NewzIntel.com

Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Ernst Releases Alarming Report on Tech Vulnerable to China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) released a report revealing that billions of dollars in sensitive American intellectual property are vulnerable to China, because the lack of a consistent due diligence standard in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs has left loopholes for America’s adversaries to exploit.
    To safeguard the technology that supports our national security, Chair Ernst is fighting to pass her INNOVATE Act and asked Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to investigate and potentially halt all funding to six companies mentioned in the report with troubling ties to China that received nearly $180 million from 2023 to 2024 in SBIR-STTR funding after a due diligence vetting system had been implemented by the agency.
    Here is some of the coverage of Ernst’s groundbreaking report:
    Bloomberg | Senator Flags China Ties in Program to Aid Defense Startups
    “The findings from Senator Joni Ernst add fuel to her campaign to overhaul the programs, which have awarded more than $75 billion since the first one began in 1982.”
    Politico | GOP report finds small business innovation grants still carry foreign risk
    “Senate Small Business Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) released a report Wednesday that found that small business innovation program grant applicants flagged for foreign risk still received federal funding.”
    National Review | Small Business Grants Across Federal Government Vulnerable to Chinese Influence, Report Finds
    “Seeking to combat the problem, Ernst’s INNOVATE Act would clearly define “foreign risk” for due diligence reviews across agencies. The legislation would also create eligibility rules for applicants with foreign ties and codifies collaborations between agencies and the intelligence community on foreign risk reviews.”
    Politico Morning Defense | Red SBIR?
    “Congress previously rewrote SBIR and STTR rules to prevent funds from flowing to China after DOD discovered in 2021 that some SBIR awards had gone to companies linked to the Chinese military. The continued exploitation of the program, however, suggests that DOD may need to take further steps.”
    Federal News Network | SBIR/STTR awards remain vulnerable to foreign influence
    “Ernst’s investigation comes as Congress must reauthorize the SBIR/STTR programs. The 2022 update expires on Sept. 30. Ernst’s Innovate Act would extend the programs another three years to 2028 and continue to press agencies to address concerns over SBIR mills and foreign influence on awards.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Appointed as Co-Chair of Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Established in 1959, the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group is tasked with promoting better understanding and cooperation between Canadian parliamentarians and U.S. members of Congress. The association is comprised of nearly 90 members and serves as a forum to discuss key bilateral and multilateral issues impacting both countries.

    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) is the newest member of the group. Cramer’sappointment as co-chair of the Senate delegation is a continuation of his efforts to support the American-Canadian relationship. In June 2023, Cramer joined U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) in launching and co-chairing the bipartisan, bicameral American-Canadian Economy and Security Caucus to strengthen ties with Canada. Cramer was previously a member of the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group from 2013 to 2019 when he was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and served as co-chair of the House Northern Border Caucus.

    “The Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group is a strategic venue for legislators in Washington and Ottawa to engage on the shared issues our nations face,” said Cramer. “Just like iron sharpens iron, the alliance between Canada and the United States is dependent on open, honest dialogue on what binds us together and where improvements are needed. I’m honored to be appointed as co-chair of the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group and look forward to strengthening our alliance and working on resolving mutual concerns.”

    The association holds a meeting each year, alternating between Canada and the United States to address priorities and policy differences on issues such as trade, energy, infrastructure, and defense. During the event, attendees seek to identify shared values and find possible solutions to a variety of concerns to both countries. As a newly appointed member of the association, Cramer will travel to Canada today to meet with Canadian leadership.   

    In March 2024, on behalf of North Dakota, Cramer received the Embassy of Canada’s Maple Leaf Award from Ambassador Kirsten Hillman and Consul General Beth Richardson. North Dakota sells more exports to Canada than to all other nations in the world combined, and this award recognizes the incredible volume of trade between the two countries.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Improve Veterans Access to Timely, Local Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    Legislation streamlines health care access and creates new pathway for rural veterans within 35 miles of a Critical Access Hospital

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Many of America’s veterans live in rural or highly rural areas and face major challenges to accessing quality and timely health care. To improve access to local rural care options, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act. The bill would create a new option for veterans living in rural America, allowing them to seek health care services at their local rural hospital or clinic under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Program.

    Specifically, the legislation would amend the VA MISSION Act of 2018 to create a new category under which care is required to be furnished through community providers, specifically for care sought by a rural veteran residing with 35 miles of the Critical Access Hospital or Rural Health Clinic.

    While communities may lack a VA Medical Center or Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), they are often served by Critical Access Hospitals or Rural Health Clinics. Critical Access Hospital is a designation given to eligible rural hospitals by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As defined by federal statute, they are the sole provider within 35 miles, must have 25 or less inpatient beds, and provide 24/7 emergency care services. They are often the only available care in rural communities, but due to community care restrictions veterans can only access them with prior authorization from the VA. There are 37 Critical Access Hospitals across North Dakota, five of which also have a VA CBOC. The Critical Access for Veterans Care Act would expand immediate access in the 32 other communities, as well as the few areas already served by a CBOC.

    “Many of our nation’s veterans live in rural areas and face significant barriers to getting the care they need,” said Cramer. “As a country, we have prioritized the preservation of Critical Access Hospitals to ensure rural America has readily available care. This designation has been a lifeline for so many, yet veterans in these communities do not have the same open access as their neighbors. Our bill removes the unnecessary roadblocks, allowing veterans to freely pursue care at their local hospital or clinics already serving those communities.”

    “As a combat veteran myself, putting America’s veterans first is at the center of my mission, and that means increasing access to the best care, people, and facilities available for our veterans,” said Sheehy. “For too long, the status quo has failed veterans, especially in rural communities, leaving them without timely access to the high-quality care they have rightly earned. In Congress, it’s our duty to ensure our veterans have the support they need to achieve the same American Dream they fought to defend, and the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act helps accomplish that mission.”

    Additionally, the legislation:

    • Prohibits VA from employing tactics like prior authorization, referrals, or other box checking activities which delay care and create unnecessary hurdles for veterans.
    • Updates the payment methodology to match the cost-based reimbursement currently used in Medicare to ensure Critical Access Hospitals are not reimbursed less to treat veterans than other patients.
    • Allows referrals originating from the Critical Access Hospital or Rural Health Clinic to other providers within the same community.

    The Critical Access for Veterans Care Act is supported by several groups in North Dakota, including Unity Medical Center in Grafton and First Care Health Center in Park River. The bill is also endorsed by America’s Warrior Partnership and the National Rural Health Association.

    “The Critical Access for Veterans Care Act is a necessary step toward ensuring rural veterans can receive timely, high-quality care close to home,” said Alan Morgan, CEO of National Rural Health Association. “By removing unnecessary prior authorization requirements and aligning VA reimbursement with Medicare’s cost-based rates for rural providers, this legislation supports rural providers and expands access to essential health services for veterans who need them most. We commend Senator Cramer and Senator Sheehy for championing this bill and urge Congress to advance this life-improving policy without delay.”

    “America’s Warrior Partnership strongly supports the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act and thanks Senator Cramer for its introduction,” said Jim Lorraine, President of America’s Warrior Partnership. “This essential legislation expands veterans’ access to local and timely healthcare, removing prior authorization hurdles for care delivered at critical access hospitals and affiliated rural clinics under the Veterans Community Care Program. America’s Warrior Partnership recognizes this bill as a meaningful step toward enhancing quality of life, continuity of care, health outcomes, and local community-based care for our nation’s veterans.”

