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Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: South Yorkshire to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    South Yorkshire to benefit from recent trade deals

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in South Yorkshire.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.  
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.   
    • Delivers job security for 5,000 workers in the region and will create more highly skilled jobs in communities.

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in South Yorkshire. 
      
    Reductions in tariffs on the steel and auto exports have provided security for nearly 5,000 workers, their families and the biggest two employers in the region.  

    It also will deliver opportunities for major job creators like Rolls Royce and Mclaren based in Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District to grow – a priority of our Plan for Change

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    These trade deals deliver long term security for nearly 5,000 workers, their families and for steel and auto manufacturing in South Yorkshire.  

    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.   

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across South Yorkshire.

    Over 31,000 people employed in agriculture across the region will also benefit from our agreement with the EU, which reduces red tape and burdens on business, meaning regional specialties like crab, Yorkshire Pudding and cheeses will face easy access to the UK’s biggest trading market. 

    The agreement also protects British steel exports from new EU rules and restrictive, providing further security for 8,400 jobs in the steel industry across Yorkshire and the Humber. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need. 

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in South Yorkshire, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.   

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.   

    Liam Bates, President of Long Products, Marcegaglia said:

    The intention to remove tariffs is a very positive step, which when implemented secures both our own production in USA as well as our customers. 

    Getting this deal across the line needs to be a priority, because supply chains are currently in a state of flux awaiting the details and the effective date.

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing economy, including South Yorkshire.  

    Under the Free Trade Deal that was concluded, tariffs on cars sold to India will come down from over 100% to 10% under a quota.  

    In the same week, we negotiated a first of its kind agreement with the US that reduces tariffs on car exports to 10% for the first 100,000 vehicles per year, almost the total number of UK vehicles exported to the country last year.  

    Both of these deals secure greater certainty for the sector, the 5,000 workers in South Yorkshire and their families, while also enhancing opportunities for manufacturing in the region to grow. 

    Just this week, the Prime Minister continued to act in Britain’s national interest by confirming a new agreement that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in South Yorkshire, raising living standards and putting more money in people’s pockets.   

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Coordinated action to take down the most dangerous malware variants

    Source: Eurojust

    This week’s actions follow the largest ever operation against botnets from May 2024, Operation Endgame. This year during Endgame 2.0, the measures targeted the successor groups of malware taken down by the authorities and other relevant variants: Bumblebee, Lactrodectus, Qakbot, DanaBot, HijackLoader, Trickbot, and WarmCookie. As these variants are at the beginning of the cyberattack chain, disrupting them damages the entire ‘cybercrime as a service’ ecosystem. 

    The malware taken down this week is known as ‘initial access malware’. It is used for initial infection, helping cybercriminals to enter victims’ systems unnoticed and load more malware onto their devices, such as ransomware. 

    Due to the global nature of cybercrime, cross-border investigations are key for taking action against disruptive cybercrimes. Since 2024, Eurojust has provided essential support to ensure effective judicial cooperation. Coordination by Eurojust ensured that authorities could exchange information and align their investigative efforts. Europol supported the operation from the outset, providing coordination, operational and analytical support, cryptocurrency tracing, and facilitating the real-time exchange of information between the various partners involved.

    ©BKA, Germany, 2024.

    German, French, Dutch, Danish, British, American and Canadian authorities joined forces from 19 to 22 May to take action against the world’s most dangerous malware variants and the perpetrators behind them. In total 37 suspects were identified and international arrest warrants were obtained against 20 individuals criminally charged. Over 300 servers worldwide were taken down and 650 domains were neutralised. During the action week, EUR 3.5 million in cryptocurrency was seized making the total cryptocurrency seized during Endgame EUR 21.2 million. 

    Operation EndGame will now continue with follow up actions announced on the dedicated website from the international coalition. Several key suspects behind the malware operations are now subject to international and public appeals. The German authorities will publish eighteen of them on the EU Most Wanted list as of 23 May.

    The following authorities carried out the operation:

    • Germany: German Federal Criminal Police Office; Public Prosecutor; General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cybercrime Office; German Federal Office for Information Security
    • France: PPO Paris section J3 (Cybercrime Unit); BL2C (Cybercrime unit Préfecture de Police); OFAC (National Office against Cybercriminality)
    • Netherlands: Netherlands Public Prosecution Service (National Office); Netherlands Police
    • Denmark: National Special Crime Unit – NSK; NC3 | High Tech Crime
    • United Kingdom: National Crime Agency
    • United States: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California
    • Canada: Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Nevada Resident Returned to United States From Mexico in Connection with Federal Drug Charges Involving Over 1,000 Pounds of Methamphetamine

    Source: US FBI

    RENO – A Reno man was returned to the United States from Mexico where he was arrested on a federal warrant for drug trafficking violations. On December 13, 2022, the defendant made his initial appearance in the Southern District of California and was ordered detained.

    In June 2022, a federal grand jury in Reno charged Nassrollah Behmard, also known as “Benny” and “Michael Holt,” 64, with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, six counts of distribution of a methamphetamine, and conspiracy to money launder. Behmard’s next court date is December 27, 2022.

    In 2014, Behmard fled to Mexico to avoid being arrested for his involvement in Washoe County drug trafficking case. In March 2022, the FBI learned that Behmard, who was still in Mexico, was conspiring with co-conspirators located in Reno and Los Angeles to distribute of multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine in the Reno. From March 2022 to June 2022, Behmard was responsible for distributing over 140 pounds of methamphetamine.

    On June 6, 2022, Behmard arranged with co-conspirator Ramon Guadalupe Sanchez Maldonado to deliver 100 pounds of methamphetamine from Los Angeles to Reno. Law enforcement successfully intercepted the methamphetamine and traced it back to a clandestine lab located in the Los Angeles area. Law enforcement dismantled the lab and seized approximately 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine.

    In June 2022, Behmard and co-conspirators Owen Eugene Dick, 58, Melissa Ann Longo, 46, Ramon Guadalupe Sanchez Maldonado, 51, and Jesus Sanchez Vargas, 22, were charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and related offenses including money laundering. All except for Behmard, who was still in Mexico at the time, were arrested in July 2022.

    If convicted, Behmard faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. There is a 10-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.

    U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.

    The FBI Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force, comprised of FBI, Reno Police Department, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Gaming and Control Board, Nevada Department of Corrections, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case with assistance by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, the San Bernardino Police Department, DEA, and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson is prosecuting the case.

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

    ###

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Plea and 15-Year Sentence for Gallup Duo in 2021 Armed Robbery Case

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Gallup woman has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for her role in the armed robbery of a local business in 2021, while her brother has pleaded guilty to robbery and federal firearms charges, joining two other co-conspirators involved in the crime.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on the afternoon of December 4, 2021, Gallup Police responded to a robbery at C & R Insurance on US Highway 491. A woman and two men entered the business, demanding money while brandishing firearms. The female suspect fired a shot into the ceiling, causing panic among employees and customers. Witnesses reported hearing a loud pop and seeing the suspects dressed in dark clothing.

    Surveillance footage showed Amber Yazzie, 29, and her brother Gregory Yazzie, 28, both armed. Amber Yazzie fired a gun into the ceiling and demanded cash while Gregory Yazzie stood guard by the door as an accomplice collected over $4,000 from the registers. Following the incident, the suspects fled to Albuquerque, where they used stolen funds for shopping. Law enforcement obtained receipts and video evidence of their purchases.

    The robbery forced C & R Insurance to close for a week, significantly impacting its operations. The business serves around 60,000 customers across New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado.

