NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Organised crime’s involvement in sporting events and its infiltration of supporter groups – E-000063/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is aware of the risks of criminal infiltration in sports, which is a sector at a particularly high risk of corruption[1], and is targeting this phenomenon through several initiatives.

    In particular the Commission proposed a new Directive on combatting corruption[2] which is now being negotiated by the co-legislators.

    The Commission has also requested a study to examine what measures Member States have been taken at national level to mitigate this risk.

    In addition, in its European Internal Security Strategy the Commission has set out a whole-of-society approach to security and will propose new measures to tackle organised crime.

    At European level , the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) is already working closely with sport bodies such as the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the International Olympic Committee to tackle corruption in sports and supports national law enforcement units in operational actions in this area[3].

    • [1] High-risk areas of corruption in the EU: A mapping and in-depth analysis, 4 November 2023 ; https://op.europa.eu/fr/publication-detail/-/publication/5c0730b2-9769-11ef-a130-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
    • [2] Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and the Council on combating corruption, COM (2023) 234 final.
    • [3] https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/time-out-for-match-fixers-manipulating-livestreams
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Tackling drug trafficking in America – E-000632/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Boosting EU cooperation with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in the fight against organised crime is a priority of the Commission[1]. It is also a priority of the EU cooperation with Mexico.

    The EU closely monitors Mexico’s security strategy and remains committed to supporting Mexico in security and drug trafficking efforts through programmes like the Europe Latin America Programme of Assistance against Transnational Organised Crime[2] and the Cooperation Program between Latin America, the Caribbean and the EU on drug policy[3].

    The Commission ensures effective fund management through strict monitoring, evaluation, and financial controls, involving the Court of Auditors and the European Anti-Fraud Office.

    The EU applies a constructive engagement policy while safeguarding financial interests, using the early detection and exclusion system as per Article 138 of the Financial Regulation[4].

    EU support in Mexico funds civil society organisations focused on democratic, social, and economic development. Assistance also extends to inclusive and green reforms via Member States and United Nations agencies, emphasising capacity building, best practice exchanges, and policy support.

    Key intervention areas include decent work, green transport, migration, health, public finance reform, in the framework of the Global Gateway strategy[5].

    Civil society plays a crucial role in Mexico’s development, achieving successes in migration, human rights, transparency, and public accountability. This participatory approach strengthens reforms and the rule of law.

    The EU also actively cooperated with the United States and other partners in the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats.

    • [1] A ction 15 of the communication on the EU roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime, COM(2023) 641 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52023DC0641
    • [2] https://elpaccto.eu/en/
    • [3] https://copolad.eu/en/
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202402509
    • [5] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/global-gateway_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Davis, DelBene, and Sánchez Champion Bill to Reduce the Cost of Child Care for Working Families through Tax Credits

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

    In contrast to GOP effort to slash child care funding, this bill increases the maximum child care credit from $1,200 to $4,000 for one child or from $2,100 to $8,000 for two or more children.

     

    Washington, D.C.- April 24, 2025, Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), and Linda Sánchez (D-CA) introduced the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act to permanently expand the child care tax credit to raise the maximum credit from $1,050 to $4,000 for 1 child and from $2,100 to $8,000 for 2 or more children.  This bill is led by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Patty Murray (D-WA) in the Senate.

    The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) is the only tax credit that helps working parents offset the rising cost of child care.  In 2021, Democrats successfully enhanced both the CDCTC and the Child Tax Credit because both credits are essential to support parents’ ability to provide for their families.  While 100% of the CDCTC reimburses parents for actual child care costs paid to work, parents mostly use the Child Tax Credit to defray other significant costs of caring for a child, such as food, rent, and clothing. 

    Unfortunately, as currently structured, the CDCTC fails to meet the needs of tens of millions of working families. Very few families receive meaningful benefit from the credit due to the extremely low phase-out level of $15,000, the low expense limits, the non-refundable nature, and the loss of benefit due to inflation.  For example, the Tax Policy Center estimates that only 13% of families with children claimed the CDCTC in 2022.  The Child Care and Dependent Credit Enhancement Act will increase the maximum credit amount to $4,000 per child up to $8,000 for two or more children, expand eligibility to low-income families, make the credit available to married couples who file separately due to high student loan debt, and retain the credit’s value over time by indexing it to inflation.  Compared to 2019, low-income working parents quadrupled their credit received in 2021. 

    High-quality, affordable child care is essential to the economic well-being of families, businesses, and our country. Yet, child care places a major financial burden on American families. The price of child care can range from $5,357 to $17,171 per year depending on location and type of care.  Astoundingly, the cost of center-based care for two children is more than the average mortgage in 41 states and more than the average annual rent in all 50 states plus DC.  Households under the poverty line spend nearly one third of their income on child care, and increases in median child care prices are connected to lower maternal employment rates. Further, the child care crisis hits families of color disproportionately hard. For a single parent who has never been married who is Black, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/Alaska Native, child care can cost 36%, 41%, or 49% of the median income, respectively, compared to only 31% for single White parents.  Further, Latino and American Indian and Alaska Native parents disproportionately live in child care deserts.

    “High-quality, affordable child care is essential to the economic well-being of families, businesses, and our country,” said Rep. Davis.  “I am proud to lead the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act that would restore the 2021 credit so that families can receive up to $4,000 for child care for one child or up to $8,000 for two or more children, much better than the almost $600 that the typical family receives currently.  This bill would strengthen the financial well-being of families and grow our economy.  It is critical that Congress acts now to help working families.”

    “Access to affordable child care is one of the biggest barriers families face. Enhancing the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit will give parents the relief they need by supporting both families and care providers,” said DelBene. “This bill is a commonsense step toward making child care more accessible and affordable for every family.” 

    “Working parents shouldn’t have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for their kids,” said Sánchez. “Expanding the child care tax credit will make child care more affordable and accessible, so parents can focus on their work knowing their kids are being cared for.”

    The bill is endorsed by state and national child and worker advocates, including:  Center for Law and Social Policy; Child Care Aware of America; Early Care and Education Consortium; First Five Years Fund; First Focus Campaign for Children; MomsRising; National Association for the Education of Young Children; National Women’s Law Center Action Fund; Save the Children; Start Early; Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM); and ZERO TO THREE.

    Example Statements from Supporting Organizations

    “Often conflated with the child tax credit, the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit is one of the only tax incentives that helps working families with their child care expenses.  As the cost of care increases, many families must contend with whether their current job pays enough to justify their child care expenses,” said Radha Mohan, Executive Director, Early Care & Education Consortium.  “For families where one parent must leave the workforce because they cannot afford the cost of care, this often hurts the family from an economic standpoint in the long run.  The CDCTC Enhancement Act helps ensure that families do not have to make this choice by providing a credit to offset the cost of care.  When paired with programs such as the Child Care and Development Block Grant, this bill will ensure that many families will have reduced their child care costs by over 50%.”

