Category: Law

MIL-OSI: ORTHOFIX MEDICAL SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS INVESTORS WITH LOSSES IN EXCESS OF $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Orthofix Medical, Inc. – OFIX

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 21, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Orthofix Medical, Inc. (NasdaqGS: OFIX), if they purchased the Company’s shares between October 11, 2022, and September 12, 2023, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

Get Help

Orthofix investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nasdaq-ofix-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Orthofix and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On September 12, 2023, the Company announced the appointment of an interim CEO, interim CFO, and interim CLO, effective immediately, following the “unanimous decision by the Board’s independent directors to terminate for cause [President and CEO] Keith Valentine, [CFO] John Bostjancic and [CLO] Patrick Keran from those respective roles” due to an independent investigation that revealed that “each of these executives engaged in repeated inappropriate and offensive conduct that violated multiple code of conduct requirements and was inconsistent with the Company’s values and culture.”

On this news, the price of Orthofix’s shares fell $5.62 per share, or over 30%, to close at $13.01 per share on September 13, 2023, on unusually heavy volume.

The case is Bernal v. Orthofix Medical, Inc., et al., No. 2:24-cv-00690.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit http://www.claimsfiler.com.

The MIL Network –

January 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: STELLANTIS SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS INVESTORS WITH LOSSES IN EXCESS OF $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Stellantis N.V. – STLA

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 15, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA), if they purchased the Company’s securities between February 15, 2024 to July 24, 2024, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Stellantis investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-stla/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Stellantis and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On July 25, 2024, the Company announced its first half 2024 financial results, disclosing disappointing news, including “[n]et revenues of €85.0 billion, down 14% compared to H1 2023, primarily due to the decline in volume and mix; net profit of €5.6 billion, down 48% compared to H1 2023, primarily due to lower volume and mix, headwinds from foreign exchange and restructuring costs; adjusted operating income of €8.5 billion, down €5.7 billion compared to H1 2023, primarily due to decreases in North America.”

On this news, the price of Stellantis’ shares fell from a closing price of $19.60 per share on July 24, 2024 to $17.66 per share on July 26, 2024.

The case is Long v. Stellantis N.V., et al., No. 24-cv-06196.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit http://www.claimsfiler.com.

The MIL Network –

January 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: LULULEMON SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS INVESTORS WITH LOSSES IN EXCESS OF $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Lululemon Athletica Inc. – LULU

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 7, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Lululemon Athletica Inc. (the “Company”) (NasdaqGS: LULU), if they purchased the Company’s securities between December 7, 2023 and July 24, 2024, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Lululemon investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nasdaq-lulu-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Lululemon and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (1) the Company was struggling with inventory allocation and color palette execution issues; (2) as a result, the Company’s Breezethrough product launch underperformed and the Company was experiencing stagnating sales in the Americas region; and (3) as a result of the foregoing, the Company’s positive statements about the its business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

The case is Patel v. Lululemon Athletica Inc., et al., No. 24-cv-06033.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit http://www.claimsfiler.com.

The MIL Network –

January 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: SPRINKLR SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS INVESTORS WITH LOSSES IN EXCESS OF $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Sprinklr, Inc. – CXM

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 15, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Sprinklr, Inc. (NYSE: CXM), if they purchased the Company’s securities between March 29, 2023 and June 5, 2024, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Sprinklr investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-cxm/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Sprinklr and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On June 5, 2024, the Company disclosed disappointing financial news including significantly reduced growth expectations, cutting fiscal year 2025 projections an additional three percent, down to 7% annual growth, due to reduced customer retention in the Company’s core business and macro headwinds.

On this news, the price of Sprinklr’s shares fell from a closing price of $10.84 per share on June 5, 2024 to $9.20 per share on June 6, 2024, a decline of more than 15% in the span of one day.

The case is Boshart v. Sprinklr, Inc., No. 24-cv-06132.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit http://www.claimsfiler.com.

The MIL Network –

January 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: ARBOR REALTY SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS INVESTORS WITH LOSSES IN EXCESS OF $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. – ABR

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until September 30, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (“ABR” or the “Company”) (NYSE: ABR), if they purchased the Company’s securities between May 7, 2021 and July 11, 2024, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Get Help

Arbor Realty investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-abr/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Arbor Realty and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On March 14, 2023, NINGI Research reported that “ABR has been hiding a toxic real estate portfolio of mobile homes with a complex web of real and fake holdings companies for more than a decade.” On this news, the price of ABR shares fell from $12.99 per share on March 13, 2023, to $12.12 per share on March 14, 2023, and then $11.53 per share on March 15, 2023. Then, on July 12, 2024, Bloomberg reported that the Company was the subject of a probe by federal prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New York that were “inquiring about lending practices and the company’s claims about the performance of their loan book.” On this news, the price of ABR shares fell from $15.53 per share on July 11, 2024, to $12.89 per share on July 12, 2024.

The case is Martin v. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc., No. 24-cv-05347.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit http://www.claimsfiler.com.

The MIL Network –

January 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: EXTREME NETWORKS SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS INVESTORS WITH LOSSES IN EXCESS OF $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Extreme Networks, Inc. – EXTR

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 15, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Extreme Networks, Inc. (NasdaqGS: EXTR), if they purchased the Company’s shares between July 27, 2022 and January 30, 2024, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

Get Help

Extreme Networks investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nasdaq-extr-2/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Extreme Networks and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On January 31, 2024, the Company disclosed disappointing financial results and operational trends for 2Q24 including, among other things, that its revenues for the quarter were $296.4 million, down 7% year-over-year, and that it had generated just $186.6 million in product revenue, a decline of 37% year-over-year.

On this news, the price of Extreme Networks’ shares fell from $16.64 per share when the market closed on January 30, 2024 to $12.59 per share on February 2, 2024, a 24% decline over three trading days on unusually heavy volume

The case is Steamfitters Local 449 Pension & Retirement Security Funds v. Extreme Networks, Inc., No. 24-cv-05102.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit http://www.claimsfiler.com.

The MIL Network –

January 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: DXC TECHNOLOGY SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS INVESTORS WITH LOSSES IN EXCESS OF $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against DXC Technology Company – DXC

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 1, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against DXC Technology Company (NYSE: DXC), if they purchased the Company’s shares between May 26, 2021, and May 16, 2024, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Get Help

DXC investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-dxc/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

DXC and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On May 16, 2024, the Company announced its results for the fourth quarter and full year for 2024, disclosing that “the previous restructurings did not set a real, clean, solid, fully integrated baseline for profitable growth” and that the Company was undertaking a “real reset” from the “bottom up” requiring an additional $250 million on increased restructuring expenses.

On this news, the price of DXC shares fell $3.36 per share, or nearly 17%, from a closing price of $19.88 per share on May 16, 2024, to a closing price of $16.52 per share on May 17, 2024.

The case is Roofers’ Pension Fund v. DXC Technology Company, No. 24-cv-1351.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit http://www.claimsfiler.com.

The MIL Network –

January 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: CROWDSTRIKE SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS INVESTORS WITH LOSSES IN EXCESS OF $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. – CRWD

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until September 30, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) (NasdaqGS: CRWD), if they purchased the Company’s Class A shares between November 29, 2023 and July 29, 2024, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas.

Get Help

CrowdStrike investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nasdaq-crwd/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

CrowdStrike and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On July 19, 2024, an update pushed by the Company caused global outages for millions of users of Microsoft Windows devices, including financial institutions, airlines, government entities, and corporations, and left users vulnerable to potential hacking threats. On this news, the price of CrowdStrike shares fell $38.09 or 11% to close at $304.96 on July 19, 2024. Then, on July 22, 2024, it was revealed that Congress had called on CEO George Kurtz to testify regarding the catastrophe, and the Company’s stock rating was downgraded by analysts. On this news, the price of CrowdStrike shares fell $41.05 or 13.5% to close at $263.91 on July 22, 2024. Then, on July 29, 2024, news outlets reported that Delta Air Lines had retained noted attorney David Boies to seek damages from the Company following the outages. On this news, the price of CrowdStrike shares fell $25.16 or 10% to close at $233.65 on July 30, 2024.