    The Yazzie’s co-defendants Randy Joe and Chadyne Tohe pleaded guilty and are pending sentencing.

    At sentencing, Gregory Yazzie faces up to life in prison followed by up to five years of supervised release.

    Upon her release from prison, Amber Yazzie will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety, the Navajo Nation Police Department, the Gallup Police Department and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Charge Nageezi Man with Sexual Abuse

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Nageezi man has been charged with sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact in Indian Country.

    Patrick Wayne Platero, 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in the third-party custody of La Pasada halfway house pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

    According to the indictment, between on or about January 1, 2024, and on or about April 30, 2024, Platero allegedly sexually abused and engaged in abusive sexual contact with Jane Doe.

    If convicted, Platero faces up to life in prison followed by not less than five years and up to life on supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

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

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Sentencing of Zuni Man for Violent Assault

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was sentenced to 21 months in federal court for a violent assault that left a fellow tribal member with severe injuries.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on January 25, 2023, Zuni Police Department (ZPD) officers responded to a report of an assault near a road within the Zuni Pueblo. They found the victim, John Doe, lying in the road, bleeding heavily from the head and facial area. Witnesses reported that the assailants had fled the scene in a pick-up truck.

    John Doe suffered severe injuries that required hospitalization for several days.

    The investigation revealed that the incident began when Christopher Hannaweeke Sr., 49, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, hit the victim’s dog with his vehicle. When John Doe confronted Hannaweeke, an altercation ensued. Hannaweeke admitted to striking and kicking John Doe, stating he was “overcome with emotion” due to an ongoing neighborhood feud.

    During a subsequent interview, Hannaweeke acknowledged to FBI agents on February 3, 2023, that his conduct “went too far.” 

    Upon his release from prison, Hannaweeke will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: New Hampshire Man Sentenced for Northeast Kingdom Drug Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 24, 2024, Jeremy Allin, 54, of Lancaster, New Hampshire was sentenced by United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 14 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Allin previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base pursuant to a plea agreement with the United States.

    According to court records, Allin became associated with his codefendant Juan Carlos “JC” Ortiz in late 2021 while Ortiz was staying at multiple residences in and around Orleans County, Vermont, for the purpose of distributing drugs. Allin initially purchased controlled substances from Ortiz for his own consumption, but he eventually began working with Ortiz to complete drug transactions and to provide transportation for the drug activities. Following the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Westfield, Vermont in February 2022, Ortiz began staying with other conspirators at their residences throughout the Northeast Kingdom, including with Allin. At the time, Allin was living in Lunenburg, Vermont. Allin continued his drug interactions with Ortiz until Ortiz was arrested in August 2022. Earlier in this case, Judge Reiss sentenced Ortiz to 95 months’ imprisonment for his role in the conspiracy.

    The sentencing hearing followed a long-term investigation conducted by multiple local, county, state and federal agencies that was led by the Northeastern Vermont Drug Task Force (NEVDTF) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). NEVDTF and ATF were assisted in this investigation by agents with Homeland Security Investigations, detectives and troopers from the Vermont State Police; members of the Orleans and Essex County Sheriff’s Departments, the Newport Police Department; aviators with the Air & Marine Operations component of United States Customs & Border Protection; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaboration of federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies during the investigation and prosecution of the case.

    The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher. Kevin Henry, Esq. represented Jeremy Allin.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Northfield Man Sentenced to 27 Months for Embezzling $558,625 From ValleyNet

    Source: US FBI

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 27, 2024, John Van Vught, 73, of Northfield, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 27 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Van Vught was also ordered to pay $558,625 of restitution to ValleyNet. Van Vught previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud on February 22, 2024.

    According to court records, from 2010 through July 2022, Van Vught was employed as an accountant for ValleyNet, a non-profit operator of fiber-to-the-home internet networks in east-central Vermont. As part of this work, Van Vught provided accounting services, including managing company bank accounts, which allowed him to execute electronic funds transfers and pay bills from ValleyNet accounts. Between approximately 2013 until July 2022, Van Vught embezzled approximately $558,625 from ValleyNet’s accounts by conducting electronic transfers. After Van Vught’s embezzlement was suspected in the summer of 2022, Van Vught provided intentionally erroneous documentation to ValleyNet leadership in an attempt to further obfuscate his theft. After being confronted with evidence of his crime by ValleyNet leadership, Van Vught fled Vermont, initially traveling west to New Mexico, then back east to Brunswick, Georgia, where he was apprehended by the FBI.

    United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Van Vught was represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Northeast Kingdom Man Sentenced in Drug Conspiracy Case

    Source: US FBI

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 28, 2024, Clair Deslandes, 65, of Island Pond, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 30 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Deslandes previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base pursuant to a plea agreement with the United States.

    According to court records, Deslandes became associated with his codefendant Juan Carlos “JC” Ortiz in late 2021 while Ortiz was staying at multiple residences in and around Orleans County, Vermont, for the purpose of distributing drugs. Deslandes purchased controlled substances from Ortiz, both for his own consumption and for distribution to others in the Northeast Kingdom. Witnesses explained that Deslandes allowed Ortiz and other drug dealers to periodically stay at his Island Pond residence, which was used to store and distribute controlled substances to customers. Deslandes appears to have continued his drug interactions with Ortiz until Ortiz was arrested in August 2022. Earlier in this case, Judge Reiss sentenced Ortiz to 95 months’ imprisonment for his role in the conspiracy.

    The sentencing hearing followed a long-term investigation conducted by multiple local, county, state and federal agencies that was led by the Northeastern Vermont Drug Task Force (NEVDTF) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). NEVDTF and ATF were assisted in this investigation by agents with Homeland Security Investigations, detectives and troopers from the Vermont State Police; members of the Orleans and Essex County Sheriff’s Departments, the Newport Police Department; aviators with the Air & Marine Operations component of United States Customs & Border Protection; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaboration of federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies during the investigation and prosecution of the case.

    The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher. William Kraham, Esq. represented Clair Deslandes.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Plattsburgh Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK –Jason Miller, age 33, of Plattsburgh, New York, was sentenced today to serve 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    As part of his guilty plea, Miller admitted that on March 17, 2021, he possessed images on his cell phone of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The defendant’s conduct was uncovered during a joint law enforcement investigation into an online group sharing images of child pornography on Kik, a social media messaging application. The defendant admitted to receiving, distributing, and possessing child pornography on Kik.

    United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a term of 15 years of supervised release, which will start after Miller is released from prison. Miller will also be required to register as a sex offender.

    Miller was previously convicted on May 16, 2016, in Clinton County Court of disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree. Following multiple violations of probation, he was sentenced to 16 months to 4 years’ imprisonment.

    The FBI investigated this case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham prosecuted the case.

    Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Niskayuna Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Aaron Griesche, age 41, of Niskayuna, New York, was sentenced today to 135 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    As part of his prior guilty plea, Griesche admitted that on July 11, 2021, he possessed child pornography on a USB flash memory stick found in his residence.  Griesche admitted that he had purchased the memory stick from an online retailer and transferred numerous videos of child pornography from the Internet to the device.

    In addition to the imprisonment and supervised release terms, Griesche was ordered to pay a total of $18,000 in restitution to child victims depicted in the files he possessed.

    The FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force investigated this case.  The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Dustin C. Segovia prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).  Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locates, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Alon Alexander, Oren Alexander, and Tal Alexander Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Sex Trafficking Offenses

    Source: US FBI

    Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, announced the return today of a three-count Indictment charging ALON ALEXANDER, OREN ALEXANDER, and TAL ALEXANDER (the “ALEXANDER BROTHERS”), with sex trafficking offenses. The defendants were arrested this morning in the Southern District of Florida and will be presented in federal court in Miami, Florida.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni. 