    “I am very encouraged by the effort and direction being taken by Senator Cramer and others as they work to improve healthcare access opportunities for the nearly 3.0 million veterans residing in the rural areas of the United States,” said Alan O’Neil, CEO, Unity Medical Center in Grafton, N.D. “This bill will not only help the veterans, but will also improve utilization of the 1300 plus Critical Access Hospitals in the rural areas of the United States. Thank you for your support of our Rural Veterans and Rural Hospitals!”

    “Thank you Senator Cramer for your commitment to improving healthcare access for rural veterans,” said Marcus Lewis, CEO, First Care Health Center in Park River N.D. “Like many, I was hopeful when the Veteran’s Choice Program was introduced in 2013. Unfortunately, that hope gave way to frustration as I encountered delays, denials, and a confusing credentialing process that has too often left me—and countless other veterans—without timely or effective care. That’s why this bill is so critical. It acknowledges the unique challenges rural veterans face and offers a real pathway to timely, local, and reliable care.”

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pocan, Bipartisan Colleagues Relaunch Biofuels Caucus, Announce New Co-Chairs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

    Washington, DC —Today, Congressional Biofuels Caucus Co-chairs Mark Pocan (D-WI), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Angie Craig (D-MN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) released the following statements celebrating the launch of the caucus for the 119th Congress and welcoming new Co-chairs Hinson, Fedorchak, and Budzinski. 

    “I am glad to join my colleagues in the Congressional Biofuels Caucus,” said Co-chair Pocan. “Corn growers in Wisconsin deserve to have an even playing field in the market dominated by the oil and gas industry. This Caucus will showcase how biofuels can help us reach our emissions reduction goals while investing in rural jobs and infrastructure.” 

    “American biofuel producers have an untapped ability to power the future of liquid fuels, whether ethanol blends, biodiesel, or sustainable aviation fuel,” said Co-chair Smith. “Advancing sound policy can unlock billions of dollars in savings at the pump and hundreds of thousands of added jobs for the American people. I thank Co-chairs Craig and Pocan and congratulate Co-chairs Hinson, Fedorchak, and Budzinski for joining me to strengthen this bipartisan caucus and continue working to inform our colleagues in the House of the value of biofuels for American energy abundance.” 

    “Increasing the production and availability of homegrown biofuels is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to the all-of-the-above energy policy we need to stay ahead,” said Co-chair Craig. “I’m proud to be relaunching the Biofuels Caucus alongside my bipartisan colleagues this Congress so we can continue our work to lower prices at the pump, create opportunities for local producers and strengthen our energy security.” 

    “Biofuels are key to Iowa’s economy and key to American energy dominance,” said Co-chair Hinson. “Since coming to Congress, I have worked tirelessly to expand access to Iowa biofuels and support Iowa’s biofuels producers by fighting to secure permanent year-round E15, increase biofuels blending targets, and replace foreign energy with homegrown biofuels. I’m honored to co-lead the biofuels caucus and will continue working with President Trump and other caucus members to increase domestic energy production and support Iowa agriculture.” 

    “Biofuels are a growing part of America’s energy strategy and another way North Dakota is helping fuel the world,” said Co-chair Fedorchak. “It’s an honor to serve as a co-chair of this bipartisan caucus to advance policies that will help expand domestic energy production, empower rural America, and deliver practical solutions for North Dakotans.” 

    “I came to Congress to be a strong voice for the people of Central and Southern Illinois—especially our hardworking farmers. Few issues are more critical to their success than strengthening the biofuels industry and expanding market opportunities,” said Co-chair Budzinski. “That’s why promoting the use of homegrown, sustainable biofuels has been a central focus of my work in Congress, and I’m looking forward to continuing that commitment as co-chair of this bipartisan caucus.

    The Congressional Biofuels Caucus advocates for policies which reflect the capacity of American biofuels producers to meet the demand for reliable and affordable liquid fuels while growing rural economies, high-paying jobs, and value-added markets for agricultural commodities. The caucus recognizes biofuels are key to American energy independence and responsible stewardship of our resources. 

    Additional members of the caucus include: Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Jim Baird (R-IN), Scott Peters (D-CA), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Andre Carson (D-IN), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), James Comer (R-KY), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sam Graves (R-MO), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Bost (R-IL), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Marianette Miller Meeks (R-IA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Mike Flood (R-NE), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Mark Alford (R-MO), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Brian Jack (R-GA), and Mark Messmer (R-IN). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pocan Slams “Big, Beautiful Bill for Billionaires”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement after voting against House Republicans’ budget bill:

    “While most Americans were asleep, House Republicans voted to rip healthcare away from 13.7 million people on Medicaid, cut $500 billion from Medicare, and take food away from hungry people—all to give a tax break to their billionaire buddies, like Donald Trump & Elon Musk. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, this will add trillions to the national debt, shutter hospitals, and leave farmers out to dry.”

    “From forcing debate and procedural votes in the dark of night, the entire process has been an attempt to keep this from the public. Even Republican leadership told their members not to hold town halls, they know just how unpopular this bill is with the American public. It must not be allowed to become law and must be stopped by the Senate.”

    Additional background information:

    • CBO confirmed the Republican bill would take from the poorest Americans to hand even more tax breaks to the wealthiest.
    • CBO also found the bill could trigger over $500 billion in automatic cuts to Medicare, under the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) law—cuts that many Republicans would be happy to see happen behind closed doors.
    • District-level information on the consequences of the Republican budget bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Huffman Statement on Capital Jewish Museum Shooting and Antisemitism

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    May 22, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) released the following statement in response to the deadly act of violence at the Capital Jewish Museum: 

    “The deadly display of antisemitic violence that transpired outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. last night is appalling. In what the FBI believes may be a targeted attack, two young members of the Jewish community were senselessly murdered. As we await additional details, one thing remains clear: antisemitism has no place in our country, and we need to take action to put an end to this vile hate as violence worsens both at home and around the globe. 

    “In the days since the October 7th attack, we’ve seen an undeniable rise in antisemitism and hate crimes. Antisemitism, along with Islamophobia and other forms of ethno-religious hatred, have festered far too long in the United States. We cannot allow violent extremists – or their enablers – to sow hatred and threaten our communities. I condemn these tragic murders and all other antisemitic hate crimes unequivocally and unconditionally. We must also reaffirm our commitment to confronting and eliminating all ethno-religious hatred and political violence once and for all. 

    “I send my deepest condolences to the loved ones of the Israeli embassy staff who were murdered last night, and my thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and all those affected by this tragic attack. I will continue fighting back unequivocally against ethno-religious hate and political violence in all its forms and locations.”