The case is Plymouth County Retirement Association v. CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc., et al., 24-cv-00857.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit http://www.claimsfiler.com.

The MIL Network –

January 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and phishing emails related to Dah Sing Bank, Limited

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Dah Sing Bank, Limited relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and phishing emails, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.

     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).

     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites, login screens or emails concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 22, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Taumaranui

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

One person has died following a crash in Taumaranui this afternoon.

Police were alerted to the single vehicle crash on Kururau Road just before 3pm.

The car had gone down a bank and the driver was located deceased.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 30, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Driver before the courts after he fails to stop for Police, Gisborne

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A man has been taken into custody after failing to stop for Police in Gisborne.

At around 2:10pm Police sighted a person of interest driving on Ormond Road. Police activated lights and sirens signalling for the driver to stop, however they continued, and Police elected not to pursue.

Police conducted areas for the vehicle and located the driver and vehicle on Queens Road shortly after.

Police followed keeping the vehicle in view and coordinated multiple units to deploy Tyre Deflation Devices to stop the vehicle safely.

Spikes were successfully deployed on Tyndall Road and Police continued to follow the vehicle through the Gisborne CBD until the driver abandoned the vehicle in an alleyway.

The driver ran through a store and attempted to get away in a second vehicle on Gladstone Road, leaving the CBD.

At around 2:45pm Police stopped the second vehicle on Cobden Street and the fleeing driver was taken into custody without further incident.

A 25-year-old man is due to appear in the Gisborne District Court on a charge of failing to stop, and dangerous driving.

During the incident the driver was driving at lower speeds but crossed the centre line several times, went blindly through intersections and was causing a risk to public safety.

Due to Police’s efforts, the driver was arrested swiftly and will be held to account for his actions.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 30, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Takes Action to Support Federal Regulations on Gun Trafficking

Source: US State of New York

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell today co-led a multistate coalition of 22 attorneys general in support of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) rule that helps prevent illegal gun trafficking by requiring private gun sellers to obtain a license and perform background checks on potential buyers. Attorney General James and the coalition filed an amicus brief in Texas v. ATF arguing that the ATF’s rule is necessary to protect public safety and prevent domestic abusers and other dangerous individuals from illegally obtaining guns.

“Gun violence causes so much pain and suffering throughout the country, and we know that gun safety laws are an important tool to help tackle this crisis,” said Attorney General James. “For too long, gun traffickers and criminals got away with buying weapons from private sellers to avoid restrictions that would prevent them from buying a gun. The commonsense rule advanced by ATF will address this problem and help prevent illegal gun trafficking to keep our communities safer by placing more regulations on private sellers. I am proud to co-lead this effort with my fellow attorneys general and we will continue fighting to stop gun violence.”

After the mass shooting at the Tops Supermarket in Buffalo, NY and the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Congress enacted the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which closed certain loopholes that allowed gun traffickers and criminals to obtain guns without undergoing background checks. In particular, the law expanded the definition of gun sellers to include additional private sellers, making them subject to federal licensing and background check requirements.

The coalition argues that unlicensed gun sales by private sellers make it easier for people who cannot legally purchase firearms to obtain them, endangering communities and fueling gun violence. From a mass shooting at a bar in St. Paul, Minnesota that left one dead and 14 people injured, to the murder of a Chicago Police officer, to a mass shooting at a block party in Brooklyn that left eight people injured, trafficked guns have been used to carry out catastrophic violence in American communities. The ATF’s rule is intended to make it more difficult for dangerous individuals to illegally obtain guns. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the ATF’s rule will curb gun trafficking and protect public safety.

Joining Attorney General James in filing this amicus brief are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

Attorney General James has been a leader in the fight to protect New Yorkers and communities throughout the nation from gun violence. In September 2024, Attorney General James sent a letter urging Congress to take action to stop gun trafficking in Caribbean countries. In August 2024, Attorney General James led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in support of commonsense state and federal laws that regulate the sale of guns to keep communities safe. In April 2024, Attorney General James took down gun traffickers for selling ghost guns and other firearms in Central New York. In March 2024, Attorney General James secured a $7.8 million judgment against gun retailer Indie Guns for illegally selling ghost gun components in New York. In February 2024, Attorney General James announced the takedowns of a gun trafficking network that sold ghost guns and assault-style rifles and a narcotics trafficking network in Dutchess County. In December 2023, Attorney General James led a multistate coalition in support of the ATF’s rule at issue in this lawsuit.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Daniel Legler

Source: US State of New York

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Daniel Legler, who died on August 6, 2023 after an encounter with a member of the New York State Police (NYSP) in Monroe County. Following a thorough investigation, which included review of body-worn camera footage, interviews with the involved trooper and a witness, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the trooper’s actions were justified under New York law.

At approximately 9:24 p.m. on August 6, a NYSP trooper was pursuing a vehicle traveling westbound on Interstate 490 in Rochester after the driver of the vehicle, Mr. Legler, refused to comply with an attempted traffic stop. Mr. Legler was driving on the left shoulder of the highway to pass other cars, and at some points, his speed appeared to reach up to or over 100 MPH, almost 50 MPH over the speed limit.

Later in the pursuit, Mr. Legler exited the highway at the exit for the Rochester Tech Park in Gates, which involves a sharp turn. Mr. Legler’s vehicle struck a guardrail and then hit a curb on the median near the intersection of Harek Road and Les Harrison Drive West, becoming airborne before landing in a nearby field. The trooper exited his vehicle and commanded Mr. Legler remain in his vehicle, but Mr. Legler did not comply. Once out of the car, Mr. Legler began reaching around his waistband and moved to the other side of the car, prompting the trooper to command him to show his hands. Mr. Legler again refused to comply.

The trooper asked Mr. Legler to turn around to be placed under arrest. Mr. Legler then stumbled backward to the ground and a physical struggle ensued as the trooper attempted to place Mr. Legler in handcuffs. During the struggle, the trooper heard a shot fired and backed away from Mr. Legler. The trooper then saw a gun in Mr. Legler’s hand and discharged his service weapon in response. The trooper commanded Mr. Legler to remain on the ground, but Mr. Legler attempted to stand up and the trooper discharged his service weapon, striking Mr. Legler. Mr. Legler was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a gun at the scene.

Under New York’s justification law, a police officer may use deadly physical force when the officer reasonably believes it to be necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another. In this case, the trooper heard a shot ring out and saw a gun in Mr. Legler’s hand. Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the trooper’s use of deadly physical force against Mr. Legler was justified, and therefore OSI determined that criminal charges should not be pursued in this matter.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Zombie-style knives banned
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

From this week, zombie-style knives and machetes are now illegal to possess or sell as part of new measures introduced to halve knife crime in a decade.
Zombie-style knives and machetes have this week (24 September) been added to the list of prohibited weapons in the Criminal Justice Act 1988 as the government cracks down on dangerous weapons with no legitimate purpose.

‘Zombie-style’ is the street name given to weapons which are over 8 inches in length and often have a serrated edge, spikes or more than 2 sharp points. A full list of the features of these knives can be found in the guidance for surrender of ‘zombie-style’ knives and ‘zombie-style’ machetes.

NPCC lead for knife crime, Commander Stephen Clayman said:

Tackling knife crime requires all agencies and partners working together, approaching this from a number of different perspectives. Dealing with the accessibility of deadly and intimidating weapons is key and we are doing all we can to reduce how easily they can end up in the wrong hands. Many of these ‘zombie-style’ knives and machetes are clearly designed to intimidate and cause harm, rather than serve any practical purpose, so the ban will support us by significantly stopping their manufacture and overall availability.

Our fight to remove knife crime from our communities has been further strengthened with the government’s recent announcements and I look forward to leading an end-to-end review of online knife sales. This is just part of the ongoing work and we will continue to work in close partnership with the Home Office, retailers and the third sector to find ways we can bring meaningful, long-term change that will make our streets safer for everyone.

This is just one of a package of measures being introduced by the government to halve knife crime in a decade. Earlier this month, the government announced that legislation is underway to ban ninja swords and it has also commissioned the largest ever review into how knives are sold online to identify any gaps in legislation which will prevent these being sold illegally to under-18s.

The Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime has also been launched, bringing together campaign groups, families of people who have tragically lost their lives to knife crime, young people who have been impacted and community leaders, united in their mission to save lives and make Britain a safer place for the next generation.

From 24 September, anyone caught with a zombie-style knife or machete could face time behind bars.

The ban on zombie-style knives comes at the end of a Home Office run surrender scheme which allowed members of the public to hand in these types of weapons, and those who wished to do so were eligible for compensation. This scheme ended on 23 September and anyone still in possession of these weapons should safely hand them into their local police station or local surrender bin immediately.

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Updates to this page

Published 25 September 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Statement in Response to National Labor Relations Board Ruling on Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Unfair Labor Practices

Source: Communications Workers of America

Search News

September 24, 2024

On September 20, a National Labor Relations Board panel affirmed an Administrative Law Judge’s January 2023 ruling that the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had failed to bargain in good faith with the union representing its workers.

In response, Communications Workers of America President Claude Cummings Jr. issued the following statement:

Last week’s ruling from the National Labor Relations Board reinforces something that has been clear from the start of the strike: the Post-Gazette has been violating federal labor law. Meanwhile, CWA and NewsGuild-CWA members have been enduring unnecessary hardship for nearly two years. The Post-Gazette management could stop wasting money on fruitless attempts to avoid responsibility and end the strike today by following labor law. We are united and we will not back down.

Strike supporters can donate by visiting unionprogress.com/donate or order a strike solidarity t-shirt at cwa.org/pup-shirt.

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MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: Boston Man Charged with Violating National Defense Airspace

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

BOSTON – A Boston man was arraigned today in federal court for allegedly flying a drone near the finish line at the Boston Marathon in April 2024. The drone flight prompted law enforcement and bomb technicians to seize the drone mid-air, land it and evaluate its threat to the public.

Allan Nip, 30, was charged with unlawfully flying a drone in restricted National Defense Airspace. A deferred prosecution agreement filed along with the charging document reflects that the defendant has agreed to pay a $5,000 criminal fine and to forfeit his drone, valued at approximately $4,000. The United States also filed a civil forfeiture complaint in connection with this matter to forfeit the drone and its related controller.

According to court filings, Nip was flying his drone within a few blocks of the Boston Marathon finish line approximately 20 minutes before the professional men in the wheelchair division were finishing the race The drone was detected by federal law enforcement monitoring the airspace near the finish line, was intercepted mid-flight, and was landed in a secure location in Back Bay. Once the drone was taken down and evaluated by bomb technicians, law enforcement responded to Nip’s apartment on West Springfield Street in Boston, where he allegedly admitted to flying the drone that morning.

The controller on Nip’s drone, as with most drone controllers, allegedly provided warnings that day that he was flying in a restricted zone. In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration had sent out notices warning anyone seeking to fly any type of aircraft (including drones) not to fly near the start or finish lines of the Boston Marathon on race day, without a special permit. Those special permits are not granted for amateur drone operators.

The charge of operating a drone in restricted National Defense Airspace carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, one year of supervised release and a $100,000 fine. 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.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division; Colleen D’Alessandro, Regional Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration in New England; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. McNeil of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit is prosecuting the civil forfeiture case.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Fatal Shooting Over Drug Debt

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

ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Monday sentenced a man who shot someone trying to collect a drug debt to 12 years in prison.

Terrell Donta McDaniel agreed to sell 10 grams of fentanyl to Andre Nash on Nov. 2, 2022, for $500. But McDaniel did not give Nash the full amount of fentanyl, and Nash began looking for McDaniel to collect the debt.

After learning that McDaniel was staying at a vacant house in the 4100 block of Clara Place, Nash went there and entered the house. McDaniel shot and killed Nash.

McDaniel and others then wrapped Nash’s body in tarps and plastic and placed him in the trunk of a stolen car, dumping the body in the 5900 block of St. Louis Avenue that night. The body was discovered the next morning.

In court Monday, McDaniel apologized to Nash’s family. He said he was afraid for his life and had been trying to dodge Nash for four to five months.

McDaniel, now 42, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of discharge of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI.

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Charge for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

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

WASHINGTON – A Michigan man pleaded guilty today to a felony offense related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

Jason Howland, 47, of Clinton Township, Michigan, pleaded guilty to a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder before U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden. Judge McFadden will sentence Howland on Jan. 10, 2025.

According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Howland was identified in open-source video among a large group of rioters assembled near the base of the scaffolding on the northwest side of the U.S. Capitol building. There, U.S. Capitol Police officers had formed a police line to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the scaffolding. Rioters directly in front of the police line began to assault officers and attempt to overrun the police line. Howland observed this and, in response, turned to the crowd behind him and yelled, “Let’s go,” and waved his arm forward twice.

Immediately after Howland yelled, “Let’s go,” he and other rioters began to push forward, overrunning the police line and advancing toward the Capitol. As Howland advanced forward with the crowd, he pushed on the back of individuals in front of him. Court documents say that Howland’s conduct obstructed, impeded, and interfered with U.S. Capitol Police officers lawfully engaged in the lawful performance of their official duties.

Howland then advanced to the Upper West Terrace and entered the Capitol at approximately 2:17 p.m. through the Senate Wing Door. Inside the building, Howland traveled to the Crypt, where he chanted with others and observed rioters assault police. At approximately 2:20 p.m., while inside the Crypt, Howland received and read a message from another individual telling him, “Congress in session just figured out u guys are there and went running out of the session. Now on recess n house on lockdown.”

At approximately 2:51 p.m., Howland entered the Capitol Rotunda and observed a line of Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Capitol Police officers attempting to clear the area of rioters. In response, Howland approached the police line. At approximately 3:06 p.m., Howland entered the East Foyer. As he entered, he yelled at a group of U.S. Capitol Police officers.

Howland exited the U.S. Capitol at approximately 3:17 p.m. In total, Howland was inside the Capitol for approximately one hour.

After leaving the Capitol, Howland remained on the East Plaza, where he yelled at police officers who were arriving to respond to the riot. At approximately 5:28 p.m., an individual texted Howland asking whether ANTIFA had broken into the Capitol. Howland replied, “I’m not going to tell you who specifically. It wasn’t Antifa. It was patriots,” then added in a successive message, “No. Not Antifa. For a fact.” When the individual told Howland: “Well everyone on Twitter and all over is assuming it was Antifa. So that’s awesome,” Howland replied, “Good. Congress knows who it was.”

The FBI arrested Howland on Jan. 24, 2024, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.

This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Detroit and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

In the 43 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,488 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including nearly 550 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: Former President of Beverly Hills-Based Publisher Found Guilty of Embezzling at Least $1.3 Million From Company and Its Owner

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

LOS ANGELES – A Ventura County woman has been found guilty by a jury of defrauding a Beverly Hills-based independent publishing company and its owner by embezzling at least $1.3 million from the company and the owner’s personal bank account over several years for her own personal expenses, including spa treatment, veterinary bills, and designer handbags.

Kimberly Ann Miletta, 51, of Ventura, was found guilty late Monday of three counts of wire fraud.

According to evidence presented at a five-day trial, from 2009 to 2018, Miletta was president of Phoenix Books, an independent book and audio publisher owned by a victim identified in court documents as “J.O.” As the president of Phoenix Books, Miletta had full control over the business, including its finances, but she only was authorized to use company funds to pay for legitimate business expenses.

From October 2013 to January 2018, Miletta embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars by using the company credit card – over which she had exclusive control – to pay for personal items, and then paid for the credit card bills out of the company’s owner’s personal bank account.

Miletta used the company credit card to pay for, among other things, personal spa treatments, designer handbags, high-end clothing, a multi-thousand-dollar mattress, and years’ worth of veterinary bills and pet products for her cats. Miletta fraudulently charged more than $185,000 worth of purchases at clothing and department stores to the company credit card. Miletta also made a fraudulent wire transfer out of the personal account of the company’s owner of nearly $1 million, which Miletta used to buy an ocean-view home in Ventura.

The jury found Miletta not guilty of two additional counts of wire fraud.

United States District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong scheduled a January 10, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which time Miletta will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count.

The FBI investigated this matter.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jenna G. Williams of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force and Declan T. Conroy of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case.