    U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged in the Indictment, for more than a decade, the Alexander Brothers, alone and together, repeatedly and violently sexually assaulted and raped dozens of female victims. Today, the defendants are charged with multiple sex trafficking offenses.  Our investigation is far from over.  If you have been a victim of the alleged sexual violence perpetrated by Alon Alexander, Oren Alexander, or Tal Alexander – or if you know anything about their alleged crimes – we urge you to come forward.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “The Alexander brothers allegedly conspired using their wealth and status to prey on innocent women, coercing them into engaging in sexual acts.  We will not allow this type of alleged behavior to go unimpeded. Predators forcefully coercing victims into sexual acts cannot and will not be tolerated.  The FBI’s investigations into these types of cases are only possible because of the bravery victims show in coming forward.  The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to investigating sex trafficking and ensuring anyone attempting to engage in it is held accountable in the criminal justice system.”

    NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said: “The charges outlined in this indictment reflect some of the most heinous and dehumanizing crimes of sexual exploitation that our NYPD detectives investigate.  I applaud all the members of our joint FBI-NYPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force for their unwavering dedication to identifying, investigating, and holding accountable those who allegedly prey on vulnerable individuals in such despicable ways.”

    According to the Indictment, Superseding Indictment, and other documents and statements in the public record:

    From at least in or about 2010, up to and including at least in or about 2021, the ALEXANDER BROTHERS worked together and with others to engage in sex trafficking, including by repeatedly drugging, sexually assaulting, and raping dozens of female victims.  The ALEXANDER BROTHERS, who reside primarily in New York and Miami, Florida, have considerable social and financial connections, including through OREN ALEXANDER and TAL ALEXANDER’s positions as prominent real estate agents focused on ultra-luxury markets.  The ALEXANDER BROTHERS used their wealth and prominent positions in real estate to create and facilitate opportunities to sexually assault women.  

    To carry out and facilitate their sex trafficking scheme, the ALEXANDER BROTHERS used deception, fraud, and coercion to cause victims to travel with them or meet them in private locations for various trips and events.  The ALEXANDER BROTHERS and others identified women to invite to these events through, among other things, social media, dating applications, in person encounters, or through the use of party promoters who would recruit women for these events.

    The ALEXANDER BROTHERS used the promise of luxury experiences, travel, and accommodations to lure and entice women to these events, and then—on multiple occasions—forcibly raped and sexually assaulted women who attended.  At times, multiple men, including one or more of the ALEXANDER BROTHERS, participated in these assaults.  In some instances, the defendants physically restrained and held down their victims during the rapes and sexual assaults and ignored screams and explicit requests to stop.

    In advance of the events, the ALEXANDER BROTHERS and others procured drugs that they agreed to provide to the women, including, among other things, cocaine, mushrooms, and GHB.  On multiple occasions during these events and trips, the ALEXANDER BROTHERS and others surreptitiously drugged women’s drinks.  Some of the victims experienced symptoms of impaired physical and mental capacity, including limitations of movement and speech and incomplete memories of events.  This prevented the victims from being able to fight back or escape during the rapes and sexual assaults.

    The agreement between the ALEXANDER BROTHERS encompassed numerous other acts of sexual violence in addition to the sexual assaults during planned trips and events.  On numerous occasions, one or more of the ALEXANDER BROTHERS drugged and raped or sexually assaulted women they encountered by chance, including women they met at bars and nightclubs, social events, and on dating applications.

    If you have been victimized by the ALEXANDER BROTHERS in any way or have any additional information about their alleged illegal behavior, please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or reach out to us at alexander-case@fbi.gov.

    *                *                *

    ALON ALEXANDER, 37, OREN ALEXANDER, 37, and TAL ALEXANDER, 38, all of Miami, Florida, are each charged with one count of engaging in a sex trafficking conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; and one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.  TAL ALEXANDER is additionally charged with a second count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.

    The statutory maximum and mandatory penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

    Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI-NYPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in New York, as well as the assistance of FBI Miami, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office, and the Miami Beach Police Department.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaiya Arroyo, Elizabeth A. Espinosa, and Andrew W. Jones are in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Telemarketing Call Center Sentenced to 121 Months in Prison for Multi-Year Scheme to Defraud PAC Donors

    Source: US FBI

    Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that RICHARD ZEITLIN, the owner of a telemarketing call center business, was sentenced to 121 months in prison for his leadership role in a scheme to defraud donors of certain political action committees (“PACs”) through false and misleading fundraising calls.  The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan following the defendant’s guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on September 10, 2024. 

    U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Richard Zeitlin’s actions represent a profound breach of trust, as represented by today’s sentencing.  The integrity of donor contributions is essential, and this Office will continue to pursue justice against those who undermine it.”

    According to the allegations in the Indictment, court filings, and statements made in Court:

    PACs are entities registered with the Federal Election Commission that may be tax-exempt and collect money to advocate on behalf of or against certain causes and political candidates.  By contrast, charities, unlike PACs, typically provide direct services to communities or causes. 

    From at least in or about 2017 up to and including in or about 2020, ZEITLIN used his telemarketing call center business and various associated entities to defraud numerous donors of millions of dollars by providing misleading and false information about how the donors’ money would be spent and the nature of the organizations to which they were giving.  Specifically, ZEITLIN directed his employees to alter the call scripts used when calling potential donors on behalf of certain PACs in order to mislead potential donors into believing that they would be giving to a direct-services organization (i.e., a charity), rather than to a political advocacy organization (i.e., a PAC).  ZEITLIN directed that these lies, misleading statements, and misrepresentations be made so that donors would be more likely to give money, thereby increasing the funds raised and profits for his businesses – which typically received approximately 90% of the funds donated.  In some instances, ZEITLIN’s businesses retained 100% of the funds donated with none of the money going to the causes described in telemarketing calls to donors. When one PAC treasurer confronted ZEITLIN with complaints from donors that solicitation calls falsely represented a PAC as a charity, ZEITLIN falsely denied that the calls were being made, acknowledged that such calls would be inappropriate, and refused to give the treasurer any call recordings that would have revealed his fraud. 

    ZEITLIN lied under oath to conceal his fraud.  In December 2020, while testifying under oath during a deposition in connection with a federal civil matter, ZEITLIN falsely stated, in substance and in part, that neither he nor his employees provided input as to the call scripts used by ZEITLIN’s telemarketing call centers when making fundraising calls on behalf of PACs.  In truth and in fact, ZEITLIN and his employees frequently provided input on and changed call scripts, including by adding false and misleading statements into the call scripts.  In March 2022, in a declaration filed under penalty of perjury to a federal judge, ZEITLIN falsely stated that, among other things, he was not associated with and did not direct, supervise, or control certain business entities relating to ZEITLIN’s telemarketing business when, in truth and in fact, ZEITLIN controlled all of the entities by exercising ultimate authority over managerial, operational, and financial decisions, including at the time he signed this declaration. 

    In or about May 2022, after ZEITLIN learned that he and his businesses were under federal investigation, ZEITLIN directed his employees to delete electronic messages relating to his businesses. 

    *                *                *

    In addition to the prison sentence, ZEITLIN, 54, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to five years of supervised release and was ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $8,906,760.00, which represents ZEITLIN’s proceeds from the crime, and restitution in the amount of $8,906,760.00.

    Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.   

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jane Kim, Emily Deininger, and Rebecca T. Dell are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Proud Boy Arrested on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON — A New York man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged 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.