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Potential Effects on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program of Reconciliation Recommendations Pursuant to H. Con. Res. 14

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    A letter to the Honorable Amy Klobuchar and the Honorable Angie Craig concerning Potential Effects on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program of Reconciliation Recommendations Pursuant to H. Con. Res. 14, as Ordered Reported by the House Committee on Agriculture on May 12, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Big Y Foods Recalls Made-To-Order Subs, Wraps and Paninis Sold in Massachusetts and Connecticut Because of Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    May 22, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    May 22, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesFoodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Salmonella

    Company Name:
    Big Y Foods
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Big Y Foods

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Made-to-order subs, wraps and paninis

    Company Announcement
    Big Y Foods of Springfield, MA is voluntarily recalling some Made-To-Order Subs, Wraps and Paninis sold between 5/20 and 5/21 in some Massachusetts and Connecticut retail stores (listed below), because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
    This recall includes any Made-To-Order Small Sub, Large Sub, 30” Super Sub, Wrap or Panini purchased on 5/20 or 5/21 sold in the following Big Y Stores:

    Address

    City 

    State

    Zip

    1090 St. James Avenue

    Springfield

    MA

    01104

    79 Stonington Rd.

    Mystic

    CT

    06355

    136 North King Street Rt. 5

    Northampton

    MA

    01060

    10 College Highway Rt. 10

    Southampton

    MA

    01073

    802 Williams Street

    Longmeadow

    MA

    01106

    441 N Main St.

    E. Longmeadow

    MA

    01028

    772 North Main St.

    West Hartford

    CT

    06117

    148 West St.

    Ware

    MA

    01082

    200 West St.

    Pittsfield

    MA

    01201

    45 Veterans Memorial Drive

    North Adams

    MA

    01247

    224 Salem Turnpike

    Norwich

    CT

    06360

    141B Storrs Road

    Mansfield

    CT

    06250

    1040 Elm Street

    Rocky Hill

    CT

    06067

    234 Tolland Turnpike

    Manchester

    CT

    06040

    175 University Drive

    Amherst

    MA

    01002

    65 Palomba Drive

    Enfield

    CT

    06082

    1 Kent Road

    New Milford

    CT

    06776

    22 Spencer Plan Rd.

    Old Saybrook

    CT

    06475

    995 Poquonnock Road

    Groton

    CT

    06340

    237 Mohawk Trail, Route 2

    Greenfield

    MA

    01301

    300 Cooley Street

    Springfield

    MA

    01128

    135 West Rd.

    Elington

    CT

    06029

    355 Hawley Lane

    Stratford

    CT

    06614

    2035 Boston Rd.

    Wilbraham

    MA

    01095

    405 Bridgeport Ave.

    Shelton

    CT

    06484

    1313 Hopmeadow St.

    Slimsbury

    CT

    06070

    7 East Hampton Rd. Route 66

    Marlborough

    CT

    06447

    23 Killingworth Turnpike

    Clinton

    CT

    06413

    150 Boston Post Rd.

    Milford

    CT

    06460

    434 Walpole St.

    Norwood

    MA

    02062

    Big Y Foods was notified by Smartcuts that the sliced cucumber distributed to Big Y Foods was impacted by the ongoing Bedner Growers Inc. Cucumber Outbreak investigation. The Smartcuts sliced cucumber is provided as an ingredient option for customers to order when ordering a sub, wrap, or panini at the sandwich service line within the retail Kitchen Department. Big Y Foods ceased operation in all stores listed above, discarded product within the sub, wrap, and panini service line, then thoroughly cleaned and sanitized the service line.
    All Made-To-Order subs, wraps and paninis were produced within the Kitchen Department upon customer request. The subs, wraps and paninis impacted by the cucumber recall were provided for sale to consumers May 20, 2025, and May 21, 2025. These subs, wraps and paninis were not prepackaged for customer self-service.
    No illnesses have been reported to date.
    Consumers who have purchased Made-To-Order subs, wraps and paninis are urged to return the product or show a receipt to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Big Y Foods at wecare@bigy.com, call Big Y Foods at 1-800-828-2688 select Option #7, Monday through Friday from 7am – 4pm, or contact the Smartcuts company at 1-860-525-3237 Monday through Friday from 8am – 5pm.
    Link to FDA Outbreak Advisory

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Big Y Foods, Smartcuts
    1-800-828-2688 select Option #7, 1-860-525-3237
    wecare@bigy.com

    Media:
    Aimee Diliberto, Big Y Foods
    1-800-828-2688

    Content current as of:
    05/22/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Resolves Technical Issues with Comment Portal

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    CFTC Resolves Technical Issues with Comment Portal | CFTC

    /PressRoom/PressReleases/9079-25
    Skip to main content

    May 22, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today resolved a technical issue with its online comment submission portal and extended a deadline for comment submissions. The public can submit comments on 24/7 trading and perpetual contracts in derivatives markets until Friday, May 23, 2025.
    Comments on 24/7 trading can be submitted through the CFTC’s online portal. Alternatively, commenters may email a PDF of their comments along with their name and organization to [email protected].
    Comments on perpetual contracts in derivatives markets can be submitted through the CFTC’s online portal. Alternatively, commenters may email a PDF of their comments along with their name and organization to [email protected].
    Those who have previously submitted comments on these matters are encouraged to visit the respective comment portals to confirm their submissions and resubmit comments if necessary.

    -CFTC-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montgomery Man Sentenced for Possessing Machinegun Conversion Device During Tuskegee University Shooting Incident

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    MONTGOMERY, AL – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that a Montgomery man who was present during a campus shooting at Tuskegee University has been sentenced in federal court. On May 20, 2025, 25-year-old Jaquez Kevon Myrick was sentenced to 24 months in prison for possession of a firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device. Following his prison term, Myrick will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court records and the criminal complaint, on November 10, 2024, law enforcement officers responded to reports of a mass shooting in a parking lot on the campus of Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. Upon arrival, officers encountered a large crowd and heard gunfire in the area. During the response, an officer observed Myrick moving through the parking lot with a firearm in his hand and detained him.

    Upon inspection, agents determined that the handgun Myrick possessed was equipped with a machinegun conversion device—commonly referred to as a “switch.” When installed, such a device transforms a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon, capable of firing up to 20 rounds per second with a single pull of the trigger. Myrick pleaded guilty to possession of the device on January 29, 2025.

    “This case is yet another example of the danger posed by illegal machinegun conversion devices,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “These devices turn handguns into weapons of war, with no place on our streets or campuses. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe and hold offenders accountable.”

    The investigation was conducted by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Tuskegee University Police Department, City of Tuskegee Police Department, Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Tara S. Ratz prosecuted the case for the Middle District of Alabama.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland drug trafficker sentenced to five years in prison for firearms offense

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Maryland man was sentenced today to five years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    According to court documents, on Dec. 7, 2024, an officer of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) initiated a traffic stop after she observed Kaleel Malcolm Nagbe, 21, of Baltimore, holding a cellphone as he was driving on the Pentagon Reservation. As she approached the vehicle, the officer detected the odor of marijuana and asked Nagbe to exit the vehicle.

    After being informed that PFPA officers would be conducting a probable-cause search of the vehicle, Nagbe reentered the vehicle and attempted to drive away. Another PFPA officer then leaned into the vehicle and grabbed Nagbe. Both officers prevented Nagbe from driving away and secured him after a brief struggle.

    During a search of the vehicle, officers located approximately 13 pounds of marijuana in the trunk and multiple clear baggies in the passenger compartment that bore images of characters from the cartoon “Codename: Kids Next Door.” The baggies bore a QR code that, when scanned with a cellphone, were linked to an Instagram account that advertised marijuana for sale using the same cartoon packaging.

    When officers searched Nagbe they located a loaded firearm in his underwear. The firearm had a round of ammunition in the chamber and 16 additional rounds in the magazine. The firearm was equipped with a machinegun conversion device, rendering it capable of firing automatically.

    On Jan. 4, 2023, Nagbe was convicted in the Montgomery County, Maryland, Circuit Court of possession of a regulated firearm by a person under 21 years of age, and was sentenced on April 23, 2023, to five years in prison, with all but the 367 days he had already spent in custody suspended. Nagbe was on probation for that conviction at the time of the current offense.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Chris Bargery, Director of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Blanchard prosecuted the case.