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: Moncton — 67-year-old man dies following single-vehicle collision involving pedestrian

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

A 67-year-old man from Moncton, N.B., has died following a single-vehicle collision with a pedestrian in Moncton, N.B.

On September 23, 2024, at approximately 3:28 p.m., members of the Codiac Regional RCMP detachment responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision involving a pedestrian on Wheeler Boulevard near the intersection of Mapleton Road, in Moncton.

The collision is believed to have occurred when the vehicle, travelling Eastbound on Wheeler Boulevard, collided with the pedestrian who was attempting to cross the road.

The pedestrian died at the scene as a result of his injuries. The driver of the vehicle sustained what were believed to be minor injuries.

Members of the Moncton Fire Department and Ambulance New Brunswick also attended the scene. A member of the New Brunswick Coroner’s office and an RCMP Collision Reconstructionist are assisting with the ongoing investigation.

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: The Biden-Harris Soft-On-Crime Agenda And Failed Foreign Policy Threaten The Safety & Security Of Every American
Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

The Biden-Harris Soft-On-Crime Agenda And Failed Foreign Policy Threaten The Safety & Security Of Every American

Washington, September 25, 2024
Since Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took office, their failed foreign policy of appeasement has diminished our standing on the world stage and emboldened our adversaries while violent crime surges across the country due to their’ soft-on-crime policies, failed bail reform, open borders, and defund the police movement. House Republicans are committed to law and order while maintaining strength and dominance on the world stage. Today, House Republicans will bring to the Floor two bills–H.R. 8205, the Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act, and H.R. 3334, the Sanctioning Tyrannical and Oppressive People within the Chinese Communist Party Act–to equip law enforcement with the necessary resources to stop repeat offenders from threatening our communities and counter the threat of foreign adversaries including the Chinese Communist Party.

FACTS ABOUT H.R. 8205 – The Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act (Courtesy of the House Committee on the Judiciary Republicans)

Defines bail bonds as an insurance product so that they must comply with federal insurance fraud laws and background check requirements.

The rise in violent crime we are seeing across our country is a direct result of the soft-on-crime policies like cashless bail that is being pushed by woke prosecutors and judges. This bill combats radical bail policies by ensuring judges and prosecutors know a defendant’s criminal history and bring accountability to bail bonds.

FACTS ABOUT H.R. 3334 – Sanctioning Tyrannical and Oppressive People within the Chinese Communist Party Act (Courtesy of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary Republicans)

Requires financial and visa sanctions on members of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, their spouses, and their adult family members who implement, design, or approve policies or laws that are designed to violate the autonomy of Hong Kong, intimidate Taiwan, or contribute to political oppression or violation of human rights within the People’s Republic of China.

Despite the CCP’s continuing pattern of human rights abuse, political oppression, and aggression towards Taiwan, the administration has not taken any steps to implement meaningful sanctions tied to those who design and implement those policies. STOP CCP is designed to force implementation of sanctions against those individuals, while providing standard waiver authorities to avoid unintended collateral economic damage.
MIL OSI USA News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of academic freedom – HKSAR Government rejects the baseless smears by the so-called Human Rights Watch and Hong Kong Democracy Council

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) stated today (September 25) that it strongly condemned and rejected the report on the academic freedom of Hong Kong published by the so-called Human Rights Watch and Hong Kong Democracy Council yesterday (September 24). The content of the report are all maliciously smears and sweeping remarks. The HKSAR Government must point out its errors to set the record straight.

     A spokesman for the HKSAR Government stressed, “The fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents have all along been guaranteed at the constitutional level by the Basic Law. HKSAR’s laws to safeguard national security attach special importance to human rights. Both the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) have clearly stipulated that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR and that the rights and freedoms which the residents of Hong Kong enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong shall be protected in accordance with the law. Any measures or enforcement actions taken under the relevant laws must observe the above principle.

“After the implementation of the HKNSL, Hong Kong residents continue to enjoy various rights and freedoms, including the freedom of academic research, literary and artistic creation and other cultural activities, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association. According to Article 137 of the Basic Law, educational institutions of all kinds may retain their autonomy and enjoy academic freedom. Hong Kong residents can exercise their freedom of expression legitimately, including criticising government policies or decisions made by officials.

“The offences stipulated in the NSL and the SNSO clearly define their elements, penalties, exceptions and defences. These laws actively prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities that endanger national security, in accordance with the principle of the rule of law. Additionally, they target an extremely small minority of people and organisations that pose a threat to national security, while protecting the lives and property of the public. Law-abiding people including students, scholars, and other academics will not engage in acts and activities that endanger national security and will not unwittingly violate the law, and therefore have no reason to be worried.”

     The spokesman said, “We noticed that most of the interviewees of the so-called report have used pseudonyms, which is a tactics frequently adopted by anti-China forces, making it difficult to ascertain if the interviewees truly exist. Therefore, the authenticity and credibility of the so-called report is questionable.”

     As regard to the so-called report containing fabricated content and irresponsible remarks saying that academic freedom has declined in Hong Kong, the spokesman stressed, “Academic freedom is an important social value treasured in Hong Kong and the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s higher education sector. The HKSAR Government attaches great importance to upholding academic freedom and institutional autonomy, which are both enshrined in the Basic Law. These safeguards are clear and specific, and their effectiveness has never changed. Since the implementation of the NSL, academics or post-secondary education institutions in Hong Kong continue to conduct normal exchange activities between their foreign or external counterparts.”

     The spokesman said, “National security is essential for the prosperity and stability of society as well as for its people to live and work in peace and contentment. Without security and stability, there is no way to talk about anything. We should not forget the painful experiences Hong Kong endured in 2019, including the riots in campuses that severely disrupted normal teaching and academic research.”

     The spokesman stressed, “Enacting laws safeguarding national security fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate. The HKNSL and SNSO complement each other, providing a strong framework for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong. This allows all sectors, especially higher education, to flourish in a safe and stable environment, enabling scholars and students to pursue their studies and research in a stable, secure, and inclusive setting.

“The HKSAR Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into an international education hub and will continue to work closely with the higher education sector in capitalising on Hong Kong’s strengths. Through various key initiatives, the Government will support expansion and quality enhancement of institutions, promote academic exchanges and research collaborations, and promote a more diversified campus culture, so as to enhance the competitiveness of the institutions and students in the globalised environment.

“In fact, over the years, Hong Kong’s publicly-funded universities have continued to be highly rated in international rankings and among the best in Asia. In the World University Rankings 2025 published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), an international higher education organisation, five publicly-funded universities have stayed in the world’s top 100, highlighting that Hong Kong’s universities are highly reputable in the global academic community, with excellent performances in terms of quality of teaching and research, and internationalisation, thereby attracting experts and talent from around the world. At present, four University Grants Committee-funded universities are ranked among the top 10 most internationalised universities in the world.

“The HKSAR Government will continue to lead Hong Kong in fully focusing on development, improving people’s livelihoods, and maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of the city.”

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE training course strengthens police response to violence against women and girls in North Macedonia

Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

Headline: OSCE training course strengthens police response to violence against women and girls in North Macedonia

Participants of the training course on gender-responsive policing of violence against women and girls at the Police Training Center in Idrizovo, North Macedonia, 19 September 2024. (OSCE/Bjorn T. Saltvik) Photo details

From 18 to 24 September, the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department held a training course on gender-responsive policing of violence against women and girls in Idrizovo, North Macedonia.
A total of 505 police cadets (150 women, 355 men) from the Police Training Center learned how to effectively respond to cases of violence against women and girls while maintaining a victim-/survivor-centred approach.
The one-week course covered topics such as the definitions of key terms and concepts; the importance of the victim-centred approach; reporting and the role of the police in detecting and preventing gender-based violence; implementing protective measures and conducting risk assessments; the neurobiology of trauma; and the psychology of victims and perpetrators.
“Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious crime that police officers need to handle in a way that protects and supports the victims. When the police succeed in doing that, it builds vital trust among the public and the authorities,” said OSCE Project Manager Bjorn Tore Saltvik. He underlined that all police officers need to be trained to provide an appropriate response, while holding the perpetrators accountable.
During the training course, the Centre for Youth Education (CEM) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, performed the role-play ‘Lullaby Goodbye’, based on the true story of a teenage girl who was exploited online which had a devastating effect on her life. The role-play also represented testimonies of numerous victims of this growing form of gender-based violence.
In addition, all police cadets attended a screening of the film “Domestic Violence”, which is produced by the International Association Chiefs of Police and highlights experiences from several real GBV cases in the U.S.
The training course and film-screening were organized in co-ordination with the OSCE Mission to Skopje and the Police Training Center, and took place under the “Enhancing Criminal Justice Capacities for Combating Gender-based Violence in South-Eastern Europe” project, which is funded by Austria, Germany, Finland, France, Italy and Norway.