                Walter Joseph Wentland, 31, of Sparrow Bush, New York, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a Capitol building or grounds, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

                The FBI arrested Wentland today in New York, and he will make his initial appearance in the Southern District of New York.

                According to court documents, Wentland, a member of the Hudson Valley New York Proud Boys, was identified in open-source images and video footage on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C., marching with other members of the local chapter toward the U.S. Capitol building.

                Wentland was identified marching in front of a row of assembled law enforcement officers inside the restricted perimeter of the Capitol and, using a bullhorn, stated to police, “Where’s your f— oath?”; “Your values mean nothing”; and “We used to back the blue, but now you’re Oathbreakers and we can’t stand you”.

                Court documents say that Wentland continued into the restricted perimeter toward a walkway near the Northwest Stairs of the Capitol. At approximately 1:59 p.m., a line of Metropolitan Police Officers (MPD) dressed in riot gear moved towards the Capitol to assist in its defense. As the MPD officers walked by, it is alleged that Wentland engaged with multiple officers, including by physically grabbing an officer. It is alleged that Wentland continued to engage with police and physically grabbed a second officer.

                Wentland then moved onto the Upper West Terrace and entered into the Capitol building via the Senate Wing Door at about 2:26 p.m. Once inside, Wentland continued down the hallway before he turned around and exited the building at approximately 2:29 p.m. via a broken window next to the Senate Wing Door.

                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 Southern District of New York.

                This case is being investigated by the FBI’s New York and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 46 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,561 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 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.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Investment Fraud Disrupted by Seizure of $5 Million in Cryptocurrency

    Source: US FBI

    RALEIGH, N.C. – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the seizure of nearly $5 million worth of Tether, a cryptocurrency pegged to the U.S. dollar. These seized funds were traced to cryptocurrency addresses allegedly associated with the laundering of criminally derived proceeds stolen from victims of cryptocurrency investment scams, commonly known as “pig butchering.”

    “Americans are losing their life’s savings to investment frauds as funds are being rapidly transferred to cryptocurrency accounts overseas,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “In this case one victim lost his entire individual retirement account to a scam. We are clawing back every dollar we can, even when criminals are located abroad. We are determined to seize their illegal proceeds and return money to the victims.

    According to court filings, criminal actors approached and recruited victims through the guise of a romantic relationship to develop their trust.  Once the relationship was established, the scammer would claim to have a technique to quickly make large profits trading cryptocurrency and introduce their victim to a fictitious cryptocurrency trading platform that bore a similar name and appearance to a legitimate cryptocurrency trading platform.  These fake investment platforms display a fictitious investment portfolio with abnormally large investment returns, which is designed to induce the victim to invest more.  When the victims do attempt to withdraw funds, they are unable to do so and are often met with various excuses, including being told that they must pay a “tax” or “penalties” to release their funds, which is just a technique for the scammers to elicit even more money out of their victims.

    Once the victims’ funds have been transferred to a cryptocurrency wallet under the scammers’ control, the funds are quickly moved through many other wallets to obfuscate the nature, source, control, and ownership of those fraud proceeds.  In this case, agents, and analysts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were able to trace those victim funds into and through various cryptocurrency wallets allegedly used in furtherance of the fraud and money laundering scheme, some of which still contained large amounts of funds subject to seizure and forfeiture.

    “As criminal actors continue to evolve in the world of cyber-enabled fraud, the FBI and its law enforcement partners must also evolve,” said FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt. “This cryptocurrency seizure serves as an example of the FBI adapting to the changing criminal landscape and fighting for victims of cyber-enabled fraud schemes.”

    The Department would like to acknowledge Tether for its assistance in effectuating the transfer of these assets.

    If you are a victim of a cryptocurrency scam, or other scam involving the use of the Internet, please file a report with the IC3 at ic3.gov and with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.

    Related court documents and information from the seizure warrant are on PACER by searching for Case No.5:24-MJ-1976.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Dunn Man on Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

    Source: US FBI

    ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – A federal jury convicted a Harnett County man on drug trafficking and firearm charges after he led police on a high-speed chase and then abandoned his still running vehicle. Demarkee Rayheem Midgette, age 28, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Midgette faces up to life in prison when sentenced.

    “This armed drug trafficker fled from police in a high-speed chase at great risk to the public and his juvenile passenger,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Guns, drugs, and kids don’t mix.  The potential sentence this drug trafficker faces is evidence of that.”

    “I want to commend the officers of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department for their vigilance and professionalism in handling this incident, demonstrating exceptional police work from start to finish. I also extend my gratitude to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office for their outstanding partnership in this case. Our successful collaboration sends a strong message that criminal activity will not be tolerated,” said Chief Tim Smith of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, a Fuquay Varina Police officer noticed a car that appeared to be missing a headlight traveling on US-401. The officer followed the vehicle for a period of time and smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. At that time, the officer initiated his emergency lights and siren, however the vehicle failed to pull over. Instead, the vehicle continued to travel at high speeds, running a stop sign and leaving its lane multiple times. As the vehicle reached a subdivision, it slowed down and the driver and passenger fled the vehicle on foot while leaving the vehicle running. The driver was observed to be wearing a red jacket and black shorts and the officer continued his pursuit on foot and notified other responding officers of the driver’s location. The driver, later identified as Midgette, was arrested. Another juvenile male, identified as the passenger, approached officers, and volunteered that the vehicle belonged to his uncle.

    A search of the vehicle found marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, mushrooms, drug paraphernalia, and two guns, including a Taurus 1911 and a Glock Model 17, 9 mm pistol. The Glock was later determined to be stolen. Ammunition matching the Taurus 1911 was found in the passenger’s pocket. Midgette was found with cocaine and nearly $1,000 in cash in his jacket. Midgette has prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon and drug possession.

    Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the verdict. The Fuquay Varina Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaren Kelly and Kimberly Dixon are prosecuting the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:24-CR-00079-BO-KS.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Local Internet Café Murders Shooter, Getaway Drivers Sentenced to 40 Years and 30 Years in Prison

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two Columbus men involved in the murder of a husband and wife in a local Internet café were sentenced in U.S. District Court this week to decades in prison.

    Chris A. King, 28, was sentenced yesterday to 480 months in prison. King shot and murdered both the husband and wife while they were working.

    Justice B. Stringer, 29, was sentenced today to 360 months in prison. Stringer drove co-defendants to and from the robbery resulting in murder.

    Five total defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2019 for crimes related to a string of robberies of Internet gaming businesses, including the robbery at Players Paradise on East Broad Street that resulted in murder on Jan. 20, 2019.

    According to court documents, King and a co-defendant robbed Players Paradise at gunpoint and allegedly murdered security guard Joseph Arrington and then his wife, employee Karen Arrington. Stringer then drove the men away from the Internet café.

    Defendants were also responsible for a prior café robbery at Players Paradise on Dec. 10, 2018, stealing $30,000 in cash. Stringer also admitted to his involvement in a Jan. 7, 2019, robbery of Planet Jackpot café on Alum Creek Drive.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced the sentences imposed by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin W. Kelley and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Additional Defendant Pleads Guilty in $50 Million Ponzi Scheme Involving Off-the-Road Tires

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A New Jersey man who is alleged to have fled to Turkey has returned to the United States and pleaded guilty to his role in a nationwide, off-the-road tire sale fraud scheme that resulted in tens of millions of dollars of losses.

    Ahmet Neidik, 64, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit wire fraud.

    Neidik was the co-owner of, and ran the daily operations for, transportation, logistics and importing/exporting businesses. Some of the proceeds of the scheme were sent to businesses controlled by Neidik. Neidik would then wire money to the bank accounts of co-conspirators.