    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.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-6.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gang Leaders Among 16 Indicted for Drug Trafficking, Firearm Offenses

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Charleston returned two multi-count indictments (United States v. Gailliard et al. and United States v. Bailey et al.) charging a total of 16 individuals for their roles in trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl as well as the use of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    The indictments stem from a lengthy investigation led by the Lowcountry Violent Crime Task Force to address significant drug trafficking in our local communities and the violence associated with such activities.  The individuals charged in these indictments operated primarily out of the North Charleston and West Ashley areas and several are associated with the Gangster Disciple and Fruit Town Piru street gangs.  During the course of this investigation, law enforcement has seized approximately 60 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of methamphetamine, 24 pounds of marijuana, 600 grams of fentanyl, 500 grams of heroin and thousands of narcotics pills, as well as 12 firearms.

    “These indictments send a clear message that we will not tolerate the proliferation of dangerous drugs and the violence they breed in our communities. The significant quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, along with numerous firearms, underscore the scale and severity of the alleged criminal activity,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Our local, state, and federal partners demonstrated their commitment to aggressively dismantling drug trafficking networks, particularly those fueling violent street gangs.”

    “These indictments and arrests should provide the community with a sense of reassurance of the FBI’s commitment to work with our state and local partners to make our communities safer,” said Reid Davis, acting special agent in charge of the FBI Columbia field office. “Every resident deserves to live in a safe environment, free from the threats of drugs and violence. The FBI is committed to justice, and we will continue to stand firm in protecting our communities by upholding the rule of law.”

    In the Gailliard et al indictment, the following charges have been filed in United States District Court, according to court documents:

    • Shawntez Gaillard, 32, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, as well as two counts of distribution of cocaine and one count of distribution of 50 gram or more of methamphetamine.
    • Bernard Garland Gregory, 36, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine.
    • Harold Alvin Champaigne, 49, of North Charleston was charged with conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, as well as one count of distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine.
    • Dominic Jaquan Mack, 44, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.
    • Sharon T. Carter, 53, of Summerville, was charged with conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, as well as one count of possessing with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.
    • Mary Nelly Ayala, 48, of Summerville, was charged with conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.
    • Scott Clayton Hollins, 55, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of cocaine, as well as one count of possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and quantities of cocaine and fentanyl, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
    • Quentin Rambert, 34, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.
    • Levi Cohen, IV, 30, of Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
    • Jabari Cortez Lee, 28, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine.
    • Marchevis Jefferson, 33, of Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine.

    In the Bailey et al indictment, the following charges have been filed in United States District Court, according to court documents:

    • Jarell Montsho Bailey, 31, of Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, as well as eight counts of distribution of cocaine, four counts of distribution of methamphetamine, three counts of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
    • DaQuan Hakeem Lee, 33, of Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine.
    • Cleo Williams, Jr, 36, of Summerville, was charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, as well as one count of distribution of cocaine.
    • Meri Elizabeth Sottile, 42, of Charleston, is charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, as well as one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
    • Amanda Danielle Forth, 34, of Charleston, is charged with conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, as well as possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

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

    The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia field office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Secret Service, City of Charleston Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, State Law Enforcement Division, North Charleston Police Department, Summerville Police Department, Mount Pleasant Police Department, Charleston Aviation Authority and Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Lietzow, Nick Bianchi, and Katie Orville are prosecuting the case. 

    All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Tampa Felon For Illegally Possessing A Firearm

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Tampa, FL –United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Cortevious Torrez Crews (31, Tampa) guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Crews faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. 

    According to the evidence presented at trial, on May 3, 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Crews’ car in Clearwater Beach, Florida. When officers searched the car, they located two firearms. Despite knowing he was a felon and that he was prohibited from owning firearms, Crews had purchased one of the recovered firearms off the streets about a week earlier. 

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Clearwater Police Department, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Passes Capito Resolution to End California’s EV Mandate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate passed her joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal California’s EV mandate through their “Advanced Clean Cars II” regulation that prohibits the sale of new gas-powered light-duty vehicles by 2035. Chairman Capito introduced the CRA last month, and pledged to end the EV mandate in December 2024.
    “Today, the Senate voted to end California’s EV mandate and send my joint resolution of disapproval under the CRA to President Trump’s desk. The Biden administration and Congressional Democrats tried to block the will of the American people from this attempt by extreme unelected California and Biden EPA bureaucrats to ban gas-powered cars throughout the country, but Congress has now spoken and soundly rejected this rule. The impact of the California’s waiver would have been felt across the country, harming multiple sectors of our economy and costing hundreds of thousands of jobs in the process. I’m proud to have led this effort to protect American workers and consumers from this radical and drastic policy,” Chairman Capito said.
    Yesterday, Chairman Capito spoke on the Senate floor outlining the importance of ending California’s EV mandate, and the Congressional Review Act process she led to repeal California’s waiver. The Chairman’s full floor speech is available here.
    TIMELINE OF SENATOR CAPITO’S EFFORTS:
    February 28, 2024: Senator Capito joined Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.-05), Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), and Rep. John Joyce (R-Pa.-13), in a bicameral letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan warning of the legal and economic consequences of granting a Clean Air Act waiver request from the state of California, which would enable the state to require 35 percent of automobile sales to be zero-emission vehicles in model year 2026, and finally, 100 percent of them by 2035.
    December 18, 2024: Senator Capito pledged to work to reverse the Biden administration’s lame duck action of approving California’s waiver to implement its “Advanced Clean Cars II” regulation.
    April 4, 2025: Senator Capito joined Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to introduce joint resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to repeal California’s EV waivers that prohibit the sale of new gas-powered light-duty vehicles by 2035 and set unrealistic and stringent requirements for heavy-duty trucks and heavy-duty diesel engines.
    May 1, 2025: Senator Capito applauded the House of Representatives’ passage of joint resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to repeal California’s EV waivers.
    May 21, 2025: Senator Capito spoke on the Senate floor outlining the importance of ending California’s EV mandate, and the Congressional Review Act process she led to repeal California’s waiver. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Opening Statement at Hearing to Review Labor Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    [embedded content]

    Click here or on the image above to watch Chairman Capito’s opening remarks from the hearing. 

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), chaired a hearing with U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to consider the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.  

    Below is the opening statement of Chairman Capito as prepared for delivery: 

    “Good morning. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, thank you for being here today to testify to the President’s fiscal year 2026 budget request for the Department of Labor. 

    “I am pleased to be joined by Senator Baldwin, the ranking member of the subcommittee. I am also happy to have the chair of the full committee, Senator Susan Collins, with us today. Thank you, Senator Collins, for your strong leadership and your tireless efforts to get us back to regular order. 

    “Following four years of reckless spending under the Biden administration, President Trump is taking steps to rein in our bloated bureaucracy and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being well spent. 

    “The department’s request proposes to reduce funding for the agency by $4.6 billion, a decrease of nearly 35%. We look forward to hearing your testimony and discussing in greater detail your priorities, new proposals, and programs you think we should consider scaling back.  

    “This month, we continued to receive good news about the strength of the American economy. Our economy has added jobs every month since President Trump took office and the unemployment rate remained steady this past month at 4.2%. However, millions of Americans are still underemployed or have stopped looking for work altogether.