MIL OSI Europe News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE Presence trains Albanian State Police on environmental enforcement and investigation techniques

Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

Headline: OSCE Presence trains Albanian State Police on environmental enforcement and investigation techniques

Participants of training on environmental enforcement and investigation techniques that the OSCE Presence in Albania organized for the Albanian State Police on 25 and 26 September 2024, Tirana, 25 September 2024. (OSCE/) Photo details

On 25 September 2024, the OSCE Presence in Albania started a two-day training for the Albanian State Police on environmental enforcement and investigation techniques. The training brought together 17 police officers from all 12 regional directorate of police across Albania which cover criminal police, public safety, and environmental crime unit.
The training was delivered by a group of mixed international and national experts. The participants were equipped with knowledge of the domestic and international standards on environmental enforcement and investigation of environment crime in the European Union and Albania. They also benefitted from the experience and practices of the Slovak Environmental Crime Unit, its police structure of environmental crime police officers and their inter-institutional co-ordination.
“We hope that these two-day training and discussion will be useful for your work and will serve as a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among all stakeholders invested in combating environmental crimes in Albania,”, said the Head of the Presence, Ambassador Michel Tarran, who opened the event alongside the Director of Criminal Police Department at the Albanian State Police, Neritan Nallbati.
The training builds upon the Presence’s support to environmental governance and security in Albania and its active involvement in developing national capacities to address such challenges.
In 2023, the Presence developed and delivered a new curriculum on environmental legislation for the School of Magistrates in Albania for the initial education system 2023-2024. In December 2023, the Presence supported a training needs assessment for all the institutional chains dealing with environmental enforcement in Albania and is working to address some of those needs within the frame of the project. The training need assessment underlined the importance of systematic training programs for civil servant of institutions dealing with environmental violations. It shed light on the current state of affairs, identified gaps in knowledge and skills, and ultimately paved the way for strategic interventions that will empower relevant stakeholders in their efforts to combat environmental crimes effectively.

MIL OSI Europe News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: Dartmouth — Nova Scotia RCMP release quarterly provincial impaired statistics for April to June 2024
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

As Nova Scotia’s provincial police, road safety is a top priority for the RCMP. In an effort to keep citizens informed about enforcement on our roadways, Nova Scotia RCMP is releasing statistics for all RCMP detachments in Nova Scotia from April to June 2024 on drivers charged for driving impaired by drugs or alcohol.

For the months of April, May and June, the Nova Scotia RCMP charged 222 drivers with impaired-related offences.
- 188 charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance by Alcohol
- 10 charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance by Drug
- 24 charged with Refusal of a Demand Made by a Peace Officer
In addition to investigations that resulted in charges, a further 148 people were issued administrative driving suspensions for Operating a Conveyance While Having Consumed Alcohol.

Impaired driving investigations can be complex, especially when they involve both alcohol and drugs. This is why Nova Scotia RCMP officers receive a variety of training, and have several tools at their disposal. In Nova Scotia, there are approximately 419 RCMP members with training related to drug-impaired driving, thirty-two of whom are Drug Recognition Experts (DREs). Nova Scotia RCMP also has 427 trained breath technicians who are qualified to operate instruments that determine a driver’s blood alcohol concentration.

Failure or refusal to comply with a demand made by a peace officer for a sample for testing sobriety can result in criminal charges that have the same penalties as impaired driving. There are range of fines and periods of driving prohibition for those convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Citizens are asked to call 911 immediately if you see a driver who is driving erratically or unsafely. Here are some signs of an impaired driver to watch for:
- Driving unreasonably fast, slow or at an inconsistent speed
- Drifting in and out of lanes
- Tailgating and changing lanes frequently
- Making exceptionally wide turns
- Changing lanes or passing without sufficient clearance
- Overshooting or stopping well before stop signs or stop lights
- Disregarding signals and lights
- Approaching signals or leaving intersections too quickly or slowly
- Driving without headlights, failing to lower high beams or leaving turn signals on
- Driving with windows open in cold or inclement weather
Once you call 911, you will be asked to provide the following:
- Your location
- A description of the vehicle, including the license plate number, colour, make and model
- The direction of travel for the vehicle
- A description of the driver if visible.
We would like to remind Nova Scotians to plan ahead and drive sober.

MIL Security OSI –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Global: Hillsborough law planned for 2025 – what it will mean for future disasters and scandals

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nathan Critch, Research Associate, Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester

In his first conference speech as prime minister, Keir Starmer vowed that a Hillsborough law will be introduced in April, before the next anniversary of the football stadium disaster. The law will force public bodies to cooperate with investigations into future disasters and scandals.

This announcement follows a long campaign by the families of the 97 people killed (and hundreds more injured) when part of Hillsborough stadium collapsed in 1989.

The disaster and the inquiry that followed highlighted how justice is so often impeded by the tendency of powerful people to cover up information or refuse to cooperate in investigations.

Initial media coverage of the Hillsborough disaster wrongly blamed football fans for the deaths. A public inquiry cited faults in police control, although its main recommendations related to crowd safety in sports venues.

Crucially, the inquiry did not have access to all relevant evidence, interviewing only a few of those involved as it rushed to produce a narrowly focused report. An inquest ruled the deaths to have been “accidental”.

Bereaved families “were sure that the true context, circumstances and aftermath of Hillsborough had not been adequately explored, established and made public”. Further efforts and campaigns for truth and justice ensued. Families attempted to bring private prosecutions against two of the police officers who had been in charge of operations at the match. Neither were successfully charged.

In 2009, the government made an exception to the normal 30-year restriction on the publication of official documents, to ensure all documents related to the disaster were available to investigators.

Shortly afterwards, the government established the Hillsborough Independent Panel to reexamine the causes of the disaster in light of full access to relevant evidence and in close consultation with Hillsborough families.

Read more:
New ‘Hillsborough Law’ needed to tackle ‘burning injustice’ and empower victims and family

The panel’s report emphasised policing failures and found that crowd safety had been “compromised at every level” due to “well known” issues. The report found that police “sought to deflect responsibility” on Liverpool fans.

New inquests concluded that the deaths of 97 had been unlawful, highlighting police and emergency service failures and exonerating the supporters who were initially blamed.

In 2012, South Yorkshire Police apologised, and confirmed the independent panel’s findings that “senior officers sought to change the record of events” in the aftermath.

Decades of campaigning

The long struggle for truth and justice has focused on a lack of honesty and openness by those in power, a willingness to close ranks and blame others, and a failure to disclose relevant information. A Hillsborough law will enforce “a positive duty to tell the truth” and require public officials to “proactively assist investigations”.

Starmer confirmed in his speech that the law will include criminal sanctions for those who breach it. Proposals also include better legal support and representations for future victims of disasters and their families.

Proposals for a Hillsborough law were first put forward in 2017 as a private members’ bill by Andy Burnham, then shadow home secretary. Its passage was interrupted by the 2017 general election, but some aspects were reintroduced in 2022 in another private member’s bill. This, too, was interrupted when Boris Johnson prorogued parliament.

Since becoming Labour leader, Starmer has framed his project as being one committed to returning his party, and the government, back to the service of working people. Passing a law designed and advocated for by working-class people who experienced injustice when their family members died is a clear symbol of this agenda.

The law is also indicative of Starmer’s efforts to frame his government as one that seeks to be transparent, open and consistent. This puts him in contrast to the preceding 14 years of Conservative rule, which were marred by allegations of corruption and misconduct.

High-profile scandals related to the pandemic, including members of the government holding illegal parties in Downing Street and misallocated contracts for PPE (personal protective equipment) to companies owned by people closely connected to government are just two examples.