    It is alleged that John K. Eckerd, Jr., 58, of Dallas, is the leader of the multi-state conspiracy.

    Conspiring with previously convicted and sentenced defendant Jason E. Adkins, 46, of Jackson, Ohio, Eckerd and others orchestrated a $50 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 50 investors.

    According to Eckerd’s indictment, from 2012 until at least in or around late 2018, Eckerd represented himself to potential investors as an entrepreneur and businessman with expertise in the market for off-the-road tires. Off-the-road tires are over-sized tires that are used on earth moving equipment and/or mining equipment. Eckerd had control of or access to many corporations allegedly used as part of the scheme.

    Co-conspirators allegedly solicited millions of dollars from investor-victims under false pretenses. Investors were told their money would be used to buy off-the-road tires at a steep discount, and that the tires would then be re-sold to a buyer at a much higher rate. Investors were promised a high percent rate of return on investment, generally within 180 days.

    It is alleged defendants rarely bought or sold tires, and when they did, they used the same tires as the basis for multiple deals, promising multiple investors that they each owned the same tires.

    Defendants corresponded with the potential investors face-to-face, as well as through a combination of phone calls, text messages, and, on occasion, emails. It is alleged they used private planes to showcase their inventory and appear wealthy and successful. Defendants also allegedly provided investors with elaborate, fraudulent paperwork regarding the purported deals. The co-conspirators requested large investments and loans, most to be funded through wire transfers.

    With his guilty plea, Neidik admitted to participating in the scheme. To give potential investors confidence in the tire deals, Eckerd and Adkins offered the services of a purportedly neutral third party to arrange shipment of the tires and/or hold investment funds in escrow until certain conditions were met in completing the deal. Neidik allowed Eckerd and Adkins to represent to investors that he was the neutral third party, and on some occasions, entered into escrow agreements with the investors.

    As part of his plea, Neidik has agreed to pay $370,000 in restitution for his part of the scheme.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation; and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the guilty plea entered today before Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorneys S. Courter Shimeall, Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and David J. Twombly are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Fairfield County Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Prison for Armed Bank Robberies in Athens, Marietta

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A career bank robber was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 162 months in prison for armed robberies he committed in Athens and Marietta in 2020.

    William E. Johnson, 58, of Lancaster, committed armed robberies in August 2020 in Athens and October 2020 in Marietta. As part of his sentence, he will pay more than $50,000 in restitution.

    According to court documents, on Aug. 17, 2020, Johnson brandished a firearm at Hocking Valley Bank on East State Street in Athens. Johnson wore a prosthetic forehead and nose, skin-toned arm sleeves/gloves, makeup and a COVID mask, all designed to disguise his appearance.

    Johnson ordered employees to get on the floor and then emptied several drawers of cash. In total, he took more than $25,000. After stealing the cash, he tied the employees’ hands with zip ties. Johnson ordered the bank manager to give him the keys to the bank manager’s car and the manager complied. Johnson fled the bank in the stolen vehicle.

    On Oct. 22, 2020, Johnson robbed the Citizens Bank on North Second Street in Marietta. Johnson was wearing a full-length Halloween-style mask that made him appear to be an old man and wore a red hood pulled up around his face.

    Johnson possessed a gun and forced his way behind the tellers’ counter. He emptied several drawers, stealing $11,390.

    At the time, Johnson had a warrant out for his arrest for a pending indictment for a bank robbery in Williamstown, West Virginia.

    Law enforcement officers spotted Johnson driving in West Virginia on the evening of the Marietta bank robbery and pulled him over. Johnson attempted to flee on foot, telling officers they would have to kill him to take him into custody again. Officers tased Johnson and placed him under arrest.

    Officers searched Johnson’s vehicle and located more than $9,000 in cash, a loaded handgun, zip ties and his disguises.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cincinnati Division; the Athens, Marietta, Williamstown, W.Va. and Parkersburg, W.Va. police departments; the Washington County and Wood County, W.Va. sheriff’s offices; and the West Virginia State Police announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Noah R. Litton and S. Courter Shimeall are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Indicts Five Dayton Individuals in Narcotics Conspiracy Resulting in Death

    Source: US FBI

    DAYTON, Ohio – Five Dayton individuals have been charged federally in a narcotics conspiracy that allegedly resulted in at least one overdose death and one serious bodily injury.

    Those charged include:

    Name

    Also known as

    Age

    Ricardo Busbee

    Cardo

    33

    Torrence Busbee

    Woody

    30

    Demarion Galloway

    Duke

    28

    Dalaquan McGuire

    Rico

    26

    Doretha Hughes

     

    27

    In summer 2023, local and federal law enforcement began investigating a significant increase in drug overdoses that had occurred within a six-block radius in Dayton.

    According to the 10-count indictment, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine. They allegedly possessed and distributed methamphetamine at a premises where a minor resided.

    It is also alleged that on July 27, 2023, Ricardo Busbee and Hughes distributed a mixture of fentanyl and cocaine that caused an overdose death. The drug combination also allegedly caused serious bodily injury to another individual.

    Ricardo and Torrence Busbee are also charged with illegally possessing firearms as previously convicted felons.

    All the defendants are charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. They allegedly possessed at least 14 guns that they kept in a storage unit and at residences on Laura and Basswood avenues.

    Due to the allegation that death and serious bodily injury resulted from the drug conspiracy, if convicted, the defendants face a punishment of at least 20 years and up to life in prison.

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

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Dayton Police Chief Kamran Aftal announced the charges that were unsealed on Jan. 12 and commended the cooperative investigation with the assistance of partner agencies including Huber Heights, Trotwood, Springfield and Bellefontaine police departments, Miami County and Montgomery County sheriff’s offices, the FBI, United States Marshals and Ohio Adult Parole Authority. Assistant United States Attorneys Amy M. Smith and Kelly K. Rossi are representing the United States in this case.

    An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Former High School Teacher Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Exploiting Minors by Taking ‘Upskirt’ Videos at School and in Other Public Places

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former local high school teacher was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 240 months in prison for crimes related to secretly recording explicit videos of his students at school and possessing child sexual abuse material.

    Justin Foley, 48, of Delaware, Ohio, pleaded guilty in May 2023 to sexually exploiting a minor and possessing child pornography.

    Foley was employed as a chemistry teacher at Columbus Alternative High School at the time of his offenses. He used his cell phone and other digital media devices in a hidden manner to capture the genitalia of his female students under their skirts and shorts during the school day.

    According to court documents, in August 2022, the Delaware Police Department received CyberTip reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding numerous images of apparent child sexual abuse material that were uploaded via Google email accounts. Investigators tracked the IP addresses for the reported email accounts to Foley. During the investigation into Foley, officers discovered a second CyberTip report. Five of the IP addresses in the second report belonged to Columbus Public Schools.

    Delaware County law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Foley’s residence on Sept. 20, 2022. Court documents detail that Foley admitted to creating videos in the classroom and hallways of the school at which he taught and that he had created some of these videos as recently as the previous week.

    A review of Foley’s devices by the FBI revealed they contained numerous videos that were voyeuristic in nature and appear to have been self-produced. The videos were recorded at the high school Foley worked at, local department stores in central Ohio, public areas of downtown Delaware, Ohio, and various dressing rooms at different unidentified locations. It is apparent from the videos that the victims depicted in them did not know they were being recorded.

    Foley created numerous videos of female students in the hallways of Columbus Alternative High School or of females that were students in his classroom.  In the videos he secretly recorded, Foley would hide his phone camera or place it beside or behind the victims in attempt to record up their skirts or shorts. Foley then took screenshots from the content he filmed of his victims and created still images of the victim’s nude genitalia, zooming in and “lightening” some of the screenshots to enhance the images.