    “We need to make sure that Americans have access to training programs – especially those that provide on-the-job training and those focused on in-demand jobs, which in West Virginia includes important industries like coal mining and healthcare. I’d like to see the department take innovative approaches to expand apprenticeship opportunities to new programs and fields as a lot of worthy apprenticeship opportunities don’t fit the current registered apprenticeship model. I’m interested in hearing more about how the Make America Skilled Again grant program will increase flexibility and improve outcomes for workers looking to upskill and advance in their careers. 

    “I’ve also been a long-time champion of expanding and strengthening the early childhood education workforce through apprenticeships. Giving our educators a clear pathway to successful careers opens the door to higher quality and better coverage of care, helping both families and childcare workers in West Virginia. 

    “Having a highly-skilled workforce is critical, but it is only half of the equation. We must also continue advancing common-sense solutions to create an economic environment where businesses can thrive and create good, well-paying jobs. I have been pleased to see this administration take steps to rein in unnecessary regulatory burdens that make it harder for businesses to create jobs.

    “Earlier this month, the Department of Labor announced it will no longer enforce the Biden administration’s misguided independent contractor rule, which jeopardized the ability of as many as 70 million freelancers, rideshare drivers, and other independent workers to earn a living in a way that best fits their needs and schedules.  

    “This rule would take away the freedom for West Virginia real estate agents, truck drivers, freelance writers, and other self-employed workers to choose their own hours and work around other life priorities — like going back to school or raising children.

    “I hope to see this administration continue to remove bureaucratic red tape to allow companies to expand their workforce, grow their businesses, and show their employees how much they’re valued in a growing economy. 

    “However, to be clear, not all regulations are bad. It is important to have appropriate protections in place to keep hard-working West Virginians, including our miners, safe. West Virginia is the second largest producer of coal in the country. For generations, coal miners in West Virginia have helped keep the lights on across the country. But doing so has sometimes come at a great price. In the last couple decades, West Virginia has experienced major mining tragedies at the Upper Big Branch Mine and Sago Mine, which claimed 29 and 12 lives, respectively.

    “I hope to hear more about the administration’s plans to ensure our workplaces are safe so that our workers are able to return home to their loved ones at the end of each day.  

    “Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, as the Fiscal Year 26 appropriations process moves forward, I know we will continue to work together to identify priorities and find common ground on how best to responsibly allocate taxpayers’ resources. Thank you again for being here today.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Questions Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer During Appropriations Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    [embedded content]
    Click here or the image above to watch Senator Capito’s questions.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), questioned U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer during a hearing to consider the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request. 
    HIGHLIGHTS:
    ON WEST VIRGINIA HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS:
    SENATOR CAPITO: “Madam Secretary, we’ve talked about this issue, but it’s about the West Virginia Department of Transportation and the Davis-Bacon wage determinations for highway construction. They’re just unworkable…The Biden wage determinations left out key job classifications that are commonly used on highway projects. It’s been very frustrating. The absence of these classifications has required West Virginia DOT to go through a complicated administrative process with DOL to determine proper wages…We’re missing the construction season here…there has been significant delays in not only advertising, but also in awarding construction projects…So will you commit to continue working with me to resolve this issue, to ensure that West Virginia’s highway construction projects can begin without undue burden?” 
    ON WEST VIRGINIA’S MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION OFFICES: 
    SENATOR CAPITO: “Let’s talk about MSHA. I mentioned it in my opening statements, obviously it’s important to a state like West Virginia, the health and safety of our nation’s miners. I’m really concerned because I’m hearing from my constituents that MSHA offices in West Virginia are closing. I’m worried that will reduce the number of mine inspections, which are essential to ensuring that the coal that powers our nation is mined safely and the workers return home to their families. West Virginia’s know far too well the importance of keeping our miners safe on the job.” 
    SECRETARY CHAVEZ-DEREMER: “My goal as the agency head is to make sure every worker is protected. As far as it relates to the MSHA offices, we’re working with GSA, that is under GSA’s purview, I’m working with them and advocating for those leases to stay open.” 
    ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: 
    SENATOR CAPITO: “What has worked in some instances in West Virginia has been a public-private partnership with workforce programs. Where students who are maybe a junior or senior, maybe they’re career and technical, maybe they’re in regular high school, or are unsure as to what direction they want to go. I’ll use Toyota as an example. They work with the local community college to do a blended work study program that at the end, really can result in a full-time job, a life job at with a great company, Toyota.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton Introduces Bill to Incentivize Domestic Production of Lifesaving Medicines

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    May 22, 2025

    Cotton Introduces Bill to Incentivize Domestic Production of Lifesaving Medicines

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Producing Incentives for Long-term production of Lifesaving Supply of medicine (PILLS) Act, legislation that would incentivize domestic manufacturing of lifesaving medicines.

    “America’s overreliance on foreign-made medicines is a national security issue with the potential to impact nearly every household in our country. This bill will ensure that our supply chains for lifesaving drugs remains stable while promoting President Trump’s made in America agenda,” said Senator Cotton.

    Full text of the bill may be found here.

    The PILLS Act would establish the following:

    • A production-based tax credit (PBTC) of 35% for final manufacturers of APIs and finished drug products and 30% for all other components.
    • A proportional domestic content bonus tax credit of up to 20% for 100% domestic content in the drug’s constituent materials.
    • Optional election of an investment tax credit equal to 25% of the qualified investment to offset costs of creating new production capacity (in lieu of PBTC).
    • Disallowance of tax credits to any entity which, at any time during the taxable year, was a foreign entity of concern.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smith, Bipartisan Colleagues Relaunch Biofuels Caucus, Announce New Co-Chairs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

    Washington, DC —Today Congressional Biofuels Caucus Co-chairs Adrian Smith (R-NE), Angie Craig (D-MN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) released the following statements celebrating the launch of the caucus for the 119th Congress and welcoming new Co-chairs Hinson, Fedorchak, and Budzinski.

    “American biofuel producers have an untapped ability to power the future of liquid fuels, whether ethanol blends, biodiesel, or sustainable aviation fuel,” said Co-chair Smith. “Advancing sound policy can unlock billions of dollars in savings at the pump and hundreds of thousands of added jobs for the American people. I thank Co-chairs Craig and Pocan and congratulate Co-chairs Hinson, Fedorchak, and Budzinski for joining me to strengthen this bipartisan caucus and continue working to inform our colleagues in the House of the value of biofuels for American energy abundance.”

    “Increasing the production and availability of homegrown biofuels is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to the all-of-the-above energy policy we need to stay ahead,” said Co-chair Craig. “I’m proud to be relaunching the Biofuels Caucus alongside my bipartisan colleagues this Congress so we can continue our work to lower prices at the pump, create opportunities for local producers and strengthen our energy security.”

    “Biofuels are key to Iowa’s economy and key to American energy dominance,” said Co-chair Hinson. “Since coming to Congress, I have worked tirelessly to expand access to Iowa biofuels and support Iowa’s biofuels producers by fighting to secure permanent year-round E15, increase biofuels blending targets, and replace foreign energy with homegrown biofuels. I’m honored to co-lead the biofuels caucus and will continue working with President Trump and other caucus members to increase domestic energy production and support Iowa agriculture.”

    “I am glad to join my colleagues in the Congressional Biofuels Caucus,” said Co-chair Pocan. “Corn growers in Wisconsin deserve to have an even playing field in the market dominated by the oil and gas industry. This Caucus will showcase how biofuels can help us reach our emissions reduction goals while investing in rural jobs and infrastructure.”

