due to take place.

    A march organised by the Palestine Coalition will go from Victoria Embankment to Whitehall via Westminster Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and the Strand. Speeches will take place in Whitehall following the march.

    A static protest organised by Stop the Hate, in opposition to the Palestine Coalition march, will take place at the junction of the Strand and Waterloo Bridge.

    Discussions are ongoing with the organisers of both protests and details of any conditions in place will be published on Friday.

    We are also expecting further protest activity in support of Palestine Action which is a group now proscribed under the Terrorism Act. Similar protests have taken place in Parliament Square for the past two weekends, with 70 arrests made.

    The location of any such protest has not yet been confirmed.

    Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is charge of the Met’s policing operation this weekend, said: “Our policing plans for the sort of protest activity we expect on Saturday are tried and tested, with officers working hard to achieve the balance of allowing people to exercise their right to peaceful protest while avoiding serious disruption to the community and ensuring incidents and offences can be swiftly dealt with.

    “This Saturday’s Palestine Coalition protest is the first large scale eventof its kind since the proscription of Palestine Action and I want to make sure the implications of that change in the law are fully understood.

    “Nobody will be committing an offence by simply supporting the Palestinian cause, taking part in the march or carrying flags, banners or other signs providing they don’t stray into hate speech or other offences.

    “However, those who see this as an opportunity to test the limits of the law by expressing support for Palestine Action, whether at a standalone protest or as part of the Palestine Coalition protest, will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested.

    “I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long term implications – from travel, to employment, to finances – that such an arrest is likely to have for their future.

    “This is also the first large scale protest on this issue since Glastonbury Festival where offensive chanting led by an artist on one of the stages prompted a police investigation. Investigations are also underway, led by Met officers, following similar uses of the same chant in London.

    “Those investigations are ongoing and it would not be appropriate to prejudge the outcomes, but I can say a bit more about our approach to similar chanting at this weekend’s protest.

    “We have said before that whether chants cross the line from free speech to a potential criminal offence depends on the specific circumstances.

    “For example, there will be words that when chanted in the middle of the Palestine Coalition march, and not directed at individuals who might be caused harassment, alarm or distress as a result, might not lead an officer to reasonably suspect an offence has been committed.

    “But directing the same words at a group of people for whom the words would very likely cause harassment, alarm or distress, could well give rise to grounds for arrest.

    “At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter protest has seen the most heated exchanges. Officers will be particularly alert to conduct, including chanting, in this area and will be working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving past this point.

    “Where they become aware of behaviour that crosses the line from protest into criminality they will intervene and take appropriate action.

    “All participants are responsible for their own behaviour. Avoiding the use of threatening, abusive and insulting language, or language that is supportive of proscribed organisations, is the surest way to stay on the right side of this line.”

    Further details of these protests, including any conditions in place, will be published at news.met.police.uk and on the Met’s X account.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Met reiterates warning on support for proscribed organisations ahead of Saturday protests

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    There will be an increased police presence in Westminster on Saturday when a number of protests are due to take place.

    A march organised by the Palestine Coalition will go from Victoria Embankment to Whitehall via Westminster Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and the Strand. Speeches will take place in Whitehall following the march.

    A static protest organised by Stop the Hate, in opposition to the Palestine Coalition march, will take place at the junction of the Strand and Waterloo Bridge.

    Discussions are ongoing with the organisers of both protests and details of any conditions in place will be published on Friday.

    We are also expecting further protest activity in support of Palestine Action which is a group now proscribed under the Terrorism Act. Similar protests have taken place in Parliament Square for the past two weekends, with 70 arrests made.

    The location of any such protest has not yet been confirmed.

    Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is charge of the Met’s policing operation this weekend, said: “Our policing plans for the sort of protest activity we expect on Saturday are tried and tested, with officers working hard to achieve the balance of allowing people to exercise their right to peaceful protest while avoiding serious disruption to the community and ensuring incidents and offences can be swiftly dealt with.

    “This Saturday’s Palestine Coalition protest is the first large scale eventof its kind since the proscription of Palestine Action and I want to make sure the implications of that change in the law are fully understood.