    In addition to the videos he created himself, more than 1,000 images of child sexual abuse material were recovered from Foley’s devices that depicted a series of images of prepubescent females in various stages of nudity or fully nude exposing their genitals or anus to the camera.

    Foley was arrested and charged locally in Delaware County in September 2022. He was charged federally in November 2022. 

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler; Delaware Police Chief Adam Moore; Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa A. Schiffel; and other members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer M. Rausch and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Birmingham Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Kidnapping

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man was sentenced today for kidnapping and collecting ransom money, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Johnnie Sharp, Jr., and United States Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis. 

    U.S. District Judge Abdul K. Kallon sentenced Matthew Amos Burke, 35, to 204 months in prison for kidnapping, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.  Burke pleaded guilty to the charges in April.

    According to the plea agreement, on September 11, 2020, Burke unlawfully entered the home of the victim. Burke then abducted the victim and transported him to Burke’s residence, where the victim was forced to transfer $250,000 from his bank account  into another bank account as directed by Burke.  Once $250,000 was transferred, Burke drove the victim back to his residence and released him. The victim then contacted the Birmingham Police Department and the Mountain Brook Police Department.

    The FBI and Secret Service investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department and the Mountain Brook Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys John Camp and William Simpson prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE San Antonio, federal partners lead to Treasury sanctions of high-ranking members of Cartel del Noreste, a foreign terrorist organization

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WASHINGTON — The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned two high-ranking members of the Mexico-based Cartel del Noreste, formerly known as Los Zetas, May 21. CDN, one of Mexico’s most violent drug trafficking organizations and a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, has significant influence over the border region, particularly near the Laredo/Nuevo Laredo entry point. These sanctions emphasize the commitment to targeting CDN and other violent cartels involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms trafficking, and other crimes that endanger the American people. The investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s San Antonio office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ San Antonio office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Houston Division. The action was closely coordinated with Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit, Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera. The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 14059, which targets the proliferation of illicit drugs and their production, and Executive Order 13224, as amended, which targets terrorists and their supporters.

    “In working toward the total elimination of cartels to Make America Safe Again, the Trump Administration will hold these terrorists accountable for their criminal activities and abhorrent acts of violence,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “CDN and its leaders have carried out a violent campaign of intimidation, kidnapping, and terrorism, threatening communities on both sides of our southern border. We will continue to cut off the cartels’ ability to obtain the drugs, money, and guns that enable their violent activities.”

    Cartel del Noreste

    CDN is a terrorist organization primarily based in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Nuevo Leon. The group has been involved in narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, arms trafficking, money laundering, vehicle theft, and oil theft. They have also engaged in terrorist activities to intimidate American citizens and local communities in Mexico, including extortion, kidnapping, and murder.

    In March 2022, CDN fired guns and threw grenades at the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo following the arrest of a CDN member wanted in Mexico for terrorism, homicide, and extortion. The consulate was closed for nearly a month due to the attack, which was seen as a retaliatory act aimed at intimidating American diplomats serving abroad.

    On Feb. 20, the U.S. Department of State identified CDN as an FTO and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Prior to this designation, CDN, then known as Los Zetas, was labeled by the United States as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker on April 15, 2009, under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act for its involvement in international narcotics trafficking. On July 24, 2011, Los Zetas was named a transnational criminal organization in the annex to Executive Order 13581. On Dec. 15, 2021, the Office of Foreign Assets Control designated CDN under Executive Order 14059.

    Sanctioning key members of Cartel del Noreste

    Firearms acquired by CDN affiliates have been smuggled into Mexico. Miguel Angel de Anda Ledezma (De Anda), a high-ranking member of CDN residing in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, oversees the procurement of guns and ammunition for the group. In this role, De Anda has facilitated payments to U.S. straw purchasers and organized firearm deliveries to Nuevo Laredo. Some of these weapons were used in terrorist activities, including one recovered after CDN attacked Mexico’s army during a patrol in March 2024.

    Ricardo Gonzalez Sauceda, who lived in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, was the second-in-command of CDN until his February 2025 arrest by Mexican authorities. He led an armed enforcement wing of the group and benefited from trafficked firearms in attacks on Mexican police and military, as well as drug trafficking activities. Gonzalez was arrested on Feb. 3, in connection with a CDN attack on the Mexican military in August 2024, which killed two soldiers and injured five. At the time of his arrest, Gonzalez was in possession of a rifle, a handgun, 300 grams of methamphetamine, and 1,500 fentanyl pills.

    The designations of De Anda and Gonzalez resulted from strong coordination between ICE Homeland Security Investigations, ATF, and DEA.

    Both De Anda and Gonzalez are sanctioned under Executive Orders 14059 and 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by CDN or acting on its behalf.

    Santions Implications

    As a result of this sanction, all property, and interests in property of the designated individuals listed above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Additionally, any entities owned 50 percent or more, directly or indirectly, by one or more blocked individuals are also blocked.

    Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the U.S. that involve property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

    Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in civil or criminal penalties for U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding its enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. Financial institutions and other individuals may also risk sanctions for engaging in certain transactions with designated or blocked persons.

    Engaging in certain transactions with the individuals designated May 21 also poses a risk of secondary sanctions under Executive Order 13224, as amended. Under this authority, OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on the opening or maintenance of a correspondent or payable-through account in the U.S. for any foreign financial institution that knowingly facilitated significant transactions on behalf of a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

    Exports, reexports, or transfers of items subject to U.S. export controls involving individuals on the SDN List under Executive Order 13224, as amended, may face additional restrictions from the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security. See 15 C.F.R. section 744.8 for more details.

    The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions come not only from its ability to designate and add individuals to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove individuals from the list in accordance with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to encourage positive changes in behavior. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Brookfield Corporation Announces Renewal of Normal Course Issuer Bid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROOKFIELD, NEWS, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Corporation (“Brookfield”) (NYSE: BN, TSX: BN) today announced it has received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) for the renewal of its normal course issuer bid to purchase up to 143,027,158 Class A Limited Voting Shares (“Class A Shares”), representing 10% of the public float of Brookfield’s outstanding Class A Shares. Purchases under the bid will be made on the open market through the facilities of the TSX, the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), and/or alternative trading systems. The period of the normal course issuer bid will extend from May 27, 2025 to May 26, 2026, or an earlier date should Brookfield complete its purchases. Brookfield will pay the market price at the time of acquisition for any Class A Shares purchased or such other price as may be permitted.

    As at May 15, 2025, the number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding totaled 1,647,846,059 of which 1,430,271,580 shares represented the public float. In accordance with the rules of the TSX, the maximum daily purchase on the TSX under this bid will be 456,420 Class A Shares, which is 25% of 1,825,680 (the average daily trading volume for Class A Shares on the TSX for the six months ended April 30, 2025).

    Of the 142,988,844 Class A Shares approved for purchase under Brookfield’s prior normal course issuer bid that commenced on May 27, 2024 and will expire on May 26, 2025, Brookfield purchased 22,200,979 Class A Shares as of May 15, 2025; 2,835,555 Class A Shares through open market purchases on the TSX and 19,365,424 Class A Shares through open market purchases on the NYSE. The weighted average price that Brookfield paid per Class A Share acquired under this bid was US$51.20.