The announcement comes as Starmer himself, and senior members of his government, have been accused of lack of transparency on donations and gifts.
Announcing the Hillsborough law goes some way to repairing his commitment to transparency and service in government, which has lost some of its shine in recent weeks.

Changing the culture

The reaction to the announcement from families and campaigners has been positive.

The director of the charity Inquest, which supports families of those who have died in state-related disasters, called the law “a step forward in providing a legacy for the 97 so that others do not have to go through the pain and trauma of decades of campaigning”.

The potential effect of the law goes far beyond Hillsborough. Other recent events including the Post Office scandal, infected blood and the Grenfell Tower fire have all been affected by a lack of openness and candour by those in power.

But will a law on its own be enough? From Hillsborough to Grenfell to Windrush, what these many injustices highlight is that the problem of secrecy and a lack of transparency and candour is systemic and cultural. The British state has long been marked by a tradition of elitism, a government-knows-best attitude and a scepticism towards citizen engagement, participation and openness.

While the Hillsborough law is indeed a step forward, it is only one piece of the jigsaw of making British governance more open and democratic.

Nathan Critch receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (grant number:
ES/V002740/1). He is affiliated with The Productivity Institute.

– ref. Hillsborough law planned for 2025 – what it will mean for future disasters and scandals – https://theconversation.com/hillsborough-law-planned-for-2025-what-it-will-mean-for-future-disasters-and-scandals-239855

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: 28% Decline in Shootings in Communities Across New York
Source: US State of New York

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that shooting incidents with injury declined 28 percent through August 2024 compared to the same eight-month period last year, as reported by police departments participating in New York State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative. This overall decline in shootings is the result of significant, sustained reductions in gun violence across communities served by the 28 police departments participating in GIVE.

“Public safety is my number one priority, and protecting New Yorkers and their communities is the foundation of all our efforts,” Governor Hochul said. “Our strategies for tackling gun violence are proving effective, but our work is never finished – we will continue investing, innovating and partnering with law enforcement to make New York a safer place for everyone.”

The 28 percent decline reflects 417 shooting incidents with injury from January 1 through August 31, 2024, compared to 578 incidents from January 1 through August 31, 2023.

New York State’s GIVE initiative supports 28 police departments in 21 counties with the majority of the state’s population outside New York City.

The following police departments reported particularly significant declines in shootings through August 2024 compared to the same seven-month period last year:
- Nassau County: 40 percent decline
- Rochester: 39 percent decline
- Suffolk County: 39 percent decline
- Syracuse: 26 percent decline
- Utica: 47 percent decline
- Yonkers: 56 percent decline
August 2024 data for each of the 28 police departments participating in the GIVE initiative are available on the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) website.

In addition to the decreases in gun violence experienced in GIVE communities, the New York City Police Department reported 12 percent (602 vs. 682) decline in shootings in New York City through August 2024 compared to the same time last year.

The FY25 Enacted Budget included $347 million secured by Governor Hochul to fund a comprehensive plan that addresses gun violence, reduces crime and recognizes the importance of a multifaceted approach improving public safety.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “Governor Hochul recognizes that enforcement alone doesn’t make neighborhoods safer. Under her leadership, DCJS has received record-level funding for GIVE, our SNUG Street Outreach program, alternatives to incarceration programs, and re-entry services that allows our local partners to address not only the consequences of crime, but its causes. This significant investment in a collaborative, multifaceted approach to a complex issue is paying dividends and improving public safety in communities across the state.”

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “New Yorkers deserve to feel safe, that is why last year under my leadership, the New York Senate Democratic Majority invested $347 million to fund smart violence interventions that deliver meaningful results, such as the GIVE program. It is remarkable that the GIVE initiative has achieved a 28 percent reduction in gun shootings in participating localities statewide, with Yonkers leading the way with an impressive 56 percent decline. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her tireless and effective leadership with this program and other innovative initiatives to tackle gun violence. While this downward trend signifies meaningful progress in our efforts to improve public safety, we remain committed to investing in innovative approaches that reduce gun violence and create safer communities.”

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, “Today’s announcement shows that our investment in gun violence prevention is working to make New York safer. I am incredibly proud that our efforts have led to such a significant reduction in shootings, but the Assembly Majority remains committed to working with our state partners to make our communities even safer. My colleagues and I know that we can build a future where no New Yorker has to live in fear of gun violence devastating their community and are willing to put the needed resources and investment toward accomplishing this future.”

Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said, “The 28% decline in shootings across New York is a testament to the power of coordinated action and strategic investment. Governor Hochul’s commitment to public safety has brought critical resources to our communities, empowering law enforcement and grassroots organizations to tackle gun violence head-on. With $350 million invested in proven solutions like the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, we’re seeing real results in making our neighborhoods safer. This progress is a step forward in ensuring that every New Yorker, whether in Yonkers, Rochester, or right here in the Bronx, can feel secure in their community.”

State Senator Jamaal Bailey said, “Gun violence has deeply affected many in our community, so I am overjoyed to see a significant decline in shootings, with reductions of up to 56% in some areas. This progress shows that focused investments in reducing gun violence are making a real impact. By supporting evidence-based strategies like the GIVE initiative, community outreach through SNUG, and models such as Project RISE, we are not only saving lives but also restoring safety and trust in our neighborhoods. This achievement demonstrates the power of a comprehensive approach, combining law enforcement with community-driven efforts to address gun violence at its core. I also want to thank Governor Hochul and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for the FY25 Enacted Budget, which allocated $347 million to help achieve these results.”

The Governor’s investments include nationally recognized initiatives administered by DCJS, which provides funding, training and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations in communities hardest hit by gun violence and violent crime:
- Nearly $36 million for the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. Through GIVE, DCJS helps 28 police departments in 21 counties implement evidence-based strategies that have proven to be successful at reducing gun violence, including Problem-Oriented Policing, Hot-Spots Policing, Focused Deterrence/Group Violence Intervention, Street Outreach, and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. These strategies focus on the few people and places that are responsible for most of the violence and engage the broader community to build trust. GIVE also funds district attorneys’ offices, probation departments, and sheriffs’ offices in those counties.
- $21 million for the SNUG Street Outreach program, which uses a public health approach to address gun violence by identifying the source, interrupting transmission, and treating individuals, families and communities affected by violence. Community-based organizations and hospitals operate the program in 14 communities and employ nearly 200 outreach workers, social workers and case managers. Outreach workers are credible messengers who have lost loved ones to violence or have prior justice system involvement. They respond to shootings to prevent retaliation, detect conflicts and resolve them peacefully before they lead to additional violence. Social workers and case managers work with individuals affected by community violence, including friends and family. DCJS also supports New York City’s violence interruption efforts, providing $5 million for its Crisis Management System (CMS) so it can bring those programs to scale.
- $18 million for the state’s unique network of Crime Analysis Centers, which analyze, compile and distribute information, intelligence and data to local law enforcement agencies statewide. No other state has anything similar and the centers – operated in partnership with local law enforcement agencies in 10 counties and New York City – are hubs of state and local efforts to deter, investigate, and solve crimes. Last year alone, staff handled more than 90,000 requests for assistance, helping agencies solve everything from retail theft to murders.
- Up to $20 million for Project RISE, a unique funding model that convenes community stakeholders to respond to gun violence, invest in solutions, sustain positive programming and empower communities. In its first year, the initiative supported 99 organizations, including 74 small, grassroots programs, many of which had never received state support for their work. Programs and services funded by RISE include academic support, employment services, mentoring and delinquency/violence prevention.
MIL OSI USA News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: Box Elder Man Admits Assaulting Woman with Knife on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation

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

GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man on Monday admitted to assaulting a woman by cutting her face with a knife during an argument on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, Colten Tyrone Small, also known as Colton Swan, 24, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Small faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each charge.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 29, 2025. Small was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in the early morning hours of May 3, 2023, Small punched the victim, identified as Jane Doe, in the face while he held a butcher knife in a residence in Box Elder, on the Rocky Boy’s Reservation. A witness to the assault told law enforcement that Small sliced Doe’s face in the residence. Small and Doe argued, and the fight got more aggressive. After Small cut Doe’s face, the witness beat up Small. There was some fentanyl and alcohol use occurring at the time. Doe was treated for facial injuries from the knife at Northern Montana Hospital.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Law Enforcement investigated the case.