    “Nobody will be committing an offence by simply supporting the Palestinian cause, taking part in the march or carrying flags, banners or other signs providing they don’t stray into hate speech or other offences.

    “However, those who see this as an opportunity to test the limits of the law by expressing support for Palestine Action, whether at a standalone protest or as part of the Palestine Coalition protest, will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested.

    “I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long term implications – from travel, to employment, to finances – that such an arrest is likely to have for their future.

    “This is also the first large scale protest on this issue since Glastonbury Festival where offensive chanting led by an artist on one of the stages prompted a police investigation. Investigations are also underway, led by Met officers, following similar uses of the same chant in London.

    “Those investigations are ongoing and it would not be appropriate to prejudge the outcomes, but I can say a bit more about our approach to similar chanting at this weekend’s protest.

    “We have said before that whether chants cross the line from free speech to a potential criminal offence depends on the specific circumstances.

    “For example, there will be words that when chanted in the middle of the Palestine Coalition march, and not directed at individuals who might be caused harassment, alarm or distress as a result, might not lead an officer to reasonably suspect an offence has been committed.

    “But directing the same words at a group of people for whom the words would very likely cause harassment, alarm or distress, could well give rise to grounds for arrest.

    “At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter protest has seen the most heated exchanges. Officers will be particularly alert to conduct, including chanting, in this area and will be working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving past this point.

    “Where they become aware of behaviour that crosses the line from protest into criminality they will intervene and take appropriate action.

    “All participants are responsible for their own behaviour. Avoiding the use of threatening, abusive and insulting language, or language that is supportive of proscribed organisations, is the surest way to stay on the right side of this line.”

    Further details of these protests, including any conditions in place, will be published at news.met.police.uk and on the Met’s X account.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Amit Shah felicitates Indian Contingent for World Police and Fire Games 2025, highlights Modi govt’s commitment to sports

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Friday addressed a felicitation ceremony in New Delhi to honor the Indian Police and Fire Brigade contingent for their remarkable performance at the 21st World Police and Fire Games 2025, held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. The Indian team secured an impressive 613 medals, earning praise from Shri Shah for making the nation proud. The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Director of the Intelligence Bureau and the Special Secretary (Internal Security) of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

    Shah announced that an incentive of ₹4,38,85,000 was awarded to the contingent for their outstanding achievement. He emphasized the significance of the World Police and Fire Games, noting that it is the world’s largest sporting event after the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, with nearly 10,000 athletes participating globally. The Home Minister expressed pride in India’s strong performance, which he said reflects the potential of the country’s 1.4 billion citizens.

    Looking ahead, Shah set ambitious goals for the 2029 World Police and Fire Games, which will be hosted in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Kevadia in Gujarat. He urged every athlete to aim for a medal with the focus and determination of the mythological archer Arjun. He stressed the importance of participation, stating that while winning is crucial, the spirit of striving for excellence is what defines success. The Home Minister encouraged the All India Police Sports Control Board to ensure at least one athlete from every police force participates in 2029, with each team targeting at least three medals to surpass the current record.

    Shah highlighted the Modi government’s efforts to promote sports across India, including bids to host the 2036 Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games. He noted that the sports budget has increased fivefold over the past decade, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering a sports culture. Initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) support around 3,000 athletes with a monthly stipend of ₹50,000 to prepare for the 2036 Olympics, while the Fit India Movement has tripled India’s medal tally in major global events like the Olympics, Paralympics, and Asian Games. Shri Shah expressed confidence that India will rank among the top five nations in the 2036 Olympics medal tally.

    The Home Minister also underscored the role of sports in building resilience and teamwork, particularly for police personnel. He urged Directors General of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to foster a sporting culture by starting mornings with parades and spending evenings playing sports with subordinates to relieve stress and enhance performance. He emphasized that sports teach broad thinking and cultivate a habit of accepting defeat while striving for victory.