    Brookfield is renewing its normal course issuer bid because it believes that, from time to time, the market price of its Class A Shares may not fully reflect the underlying value of its business and its future business prospects. Brookfield believes that, in such circumstances, the outstanding Class A Shares represent an attractive investment for Brookfield, since a portion of its excess cash generated on an annual basis can be invested for an attractive risk adjusted return through the issuer bid. All Class A Shares acquired by Brookfield under this bid will be cancelled and/or purchased by a non-independent trustee pursuant to the terms of Brookfield’s long-term incentive plans.

    Brookfield intends to enter into an automatic share purchase plan on or about the week of June 16, 2025 in relation to the normal course issuer bid. The automatic share purchase plan will allow for the purchase of Class A Shares, subject to certain trading parameters, at times when Brookfield ordinarily would not be active in the market due to its own internal trading black-out period, insider trading rules or otherwise. Outside of these periods, Class A Shares will be repurchased in accordance with management’s discretion and in compliance with applicable law.

    About Brookfield Corporation

    Brookfield Corporation is a leading global investment firm focused on building long-term wealth for institutions and individuals around the world. We have three core businesses: Alternative Asset Management, Wealth Solutions, and our Operating Businesses which are in renewable power, infrastructure, business and industrial services, and real estate.

    We have a track record of delivering 15%+ annualized returns to shareholders for over 30 years, supported by our unrivaled investment and operational experience. Our conservatively managed balance sheet, extensive operational experience, and global sourcing networks allow us to consistently access unique opportunities. At the center of our success is the Brookfield Ecosystem, which is based on the fundamental principle that each group within Brookfield benefits from being part of the broader organization. Brookfield Corporation is publicly traded in New York and Toronto (NYSE: BN, TSX: BN).

    Please note that Brookfield Corporation’s previous audited annual and unaudited quarterly reports have been filed on EDGAR and SEDAR+ and can also be found in the investor section of its website at www.brookfield.com. Hard copies of the annual and quarterly reports can be obtained free of charge upon request.

    For more information, please visit our website at www.bn.brookfield.com or contact:                           

    Media: Investor Relations:
    Kerrie McHugh Katie Battaglia
    Tel: (212) 618-3469 Tel: (416) 359-8544
    Email: kerrie.mchugh@brookfield.com Email: katie.battaglia@brookfield.com


    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and in any applicable Canadian securities regulations (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward- looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future results, events or conditions, and include, but are not limited to, statements which reflect management’s current estimates, beliefs and assumptions regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, strategies, capital management and outlook of Brookfield Corporation and its subsidiaries, as well as the outlook for North American and international economies for the current fiscal year and subsequent periods, and which in turn are based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. The estimates, beliefs and assumptions of Brookfield Corporation are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events and as such, are subject to change. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “foresee,” “could,” “estimate,” “goal,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “strive,” “will,” “may” and “should” and similar expressions. In particular, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements referring to the impact of current market or economic conditions on our business, the future state of the economy or the securities market, the anticipated allocation and deployment of our capital, our fundraising targets, and our target growth objectives.

    Although Brookfield Corporation believes that such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable estimates, beliefs and assumptions, actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) returns that are lower than target; (ii) the impact or unanticipated impact of general economic, political and market factors in the countries in which we do business; (iii) the behavior of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest and foreign exchange rates and heightened inflationary pressures; (iv) global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets; (v) strategic actions including acquisitions and dispositions; the ability to complete and effectively integrate acquisitions into existing operations and the ability to attain expected benefits; (vi) changes in accounting policies and methods used to report financial condition (including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates); (vii) the ability to appropriately manage human capital; (viii) the effect of applying future accounting changes; (ix) business competition; (x) operational and reputational risks; (xi) technological change; (xii) changes in government regulation and legislation within the countries in which we operate; (xiii) governmental investigations and sanctions; (xiv) litigation; (xv) changes in tax laws; (xvi) ability to collect amounts owed; (xvii) catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and epidemics/pandemics; (xviii) the possible impact of international conflicts and other developments including terrorist acts and cyberterrorism; (xix) the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies; (xx) the failure of effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting and other risks; (xxi) health, safety and environmental risks; (xxii) the maintenance of adequate insurance coverage; (xxiii) the existence of information barriers between certain businesses within our asset management operations; (xxiv) risks specific to our business segments including asset management, wealth solutions, renewable power and transition, infrastructure, private equity, real estate and corporate activities; and (xxv) factors detailed from time to time in our documents filed with the securities regulators in Canada and the United States.

    We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect future results. Readers are urged to consider these risks, as well as other uncertainties, factors and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are based only on information available to us as of the date of this news release or such other date specified herein. Except as required by law, Brookfield Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward- looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: BNP Paribas Primary New Issues: POST-STAB Notice – WOLSELEY

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    23.05.2025

    Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

    WOLSELEY GROUP PLC

    Post-stabilisation Period Announcement

    STABILISATION CARRIED OUT

    [Further to the pre-stabilisation period announcement dated 16.05.2025 and to the mid-stabilisation period announcement[s] dated 22.05.2025, BNP PARIBAS (contact: Stanford Hartman; telephone: 0207 595 8222) hereby gives notice that the Stabilisation Manager(s) named below undertook stabilisation (within the meaning of Article 3.2(d) of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU/596/2014)) in relation to the offer of the following securities, as set out below.

    Securities

    Issuer: WOLSELEY GROUP FINCO PLC
    Guarantor(s) (if any): N/A
    Aggregate nominal amount: 350,000,000 GBP
    Description: Senior Secured Fixed Rate Notes
    Offer price: 100

    Stabilisation Manager(s)

    Name(s): BNP PARIBAS, LLOYDS, WELLS FARGO, BOFA, RBC

    Stabilisation

    Stabilisation started: 16/05/2025
    Stabilisation last occurred: 21/05/2025
    Stabilisation trading venue(s):3 OTC
    Date Lowest Price Highest Price
     16/05/2025  98.625  99.25
     19/05/2025  98.50  99.23
     20/05/2025  99.375 99.50 
     21/05/2025  99.55  99.55

    This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

    This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The securities referred to above have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. There has not been and will not be a public offer of the securities in the United States.

    The MIL Network –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Enticing Arkansas Minor to Engage in Sexual Conduct

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—A North Carolina man was sentenced late Monday after traveling to Arkansas twice to have sex with a minor he enticed over the internet. United States District Court Judge Brian S. Miller sentenced Jonathan Berrier, 53, of Lexington, North Carolina, to 180 months in federal prison. Cody Hiland, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Diane Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Little Rock Field Office, announced the sentencing.

          In January 2017, Berrier reached out to a 13-year-old minor on Facebook, and they began talking through text messaging and telephone as well. The conversations became sexual in nature and continued through spring 2018. As the sexual content of their conversations increased, the defendant sent gifts and packages to the minor, which included cell phones.

          The defendant travelled from North Carolina to Arkansas in February and March of 2018. On both occasions, he gave the minor a cell phone to communicate with him. Text messages retrieved from one of the phones revealed additional sexually explicit messages between the defendant and the minor. On both visits to Arkansas, the defendant had sexual intercourse with the minor.

          “This defendant cultivated a long term, sexually explicit online relationship with a 13-year-old child, and he then leveraged that relationship to come into our state and sexually abuse her,” said U.S. Attorney Hiland. “Today’s 15-year sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who would take advantage of a minor online: if you come to Arkansas with the intent to sexually abuse a child, we will investigate and prosecute, and we will seek a lengthy sentence.”

          Berrier was originally charged in a two-count indictment with one count of enticement of a minor and one count of travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The defendant pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor on September 25, 2020.

          In addition to the prison term, Berrier was sentenced to ten years of supervised release following his imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay $2400 in restitution to the victim to assist in paying for counseling services. The investigation was conducted by the FBI.