    “Biofuels are a growing part of America’s energy strategy and another way North Dakota is helping fuel the world,” said Co-chair Fedorchak. “It’s an honor to serve as a co-chair of this bipartisan caucus to advance policies that will help expand domestic energy production, empower rural America, and deliver practical solutions for North Dakotans.”

    “I came to Congress to be a strong voice for the people of Central and Southern Illinois—especially our hardworking farmers. Few issues are more critical to their success than strengthening the biofuels industry and expanding market opportunities,” said Co-chair Budzinski. “That’s why promoting the use of homegrown, sustainable biofuels has been a central focus of my work in Congress, and I’m looking forward to continuing that commitment as co-chair of this bipartisan caucus.

    The Congressional Biofuels Caucus advocates for policies which reflect the capacity of American biofuels producers to meet the demand for reliable and affordable liquid fuels while growing rural economies, high-paying jobs, and value-added markets for agricultural commodities. The caucus recognizes biofuels are key to American energy independence and responsible stewardship of our resources.

    Additional members of the caucus include: Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Jim Baird (R-IN), Scott Peters (D-CA), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Andre Carson (D-IN), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), James Comer (R-KY), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sam Graves (R-MO), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Bost (R-IL), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Marianette Miller Meeks (R-IA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Mike Flood (R-NE), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Mark Alford (R-MO), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Brian Jack (R-GA), and Mark Messmer (R-IN).

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF RECONCILIATION BILL

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

    PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF RECONCILIATION BILL

    Washington, D.C., May 22, 2025

    For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Tionee Scotland 

    May 22, 2025                                                           202-808-6129 

    PRESS RELEASE 

    PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF RECONCILIATION BILL 

    Washington, DC – Early this morning, the House of Representatives passed the Republican reconciliation package (H.R. 1) with a vote of 215-214-1. Every Democrat in the House voted no.  

    The 2 Republicans who voted against the bill, Congressman Thomas Massie (KY-4) and Congressman Warren Davidson (OH-8), opposed the legislation as they wanted to see further federal funding cuts. They held out hoping for full dismantlement.  

    This bill includes the largest cuts to healthcare in American history. This loss of funding – nearly one trillion dollars – will eliminate healthcare coverage for at least 13.7 million Americans and make it harder for people to access vital medical services. In Medicaid alone, funding is cut by more than $730 billion, which will leave 7.6 million people uninsured. The Virgin Islands presently has 21,000 Medicaid enrollees presently, many of whom will be impacted through loss of service or disenrollment.  

    Medicare funding was cut by more than $500 billion and vital programs, including the Social Services Block Grant – which provides more than $4.2 million to the Virgin Islands – are eliminated until 2034. With 20,000 Medicare enrollees in the U.S. Virgin Islands, services are sure to be impacted.  Federal funding for the Virgin Islands’ Meals on Wheels Program and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has also been eliminated until 2034. 

    Republicans’ reconciliation bill will make everyday life more expensive for Americans and removes programs which gave opportunities and support for a better life. It is estimated that more than 4 million students will see a reduction, or elimination, of their Pell Grants. The requirements for ‘full-time’ students are increased from 12 to 15 credits, which will decrease the maximum award for any student taking 12 credits by $1,479. In addition, students that are enrolled less than half-time will no longer receive Pell aid.  

    This bill harms efforts to lower energy costs, increase clean energy manufacturing and jobs, and eliminate economic assistance for communities on the frontline of the climate crisis. Unobligated funds will be rescinded from Inflation Reduction Act programs including Environmental Justice Block Grants, State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants, and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.  One of these programs already in place in the Virgin Islands is the Solar for All Program, which provided $62.5 million for homes and businesses. 

    Republicans voted to cut $35 billion in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which includes children, working families, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. This includes a $1 million cut to the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT program), which gives food assistance to children when they cannot rely on school lunches. This will impact the more than 15,000 Virgin Islands residents who rely upon SNAP for access to nutritious food for their wellbeing. The $35 billion cut includes a $1 billion decrease in funding for the Nutrition Assistance Program in Puerto Rico despite tremendous efforts and advocacy from their lobbyists, led by Republican Governor, Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon and Congressman Pablo Hernandez. 

    The reconciliation bill does not provide the increased rum cover over rate. Rum cover over is the rebate of federal excise taxes on distilled spirits produced in or imported into the rest of the United States from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Despite Congresswoman Plaskett’s success in securing a Republican lead for the rum cover over legislation (H.R. 1378), Congressman Ron Estes (KS-4), and the support of 24 of her colleagues – 16 Republicans and 8 Democrats – the extension for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands was not included in the bill.  

    It is unfortunate that at the last minute while trying to find additional funds, the Republicans attempted to remove duty drawback – an export-promotion program that American alcohol and tobacco companies rely upon for a refund of duties paid at the time of import when similar goods are exported.  That program saves the alcohol industry alone approximately $30 billion.  Because of that concern, the full push of the rum industry was not present for rum cover over as the industry prioritized its efforts on safeguarding duty drawback which represented direct dollars to their industry. It’s also important to recognize that many discretionary provisions that made it into the bill were included to secure the necessary votes to advance the legislation – which ultimately was not the case with the provision for an increased rum cover over rate.  

    During the 18-hour markup in the Ways and Means Committee for the tax provisions of the reconciliation bill, Congresswoman Plaskett offered an amendment to increase the rate of the rum cover offer, to publicly demonstrate the bipartisan support for this provision. Both Democrats and Republicans emphasize the importance of the increased rum cover over rate.  The Ways and Means Chairman, Jason Smith, publicly stated that he would work to advance this, and the Committee is expected to craft a bipartisan tax bill this summer. “I will continue to work with my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, to secure the increased rum cover over rate of $13.25, both retroactively and with an extension, for the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.” 

    While Congresswoman Plaskett cannot support the bill in its entirety, Plaskett’s legislation, the Restore Economic Vitality and Investment in the Virgin Islands (REVIVE VI) Act is included in the Republicans’ bill – one of only four Democrat Ways and Means provisions. REVIVE VI fixes an unintentional consequence of the Global Intangible Low Tax Income (GILTI) regime which, as a practical matter, inadvertently overrode the U.S. Virgin Islands’ economic development program that was previously authorized by Congress. This provision restores the Virgin Islands’ right to have an economic development program which will benefit our economy and workforce.  

    The U.S. Senate is anticipated to draft an entirely different bill that proposes fewer cuts to critical programs. Then, the Senate bill and House bill will likely be negotiated on a version that can be passed in both chambers of Congress and then be signed by the President.  

    Congresswoman Plaskett shared, “This bill is a wholesale betrayal of the working class and the future of America. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that the bottom 10%–working- and middle-class Americans will be 4% poorer in household wealth under this bill, with most of the benefits going to the top 10% of Americans. Not only does the bill make the largest healthcare cut in our nation’s history, it also makes the largest cuts to food assistance, energy projects and Pell grants. All to give additional money to the wealthiest Americans – an average of $278,000 per year, $762 per day, to the top 0.1% of Americans. This bill is cruel, shameful, unfair and unamerican.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Celebrates Approval of Gubernatorial Appointees

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Celebrates Approval of Gubernatorial Appointees

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is celebrating the approval of three gubernatorial appointees to two executive code agencies. Today, Jesse Bradley, Matt Manning and Bryan Waugh were each confirmed on unanimous votes by the Legislature to fill roles on the Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE) and the Nebraska State Patrol.

    Colonel Waugh is the 19th superintendent of law enforcement and public safety for the state. His duties with the Patrol will begin on June 2.