    “As almost any working family with young children will tell you, the cost of child care is a major source of financial stress, putting immense pressure on already tight budgets,” First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling. “The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act would make essential updates to the CDCTC to ensure more parents are able to keep more of what they earn to offset the high cost of care. We are grateful to Reps. Danny Davis, Suzan DelBene, and Linda Sanchez for their leadership and commitment to supporting families with young children.” 

    “For families with young children, the cost of childcare is often unaffordable and impacts their economic opportunity—the cornerstone of child and family well-being. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) Enhancement Act of 2025 is an important effort to update the CDCTC to ensure that more families can offset their child care costs. We are grateful to Rep. Danny Davis and his longstanding efforts to support children and families in his district and across the country, and also extend that appreciation to Reps. Suzan DelBene and Linda Sanchez.” Diana Rauner, President, Start Early

    “Affordable child care isn’t a luxury—it’s the backbone of our economy,” said Yelena Tsilker, Senior Government Relations and Advocacy Director at ZERO TO THREE, a national nonprofit that focuses on the healthy development of babies and toddlers. “Parents of infants now face child care bills that top $16,000 a year—higher than in-state college tuition in many states. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act tackles that crisis head-on by making the CDCTC fully refundable and increasing the maximum credit, so families of every income can choose the high-quality care their babies need. This relief will keep parents in the workforce and help millions of children thrive. We applaud Representatives Davis, DelBene, and Sánchez for championing legislation that hard-working families have long awaited.” 

    The text of the bill is available HERE; a summary of the bill is available HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Law Enforcement Officer Arrested for Allegedly Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-19 Business-Relief Funds for Shell Companies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer has been arrested on a five-count federal grand jury indictment alleging he fraudulently obtained nearly $150,000 in COVID-19 pandemic business-relief loan funds for two of his sham businesses, the Justice Department announced today.

    Amer Aldarawsheh, 45, of Moreno Valley, is charged with five counts of wire fraud.

    He was arrested Wednesday morning and pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him at his arraignment Wednesday afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. A federal magistrate judge ordered Aldarawsheh released on $30,000 bond and scheduled a June 16 in U.S. District Court in Riverside.

    According to the indictment unsealed Wednesday, Aldarawsheh owned and purportedly operated two businesses:  Nahar Enterprises Inc., a San Bernardino based business he described as a trucking and freight company, and Ameral, which he described as an automotive repair company.

    From July 2020 to December 2021, Aldarawsheh made false statements to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to fraudulently obtain a loan under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), which provided low-interest financing to small businesses, renters, and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters.

    The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 authorized the SBA to provide EIDL loans of up to $2 million to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Aldarawsheh applied to the SBA for EIDL loans on behalf of his two companies, neither of which had substantial business or employees. EIDL loans were supposed to be used by the recipient to only pay certain authorized business expenses.   Instead, Aldarawsheh knowingly misappropriated and misused the EIDL funds he received from the SBA for his own personal benefit, including in December 2020, causing the transfer of $149,900 in SBA COVID-19 EIDL loan funds to be wired from the SBA to a bank account under his control.

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

    If convicted, Aldarawsheh would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count.

    The United States Custom and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Laura A. Alexander and Michael J. Morse of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Box Elder woman sentenced for trafficking fentanyl on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder woman who distributed fentanyl in northern Montana and on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced today to time served to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Dai Shawn Whitford, 33, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of distribution of fentanyl.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian Morris presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement received information that Whitford’s co-defendants were working together to bring drugs from Washington to distribute on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and nearby locations. On at least one occasion, Dai Shawn Whitford helped distribute on behalf of the co-defendants.

    In May 2023, a confidential source paid a co-defendant $800 for 30 fentanyl pills. The co-defendant directed the confidential source to pick up the fentanyl at a residence on Rocky Boy’s. The informant went to the house and was provided approximately 30 fentanyl pills from Dai Shawn Whitford.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, and the investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Tri-Agency Task Force.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charges Filed for Vandalizing Tesla Vehicles in the District

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – Justin Fisher, 49, of the District, was charged in Superior Court with four counts of defacing public or private property stemming from offenses committed between Mar. 1 and Mar. 21, 2025, involving multiple Tesla vehicles, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

    Fisher made an appearance in court today and was released on personal recognizance. His misdemeanor initial status hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2025, in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. 

    “The so-called ‘Tesla Takedown’ is domestic terrorism, and my team is taking it on front and center,” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “These attacks are not just an attack on someone’s property. They are meant to intimidate and suppress political speech and shut down the marketplace of ideas,” Martin said.

    “If you target Tesla and break the law, then you can expect consequences,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will not tolerate such criminal acts.”

    According to documents filed with the court, between the dates of Mar. 1 and Mar. 21, 2025, in Northeast D.C., Fisher defaced private property on Tesla vehicles, owned by multiple victims. The offenses were committed as follows:

    • On Saturday, March 1, 2025, at approximately 10:11 a.m., in the 200 block of K Street, Northeast.
    • On Sunday, March 2, 2025, at approximately 6:15 p.m., in the 200 block of 11th Street, Northeast.
    • On Saturday, March 8, 2025, at approximately 8:05 a.m., in the 600- 700 blocks of F Street, Northeast.
    • On Friday, March 21, 2025, at approximately 5:15 p.m., in the 600 block of G Street, Northeast.

    Fisher was arrested on April 1, 2025.

    This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. 

    This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell, Moore, Gottheimer, Kim Lead Letter Calling on the Administration to Protect Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Young Kim (CA-40) are leading a bipartisan group of more than 100 Members of Congress urging the Trump Administration to reverse its decision to halt funding opportunities through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). This move by the Administration threatens the safety and well-being of survivors of domestic and sexual violence across the country.

    “OVW administers critical grant programs that provide lifesaving support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The sudden withdrawal of these funding opportunities threatens to disrupt essential services, jeopardize the stability of victim assistance programs, and undermine the bipartisan commitment to combating these forms of violence,” the lawmakers wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi. “We respectfully urge the Department of Justice to clarify the status of these grants as soon as possible and take swift action to ensure funding remains available to support survivors and the organizations that serve them.”

    “A delay or reduction in OVW funding will have devastating consequences for the countless individuals who rely on these resources for safety, legal protection, and recovery. This abrupt withdrawal of funding has created severe uncertainty that threatens the well-being of survivors who cannot afford these delays. We ask that the Department clarify its plans to rectify this situation and ensure that OVW grant funding is fully restored without further delay to continue providing care to survivors of domestic violence,” the lawmakers continued.

    The OVW, established through the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), administers critical grant programs that provide lifesaving support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. For decades, OVW grants have helped law enforcement agencies, legal service providers, crisis centers, and local organizations protect survivors and prevent abuse.

    The full letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brazilian National Pleads Guilty to Selling Firearms Without a License and Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Brazilian national, who was living in Massachusetts, pleaded guilty on April 18, 2025 in federal court in Boston to conspiracy and dealing firearms without a license.  

    Gideoni De Oliveira Moutinho, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for May 22, 2025. De Oliveira Moutinho was arrested and charged on Sept. 17, 2024.