    To support sports within security forces, Shah outlined recent initiatives by the Ministry of Home Affairs, including changes in recruitment rules for talent identification, the formation of 25 outdoor sports teams in each force, and the creation of combined CAPF teams. The proposed National Sports Bill will recognize state police forces, allowing them to participate as single units in national sporting events. Additionally, he called for world-class coaching and specialized medical training for sports injuries to prepare Indian police teams for global competitions, assuring full support from the Ministry of Sports.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carter Introduces Bill to Increase Funding for Veteran Health Care

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Carter Introduces Bill to Increase Funding for Veteran Health Care

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA), and Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) today introduced the Veterans Health Care Stamp Act of 2025, a bill directing the United States Postal Service to issue and sell a stamp that will fund medical care and treatment for veterans.

    For every stamp sold, proceeds will be contributed to an account within the Department of Veterans Affairs, providing the public with a convenient way to contribute to health care services for veterans. 

    “This common-sense legislation will provide additional support to our heroic veteran community for the sacrifices they have made in defense of our country,” said Rep. Carter. “With this bill, we will increase the quality, accessibility, and affordability of health care for our nation’s veterans, fulfilling our promise to defend them as fully as they defended us.” 

    “I served as an Army Ranger in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a veteran, caring for our veterans is personal to me. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to help support the VA health system and provide better care for those who have served our country,” said Rep. Crow.

    Read full bill text here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carter Introduces Bill to Increase Funding for Veteran Health Care

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Carter Introduces Bill to Increase Funding for Veteran Health Care

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA), and Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) today introduced the Veterans Health Care Stamp Act of 2025, a bill directing the United States Postal Service to issue and sell a stamp that will fund medical care and treatment for veterans.

    For every stamp sold, proceeds will be contributed to an account within the Department of Veterans Affairs, providing the public with a convenient way to contribute to health care services for veterans. 

    “This common-sense legislation will provide additional support to our heroic veteran community for the sacrifices they have made in defense of our country,” said Rep. Carter. “With this bill, we will increase the quality, accessibility, and affordability of health care for our nation’s veterans, fulfilling our promise to defend them as fully as they defended us.” 

    “I served as an Army Ranger in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a veteran, caring for our veterans is personal to me. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to help support the VA health system and provide better care for those who have served our country,” said Rep. Crow.

    Read full bill text here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HAMMOND – Yesterday, Luis Banegas Rodriguez, 25 years old, of Honduras, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in two cases, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.

    Banegas Rodriguez was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $533,043 in restitution.

    According to documents in each case, on January 11, 2023, Banegas Rodriguez and his co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 169 fraudulent paychecks totaling $233,569 at three branches of the same bank in the Northern District of Indiana. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a company that operates dairy farms in the Northern District of Indiana.

    Almost six months later, on June 23, 2023, Banegas Rodriguez and his co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 178 fraudulent paychecks totaling $299,474 at five branches of the same bank and three check cashing businesses in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a building materials supply company in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    “Banegas Rodriguez participated in a far-reaching conspiracy that caused major financial harm to community banks and small businesses across the United States. Due to the unwavering efforts and collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement, Banegas Rodriguez was brought to justice for his role in this scheme,” said Proctor. “The sentence imposed by the court sends a message that there are real consequences for engaging in fraud, particularly in northwest Indiana.”

    “The illicit actions of co-conspirators to commit bank fraud as they travel throughout the United States will not be tolerated,” said Matthew J. Scarpino, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Chicago. “HSI will continue to partner with our fellow law enforcement agencies to disrupt these types of offenders and hold them accountable for their crimes.”

    These cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Indiana State Police, with valuable assistance provided by the Benton County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Benton County (Indiana) Prosecutor’s Office, the Poteau (Oklahoma) Police Department, and the Houston (Texas) Police Department. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa from the Northern District of Indiana and Assistant United States Attorneys Kara Traster and Jordan Howanitz from the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the General Assembly to mark the observance of Nelson Mandela International Day [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2

    oday, we celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. 

    Madiba’s extraordinary life was a triumph of the human spirit. 

    He endured the brutal weight of oppression, and emerged not with a vision of vengeance and division — but of reconciliation, peace and unity. 

    Today, Madiba’s legacy is now our responsibility. 

    We must carry forward his commitment to peace, justice and human dignity. 