    Positions filled by Jesse Bradley and Matt Manning were created with the merger of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE) through LB317, introduced on the Governor’s behalf by Senator Tom Brandt. Bradley has been serving as interim director for both agencies. Manning will become the state’s new chief water officer.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sheboygan Man Indicted for Child Pornography Production and Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 13, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Nolan M. Pitsch (age: 31) of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on five counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) & (e) & 2252A (a)(5)(B) &)(b)(2).

    The indictment alleges that between approximately March 1, 2024, and continuing until at least September 30, 2024, Pitsch knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced multiple minor children to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, knowing and having reason to know that such visual depiction was and would be produced and transmitted using materials that have been mailed, shipped, and transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce by any means, including by computer. 

    The indictment also alleges that on September 26, 2024, Pitsch knowingly possessed images of child pornography, including images of minors who were under the age of twelve years old.

    If convicted of any of the production charges, Pitsch faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment.

     If convicted of the possession charge, Pitsch faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.   He also faces up to a $250,000 fine on all of the counts.

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

    This case was investigated by multiply offices of the DHS’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) offices in Albany, NY, and HSI Milwaukee, HSI Chicago and Indianapolis offices, as well as the Sheboygan Police Department and the St. Louis County Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan J. Paulson and Trial Attorney William Clayman from the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.

    An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.     

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    For Additional Information Contact:

    Public Information Officer

    Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

    414-297-1700

    Follow us on Twitter

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Bank Robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to rob a local bank.

    Cleburn Bruce Greene, 50, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes today to one count of attempted bank robbery. Greene has been detained in federal custody since his arrest.

    According to reports of bank employees and surveillance videos, on October 1st, 2024, Greene entered the bank at approximately 10:08 a.m. and went to the customer service counter where he wrote on a piece of paper.  Greene then approached a teller and showed the note that read: “Give me your money.” The teller asked Greene if the male had an account at the bank and Greene stated: “No. this is a robbery.” Greene further stated: “Don’t play with me” and “don’t make me do something crazy,” or words to that effect.  While the teller was typing on his computer to get access to emergency cash, Greene exited the bank and threw the note in a dumpster adjacent to the bank. Investigators later recovered the note.  Surveillance video footage captured Greene fleeing the scene in a nearby Kia Sportage vehicle.

    At approximately 3:30 p.m., Kansas City, Missouri Police Department Officers observed Greene in a restaurant parking lot in Kanas City, Missouri.  Greene was wearing the same clothing he had on during the attempted bank robbery. Greene drove to a Gas Station where officers arrested him without further incident.

    Under federal statutes, Greene is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford.  It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods

    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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of O.C. Staffing Companies Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Tax Crimes, Admits to Cheating IRS Out of Nearly $60 Million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RIVERSIDE, California – The owner of Orange County-based temporary staffing companies was sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison for willfully evading the payment of nearly $30 million in taxes, penalties and interest, assessed against him to the IRS as well as causing a false tax return to be filed with the IRS as part of defendant’s efforts to conceal nearly $30 million in additional tax liabilities incurred by his staffing companies.

    Luis E. Perez, 56, who has maintained residences in Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda, and Dove Canyon, was sentenced by United States District Judge Kenly Kiya Kato, who also ordered him to pay $38,052,767 in restitution. At today’s hearing, Judge Kato emphasized the “astonishing” period of time defendant engaged in his criminal conduct and the “staggering” amount of money he caused in loss to the government.

    Perez pleaded guilty in September 2024 to one count of tax evasion and one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return.

    According to his plea agreement, Perez’s companies – which include Checkmates Staffing Inc.; Staffaide Inc.; BaronHR, LLC; BaronHR West Inc.; and Fortress Holding Group LLC – were required to withhold taxes from employee wages and to pay the withheld amounts to the IRS on a periodic basis. These withheld taxes, sometimes known as “trust fund taxes,” include income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes that fund Social Security and Medicare.

    From May 2009 to January 2017, Perez’s companies failed to pay the IRS the payroll taxes for the tax years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010, including trust fund taxes that Perez’s companies withheld from employees’ paychecks. Beginning in June 2007, the IRS attempted to collect Perez’s outstanding tax liability, including penalties and interest. By February 2017, the outstanding balance had grown to $29,593,378, which included the unpaid taxes, interest and the “Trust Fund Recovery Penalty.”

    Perez attempted to thwart the IRS’s collection efforts by purchasing luxury items from his business bank accounts – including numerous cars and a boat – and concealing his ownership by placing the titles of these items in the names of his businesses and other individuals. Those luxury items included a Ferrari 360 Spider F, a Rolls Royce Phantom, a Duffy D 22 Bay Island boat, a Mercedes-Benz SLS, a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and a Lamborghini Aventador. Perez also evaded the IRS’s collection efforts by obtaining a Visa Black credit card in the name of another person (now his wife) to make personal purchases and paid off the credit card using funds from his business bank accounts.

    As part of his efforts to impede the IRS, Perez lied to IRS revenue officers during interviews and failed to include material information in documents submitted to the IRS. For example, Perez falsely claimed that he received a salary of only $1,000 per week from BaronHR and he did not receive any other funds from the company, when in fact, Perez distributed money to himself from his businesses by making payments to his now wife for his own benefit.

    While on pretrial release for the abovementioned criminal conduct, Perez engaged in additional criminal tax violations. From October 2018 to August 2019, Perez willfully aided and assisted in the preparation of false tax returns that substantially understated the wages paid to the employees of Anaheim-based temporary staffing company BaronHR West from January 2018 through June 2019.  Specifically, Perez admitted in his plea agreement that he caused BaronHR West to underreport employee wages and other compensation paid by the company by approximately $130,879,521, which resulted in the company’s failure to pay approximately $29,633,516 in federal employment taxes.

    Perez has been in federal custody since August 2024, when a federal magistrate judge revoked his bond after a two-day evidentiary hearing finding probable cause to believe that Perez had violated the terms of his pretrial release by committing still more criminal tax violations between 2021 and 2023. In a motion to revoke Perez’s bond filed with the court in August 2024, the government alleged that Perez had willfully caused his staffing companies to fail to pay over $25 million in federal payroll taxes (including over $13 million in federal trust fund taxes withheld from employee wages) since March 2021. 

    “[Perez] is a prolific employment tax cheat who engaged in a decades long pattern of willful non-payment, false statements, and outright evasion,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[Perez] has been unrepentant and unwavering in his violations of the internal revenue laws; he continued his pattern of tax fraud despite extensive efforts to halt his behavior.”

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Brett A. Sagel of the Orange County Office, James C. Hughes of the Major Frauds Section, and Robert A. Kemins of the Department of Justice Tax Division prosecuted this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 121 Months for Carjacking a Woman at Gunpoint

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Kavon Coleman, 23, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to ten years and one month in prison and five supervised release by United States District Court Judge Juan R. Sánchez for carjacking, using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in furtherance of a crime of violence, and aiding and abetting.

    On December 7, 2023, a grand jury in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania indicted Kavon Coleman on one count of carjacking and aiding and abetting, as well as one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.