    Between Jan. 2, 2024 and Aug. 30, 2024, De Oliveira Moutinho sold seven firearms on different six dates in exchange for cash. In February 2024, he also conspired with another to secure the sale of one of these firearms.    

    The charge of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and conspiracy to engage in the same each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. 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; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Weymouth and Malden Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John J. Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Democrats urge Social Security Administration to keep field offices open

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    April 24, 2025

    Democratic lawmakers, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), are urging the Social Security Administration to keep open its field offices and demanding transparency about potential closures in a new letter.
    In addition to Warren, 65 House members and 40 senators signed the letter to acting Social Security commissioner Leland Dudek on Wednesday, requesting that he commit to keeping open the field offices and tell them if the agency intends to close any. The request came after the General Services Administration, which leases and manages commercial real estate for the federal government, identified offices that could be closed or sold in a list that was later deleted. The agency previously denied reports that field offices were closing.

    “Given SSA’s recent attempts to close field offices — only to reverse course after public outcry and claim it never had plans to close offices — will you commit to keeping each one of these offices open?” the lawmakers said in the letter to Dudek, which included a list of the agency’s field offices.
    According Alex Lawson, the executive director of Social Security Works, the letter sent to Dudek will also be delivered to those field offices Thursday by thousands of volunteers set to protest sweeping cuts to the agency by the U.S. DOGE Service. Demonstrations are planned at 58 Social Security offices in 23 states.
    Lawson, one of the organizers of the effort, said the action is aimed at showing the administration that Americans rely on those field offices for necessary services, such as applying for benefits and obtaining Social Security cards. More than 73 million people receive Social Security benefits.
    “We are ringing the alarm bell,” Lawson said. “This is about real people who will be hurt.”
    Social Security said in a statement that it has not announced the closure of any local field offices, adding that it found “underutilized office space,” mostly “small hearing rooms with no assigned employees,” that is no longer needed.
    Although the letter was signed only by Democratic lawmakers, the offices that GSA had suggested could close included ones in Republican-held districts, causing some GOP lawmakers to scramble to prevent the closures. Democrats have continued to demand answers about offices in their districts.
    Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Michigan) held a news conference with beneficiaries outside the Saginaw field office in her district on Tuesday to highlight the stories of her constituents who use the office.
    Questions about the elimination of field offices come as a rapid downsizing of the agency has led to long wait times, website crashes and confusion among beneficiaries. DOGE eliminated 7,000 jobs at Social Security, with thousands more employees expected to be laid off.
    Staffing cuts to the agency have led to instances in which office managers answered calls typically handled by receptionists.
    By:  Meryl KornfieldSource: Washington Post

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Court Grants Preliminary Injunction Against Department of Education’s Unlawful Directive

    Source: US National Education Union

    CONCORD, N.H. – In a victory for students, parents, and educators, a federal judge has granted a request for a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) February 14, 2025, “Dear Colleague” letter against the plaintiffs, their members, and any entity that employs, contracts with, or works with one or more of Plaintiffs or Plaintiffs’ member. The court’s ruling blocks ED’s unprecedented and unlawful attempt to restrict discussions and programs on diversity, equity, and inclusion in educational institutions, and its threat to withhold federal funding for engaging in such efforts. 

    The Dear Colleague Letter’s directive contradicts long-standing legal protections for academic freedom and violates the constitutional rights of students and educators by imposing vague and coercive restrictions on curriculums and programs. The preliminary injunction prevents ED from enforcing the directive while litigation continues, ensuring that schools can continue their educational mission without fear of federal retaliation. 

     “Across the country educators do everything in their power to support every student, ensuring each feels safe, seen, and is prepared for the future. Today’s ruling allows educators and schools to continue to be guided by what’s best for students, not by the threat of illegal restrictions and punishment. The fact is that Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Linda McMahon are using politically motivated attacks and harmful and vague directives to stifle speech and erase critical lessons to attack public education, as they work to dismantle public schools. This is why educators, parents, and community leaders are organizing, mobilizing, and using every tool available to protect our students and their futures,” said National Education Association President Becky Pringle.  

    “While this interim agreement does not confirm the Department’s motives, we believe it should mark the beginning of a permanent withdrawal from the assault on teaching and learning. The Department’s attempt to punish schools for acknowledging diversity, equity and inclusion is not only unconstitutional, but it’s also extremely dangerous — and functions as a direct misalignment with what we know to be just and future forward. Today’s decision is a critical step toward protecting the freedom to teach, and the freedom to learn,” said Sharif El-Mekki, Center for Black Educator Development CEO & founder.  

    “Today’s ruling is a victory for students, educators, and the fundamental principles of academic freedom. Every student deserves an education that reflects the full diversity of our society, free from political interference,” said Sarah Hinger, deputy director of the ACLU Racial Justice Program. “The federal government has no authority to dictate what schools can and cannot teach to serve its own agenda, and this ruling is an important step in reaffirming that.”  

    Gilles Bissonnette, legal director of the ACLU of New Hampshire, said, “The court’s ruling today is a victory for academic freedom, the free speech rights of educators, and for New Hampshire students who have a right to an inclusive education free from censorship. Every student, both in the Granite State and across the country, deserves to feel seen, heard, and connected in school – and that can’t happen when classroom censorship laws and policies are allowed to stand.” 

    On March 5, the National Education Association (NEA), the National Education Association–New Hampshire, the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of New Hampshire, and the ACLU of Massachusetts filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in New Hampshire, against ED. Also joining the case as plaintiff is the Center for Black Educator Development. 

    Plaintiffs represented in the lawsuit against ED have said they’ve felt like the “Dear Colleague Letter” instigated a “witch hunt” against them. Teachers who have dedicated their lives to helping every student grow to their full potential have been in fear of losing their jobs and teaching licenses if they do not severely restrict what they and their students say and do in their classrooms. 

    The lawsuit challenges ED’s directive on multiple legal grounds. Specifically, the lawsuit argues that ED has overstepped its authority by imposing unfounded and vague legal restrictions that violate due process and the First Amendment; limiting academic freedom and restricting educators’ ability to teach and students’ right to learn; and unlawfully dictating curriculum and educational programs, exceeding its legal mandate.  

    The case will now proceed as the court considers whether to permanently block the Department’s directive.  

    The court’s decision can be found here.  

    A copy of the lawsuit can be found here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Attorney General’s Office launches new reporting web site

    Source: Washington State News

    OLYMPIA — In recognition of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Attorney General’s Office today announced the launch of a new reporting tool for survivors of sexual assault.

    Understanding the many barriers experienced by survivors of sexual violence — crimes that remain the most underreported acts of violence nationwide — the Attorney General’s Office, in partnership with End Violence Against Women International and the statewide Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Best Practices Advisory Group, created a new web site: www.seekthenspeakwa.com. The web site is a tool for survivors of sexual assault and other community members to learn about what to do following a sexual assault, connect to local resources, and allow people to report sexual assaults to law enforcement in a setting they prefer.