XXX

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI Security: Over 100 Defendants Federally Charged With Fraud Related To The COVID-19 Pandemic

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

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved by the Middle District of Florida’s efforts to combat fraud related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO-MDFL) has federally charged 109 individuals with fraud schemes designed to exploit state and federal programs implemented to alleviate the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts include complementary actions by the USAO-MDFL’s Criminal, Civil, Asset Recovery, Appellate Divisions, in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

“The Middle District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office, in cooperation with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, is committed to holding accountable those people who schemed to steal or otherwise obtain through misconduct benefits intended for Americans coping with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg.

With respect to criminal enforcement, the USAO-MDFL and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies combined resources in March 2020 to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force with the purpose of identifying, investigating, and federally prosecuting fraud related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, the Task Force has prosecuted 109 defendants for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs including the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”), as well as government Healthcare programs such as Medicare. Collectively, these defendants sought to defraud the United States of over $96 million. Of the 109 charged defendants, 74 have already been found guilty while prosecution remains pending against 35 defendants.

The Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force continues to aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals that took advantage of COVID-19 programs. On September 20, 2024, for example, a federal grand jury convicted Angela Chew (60, Leesburg) of conspiracy to bribe a public official and commit wire fraud, three counts of bribery of a public official, and six counts of wire fraud. Chew faces up to 5 years in federal prison on the conspiracy count, up to 15 years in federal prison on each of the bribery counts, and up to 20 years in federal prison on each of the wire fraud counts. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2024.

According to evidence presented at trial, Chew conspired with three others to submit applications for COVID-19 EIDLs containing false and fraudulent information in exchange for bribe payments. The evidence showed Chew used her position as a loan specialist for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to internally access those loan applications that she and a co-conspirator had submitted on behalf of others. Chew then took actions on the applications within the SBA’s internal processing system that moved the loans towards approval. For example, Chew submitted a loan on behalf of a co-conspirator’s business that she knew was not active or operating at the time she submitted the loan. The loan was flagged as a duplicate by the SBA’s internal system, which stopped the application from progressing toward approval and funding. Chew then entered the SBA’s loan processing system, accessed the loan application, reactivated it, and manipulated the loan’s status multiple times to progress the application toward approval and funding in the amount of $150,000. In exchange, Chew received thousands of dollars in bribe payments from two of her co-conspirators. The evidence showed that Chew caused the funding of at least six EIDL applications, for a total loss of over $800,000.

In July 2024, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Jared Dean Eakes (33, Jacksonville) with five counts of wire fraud and three counts of bank fraud. According to the superseding indictment, Eakes participated in a scheme to defraud investors and fraudulently secured approximately $4,752,270 in PPP loans. Eakes caused the submission of four PPP loan applications—including applications for two of the entities involved in the scheme to defraud investors—which contained false and fraudulent supporting documentation and statements regarding the entities’ employees and payroll. Once Eakes obtained the PPP loans, he did not use the funds for qualifying expenses as required by the program. Instead, he used the funds to engage in options trading or withdrew the funds in cash.

In addition to criminal prosecutions, the MDFL-USAO continues to investigate and pursue civil redress against individuals and entities who fraudulently obtained PPP funds. For example, in September 2024, Miles Partnership, LLC (“Miles”), a travel and tourism consulting company headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, agreed to a civil settlement of $2,281,950 to resolve allegations that Miles improperly obtained and received forgiveness for a second draw PPP loan. According to the information contained in the qui tam complaint, Miles was required to file a registration statement under FARA (Foreign Agents Registration Act) due to its work with various foreign tourism boards. The United States investigated these allegations with the cooperation of Miles. The civil settlement will conclude the lawsuit.

Further, the USAO-MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $20 million of EIDL, UI, and PPP funds that were fraudulently obtained, depriving the fraudsters of their ill-gotten gains and recovering the proceeds for the victims. More than $18 million in additional pandemic fraud proceeds have been seized and are pending civil or criminal forfeiture.

The U.S. Attorney General has established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Through the PPP, the federal government authorized over $600 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The EIDL program provides economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The MSLP provided support to small and medium-sized businesses and their employees across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. UI programs provided unemployment benefits to eligible workers who became unemployed through no fault of their own.

The criminal cases charged by the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force have been investigated by the Small Business Administration—Office of Inspector General, the Small Business Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board—Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Agency for International Development, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Park Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida.

The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation.

United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida COVID Fraud Criminal Cases
Charged Cases
Defendant(s) (Age)	Charge(s) Max. Imprisonment	Type of Fraud*	Intended Loss Amount
Tampa Division
Devontaie Deravil	Aggravated identity theft Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive Access device fraud Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years	UI	$480k
Jordan Ross	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years	EIDL/PPP	$1.3M
Marquett James Alyson Marquett	Conspiracy to commit wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years	EIDL/PPP	$96k
Willie Murray Jr.	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Aggravated identity theft Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive	HCF	$5M
Charles Driver Jr.	Conspiracy Maximum Prison Term: 5 years Access device fraud Maximum Prison Term: 10 years	UI	$175k
Eric Canonico	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years	PPP	$2.3M
Alexander Leszczynski	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years	PPP	$1.1M

Capree Holmes	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years	EIDL	$159k
Javarus Polite	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years	PPP	$20k
Luis Morales	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years	PPP	$40k
Rosson Hamilton	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years	PPP	$20k
David Antonetti	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years	PPP	$40k
Carlos Dones	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years	PPP	$14k
Santos Cruz Rivera	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years	PPP	$16k
Tevyan Hepburn	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years	PPP	$20k
Jeanty Cherilus	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years	EIDL/PPP	$370k
Gage Bowen	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years	PPP	$20k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Tiffany Fields, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, Jennifer Peresie, Michael Kenneth, Merrilyn Hoenemeyer, and Daniel Baeza
Orlando Division
Evan Edwards Joshua Edwards	Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 30 years Bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 30 years Visa fraud Maximum Prison Term: 10 years False statements Maximum Prison Term: 30 years	PPP	$8M
Emmet Bowens	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years	PPP	$740k
Latresia Wilson	False statements Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years	HCF	$2.6M
Shawn Simmerer Seth Downes	Conspiracy to commit wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 years Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 years False claim Maximum Prison Term: 5 years	PPP	$344k