    One of the central lessons of Mandela’s life was that power is not a personal possession, to be hoarded. 

    Power is about lifting others up.

    It is about what we can achieve with one another, and for one another. 

    Power is about people. 

    In every facet of his life, Nelson Mandela demonstrated the power of collective, grassroots action to drive change and progress, and deliver power to the powerless. 

    This same spirit can be found in today’s winners of the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize. 

    Ms. Brenda Reynolds is a Saulteaux member from Fishing Lake First Nation in Canada. 

    She is a social worker, who turned her struggle against the most hideous of crimes against children into a national force for change, supporting and developing trauma responses for survivors and families of the residential schools system. 

    Mr. Kennedy Odede grew up in the Kibera slum in Kenya.

    A long-time community activist, the organization he founded unites community groups from across the country and now reaches more than 2.4 million people each year with essential services — everything from education to water. 

    Both prize winners embody Nelson Mandela’s words, which are engraved on their Prizes: 

    “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” 

    On behalf of the United Nations, I congratulate Ms. Reynolds and Mr. Odede on this well-deserved recognition. 

    Excellences,

    Alors que l’Organisation des Nations Unies célèbre ses 80 ans, l’héritage de réconciliation et de transformation transmis par Nelson Mandela continue de nous inspirer et de nous motiver.

    Partout dans le monde, les droits humains et la dignité sont menacés – non seulement par les conflits et l’instabilité, mais aussi par les inégalités systématiques, l’exclusion, les catastrophes climatiques et le recul de libertés chèrement acquises.

    Le moment est venu de renouveler notre engagement collectif envers les principes qu’incarne notre Organisation – et qui ont défini la vie exceptionnelle de Nelson Mandela.

    La liberté. La justice. L’égalité des droits. La solidarité. La réconciliation. La paix.

    Aujourd’hui, et chaque jour, poursuivons le chemin tracé par la vie de Nelson Mandela — une vie au service des autres et du progrès. 

    Je vous remercie.

    *******
    [All-English]

    Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. 

    Madiba’s extraordinary life was a triumph of the human spirit. 

    He endured the brutal weight of oppression, and emerged not with a vision of vengeance and division — but of reconciliation, peace and unity. 

    Today, Madiba’s legacy is now our responsibility. 

    We must carry forward his commitment to peace, justice and human dignity. 

    One of the central lessons of Mandela’s life was that power is not a personal possession, to be hoarded. 

    Power is about lifting others up.

    It is about what we can achieve with one another, and for one another. 

    Power is about people. 

    In every facet of his life, Nelson Mandela demonstrated the power of collective, grassroots action to drive change and progress, and deliver power to the powerless. 

    This same spirit can be found in today’s winners of the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize. 

    Ms. Brenda Reynolds is a Saulteaux member from Fishing Lake First Nation in Canada. 

    She is a social worker, who turned her struggle against the most hideous of crimes against children into a national force for change, supporting and developing trauma responses for survivors and families of the residential schools system. 

    Mr. Kennedy Odede grew up in the Kibera slum in Kenya.

    A long-time community activist, the organization he founded unites community groups from across the country and now reaches more than 2.4 million people each year with essential services — everything from education to water. 

    Both prize winners embody Nelson Mandela’s words, which are engraved on their Prizes: 

    “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” 

    On behalf of the United Nations, I congratulate Ms. Reynolds and Mr. Odede on this well-deserved recognition. 

    Excellencies,

    As the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, Nelson Mandela’s legacy of reconciliation and transformation continues to inspire and drive us. 

    Around the world, human rights and dignity are under threat — not only from conflict and instability, but from systematic inequalities, exclusion, climate disasters, and the rollback of hard-won freedoms. 

    Now is the time to renew our global commitment to the principles that define our organization — and indeed, the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela. 

    Freedom. Justice. Equal rights. Solidarity. Reconciliation. Peace. 

    Today, and every day, let’s continue following the path and principles set by Nelson Mandela’s life of service and progress. 

    Thank you.

    *********
    [All-French]

    Nous célébrons aujourd’hui la vie et l’héritage de Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

    La vie extraordinaire de Madiba a été un triomphe de l’esprit humain.