    “Our work to eliminate the backlog of sexual assault kits statewide means more evidence has been tested and more crimes have been solved,” Attorney General Nick Brown said. “People who experience sexual assault are not alone in Washington. We are launching the Seek Then Speak website to make sure survivors of sexual assault can access local resources and reporting tools as they seek justice.”

    “There are many reasons that survivors may be afraid to disclose a sexual assault, Seek Then Speak offers an additional opportunity to learn about resources and report their experience to law enforcement,” said Sergeant Ryan Yates, Special Assault Unit Supervisor at the Yakima Police Department. “One size does not fit all; we need to offer new ways for survivors to reach out so that every person can report in a way that helps them feel safe.”

    The Attorney General’s Office has two criminal justice division units and one policy team dedicated to aiding investigations and prosecutions into allegations of sexual assault. Much of the funding for this work comes through the Legislature’s general fund.

    Attorneys and staff that support sexual assault prosecutions include:

    Sexual Assault Support Team

    Launched in 2017, the Sexual Assault Support Team assisted law enforcement agencies across the state in a yearslong project to test more than 10,000 sexual assault kits that had never been submitted for DNA analysis. The samples collected and added to the national DNA database are critical to identifying perpetrators of unsolved rapes, murders, and other violent crimes — here in Washington and across the country.

    The team also uses federal grant funds to help local law enforcement agencies pay for forensic genetic genealogy analysis. This testing has led to new leads, arrests, and convictions in unsolved cases of sexual assault. The team helped solve numerous cold case sexual assaults and homicides — some decades old — inside and outside of Washington state.

    More information about the team is here.

    Sexually Violent Predator Unit

    In 1990, Washington was the first state in the nation to pass a law permitting the involuntary civil commitment of sex offenders after they serve their criminal sentences. The Sexually Violent Predator Unit was founded inside the Attorney General’s Office with the law’s passage.

    Washington law allows the Attorney General’s Office to petition for the civil commitment of violent sex offenders who, because of a mental abnormality and/or personality disorder, are proven likely to engage in predatory acts of sexual violence if released. The unit prosecutes sex predator cases for 38 of Washington’s 39 counties, with King County being the exception.

    The Legislature this session passed and the governor signed a bipartisan bill, HB 1133, the Attorney General’s Office requested to ensure that upon release from the McNeil Island Special Commitment Center, offenders go through a more thorough supervision process by the Department of Corrections. The department can provide support for reentry, hold people on supervision accountable to their imposed supervision conditions, and collaborate with communities to ensure a successful transition into community.

    Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations Best Practices Advisory Group

    The Attorney General’s Office also facilitates the statewide Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Best Practices Advisory Group, which the Legislature founded in 2015. It is meant to bring justice to sexual assault survivors, reduce the number of untested sexual assault kits, and to review best practice models for managing all aspects of sexual assault investigations.

    The office’s policy division staffs the advisory group and group members include survivors, legislators, community-based advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors, and medical providers. The public can read the advisory group’s most recent report here.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Fugitives Arrested in San Juan and Carolina, PR

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Three individuals who were fugitives since December 2024 were arrested today in the municipalities of San Juan and Carolina, PR, on criminal charges related to their alleged participation on drug trafficking and violent crimes associated to a drug trafficking organization that operated in San Juan, Carolina, and other areas nearby, from in or about 2021 through December 2024, when the arrest operation took place. The three fugitives had been charged in the case of United States v. Victor J. Pérez-Fernández, a.k.a. “La Cone/Vitu/Vitikin/Enano,” et al., Case No. 24-453 (MAJ).

    Defendants [10] Gerald O. Rodríguez-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Patrón;” [18] Ángel L. Sanjurjo, a.k.a. “Vaca;” and [33] Ramsell Maldonado-Tatis, a.k.a. “R” were arrested by FBI special agents, Puerto Rico Police Bureau and the Carolina Municipal Police Department. They are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; possession and distribution of heroin, cocaine base (crack), cocaine, marijuana, and fentanyl; and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Defendant Maldonado-Tatis is also facing one count for possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    “As alleged in the indictment, these individuals were engaged in violent crime and spread deadly drugs through our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow.  “Today’s arrests make clear that this Office will work tirelessly to keep the law-abiding residents of Puerto Rico safe and hold accountable those who bring violence to our streets.”

    “The arrests carried out this morning reaffirm our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal organizations. The message is clear: if you’re part of a violent criminal enterprise, the FBI will work relentlessly to find you and bring you to justice,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “The residents of Puerto Rico deserve safe communities, and through close collaboration with our local and federal partners, we will continue to bring fugitives to justice and restore peace where it is most needed.”

    According to the charging documents, the drug trafficking organization distributed heroin, fentanyl, crack, cocaine, marijuana, Tramadol, and Clonazepam within 1,000 feet of the Sabana Abajo Public Housing Project (PHP), the Luis Lloréns Torres PHP, the Los Mirtos PHP, the Lagos de Blasina PHP, the La Esmeralda PHP, the El Coral PHP, the Monte Hatillo PHP, and other areas near those locations, all for significant financial gain and profit. The drug trafficking organizations that operated in and around these areas (known as The Alliance) reached an agreement to conduct their drug trafficking operations as allies, which they referred to as “La Paz” (The Peace). At that time, each housing project organization was controlled by their own leadership and structure. As part of The Alliance, there would not be war between these organizations and members would be able to rely on each other for protection, drugs, and weapons.

    Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort; Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares; and AUSAs Laura Díaz-González, R. Vance Eaton, and Joseph Russell are prosecuting the 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).

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Miramar Mayoral Candidate Pleads Guilty to Covid-19 Relief Fraud

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    MIAMI – The owner of Theophin Consulting LLC has pleaded guilty to wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining Covid-19 relief loan proceeds under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) program.

    Rudy Theophin, 41, of Miramar, Fla., was the president and sole owner of Theophin Consulting LLC. In June 2020, Theophin submitted an online PPP loan application for $123,675 through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide relief for the economic effect caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The loan application and supporting documentation falsely stated the number of employees and the average monthly payroll for Theophin Consulting. Once approved, Theophin transferred a portion of the funds to another person, another portion to an investment account in his name, and he used the remaining funds toward the purchase of a condominium. Theophin ran for mayor of Miramar in 2023.

    A sentencing hearing is set on July 15 in Fort Lauderdale before U.S. District Court Judge Rodney Smith. Theophin faces up to 20 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Emmanuel Gomez of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

    IRS-CI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Killoran is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge Delgado is handling asset forfeiture. 

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-60233.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lee County Man Indicted and Detained for Armed Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LEXINGTON, KY- A Rogers, Ky., man, Robert Lutes, 50, was indicted on April 17 by a grand jury sitting in Lexington for four counts of distributing fentanyl, two counts of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possessing with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    The indictment alleges that from February 6 to March 26, 2025, Lutes possessed and distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine in Lee County. The indictment also alleges that on March 26, 2025, he possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the indictment.