    # # #

    This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Lowell Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Money Laundering

    Source: US FBI

    Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas announced that, Jonathan Terry, age 35, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Money Laundering. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing today in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.

    Beginning in July of 2019, Terry began fraudulently obtaining the banking and personally identifying information of individuals throughout the Fayetteville Division of the Western District of Arkansas through various means, primarily from stealing mail from unattended mailboxes.  After he obtained that information, Terry opened financial accounts at various financial institutions, to include TD Ameritrade and Fidelity, and funded those accounts with stolen checks.  Terry also attempted to take advantage of the “pending” status of large deposits to transfer funds amongst the various accounts he opened.  In all, the Court found that Terry attempted $2,256,727.50 in transactions on those fraudulent accounts, though he and his coconspirators only obtained approximately $4,000 in the overall scheme.  The Court found that Terry was an “organizer or leader” of the scheme, that he victimized over 10 individuals, and that he obstructed justice during the investigation.        

    Terry was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2020 and entered a guilty plea in June of 2020. 

    This case was investigated by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Fayetteville Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas State Police, IRS, the FBI and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).  Assistant United States Attorney Ben Wulff prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Three from Northwest Arkansas Plead Guilty to Making False Statements to Obtain Coronavirus Relief Funds

    Source: US FBI

    Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Melvin Stout, age 40, of Fayetteville, AR, pleaded guilty today to making a false statement on a loan application to obtain money through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  Earlier this month, Stout’s wife, Tiffany Acuff, age 36, of Fayetteville, and sister, Valarie Watson, age 43, of Fayetteville, also pleaded to charges in connection with obtaining loans through the PPP, which is intended for businesses struggling through the coronavirus pandemic.  

    The program, which provides low-interest, forgivable loans for businesses who use the funds for essential business expenses, such as payroll, is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed in March 2020.

    According to the plea agreements in each case, Stout, Acuff, and Watson submitted PPP loan applications that falsely represented their ownership of small businesses, which they alleged were eligible for PPP funds. Stout, was approved and received $9,400.00, Acuff, was approved and received $20,800.00, while Watson, applied for $20,800.00, but was declined. Along with the applications, the defendants submitted falsified tax documents and business receipts.  None of the defendants owned the businesses listed in the applications. 

    Stout, Acuff, and Watson’s sentencings will be determined by the court at a later date, following the U.S. Probation Office’s completion of a presentence investigation. Based on their guilty pleas, the maximum penalties for each defendant include imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

    The case was investigated by IRS, the FBI, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Assistant United States Attorney Hunter Bridges is prosecuting the case for the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced for Financially Benefiting from Forced Labor

    Source: US FBI

    FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Mexican National illegally residing in Lexington, Serafin Bayona, 35, was sentenced on Wednesday to 135 months by U.S. District Judge Gregory VanTatenhove for financially benefiting from forced labor.

    According to his plea agreement, Bayona participated in a venture to financially benefit through the forced labor of others. Specifically, Bayona would loan money to the victims, all Mexican nationals then living in Mexico, to be smuggled into the United States.  He would then coordinate the smuggling of these victims and arrange transportation to Lexington, where they would be housed in one of several properties he maintained. The victims would repay Bayona, after they obtained work in the United States, with interest that was added to their debt.  Bayona also would charge the victims other fees, including fees for rent, transportation, cleaning, food, clothing, and obtaining employment and false identification documents.  Ultimately, the amounts owed by the victims resulted in an endless cycle of debt. When the victims protested paying the continued fees, Bayona used threats of force on victims and the victims’ families, including instances of brandishing a firearm, to compel the victims to continue to work in order to pay him.  During the execution of search warrants at properties Bayona maintained, over $50,000 in cash was discovered, which he admitted was generated through his participation in this forced labor venture. 

    Under federal law, Bayona must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by the FBI, HSI, and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    – END –

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Gang Members Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison for Their Roles in the Robbery and Fatal Shooting of Off-Duty LAPD Officer

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – Three members of a South Los Angeles street gang each were sentenced today to decades in prison for their roles in the robbery and fatal shooting in 2022 of Los Angeles Police Officer Fernando Arroyos.

    In separate hearings today, United States District Judge Percy Anderson sentenced Luis Alfredo de la Rosa Rios, 30, a.k.a. “Lil J” and “Lil Malo,” to 50 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $31,204.07 in restitution. Judge Anderson also sentenced Ernesto Cisneros, 25, a.k.a. “Gonzo” and “Spooky,” to 50 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $28,604.07 in restitution. Finally, Jesse Contreras, 36, a.k.a. “Skinny Jack” and “Flaco,” was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $31,204.07 in restitution.

    At today’s hearing, Judge Anderson said, “The senseless loss of life is all too frequent in our community. It is literally ripping apart the fabric of our society. The sentence imposed today must send a message, not only to this defendant but to everyone, that if you choose to endanger our community by murdering, robbing, and trafficking in narcotics, there will be significant consequences.”

    Rios, Contreras, and Cisneros – all members of the South Los Angeles-based Florencia 13 (F13) street gang – pleaded guilty in July 2023 to one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

    “Gangs bring death and destruction, most often upon the very communities they claim to represent,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “These defendants coldly and callously murdered an innocent man who grew up in our community and returned home to give back to the city he loved. I hope the major sentences we announce today bring some degree of solace to Officer Arroyos’ family, friends, and colleagues. My office will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute gang violence.”

    “Fernando Arroyos should be with us today, helping to protect a city he was ready and willing to give his life for. Yet he died in a way none of us could have imagined” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “With Officer Arroyos’ senseless killing, we lost a protector, and most importantly, his family lost someone who meant the whole world to them. The sentences handed down today are just and reinforce our commitment to ensuring public safety and holding those who terrorize our communities accountable.”

    “Gang violence tears at the very fabric of our communities, causing immeasurable harm and suffering,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that acts of violence, especially against our dedicated law enforcement officers, will be met with the full force of justice. Officer Arroyos had a promising life ahead of him and chose to serve the community where he was raised, and we will forever remember his commitment and sacrifice. We are grateful for our local and federal partners’ collaborative efforts in bringing these brazen criminals to justice and preventing them from preying on others in our communities.”

    On the night of January 10, 2022, the defendants were driving in Rios’ truck around F13’s “territory” in the Florence-Firestone area of South Los Angeles, looking for people to rob. The defendants decided to rob Officer Arroyos because he was wearing gold chains around his neck. Arroyos was accompanied by his girlfriend – another victim who is identified in court documents as “A.M.” Contreras handed Rios a loaded gun. Cisneros, who accompanied Rios and Contreras in Rios’s truck, already possessed a loaded gun. Rios and Cisneros, both armed, then exited Rios’ truck.

    Cisneros approached the off-duty officer, patted him down, and then took his chains and wallet, which contained Arroyos’ LAPD identification card. Rios approached A.M., patted her down and stole her property.

    After robbing Arroyos, Rios and Cisneros opened fire. Arroyos was struck by a single bullet, which killed him.

    Earlier the same day, Rios and Contreras committed armed robberies against two victims outside a bar within F13’s “territory” in the Florence-Firestone area.

    Haylee Marie Grisham, 21, an F13 associate who was Rios’ girlfriend, pleaded guilty in April 2023 to one count of violent crime in aid of racketeering for participating in the fatal robbery of Arroyos. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 9, at which time she will face a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

    The FBI and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter. The Los Angeles Police Department provided substantial assistance.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kathy Yu, Chief of Ethics and Post-Conviction Review, and Christopher C. Kendall of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
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