    Accablé du poids brutal de l’oppression, il en est ressorti avec une vision, non pas de vengeance et de division, mais de réconciliation, de paix et d’unité.

    Aujourd’hui, l’héritage de Madiba est entre nos mains.

    Nous devons perpétuer son engagement en faveur de la paix, de la justice et de la dignité humaine.

    La vie de Mandela nous apprend notamment que le pouvoir n’est pas un bien personnel que l’on peut monopoliser.

    Le pouvoir consiste à tirer les autres vers le haut.
    Il faut se poser la question en ces termes : que pouvons-nous accomplir les uns avec les autres, et les uns pour les autres ?

    Le pouvoir concerne le peuple.

    Dans tous les aspects de sa vie, Nelson Mandela a prouvé que l’action collective et locale pouvait être porteuse de changement et de progrès, et donner du pouvoir à ceux qui n’en avaient pas.

    C’est ce même esprit qui anime aujourd’hui les lauréats du prix Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

    Madame Brenda Reynolds est une Saulteaux de la Première Nation de Fishing Lake, au Canada.

    Assistante sociale de profession, elle a fait de sa lutte contre le plus ignoble des crimes contre les enfants une force nationale de changement : elle a établi et porté des protocoles de prise en charge du traumatisme pour les survivants du système de pensionnats et leurs familles.

    Monsieur Kennedy Odede a grandi dans le bidonville de Kibera, au Kenya.

    Militant local de longue date, il a fondé une organisation qui rassemble des groupes communautaires de tout le pays et apporte aujourd’hui à plus de 2,4 millions de personnes chaque année des services essentiels, allant de l’éducation à l’accès à l’eau.

    Les deux lauréats incarnent les mots de Nelson Mandela, qui sont gravés sur leurs prix :

    « Ce qui compte dans la vie, ce n’est pas le simple fait d’avoir vécu. C’est la différence que nous avons apportée à la vie des autres qui déterminera l’importance de la vie que nous menons. »

    Au nom de l’ONU, je félicite Madame Reynolds et Monsieur Odede pour cette reconnaissance amplement méritée.

    Excellences,

    Alors que l’Organisation des Nations Unies célèbre ses 80 ans, l’héritage de réconciliation et de transformation transmis par Nelson Mandela continue de nous inspirer et de nous motiver.

    Partout dans le monde, les droits humains et la dignité sont menacés – non seulement par les conflits et l’instabilité, mais aussi par les inégalités systématiques, l’exclusion, les catastrophes climatiques et le recul de libertés chèrement acquises.

    Le moment est venu de renouveler notre engagement collectif envers les principes qu’incarne notre Organisation – et qui ont défini la vie exceptionnelle de Nelson Mandela.

    La liberté. La justice. L’égalité des droits. La solidarité. La réconciliation. La paix.

    Aujourd’hui, et chaque jour, poursuivons le chemin tracé par la vie de Nelson Mandela — une vie au service des autres et du progrès. 

    Je vous remercie.

    ***

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran man pleads guilty, sentenced for illegal re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jose Manuel Ramos-Godoy, 42, a citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to illegal re-entry. Ramos-Godoy was then sentenced to serve three months in federal prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Fauzia K. Mattingly, who handled the case, stated that Ramos-Godoy is an alien without any legal status in the United States. In July 2006 and September 2014, he was physically removed from the United States pursuant to an order of removal. On May 13, 2025, Ramos-Godoy was found in Erie County while driving a vehicle in a hotel parking lot in Amherst, NY.  He did not have any documents allowing him to be lawfully present in the United States.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs.   

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tigard Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Murder and Aggravated Assault for Shooting a U.S. Postal Service Employee

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.—A Tigard, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for shooting a United States Postal Service letter carrier.

    Kevin Eugene Irvine, 34, was sentenced to 205 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

    According to court documents, on December 24, 2022, while driving a white van through a Milwaukie, Oregon neighborhood, Irvine made eye contact with a letter carrier delivering mail on foot. Irvine threw his arms in the air, which the letter carrier mistook as waving, and the letter carrier waved back.  