    The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the ATF and KSP.  The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos.

    Lutes was detained in custody on April 17, as he awaits a trial scheduled for June 25, 2025. He faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.

    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

               Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

                                                                                                                         

    — END — 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assaulting Border Patrol Agent

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DEL RIO, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 45 months in prison for assaulting a U.S. Border Patrol agent.

    According to court documents, Mario Alonso Torrijos-Perez was apprehended on Dec. 14, 2021by USBP agents in Carrizo Springs with five other illegal aliens. While being escorted to the Border Patrol station for processing, Torrijos-Perez attempted to escape on foot. An agent caught Torrijos-Perez, who physically resisted and demanded the agent let him go despite the agent instructing him in Spanish and English to stop resisting and show his hands. Torrijos-Perez forcefully struck the agent with his right elbow, causing the agent to lose balance and fall to the ground. After further resistance, the agent gained control and handcuffed Torrijos-Perez.

    The USBP agent sustained a contusion to his right shoulder, redness in the upper-arm area, scratches on both hands and both wrists, along with pain and discomfort in the aforementioned areas.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    USBP investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner prosecuted the case.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI-Led Operation in Nigeria Leads to Sextortion Arrests

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

    In early 2023, a unit in the FBI’s Criminal Division that focuses on child exploitation sifted through terabytes of communications and uncovered thousands of digital breadcrumbs that led to Nigeria. The Child Exploitation Operational Unit assembled priority lists of subjects to locate and interview in the West African country, including some of the cases that involved suicides.

    The FBI, through the legal attaché office in Nigeria, coordinated all this with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the country’s lead agency for investigating financial crimes. Other partners included federal agencies in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom that had similar sextortion cases resolving to Nigeria.

    In late summer 2023, a team of FBI special agents, analysts, and forensic examiners—along with criminal investigators from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)—set up a discreet temporary command post in the city of Lagos. The operation was dubbed Artemis after the Greek goddess who protects youths. In Nigeria, the teams worked in shifts for weeks at a time exchanging information with EFCC investigators to facilitate the arrests and interviews of Nigerians whose digital footprints appeared to connect them to some of the most appalling cases in the U.S.

    “Everybody was equally invested in making this one goal happen,” said Special Agent Karen R., who managed the Bureau’s coordination of the sextortion cases that led up to the weeks-long operation in Nigeria. While Canada and Australia are well-known partners for the FBI, Karen pointed out that Nigeria’s EFCC has a uniquely strong track record of working with the Bureau, particularly on sprawling financial crimes that both countries are trying to stamp out.

    “They are just as invested as we are in trying to make this problem go away,” she said. “We all know Nigerian prince scams. We know all of the scams that are traditionally done there. They’re aware of it, too, and don’t like that their country is known for that type of activity.”

    Indeed, as everyone set out in the summer of 2023 to find and arrest the criminals and bring them to justice, Nigerian authorities were on a parallel mission of trying to dissuade would-be scammers in their own country from taking up sextortion and other financial crimes as an easy way to make money.

    Poverty is widespread in Nigeria, and jobs and opportunities are scarce. Smart, tech-savvy, college-aged individuals with a phone, nude images scraped from the internet, and a script for duping faraway boys might view sextortion as a viable trade with little risk or downside. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detroit Man Sentenced for Role in Drug Trafficking Operation

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

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jovonne Haynes, age 30, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 13 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking organization selling controlled substances that spanned from Michigan to Monongalia County.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Haynes was allowing his apartment in Morgantown to be used for the drug trafficking operation. Haynes pled guilty to a methamphetamine distribution charge in December 2024.

    Haynes will serve three years of supervised release following his sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The case was investigated the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Clarksburg; the FBI Clarksburg; the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; WVU Police Department; the DEA Cincinnati District Office; the DEA Detroit Field Division; and the FBI Detroit.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Billings woman sentenced to 5 years in prison on drug charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BILLINGS – A Billings woman who possessed methamphetamine was sentenced today to 60 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Lynda Diane Good, Jr., 60, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

    U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that on or about April 3, 2024, an undercover officer conducted a controlled purchase of four ounces of methamphetamine from the defendant, Lynda Diane Good, at her residence in Billings. Following this purchase, on April 11, 2024, police obtained a warrant to search Ms. Good’s residence. During the search, they recovered 434 grams of methamphetamine and multiple firearms. Ms. Good admitted to possessing approximately one pound of methamphetamine and to selling the drug.

    An Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuted the case and the investigation was conducted by the ATF, Billings Police Department, and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

     

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Elkins Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Burlin Junior Howell, 60, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine.

    According to court documents, Howell sold methamphetamine in Randolph County. Howell has prior grand larceny, robbery, domestic battery, brandishing, and drug trafficking convictions.

    Howell will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The task force is comprised of members from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the West Virginia State Police, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hardin man sentenced to 3 years in prison for using a phone to promote prostitution with a minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BILLINGS – A Hardin man who promoted prostitution with a minor was sentenced today to 36 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    William Serges Joseph, 75, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to use of facility in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering.

    U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that in March 2023, Jane Doe, a juvenile female, disclosed to law enforcement that, commencing in approximately September 2022, she began showing her breasts to the Joseph. The two messaged each other on Facebook and Joseph was aware of she was a juvenile. Jane Doe said she allowed Joseph to touch her in exchange for alcohol and he also asked her for naked pictures.

    Jane Doe was interviewed again in June 2023. She added that Joseph continued to message her and offered her $50 for sexual contact. A review of her cell phone reflected, among other communications, a February 2023 message from Joseph with a picture of male genitalia. Joseph was interviewed in February 2024. He admitted providing alcohol to Jane Doe in exchange for pictures of her breasts. At the time of the offense, prostitution was illegal under the laws of Montana and Sex Trafficking was illegal under the laws of the United States.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, and the investigation was conducted by the FBI.

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

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine’s path to peace appears to be rapidly disappearing

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

    It’s getting hard to figure out who all the US-sponsored talks over ending the conflict in Ukraine are supposed to benefit. Listening to Donald Trump over recent weeks, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s all about him.

    In the past 48 hours, the US president has berated both the Ukrainian president, Volodymr Zelensky, and Russia’s Vladimir Putin for apparently dragging their heels over an agreement.

    At present it’s Putin who is on the naughty step (although as we know this can change quite rapidly). After Russia launched strikes against Kyiv overnight on Wednesday, killing eight people and injuring dozens more, Trump used his TruthSocial platform to give the Russian president a piece of his mind.


    TruthSocial

    But hours previously, the US president had been giving Zelensky both barrels after he rejected a peace proposal that included the US recognising Crimea as part of Russia. Trump wrote: “It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire — He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.”

    For the past week or so, US officials, including the president and his secretary of state, Marco Rubio, have been warning that if a deal isn’t done “in a matter of days” they could just decide to walk away.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    It’s hard to see how there is a credible pathway to peace at the moment, write Stefan Wolff and Tetyana Malyarenko, international security experts at the University of Birmingham and the National University Odesa Law Academy, respectively. They point out that even if all sides can agree to a formula for a ceasefire (remembering that Russia couldn’t even hold to the agreed truce over the Easter holiday) then a lasting peace deal that is supposed to follow is even more difficult to imagine.