Daniel Bohorquez		Conspiracy to commit wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 years Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 years		EIDL			$546k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Kara Wick, Amanda Daniels, and DOJ Trial Attorney Keith Clouser
Fort Myers Division
Venera Price		Mail fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years		ERAP			$82k
Timothy Jolloff		Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Money laundering Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years		PPP/EIDL			$2.1M
Lisa Jolloff		Money laundering Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years		PPP/EIDL			$2.1M
Diop McKenzie		Bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 30 years Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Aggravated identity theft Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive		EIDL/PPP			$237k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava and Trent Reichling
Jacksonville Division
Jared Eakes		Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 30 years		PPP			$4.7M
Natasha Hemming Tiffany Gonsalves Joshua Seedhaire		Conspiracy Access device fraud Aggravated identity theft Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive		UI			$5.6M
These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs David Mesrobian and John Cannizzaro
Ocala Division
Lisa Starkes Ivan Starkes		Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years		PPP			$80k
This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division is being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk
Adjudicated Cases
Tampa Division
Demarius Wilson	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years		PPP		$18k
This COVID Fraud case from the Tampa Division is being handled by AUSA Michael Kenneth
Orlando Division
Robert Burns	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years		PPP		$57k
William Barrientos Grisoris Barrientos	Conspiracy to commit wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years		EIDL		$693k
Angela Chew	Conspiracy Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years Bribery of a public official Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years		EIDL		$732k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by Amanda Daniels, Diane Hu, and Richard Varadan
Jacksonville Division
James Wigg	Wire Fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 years		PPP		$476k
Crystal Harvell	Wire Fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 years		PPP		$20k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSA, Kevin Frein and Tysen Duva
Ocala Division
Passion Jackson	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years		PPP			$20k
Nicole Harding	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years		PPP			$20k
Henry Wade	Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years		EIDL			$500k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk
Sentenced Cases
Tampa Division
Louis Thornton, III	Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison		EIDL/PPP		$815k
Kary Stevenson Corey Quinn	Conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 5 years, 10 months in federal prison (Stevenson) Sentence Imposed:7 years in federal prison (Quinn)		UI		$1M
Bridgitte Keim	Bank fraud Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison		PPP		$588k
Wayne Ganaway	Conspiracy to commit wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison		EIDL		$300k
Rolanda Wingfield	Access device fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentenced Imposed: 3 years in federal prison		UI		$135k
Eriaius Bentley	Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud Sentence Imposed: One year in federal prison		UI		$3M
Tywon Spann	Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud Sentence Imposed: 6 years and 9 months in federal prison		UI		$3M
Keaujay Hornsby	Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud Sentence Imposed: 10 years and 10 months in federal prison		UI		$3M
Kareem Spann	Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud Sentence Imposed: 10 years and 10 months in federal prison		UI		$3M
Randy Jones	Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison		EIDL/UI		$250k
Julio Lugo	Conspiracy to commit money laundering Sentence Imposed: 7 years and 6 months in federal prison		EIDL/PPP		$4.4M
Keith Nicoletta	Conspiracy to commit money laundering Sentence Imposed: 24 months in federal prison		PPP		$1.9M
Rosenide Venant	Conspiracy to commit money laundering Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison		EIDL/PPP		$413k
Melinda Hernandez	Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft Sentence imposed: Three years and six months in federal prison		UI		$1.5M
Bri’antina Mills	Wire fraud and theft of government funds Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison		EIDL		$10K
Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria	Wire fraud Sentence imposed: Two years and six months in federal prison		EIDL		$150k
Omar Esquivel Bello	Wire fraud Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison		EIDL		$242k
Steve Moodie	Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison		UI		$1.5M
Richard Simpkins	Conspiracy to commit money laundering Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison		PPP		$1.9M
Devaris McClain	Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud Sentence imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison		UI		$85k
Jalissa McDuffy	Wire fraud Sentence imposed: 3 years supervised release with 6 months home detention		PPP		$41k
Kieanna Garrett	Wire fraud Sentence imposed: 60 days’ imprisonment		EIDL		$40k
Marqus Willard Johnson	Bank fraud Money laundering Sentence imposed: 18 months’ imprisonment followed by 60 moths supervised release		PPP		$500k
Mehdi Tazi	Conspiracy, Aggravated identity theft Sentenced imposed: 5 years imprisonment followed by4 years supervised release		UI		$1.5M
Tyree Wingfield	Conspiracy, Aggravated identity theft Sentenced imposed: 5 years and 10 months imprisonment followed by4 years supervised release		UI		$1.5M
Dawn Ogundele	Theft of government funds Sentence imposed: 2 years’ probation		PPP		$20k
Alexander Alli	Wire fraud conspiracy Sentence imposed: 13 months’ imprisonment		EIDL		$80k
Charles Cunningham	Bank fraud Sentence imposed: 21 months’ imprisonment		PPP		$800k
Jailyn Holmes	Wire fraud Sentence imposed: 5 years’ probation		PPP		$20k
Nicole Bramble-King	Wire fraud Sentence imposed: 5 years’ probation		PPP		$40k
Tommy Louisville	Wire fraud Sentence imposed: 12 months’ imprisonment		PPP		$33k
Joseph Abdo	Wire fraud Illegal monetary transactions Sentence imposed: 5 years’ probation		PPP		$500k
Barrett Purvis	Wire fraud Money laundering Sentence imposed: 2 years and 9 months in federal prison		EIDL		$499k
Bergeline Lexis	Conspiracy to commit wire fraud Sentence imposed: 10 months in federal prison		EIDL/PPP		$68k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Tiffany Fields, Diego Novaes, Jennifer Peresie, Merrilyn Hoenemeyer, Jay Trezevant, SAUSA Chris Poor, and DOJ Trial Attorney John Scanlon
Orlando Division
Daniel Johnson	Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, unlawful transfer of firearm Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 6 months in federal prison		UI		$2.3M
Jacquavius Smith	Possession of short-barreled rifle; felon in possession of firearm; and aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 1 month in federal prison		PPP		$10k
Johnson Eustache	Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison		EIDL/PPP		$2.2M
Joseph Harrison	Conspiracy to commit wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison		UI		$2.1M
Tomas Ziupsnys	Conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison		PPP		$2M
Holly Urban	Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison		PPP		$1.5M
Joel Greenberg	Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses while on pretrial release Sentence Imposed: 11 years in federal prison		EIDL		$430k
Don Cisternino	Wire fraud, illegal monetary transactions, and aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 8 years and 6 months in federal prison		PPP		$7.2M
Keith Ingersoll	Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentence imposed: 9 years, 1 month in federal prison.		EIDL		$66k
Jaheim Davis	Access device fraud and aggravated identity theft Sentence imposed: 3 years, 6 months in federal prison.		UI		$219k
Teresa McIntyre	Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation		EIDL		$730k
Brian Blake	Possession of device-making equipment, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 9 years and 8 months in federal prison		PPP/UI		$832k
Joseph Faubert	Bank fraud Sentenced Imposed: 5 years probation		PPP		$778k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, Shannon Laurie, and Jennifer Harrington, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg
Jacksonville Division
Jacob Byrd	Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation		PPP		$10k
Deconna Burke	Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation		PPP		$20k
Desmond Williams	Wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud Sentenced Imposed: 5 years’ probation		PPP		$40k
Kenneth Landers	Wire fraud and illegal monetary transaction Sentence Imposed: 1 year in federal prison followed by 1 year of supervised release		PPP		$1.4M
Christopher Daragjati	Wire fraud , Theft of government funds, and Aggravated identity theft Sentenced imposed: 5 years’cisternino imprisonment followed by 3 years’ supervised release.		PPP		$150k
This COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division was handled by AUSA Kevin Frein and Michael Coolican
Fort Myers Division
Casey Crowther	Bank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, illegal monetary transaction Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison		PPP		$2.7M
Anthony Bruey Amber Bruey	Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, illegal monetary transactions Sentence Imposed: Anthony Bruey: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison Amber Bruey: 4 years in federal prison		PPP/EIDL		$881k
Edrica Leann Watson	False statement to a lending institution Sentence Imposed: 15 months in federal prison		PPP		$392k
Daniel Joseph Tisone	Wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person Sentence Imposed: 7 years in federal prison		PPP/EIDL/MSLP		$10.7M
Liliana Gonzalez	Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 5 years of probation with 18 months of home confinement		PPP		$169k
Al Clint LaRoche	Bank fraud Sentence Imposed: Two years in federal prison		PPP		$1M
Denis Casseus	Bank fraud and illegal monetary transaction Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison followed by 3 years’ supervised release		PPP		$298k
Evan Graves	Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 18 months in federal prison		EIDL		$1.3M
Ismaelle Manuel	Bank fraud Sentence Imposed: Credit for time served followed by 5 years supervised release		PPP		$280k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Trent Reichling, Michael Leeman, Jesus M. Casa, Simon Eth, and Yolande Viacava
Ocala Division
Lavelle Harris	Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: Two years and three months in federal prison		PPP		$1.2M
This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division was handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk
Types of Fraud* Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Unemployment Insurance (UI) Main Street Lending Program (MSLP) Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Health Care Fraud (HCF)

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI Security: Stockton Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Offense

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

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ricardo Sanchez, 32, of Stockton, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Aug. 20, 2023, law enforcement officers found Sanchez to be in possession of a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. Sanchez is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple prior felony convictions, including conspiracy to commit a crime and inflicting injury on a spouse/cohabitant or fellow parent.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitnee Goins is prosecuting the case.

Sanchez is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2025, by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb. Sanchez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

This case is the result of the ongoing collaboration between the Sacramento Police Department and its local, state, and federal partners as part of a Public Safety Partnership (PSP) to address violent crime in our community. Started in 2022, the Sacramento PSP is a multifaceted violence-reduction strategy that relies on innovative data-driven strategies to promote public and community safety. Participating PSP partners include the Sacramento County’s District Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the DEA, the ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024

Category: Law

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