    These charges arose from the defendant and an accomplice committing a gunpoint carjacking of a woman sitting in her car in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 17, 2022. The victim was waiting for a food order at 3300 Fairmont Avenue around 5 p.m., when Coleman and his accomplice approached with guns. Coleman’s accomplice pointed his gun at the victim and demanded her keys, while Coleman got into her driver’s seat. The two men drove her car away. The next day, Coleman and others engaged police in a high-speed chase in a different carjacked vehicle and crashed into another driver during their flight. Police ultimately located a gun discarded by Coleman with no serial number, known as a ghost gun, along with other evidence. On July 9, 2024, the defendant pleaded guilty to the Indictment after jurors had been selected for trial.

    This case was investigated by the joint Carjacking Task Force comprised of the FBI, ATF, and the Philadelphia Police Department. The Carjacking Task Force was launched in January of 2022 to combat the rise of violent carjackings in and around Philadelphia.

    The case was investigated by the FBI, with the assistance of the ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine Shulman and Joseph LaBar.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Deltona Man Sentenced To 57 Months In Federal Prison For Possessing Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger has sentenced Juan Santiago (36, Deltona) to 57 months in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material. Santiago entered a guilty plea on December 19, 2024.

    According to court documents, between August and December of 2022, Santiago purchased child sexual abuse material on multiple occasions from an individual that he communicated with via the messaging application Telegram.  Santiago’s cell phone contained over 80 files of child sexual abuse material, including images depicting prepubescent children, toddlers, and infants.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 148 Months in Federal Prison for Involvement in Armed Robberies of U.S. Postal Carriers

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 22, 2025, Huria H. Abu (age 22) was sentenced to 148 months in federal prison for his role in multiple armed robberies of U.S. postal carriers that occurred between October 2022 and March 2023 in Milwaukee. After completing his prison sentence, Abu will also spend five years on supervised release.

    According to court records, Abu and his co-defendants (who named themselves the “Scamily”) robbed U.S. postal carriers at gunpoint for the postal carriers’ arrow keys, which were then used to steal U.S. mail from mail receptacles. The following co-defendants have also been sentenced in relation to their individual roles in this case:

    •          Jessie L. Cook (21): 94 months’ prison, followed by four years of supervised release (sentenced August 9, 2024);

    •          Abdi A. Abdi (24): 96 months’ prison, followed by three years of supervised release (sentenced April 14, 2024);

    •          Darrion M. Allison (24): 72 months’ prison, followed by five years of supervised release (sentenced November 8, 2024);

    •          Abdi I. Baba (27): 120 months’ prison, followed by three years of supervised release (sentenced July 24, 2024)

    This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force and the Milwaukee Police Department.

    It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abbey M. Marzick and Bill T. Berens.

    # #  #

    For Additional Information Contact:

    Public Information Officer

    Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

    414-297-1700

    Follow us on Twitter

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis Felon Admits Being Caught Three Times with Guns

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis felon on Thursday admitted being caught by police three times with a gun.

    Damon L. Foster, 41, pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted that on Jan. 1, 2024, a license plate reader alerted Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers to a stolen Ford F-250 truck. Officers then located the vehicle. After a high-speed chase, Foster crashed into the wall of a skating rink in a park. He ran away, discarding a 9mm pistol with a 33-round capacity. He also had pouch clipped to his chest that contained fentanyl and methamphetamine.

    On May 15, 2024, Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers spotted Foster on an unregistered motorcycle. He resisted officers but was arrested and police found a 9mm pistol in his pocket.

    On Sept. 7, 2024, police responding to a call about squatters spotted Foster with a silver .22-caliber revolver.

    Foster is a convicted felon and is thus barred from possessing a firearm.

    He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 22. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Foster’s lawyer have agreed to recommend 70 months in prison.

    The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Hoag is prosecuting the case.

    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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Wolf Point man pleads guilty to sexual abuse charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREAT FALLS – A Wolf Point man accused of sexually abusing two victims admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    The defendant, Jason Wise Spirit, 44, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse. Wise Spirit faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a $250,000 fine, and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for October 2, 2025. Wise Spirit was detained pending further proceedings.

    The government alleged in court documents that on November 15, 2023, a victim referred to here as Jane Doe 1 started crying in class. She alleged Wise Spirit had sexually abused her older sister, referred to as Jane Doe 2. The FBI opened an investigation and both Jane Does 1 and 2 were interviewed on November 20, 2023. Jane Doe 1 said Wise Spirit sexually assaulted her more than 20 times on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation when she was between the ages of 6 and 9. She disclosed vaginal, anal, and oral sex while her mom was at work. Jane Doe 1 disclosed that Jane Doe 2 had also been abused.

    Jane Doe 2 corroborated some of the information from Jane Doe 1’s interview but denied any abuse.

    Jane Doe 2 was interviewed again on April 10, 2024, and disclosed she was afraid of Wise Spirit because he said he would kill her if she told anyone about the abuse. Jane Doe 2 described being forced to have anal and oral sex with Wise Spirit at their residence and in a car in a Walmart parking lot in Williston while their mom was at work.

    Wise Spirit was interviewed and made partial admissions. He said both Jane Does 1 and 2 touched his penis at different times.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

    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 https://www.justice.gov/psn.

    XXX

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Arden, N.C. Fentanyl And Methamphetamine Trafficker Is Sentenced To 11+ Years In Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Franklin Carlos Fair, 55, of Arden, N.C., was sentenced today to 134 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    According to documents filed with the court and proceedings, in July 2023, law enforcement learned that Fair, who had prior state convictions for drug trafficking, was distributing kilogram amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Buncombe County. During a November 7, 2023, traffic stop in Anderson, South Carolina, deputies stopped Fair as he traveled from Atlanta to Western North Carolina. Deputies found nearly $3,800 in cash in Fair’s pockets. They also recovered a heat-sealed package and a plastic bag that contained more than 255 grams of fentanyl, which Fair had tossed out the car window before he was stopped.

    According to court documents, on April 17, 2024, an individual cooperating with law enforcement arranged to buy from Fair $4,400 worth of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Fair was arrested when he arrived at the agreed location to make the drug sale. After Fair was taken into custody, law enforcement searched his vehicle and recovered more than a half a kilogram of methamphetamine and over 20 grams of fentanyl.

    On October 23, 2024, Fair pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending placement by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina, and Waynesville Police Department for their investigation of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville handled the prosecution.

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

     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Asheville Drug Distributor Of Fentanyl And Methamphetamine Is Sentenced To Over 28 Years In Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Zachery Micah Rice, a 35-year-old Asheville man, was sentenced today to 342 months in prison for his role in a drug trafficking ring that distributed many kilograms of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs in Asheville and surrounding areas, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term, Rice was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

    According to records filed in the case, from 2021 to 2023, Rice was a major distributor methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in Buncombe, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties. He obtained the drugs from a supplier in Atlanta and transported them back to Western North Carolina for further distribution through a local network of traffickers and dealers. During one trip, law enforcement stopped and searched Rice’s vehicle, seizing over 11.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, a .40 caliber pistol modified to fully automatic with a machinegun conversion device known as a “Glock switch,” and more than $32,683 in cash. Investigators later executed search warrants at stash houses and a storage unit used by Rice, recovering kilogram quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine, multiple firearms, including high-capacity magazines ammunition, digital scales, drug paraphernalia used for drug distribution, and more than $27,470.

    Rice pleaded guilty on October 18, 2024, to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a machinegun.

    Rice remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending placement by the federal Bureau of Prisons.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina,  the Asheville Police Department, the Waynesville Police Department, the Cherokee Indian Police Department, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, the Swain County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina for their investigation of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville handled the prosecution.

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

     

     

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