    And, as the abortive attempts to end the war drag on and Russia’s attritional tactics continue, at a massive cost – both economically and in human lives – there are signs that western resolve and unity is coming under pressure. Partly it’s because many of Ukraine’s allies, particularly in Europe, are already scrambling to work out how they might adjust their own security arrangements in the eventuality of a new world order developing, dominated by the US, China and Russia, in which Washington’s friends find themselves on the outside.

    Then there’s the inescapable question of whether Putin can be trusted to hold to any deal he strikes, given the likelihood of the US president’s attention wandering once he has been able to boast of brokering an “end” to the war. As Wolff and Malyarenko put it: “Given Russia’s track record of reneging on the Minsk ceasefire agreements of September 2014 and February 2015, investing everything in a ceasefire deal might turn out not just a self-fulfilling but a self-defeating prophecy for Ukraine and its supporters.”



    Read more:
    Ukraine war: path to peace looks increasingly narrow as Kyiv’s western backers scramble to focus on their own interests

    As Trump 2.0 nears the 100-day mark (more of which next week), it’s worth pausing to ask what the American public thinks about the war in Ukraine. Paul Whiteley of the University of Essex has been looking at polling on the issue over the past six months or so and concludes that the US president looks out of step with the people when it comes to what Whiteley construes as Trump’s apparently Russia-friendly approach. Whiteley quotes a recent Economist/YouGov poll which finds that far more people see Ukraine as an ally that view Russia in the same light.

    Meanwhile a much larger poll taken at the time of the US election last year, found that significant numbers of people support sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine and only a slightly smaller proportion of respondents backed providing military aid.

    American attitudes to policy alternatives for dealing with the Ukraine War:


    Cooperative Election Survey, CC BY-SA

    “A key point is that only 23% said the US should not get involved,” Whiteley concludes. “There is not much support among Americans for abandoning Ukraine.”



    Read more:
    Do Americans support Trump’s attitudes to Ukraine and Russia? Here’s what recent data shows

    India reels from terror attack

    Tensions are high between India and Pakistan after at least 26 people were killed in the bitterly contested Kashmir region. The atrocity in a the picturesque resport of Pahalgam, targeted tourists – specifically Hindu men. Victims were told to recite verses from the Qur’an before being killed if they couldn’t.

    A hitherto relatively unknown group, the Resistance Front (TRF) has claimed responsibility for the attack. But Sudhir Selvaraj, a specialist in religious nationalism at the University of Bradford, says that TRF is actually associated with, or a front for, the notorious Lashkar-e-Taiba (lET) which carried out the 2008 Mumbai massacre in which at least 176 people were murdered.

    Selvaraj says TRF has deliberately chosen a non-Islamist sounding name. “By doing so,” he writes “it supposedly aims to project a “neutral” (read as non-religious) front, rather emphasising the fight for Kashmiri nationalism.“



    Read more:
    What is the Resistance Front? An expert explains the terror group that carried out the latest Kashmir attack?

    Coming just as the tourist season is getting under way in Kashmir, the attack has undermined the strategy of the Modi government to portray the region as a major attraction for visitors. Nitasha Kaul, an expert in Hindu nationalism at the University of Westminster, says this is mainly aimed at the Indian public as a propaganda coup to show the success of the 2019 decision to split Kashmir in two and reduce it to the status of a “union territory” run from New Delhi.

    In reality, she writes Kashmiris – especially Kashmiri Muslims – have little say in their own affairs and are vulnerable to reprisals in response to any attacks by Pakistani or Pakistani-backed militants. Kashmir’s chief minister, Omar Abdullah, was actually excluded from security briefings when India’s home minister, Amit Shah, visited Kashmir after the attack.

    Meanwhile some of the noisier Hindutva (Hindu nationalist) voices in politics and the media are demanding reprisals against Pakistan. It’s a very dangerous moment, Kaul concludes.



    Read more:
    Kashmir attacks: Kashmiris trapped between tourism and terrorism as an insecure nation looks to Modi for accountability

    Remembering Pope Francis I

    We’ve had some standout stories about the life and times of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, better known to the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics as Pope Francis I. We’ve covered his burning ambition to modernise the Catholic church, as well as his achievements in promoting women to more senior church positions than any potiff before him.

    And we’ve considered his influence on the global environmental movement which, as Oxford theologian Celia Deane-Drummond writes, made her feel as if “something momentous was happening at the heart of the church”.

    But the anecdote about the late pope which moved me the most was related by Sara Silvestri of City, who recalls meeting Pope Francis back in 2019. It was as part of a symposium at the Vatican at which migration, an issue she’d been deeply engaged with in her work, was the central issue for discussion. Silvestri recalls delivering a research paper and then being invited with to meet Francis in a room next to the Sistine Chapel.

    “Francis made a speech and we greeted him one by one,” she recalled this week. “I had my 21 month-old daughter with me that day, thinking of the rare opportunity we would both enjoy. But I’d underestimated the length of the formalities involved. My daughter screamed ‘Open the doors, let me out!’ through the whole of the pope’s speech. I was distraught, but Francis responded very gently to the disruption.”

    Francis she says, stopped what he was saying and “commented how sweet and lovely it was to hear the voice of a child. I could feel it was not just a platitude – he meant it.”



    Read more:
    Pope Francis: ‘ethical helmsman’ whose feel for international relations steered church in turbulent times

    World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK is available as a weekly email newsletter. Click here to get updates directly in your inbox.

    – ref. Ukraine’s path to peace appears to be rapidly disappearing – https://theconversation.com/ukraines-path-to-peace-appears-to-be-rapidly-disappearing-255272

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gang Members Convicted of Racketeering Conspiracy and Murdering Man They Misidentified as a Rival Gang Member

    Source: US State of California

    Following a two-week trial, a federal jury in Minneapolis convicted three Minnesota men yesterday for their involvement in the Highs — a violent Minneapolis street gang — and a gang-related murder on Aug. 7, 2021.

    “These defendants participated in a senseless murder and other acts of violence that terrorized their community,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s conviction sends a message to gang members in Minneapolis that there is no glory in gun violence. Working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, the Department is committed to prosecuting criminal enterprises that use violence and intimidation to exert power in our cities — dismantling violent gangs and securing justice for the victims and their loved ones.”

    “Minneapolis criminal street gangs have inflicted devastating harm on our community for far too long. Three years ago, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced our federal violent crime initiative to address the skyrocketing and completely unacceptable rates of violent crime in Minnesota,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick for the District of Minnesota. “Since then, we have brought large RICO cases against three criminal street gangs — charging them as the violent enterprises they are. Make no mistake: we will not stop. Criminal street gangs in Minneapolis will continue to see federal justice. The citizens of Minnesota — the many victims of these crimes — deserve no less.”

    “This conviction sends a strong message that violent street gangs will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “Through the power of the RICO statute, ATF agents, in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, have been able to target the violent criminal activity of the Highs gang. This conviction is a direct result of the tireless work by our agents who are committed to dismantling these criminal organizations and ensuring that those who use violence to control neighborhoods are held accountable. ATF will continue to lead efforts to take down street gangs and protect the citizens of Minneapolis.”

    “This was cold-blooded, calculated violence meant to control through fear,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “They believed violence gave them power—but today’s conviction proves that justice is stronger. The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, is committed to dismantling these criminal enterprises and holding violent offenders accountable.

    “Minneapolis has seen a significant drop in violent crime, especially gun violence, thanks to the outstanding work of MPD officers and our law enforcement partners. Most notably, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been instrumental in helping us target the small number of individuals driving violence, without causing harm to the broader communities we serve. Together, we’re not just reducing crime — we’re rebuilding trust,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.

    “The verdict marks a decisive victory in the fight against violent criminal organizations,” said Ramsey E. Covington, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Reducing violence in this community has required a change in tactics, and IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are perfectly poised to support our law enforcement partners in this effort. Our agents will continue to apply their financial expertise and investigative skills to bring justice to those who endanger our communities and threaten our way of life.”

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Keon Pruitt, 22, Dantrell Johnson, 32, and Gregory Hamilton, 29, each of Minneapolis, were members of various “cliques,” or subsets, of the Highs — a criminal enterprise that controlled territory north of West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis. Evidence at trial proved that the Highs gang committed multiple murders, narcotics trafficking, weapons violations, burglaries, assaults, and robberies. As members of the Highs, the defendants were expected to retaliate against the rival Lows gang, which operated south of West Broadway Avenue.

    On Aug. 7, 2021, a prominent Highs member was shot and killed by a Lows member at the Winner gas station, a Highs hangout. The following day, Highs members organized a memorial for the deceased member at the gas station, where they distributed firearms and encouraged each other to retaliate against Lows members for the murder. Defendants Pruitt, Johnson, and Hamilton were all in attendance at the memorial.

    Later that day, Johnson and Hamilton drove to a known Lows hangout — Wally’s Foods — and shot a Lows associate, who survived his injuries. Approximately two hours later, Johnson, Hamilton, and Pruitt drove to Skyline Market, another known Lows hangout, to shoot another Lows member. Inside the market, they shot a man whom they mistakenly believed to be a Lows member — which was captured on the store’s cameras. The victim ran for his life from the store and into the street. Pruitt, who was driving two juvenile members in a stolen Porsche, let the juveniles out of the car. The juvenile members then chased the victim into a nearby alley and fatally shot him. The victim was shot at least eight times.

    The jury convicted Prutt, Johnson, and Hamilton of Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy and using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence resulting in death. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    This is the first of several trials scheduled in this case, which charged a total of 28 defendants with RICO conspiracy, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, and other charges related to their activities as members and associates of the Highs gang. Sixteen defendants are pending trial.

    The ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies contributed to the investigation.

    Trial Attorney Brian Lynch of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Lopez-Calhoun, Albania Concepcion, and Rebecca Kline for the District of Minnesota tried this case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Roles in Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery While Posing as DEA Agents

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

    FBI Releases Annual Internet Crime Report

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has released its latest annual report. The 2024 Internet Crime Report combines information from 859,532 complaints of suspected internet crime and details reported losses exceeding $16 billion—a 33% increase in losses from 2023.

    News Blog

    The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) issued its latest annual report showing 859,532 complaints of suspected internet crime and losses exceeding $16 billion last year—a 33% increase in losses from 2023.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Money Service Business Unlawfully Residing in Beaverton Faces Federal Charges for Laundering Drug Proceeds

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

    Brenda Lili Barrera Orantes, the owner and operator of La Popular, a money service business with locations in Oregon and Washington, was arraigned in federal court.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Unlawfully Residing in Portland Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl

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

    FBI Releases Annual Internet Crime Report

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has released its latest annual report. The 2024 Internet Crime Report combines information from 859,532 complaints of suspected internet crime and details reported losses exceeding $16 billion—a 33% increase in losses from 2023.

    News Blog

    The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) issued its latest annual report showing 859,532 complaints of suspected internet crime and losses exceeding $16 billion last year—a 33% increase in losses from 2023.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Arrest of Jean Paul Cotto Rosario

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

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Juan Field Office, announced the arrest of Jean-Paul Cotto Rosario (Cotto Rosario).

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI New Orleans Recognizes 45th Anniversary of the Joint Terrorism Task Force

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

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation is marking the 45th anniversary of the creation of its first Joint Terrorism Task Force. Formed in New York in 1980, the first JTTF became a model for law enforcement cooperation across the nation. The FBI New Orleans JTTF is the group responsible for the ongoing investigation into the New Year’s Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street.

    The FBI New Orleans Field Office organized its JTTF 25 years ago in April of 2000, with Louisiana State Police representing the only full-time local law enforcement partner working with the FBI, Department of Defense, and what is now the Department of Homeland Security. The JTTF allowed for a concentration of dedicated FBI manpower and resources. This new JTTF supplemented work already being done by regional task forces and working groups.

    Today, the following agencies provide full-time support to the JTTF mission across the state:

    • Louisiana State Police
    • New Orleans Police Department
    • Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office
    • St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office
    • St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office
    • Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office
    • East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office
    • United States Army
    • United States Coast Guard
    • Department of Homeland Security
    • United States Secret Service

    JTTFs can be found at each of the FBI’s 55 field offices and many of their smaller offices—around 280 locations in all.

    JTTFs gather trained investigators, intelligence analysts, linguists, and tactical experts from federal, state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Task force members share intelligence and investigative leads and respond to threats and incidents.

    “We rely on our law enforcement partners to help keep our communities safe,” said Jonathan Tapp, special agent in charge of FBI New Orleans. “All of our partners bring their special skills and expertise to these teams, making us all that much stronger.”

    The FBI’s JTTF model dates to 1979, when the New York Police Department and the FBI’s New York Field Office created a joint task force to tackle violent bank robberies. They imitated the model in 1980, when terrorist bombings, bomb threats, and other violence plagued the city, and announced the formation of the first JTTF in April 1980.

    After the 9/11 attacks, FBI leadership directed all FBI field offices to establish a JTTF. In addition, the FBI established its National Joint Terrorism Task Force to support the local task forces in June of 2002. The NJTTF, at FBI Headquarters, enhances communication, coordination, and cooperation from partner agencies.

    JTTFs have disrupted dozens of plots in the past four decades. The FBI New Orleans JTTF is dedicated to identifying and targeting for prosecution terrorist organizations planning or carrying out terrorist acts occurring in or affecting the State of Louisiana and apprehend individuals committing such violations.

    Resources

    A recorded video interview with David Scott, assistant director of the Counterterrorism Division, is available for media outlet use on the FBI’s new DVIDs page. This is the main “hub” for FBI-produced multimedia projects that can be directly downloaded and used by the media. This video is not intended to be amplified in its raw form but rather edited into on-air products.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force Turns 45

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

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is marking the 45th anniversary of the creation of its first Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). Formed in 1980, the first JTTF became a model for law enforcement cooperation across the nation. The Boston Division of the FBI organized its first JTTF in April 1986.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: News 04/24/2025 Blackburn Leads Tennessee Delegation in Requesting Swift Approval of Major Disaster Declaration in Wake of Severe Weather

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) led the Tennessee delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging his swift approval of Governor Bill Lee’s request for a major disaster declaration following severe weather in the state beginning on April 2, 2025.

    Read the full letter here or below.

    Dear Mr. President:

    We write to urge swift approval of Governor Bill Lee’s request for a major disaster declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act due to severe weather beginning on April 2, 2025.

    On April 2, a powerful storm system entered Tennessee and repeatedly moved over the state until April 6. During that time, the severe weather system resulted in a total of 19 tornadoes, wreaking unimaginable damage. In addition to the devastating outbreak of tornadoes, this generational event resulted in up to 15 inches of rain in some locations, causing severe flooding and flash flooding across the state. Straight-line winds with gusts up to 90 mph caused significant damage to property in several counties. Across the state, more than 325 roads were closed or impassable and 25 water treatment facilities were impacted. Sadly, 10 Tennesseans have died as a result of this severe weather.

    To respond to this disaster, Governor Lee is requesting a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance for the following counties: Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Dyer, Grundy, Hardeman, Hickman, Humphreys, Lewis, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Sumner, and Wilson. This request encompasses the Individuals and Households Program, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Disaster SNAP, Disaster Case Management, Disaster Legal Services, and Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance.

    The Governor is also requesting Public Assistance (Categories A-G) for the following counties: Carroll, Cheatham, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Grundy, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Perry, Shelby, Tipton, and Wilson. This includes support of sheltering and Direct Federal Assistance for those activities deemed necessary by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. For Public Assistance Categories A-B, Governor Lee is requesting a 100 percent federal cost share for eligible expenses incurred in the first 90 days of response starting April 2, 2025.

    Additionally, Governor Lee is requesting the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide. Please note that the following counties are anticipated to be requested to add-on to this major declaration request: Hickman, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Montgomery, Stewart and Sumner counties.

    Governor Lee’s request is attached. On behalf of the State of Tennessee, we urge you to approve this request as soon as possible. 

    Our offices can provide you with any additional information you need.

    CO-SIGNERS

    Senator Blackburn was joined by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representatives Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Mark Green (R-Tenn.), Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), and John Rose (R-Tenn.) in sending the letter.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Gang Members Convicted of Racketeering Conspiracy and Murdering Man They Misidentified as a Rival Gang Member

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Following a two-week trial, a federal jury in Minneapolis convicted three Minnesota men yesterday for their involvement in the Highs — a violent Minneapolis street gang — and a gang-related murder on Aug. 7, 2021.

    “These defendants participated in a senseless murder and other acts of violence that terrorized their community,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s conviction sends a message to gang members in Minneapolis that there is no glory in gun violence. Working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, the Department is committed to prosecuting criminal enterprises that use violence and intimidation to exert power in our cities — dismantling violent gangs and securing justice for the victims and their loved ones.”

    “Minneapolis criminal street gangs have inflicted devastating harm on our community for far too long. Three years ago, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced our federal violent crime initiative to address the skyrocketing and completely unacceptable rates of violent crime in Minnesota,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick for the District of Minnesota. “Since then, we have brought large RICO cases against three criminal street gangs — charging them as the violent enterprises they are. Make no mistake: we will not stop. Criminal street gangs in Minneapolis will continue to see federal justice. The citizens of Minnesota — the many victims of these crimes — deserve no less.”

    “This conviction sends a strong message that violent street gangs will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “Through the power of the RICO statute, ATF agents, in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, have been able to target the violent criminal activity of the Highs gang. This conviction is a direct result of the tireless work by our agents who are committed to dismantling these criminal organizations and ensuring that those who use violence to control neighborhoods are held accountable. ATF will continue to lead efforts to take down street gangs and protect the citizens of Minneapolis.”

    “This was cold-blooded, calculated violence meant to control through fear,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “They believed violence gave them power—but today’s conviction proves that justice is stronger. The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, is committed to dismantling these criminal enterprises and holding violent offenders accountable.

    “Minneapolis has seen a significant drop in violent crime, especially gun violence, thanks to the outstanding work of MPD officers and our law enforcement partners. Most notably, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been instrumental in helping us target the small number of individuals driving violence, without causing harm to the broader communities we serve. Together, we’re not just reducing crime — we’re rebuilding trust,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.

    “The verdict marks a decisive victory in the fight against violent criminal organizations,” said Ramsey E. Covington, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Reducing violence in this community has required a change in tactics, and IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are perfectly poised to support our law enforcement partners in this effort. Our agents will continue to apply their financial expertise and investigative skills to bring justice to those who endanger our communities and threaten our way of life.”

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Keon Pruitt, 22, Dantrell Johnson, 32, and Gregory Hamilton, 29, each of Minneapolis, were members of various “cliques,” or subsets, of the Highs — a criminal enterprise that controlled territory north of West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis. Evidence at trial proved that the Highs gang committed multiple murders, narcotics trafficking, weapons violations, burglaries, assaults, and robberies. As members of the Highs, the defendants were expected to retaliate against the rival Lows gang, which operated south of West Broadway Avenue.

    On Aug. 7, 2021, a prominent Highs member was shot and killed by a Lows member at the Winner gas station, a Highs hangout. The following day, Highs members organized a memorial for the deceased member at the gas station, where they distributed firearms and encouraged each other to retaliate against Lows members for the murder. Defendants Pruitt, Johnson, and Hamilton were all in attendance at the memorial.

    Later that day, Johnson and Hamilton drove to a known Lows hangout — Wally’s Foods — and shot a Lows associate, who survived his injuries. Approximately two hours later, Johnson, Hamilton, and Pruitt drove to Skyline Market, another known Lows hangout, to shoot another Lows member. Inside the market, they shot a man whom they mistakenly believed to be a Lows member — which was captured on the store’s cameras. The victim ran for his life from the store and into the street. Pruitt, who was driving two juvenile members in a stolen Porsche, let the juveniles out of the car. The juvenile members then chased the victim into a nearby alley and fatally shot him. The victim was shot at least eight times.

    The jury convicted Prutt, Johnson, and Hamilton of Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy and using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence resulting in death. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    This is the first of several trials scheduled in this case, which charged a total of 28 defendants with RICO conspiracy, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, and other charges related to their activities as members and associates of the Highs gang. Sixteen defendants are pending trial.

    The ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies contributed to the investigation.

    Trial Attorney Brian Lynch of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Lopez-Calhoun, Albania Concepcion, and Rebecca Kline for the District of Minnesota tried this case.

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