    A short time later, on an adjacent street, the letter carrier noticed the same van and again made eye contact with Irvine as he drove past. Irvine stopped the van several houses away, got out of the van with a rifle, knelt on the street and fired three rounds, striking the letter carrier once as the letter carrier ran for cover. After the shooting, Irvine picked up his shell casings and drove off.

    On December 28, 2022, officers spotted the van in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where they stopped the vehicle and arrested Irvine. Later, investigators sought and obtained a search warrant for Irvine’s van and found three rifles, ammunition, spent shell casings, a knife, shooting targets and ballistic gear.

    On February 8, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Irvine with aggravated assault on a federal employee with a firearm, attempted murder of a federal employee, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

    On March 26, 2025, Irvine was convicted of all three counts following a bench trial.

    This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Milwaukie Police Department and the Lake Oswego Police Department. It was prosecuted by Gary Y. Sussman and Eliza Carmen Rodriguez, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: McMinnville Repeat Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl in Oregon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.— A McMinnville, Oregon man with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to federal prison today for possessing and distributing fentanyl in Oregon.

    Travis Charles Donnahoo, 46, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release.

    According to court documents, on March 12, 2023, officers from the McMinnville Police Department arrested Donnahoo, who has a long history of drug trafficking including five prior state convictions for distributing drugs in Oregon, on four outstanding warrants issued for his arrest. The officers searched Donnahoo and seized a firearm, cash, and a black zippered case. The following day, on March 13, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant on the black case and found 145 grams of methamphetamine and 322 grams of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.   

    On March 22, 2023, Donnahoo was charged by criminal complaint with possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm.

    On April 8, 2025, Donnahoo pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, McMinnville Police Department, and Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

    If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men Plead Guilty To Money Laundering In Connection With Phishing Scams That Targeted SF-Based Company, Other Victims

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – George Aboagye and Dennis Jordan pleaded guilty to money laundering in connection with their roles in online phishing scams.  Aboagye entered his guilty plea today and Jordan pleaded guilty on July 10, 2025.  

    Aboagye, 44, who previously resided in Stone Mountain, Ga., and Jordan, 39, who previously resided in Dallas, Texas, were originally indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024 and charged by superseding informations in July 2025.

    According to court documents and the plea agreements, in December 2019, Aboagye laundered $922,445.34 fraudulently obtained from a San Francisco-based business through a business email compromise scam.  Employees at the victim business received a fraudulent email that purported to be from one of the business’s actual service providers.  The email induced employees at the victim business to send a wire transfer in the amount of $922,445.34 to a bank account for a fake company.  Aboagye and others used the fake company’s bank account to receive and launder the proceeds from this scam.  

    To conceal the source of the fraudulently obtained funds, portions of the $922,445.34 were distributed to Aboagye and other individuals, including Jordan, who deposited a $20,000 cashier’s check derived from the fraud proceeds into a bank account he set up under another fake business name.  

    Aboagye also wired other ill-gotten proceeds into accounts held in his name, including portions of $173,315.70 fraudulently obtained from a North Dakota state agency in May 2020 as part of a business email compromise and fraudulent payments totaling $80,300 from the Small Business Administration in August 2020.  In sum, Aboagye admitted to laundering between $1.5 million to $3.5 million in fraudulent proceeds.

    Jordan also admitted to using multiple fake companies and identities to open bank accounts, which he then used to receive funds from various victims, including $15,000 in January 2020 from a victim in California who believed the money was going to be used to obtain a shipment of gold from Australia, and $40,000 in April 2020 from a victim in California who believed the money was being used to help Covid-19 research.  Jordan also used one such account to obtain a $220,000 loan through the Small Business Administration’s Covid-19 Paycheck Protection Program.  Jordan used some of these funds to purchase a residence for himself in Dallas.  In sum, Jordan admitted to laundering $336,600 in fraudulent proceeds.  

    United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

    Both defendants have remained in custody since their arrests and both were remanded into custody following their guilty pleas.  Jordan and Aboagye are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Rita F. Lin.  Each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.  Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    Assistant United States Attorneys S. Waqar Hasib and Kevin Yeh are prosecuting the case.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Indicted for Fraudulent FEMA Claims for Lahaina Fire and California Fire Federal Disasters

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Daylyn Harris, 34, and Chelsea Johnson, 32, of Honolulu, Hawaii, were arrested on July 15, 2025 and charged in a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2025.

    The indictment alleges that Harris and Johnson conspired with each other and carried out a wire fraud scheme, wherein Harris and Johnson submitted false claims to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”), claiming to have suffered income, housing, and property losses as a result of two federal disasters, when, as Harris and Johnson both knew, they did not live in the disaster area or suffer any such losses. Specifically, Harris falsely claimed that he resided in Lahaina, Hawaii during the Lahaina fires federal disaster in August and September 2023, and that he lost housing and income, suffered medical bills, and lost property when, in fact, did not suffer such losses. Johnson assisted the fraudulent claim by posing as Harris’s Maui landlord. The indictment also alleges that in January 2025, Johnson falsely claimed to live in Pacific Palisades, California during the California fires federal disaster and claimed lost housing and other expenses. The indictment alleges that, together, Harris and Johnson received over $60,000 in disaster relief from FEMA.

    If convicted of the charged offenses, the defendants face up to thirty years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count.

    The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.

    This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security – Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rhode Island Man Admits ATM Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – David Degrasse, age 59, of West Warwick, Rhode Island, pled guilty on Tuesday to interstate transportation of stolen property. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.

    Degrasse admitted that in the early morning of April 27, 2023, he sawed into an ATM in a restaurant in Catskill, New York; removed approximately $9,300; and transported that money out of New York.  He also acknowledged that he cut the alarm wires of a convenience store in Hillsdale, New York, and entered the store before abandoning that effort to go to the Catskill restaurant.  Degrasse further admitted he sawed into and stole cash from ATMs in Walden, New York; Pine Plains, New York; Lenox, New York; Concord, Massachusetts; and Bagdad, Kentucky.  Degrasse admitted to stealing a total of more than $55,000 from the ATMs.  As part of his plea, Degrasse has agreed to forfeit the $9,300 from the Catskill theft and pay restitution. 

    Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “David Degrasse’s multi-state crime spree is over. His arrest and prosecution should put an end to his despicable targeting and burglarizing of small businesses.”

    FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Degrasse’s arrest should send a clear message that the FBI will work diligently with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable any criminal who decides to target our small businesses for their own personal gain.”

    NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James stated: “This case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to hold individuals accountable who prey on small businesses and violate the safety of our communities. I commend the work of our Troopers and Investigators, along with our federal partners at the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office, for their efforts in bringing this case to a successful resolution.”

    At sentencing, Degrasse, who is in custody, faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

    The FBI and NYSP investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More than 55 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FAYETTEVILLE – The final member of a Northwest Arkansas drug trafficking organization was sentenced to federal prison for crimes related to the distribution of fentanyl. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings for the United States District Court in Fayetteville.

    According to court documents, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl pills in Fayetteville and Fort Smith from January to September of 2024. Investigators identified Salvador Caracena-Zarates as a distributer of methamphetamine and the leader and source of supply for fentanyl being distributed by Rafael Norwood, Christopher Howes, and Alonzo Releford. The pills distributed by this group contained fentanyl made or pressed to look like M-30 Oxycontin prescription pills.

    Those members of the drug trafficking organization indicted federally have been sentenced as follows:

    Salvador Fautino Caracena-Zarates, Jr. a/k/a “Doe”: age 42, Fort Smith, Arkansas – Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine– 300 months imprisonment and 4-year term of supervised release.

    Rafael Deaundra Norwood, Sr.: age 40, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Aiding and abetting in the distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl– 168 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.

    Christopher Ray Howes: age 43, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Aiding and abetting in the distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl– 100 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.

    Alonzo Lee Releford, III: age 23, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl – 100 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case with assistance by the following agencies:  Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force, Fort Smith Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Benton County Drug Unit, Bentonville Police Department, Fayetteville Police Department, and Arkansas State Police.   

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Butler Stanley prosecuted the case for the United States.

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

    Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –