NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Antonio Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Dozens of Machinegun Conversion Devices

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

    SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced today to 71 months in prison for one count of possession of a machinegun.

    According to court documents, Aden Ethan Cantu aka Glock Mayne, 21, unlawfully possessed multiple machinegun conversion devices, also known as switches. In total, Cantu was held accountable for the unlawful possession of 94 switches and other machinegun conversion devices, which he had been trafficking throughout the San Antonio community. Cantu was arrested Dec. 15, 2023 and has remained in federal custody. He pleaded guilty to the charge Sept. 25, 2024.

    “The possession of a machinegun conversion device is illegal,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas, “These devices are very often paired with stolen firearms and used in other criminal endeavors, and this sentence reinforces the message that trafficking these devices will not be tolerated in our community.”

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fedock prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The science of the “X-ray vision” that reveals the magma beneath Yellowstone

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Scott K. Johnson, Science Communication Associate at EarthScope Consortium.

    Jeopardy is unique for its question-to-the-answer format, with contestants using a clue like “this animal starred in a 1975 Steven Spielberger film and can constantly regrow lost teeth” to correctly respond “what is a shark?” The geophysical techniques that allow us to image the magma beneath Yellowstone―as in a recent study that provided a view of multiple separate magma reservoirs― work similarly. These studies are often of great public interest, producing visuals that are (relatively) easy to understand. But how exactly do they work?

    This example shows areas where seismic waves travel more quickly in blue, and slower areas in red, beneath the western United States. Faults are black lines, and blue line is the San Andreas Fault. You can explore the data at any depth beneath the surface with EarthScope’s velocity model viewer (https://observablehq.com/@earthscope/emc-horizontal-slicer).  

    Seeing below the surface is the realm of tomography―in medical imaging, the “CT” in “CT scan” stands for Computed Tomography―which can be done in several ways. The most common method uses shaking measured by seismometers to reveal variations in the physical properties of the Earth.

    The similarity to Jeopardy is that these techniques work backwards―what we call “inversion.” Because we can’t directly take a measuring tape underground and inspect a magma reservoir, we have to rely on the fact that this magma reservoir can affect measurements of other things, like seismic waves that pass through. If we knew exactly what was underground, we could pretty clearly predict its effect on the seismic waves reaching nearby seismometers. But instead, the inverse solution is to take the pattern of measured seismic waves and work backwards to find a plausible model of the conditions underground that would cause that pattern.

    It’s a bit like working out where a traffic jam is occurring in town based solely on how late each of your coworkers arrives home at the end of the workday. Knowing that they all left work at 5:15, and knowing which part of town each one was headed for, you could probably figure out where the slowdown is based on the fact that two people were delayed 15 minutes, one was delayed 5 minutes, and one experienced no delay at all.

    In fact, a common method of seismic tomography involves measuring the travel time for seismic waves from earthquakes and noting where they arrive at seismometers “late.” This allows us to map out regions of rock where seismic waves travel more quickly or more slowly. That information can then be turned into estimates of physical properties like temperature, rock type, density, or the presence (and amount) of magma. The more seismometers recording data and the more earthquakes that are measured, the better the resolution of the map.

    The same idea can be applied in other ways to seismic data. We can look at the details of the wiggles on the seismometer rather than just their arrival time, for example, seeing which areas of the Earth dampen the seismic waves and which ring like a bell. Or we can replace the earthquake with another source of shaking energy, like a truck-mounted piston that thumps the ground, the constant background din of a busy highway, or even the global noise created by ocean waves. Through different approaches, we can image something local, like a magma reservoir, or we can image the entire planet―this is how we know about the properties of the mantle, outer core, and inner core of the Earth.

    Schematic showing magma storage beneath Yellowstone caldera. Nested calderas resulting from the Huckleberry Ridge Tuff, Mesa Falls Tuff, and Lava Creek Tuff caldera forming eruptions are shown as solid black, green, and orange lines, respectively. C1 and C2 represent bodies of basaltic magma and C3 and C5-C7 represent rhyolitic magma bodies beneath Yellowstone caldera. Magnetotelluric stations occupied during experiment are shown as magenta triangles. Sour Creek and Mallard Lake resurgent domes are shown as purple lines. The locations of Lower Geyser Basin (LGB), Norris Geyser Basin (NGB), and Hot Springs Basin (HSB) are shown. Figure is from Bennington et al., “The progression of basaltic–rhyolitic melt storage at Yellowstone Caldera.” Nature 637:8044 (2025), 97-102.

    The recent image of Yellowstone’s magma system was created from yet another kind of data. Instead of using seismometers that measure shaking, magnetotelluric instruments were used to measure the electrical conductivity beneath the ground.

    The Sun’s energy and also lightning around the world induce electrical and magnetic fields within the Earth, but the strength of these fields varies from place to place depending on the conductivity of the material beneath the surface. And since measurements at different frequencies relate to the conductivity at different depths, we can collect quite a lot of information through magnetotelluric measurements. Magma has a much higher conductivity than solid rock, so the magnetotelluric technique is of obvious use around volcanoes.

    The inversion in the case of magnetotelluric data works out the 3-D pattern of conductivity underground that can explain the measurements made at the surface. And again, the more surface measurements you have close together, the more detailed the 3-D image becomes.

    All kinds of tomography have been employed at Yellowstone to give us a much richer understanding of the magma system that lies beneath the ground. Similar studies have been done at other volcanoes as well—like Mount St. Helens. Even on a much smaller scale, these techniques have been used to image the hot-water “plumbing” beneath individual geysers in Yellowstone, giving us insights into the reasons for their behavior.

    Permanent monitoring networks of instruments like seismometers around Yellowstone help make this possible―sometimes supplemented by temporary additions of even more instruments for higher-resolution imaging. The end result is a better understanding of what the system looks like beneath the surface, how it works, and how it may behave over time, which is critical to the mission of keeping people out of harm’s way―out of jeopardy, you might say.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: COLUMN: Senator Davenport: A Warm Welcome to the 2025 Legislative Session

    Source: US State of Georgia

    By: Sen. Gail Davenport (D – Jonesboro)

    The 2025 Legislative Session is officially underway! On Monday, January 13, the Georgia General Assembly reconvened under the Gold Dome, marking the start of this year’s legislative session and the beginning of a new biennium. This legislative session, I am once again fighting for policies that create a more equitable and inclusive Georgia. 

    I am honored to now serve the residents of Senate District 17 after previously serving the residents of Senate District 44. I want to extend a warm greeting to my new constituents in Henry County and my longstanding constituents in Clayton County. It is my privilege to serve as your senator, and I am committed to addressing the issues and concerns of our communities at the state level.  

    I am pleased to continue serving on the Senate Committees on Appropriations, State Institutions and Property, Natural Resources and the Environment, Retirement and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committee this legislative session. 

    The first week of a new biennium is always filled with important events and meaningful connections. This year was no exception, with highlights including the annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast and Governor Kemp’s ‘State of the State’ address, where we accounted for the perspectives of our local businesses and citizens. These gatherings remind us of the collaborative spirit needed to address our communities’ challenges. 

    On Thursday, January 16, Governor Brian P. Kemp delivered his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Senate and House chambers. While I welcome some of his proposals, including pay raises for teachers, state employees, and first responders and efforts to strengthen our healthcare workforce, I believe we must go further. We must ensure every Georgian has access to affordable healthcare, expand opportunities for quality public education, invest in renewable energy solutions and tackle the growing need for affordable housing across the state. These priorities are essential for creating a Georgia where every family can thrive.

    I am proud to have co-sponsored several resolutions and bills during our first week, including Senate Bill 19, sponsored by Senator David Lucas (D–Macon). The Brady Law Regulations would create a ten-day waiting period for the purchase or transfer of firearms and address the gun violence epidemic in recent legislation.  

    The second week of our Legislative Session was quite unconventional due to a winter storm that halted operations across our entire state for nearly the entire week. Leaders from state agencies will instead present their budgetary needs to legislators in the weeks to come before our House and Senate Appropriations Chairmen help lead the decision-making process on how funding is allocated for the next year. 

    Budget Week is not just about providing funding; it’s about best serving the state of Georgia through state programs like public education, health services, and infrastructure repairs.  This is our chance to advocate for funding that reflects the needs of working families, invests in underserved communities and ensures every Georgian has the resources they need to build a better future. 

    Speaking of our future, I want to invite students between 12 and 18 to serve as Senate Page. This opportunity allows students to participate in the state legislative process at our State Capitol for a day. Interested students may apply for the program by following the link here.  

    Thank you for trusting me to represent you under the Gold Dome. Your voice matters, and I encourage you to share your ideas and concerns as we work together to build a stronger, fairer Georgia. 

    # # # #

    Sen. Gail Davenport represents the 17th Senate District which includes portions of Clayton and Henry County.  She may be reached by phone at 404.463.5260 or by email at Gail.Davenport@senate.ga.gov

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Introduces Legislation to Protect Law Enforcement Officers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis recently reintroduced the Protect and Serve Act and the Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act, legislation to protect law enforcement officers and create strong federal penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers.
    “Law enforcement officers in North Carolina and across the country are heroes who risk their lives every day to protect our communities,” said Senator Tillis. “Those who commit senseless acts of violence against law enforcement officers must be held accountable for their actions, which is why I am proud to reintroduce these bills that create federal penalties for criminals who target law enforcement. They put their lives on the line to protect us, and we should do the work in Congress to protect them.”  
    “The attack on officers in San Antonio, Texas on January 22, during which seven officers were shot as they responded to a call for help, once again highlights the dangerous profession law enforcement officers have and the risks they face when serving and protecting their communities,” said Bill Johnson, Executive Director, National Association of Police Organizations. “The shooting of those seven brave officers is just adding to the ever-increasing number of officers being shot in the line of duty. NAPO is calling on Congress to take up and pass the Protect and Serve Actand the Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act to demonstrate that the killing or the attempted killing of our nation’s law enforcement officers is unacceptable and those who commit these heinous crimes must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We thank Senator Tillis for his longstanding commitment to and support for the law enforcement community.”
    “We believe the Senate needs to act now and pass the Protect and Serve Act,” said Patrick Yoes, President, National Fraternal Order of Police. “This would be a strong show of support for the men and women in the line of fire and send a clear message to those who would seek to do them harm.” 
    Background: 
    The Protect and Serve Act would give federal prosecutors more tools to go after those who deliberately target law enforcement officers by creating a federal crime to knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, bodily injury to a law enforcement officer. Offenders are subject to imprisonment for up to 10 years. An offender could receive a life sentence if a death results from the offense, or the offense includes kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, or attempted murder.
    The Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act would create a criminal penalty for the murder of a federal, state, and local enforcement officer of life imprisonment or the death penalty. In addition, it would create a criminal penalty for assault resulting in serious injury to a federal, state, and local law enforcement officer of 20 years in prison. Lastly, it would require a study after 36 months to report to House and Senate Judiciary Committees about prosecutions as the result of the act. 
    The National Fraternal Order of Police reported that as of midnight of December 31, 2024 there were 342 officers shot in the line of duty in 2024. Of those officers shot, 50 of them were killed. In 2024, there were 61 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers. These ambush-style attacks resulted in 79 officers shot, 18 of whom were killed.
    The Protect and Serve Act is endorsed by The National Fraternal Order of Police and The National Association of Police Organizations.  
    Full text of the Protect and Serve Act is available HERE.
    Full text of the Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Britt Introduce Bill to Finish Southern Border Wall, Eliminate Taxpayer-funded Entitlement Benefits for Illegal Immigrants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced the WALL Act to finish construction of the southern border wall and protect American families.
    “Now is the time to finish the southern border wall. The WALL Act helps President Trump complete what he started in his first term and does it all without adding a dime to our national debt,” said Risch. “For the last four years, millions of illegal immigrants flooded across our southern border, exploiting open-border policies and wasting vast sums of taxpayer dollars. Those days are over.”
    “President Donald Trump and the Republican majorities in the House and Senate have not just a mandate but an obligation to secure the border and protect American families,” said Britt.“The United States needs a completed border wall—it is just common sense to have a physical barrier in place to ensure only lawful entry into our country. The WALL Act would ensure the completion of America’s border wall without raising taxes on U.S. citizens or increasing the national debt by a single penny. It would accomplish this by eliminating taxpayer-funded entitlement benefits for illegal aliens, which would further deter illegal migration.”
    The WALL Act would appropriate $25 billion to finish building a wall on our southern border without raising taxes on U.S. citizens or increasing the national debt. It would be funded by closing loopholes and eliminating taxpayer-funded entitlements and tax benefits for people who are in the U.S. illegally. The bill also imposes monetary fines on people who enter the country illegally or overstay their visas. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimated in 2018 that enacting the provisions in this bill would save $33 billion of taxpayer dollars over ten years.
    Risch and Britt are joined by U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Rounds (R-S.Dak.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) in introducing the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Myers Tree Farm

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Myers Tree Farm of Des Moines County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
    “For over 35 years, Myers Tree Farm has rooted itself in the Sperry community, sprucing things up with their variety of houseplants, succulents, and home decor,” said Chair Ernst. “Home to over 5,000 Christmas trees, this family-owned and operated small business continues to bring holiday joy to families across Iowa!”
    In 1987, Robert and Patti Myers planted a group of Christmas trees on an acre of land in hopes to sell them and pay for their kids college education. After Chad graduated from Iowa State University in 1993 with a degree in horticulture, he joined the business full-time and eventually took over with his wife. The couple expanded Myers Tree Farm to include full-service landscaping and a potting shed that houses flowers, garden and vegetable plants, and succulents. In 2019, the Myerses fully renovated their barn to host weddings ceremonies. The business hosts an annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration that attracts over 5,000 people to the family farm. This year, Myers Tree Farm will celebrate 38 years in Iowa. 
    Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Co-sponsor Climate Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    January 27, 2025
    Senators fight back against Donald Trump’s day-one withdrawal of the United States from Paris Climate Agreement
    Washington DC—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced they have joined 20 U.S. Senate colleagues to reintroduce the We Are Still In resolution in response to Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement through a day-one executive order.  
    “With increasingly severe weather consistently threatening Oregon and the wildfires now ravaging southern California, it’s clear the climate is in crisis and it’s no time to retreat on clean energy policies,” Wyden said. “With the passage in 2022 of the largest climate and clean energy investment in history, the United States has led on  international climate policy to create an economically and environmentally viable future for our children. The We Are Still In resolution would keep our country on track of refusing to sacrifice good-paying, forward thinking jobs and the future our children deserve by appeasing a few big oil billionaires.” 
    “Climate chaos is a global problem, and it requires global solutions,” Senator Merkley said. “Our communities are ravaged by wildfires and smoke, hurricanes and extreme flooding – all exacerbated by climate chaos. To address the worsening crisis, we need strong international partnerships and the United States has both a moral and a strategic responsibility to lead the world in climate action.”
    The We Are Still In resolution signals ongoing support for U.S. climate ambition by leaders in Congress continuing to work with and highlighting local, state, regional, Tribal, and nongovernmental climate partners. The resolution underscores significant climate and clean energy actions by local and state governments, critical investments made through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, and widespread support for the Paris climate agreement. With Trump’s withdrawal, the United States joins Iran, Yemen, and Libya as the only countries in the world not party to the Paris climate agreement. 
    Full text of the We Are Still In resolution is here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Second arrest over Middlemore firearms incident

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A second person has appeared in court over a firearms incident at Middlemore Hospital earlier this month.

    An investigation has been ongoing since 4 January, when a firearm was allegedly fired from a vehicle.

    Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers says the Counties Manukau Offender Prevention Team executed a search warrant late last week.

    “At a Manurewa address, a 23-year-old man was located by our staff and arrested,” he says.

    “The investigation team have laid a number of serious charges against this man.”

    He has been charged with committing a dangerous act with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and commission of an offense with a firearm.

    The 23-year-old appeared in the Manukau District Court over the weekend and will reappear today.

    Two arrests have now been made in the investigation.

    Police are not ruling out further arrests or charges being made, Detective Inspector Vickers says.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Joplin Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Kidnapping That Resulted in Torture, Death of Victim

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a kidnapping conspiracy that resulted in the torture and death of the victim, as well as another conspiracy to kidnap a woman who was rescued from his attack at a Neosho, Mo., hotel room.

    Freddie Lewis Tilton, also known as “Ol’ Boy,” 52, of Joplin, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to life in federal prison without parole.

    Tilton pleaded guilty on Sept. 19, 2023, to his role in a kidnapping conspiracy that resulted in the torture and death of the victim, as well as two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms. The court sentenced Tilton to one term of life in prison and two terms of 10 years in prison, to be served concurrently, in this case.

    In a separate case involving a second victim, Tilton was found guilty at trial on Sept. 17, 2024, of one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, one count of kidnapping, and one count of stalking. The court sentenced Tilton to two terms of 30 years in prison and one term of 10 years in prison, to be served concurrently to the sentence in the first case, for a total sentence of life in prison.

    Tilton pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to kidnap the victim, identified as “M.H.,” in July 2020. Tilton is among six defendants who pleaded guilty and have been sentenced in this case. James B. Gibson, also known as “Gibby,” 42, of Neosho, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison without parole. Lawrence William Vaughan, also known as “Scary Larry,” 53, of Neosho, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison without parole. Amy Kay Thomas, 41, of Webb City, Mo., was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Carla Jo Ward, 50, of Joplin, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Russell Eugene Hurtt, also known as “Uncle,” 53, of Greenwood, Mo., was sentenced to seven years in federal prison without parole.

    Tilton offered Ward and Vaughan $5,000 each to locate and secure M.H. for him. Ward picked up M.H., whom she knew was being sought by Tilton, and took him to Vaughan’s residence.

    Tilton, Thomas, and Gibson arrived at Vaughan’s residence in the early morning hours of July 15, 2020. They bound M.H.’s hands with handcuffs, and duct tape was placed around his mouth and other parts of his body. Gibson, Thomas, and others assaulted M.H. for a period of time. M.H. was cut, beaten, and shot at. Gibson burned M.H. with a blowtorch. Tilton fatally shot M.H. in the head. Thomas and others cleaned up the blood and damage created during the assault and shooting of M.H. They wrapped M.H.’s body in plastic wrap and Thomas, Tilton, and Gibson transported it to Hurtt’s property.

    Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hurtt’s property on July 28, 2020, based on information that a deceased body was located on the acreage. When officers attempted to contact the occupants of the residence, Tilton fired multiple shots from inside the residence at the officers. Tilton was apprehended.

    Officers found M.H.’s body on the property. Officers searched the residence and found a Rigarmi .25-caliber pistol, an Ithaca .22-caliber rifle, a Remington .22-caliber rifle without a serial number, a Harrington and Richardson 12-gauge shotgun, a Ruger 9mm handgun, and a Taurus 9mm handgun without a serial number.

    Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Tilton has two prior felony convictions for burglary, two prior felony convictions for larceny of an automobile, and prior felony convictions for stealing, possession of a controlled substance, burglary of an automobile, possession of a chemical with intent to manufacture, receiving stolen property, unlawful use of a weapon, theft and tampering.

    In a separate case that involved another kidnapping a few days after M.H.’s death, before Tilton was apprehended by law enforcement, Tilton and co-defendant Alvin Dale Boyer, 39, of Rogers, Arkansas, conspired to kidnap the second victim, identified in court documents as “S.T.” Boyer also was found guilty at trial on Sept. 17, 2024, of his role in the kidnapping conspiracy and one count of kidnapping and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 25, 2025.

    An employee at Boonslick Lodge in Neosho called police at approximately 11:46 p.m. on July 19, 2020, to report that a woman was being choked and dragged into a room. A police officer knocked on the door of the room, and S.T., bloody and injured, opened the door and ran out of the room. Tilton jumped out the back window and escaped.

    Boyer had rented a room at the motel and invited S.T. to the motel to spend time with him.  Unknown to S.T., Boyer had rented the motel room for Tilton and Tilton was waiting in the room for her.  S.T. had an ex parte order of protection against Tilton. When S.T. entered the room, she was assaulted by Tilton.  S.T. was observed on video surveillance struggling to get out of the room, but she was dragged back in by Tilton.  Tilton struck S.T. repeatedly with a firearm and his fist.  Tilton attempted to shoot S.T., but the gun jammed.  S.T. was assaulted inside the room by Tilton for more than eight minutes before law enforcement arrived.

    Tilton escaped out of a window of the motel room with a handgun. Tilton attempted to climb down a vertical rain gutter, but fell to the ground as the guttering broke then ran away.

    Officers searched the motel room and found numerous indications that a violent, physical assault had taken place inside the room. In addition to blood on the room floor and door, officers found a chair with rope and zip ties attached, more nylon rope and zip ties, duct tape, a pair of pliers, a blowtorch and lighter fluid, a butane torch, drop cloths, plastic gloves, a Taurus 9mm handgun, and a Kimber .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle.

    S.T. was transported to a hospital for treatment of her injuries.

    These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. They were investigated by the FBI, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Neosho, Mo., Police Department.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Dakota Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for 15 Years for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and Tampering with a Witness

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Bismarck, North Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Tampering with a Witness. The sentencing took place on January 24, 2025.

    Henry Damon Smith, Jr., 41, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release on the firearm charge, and three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release on the tampering charge. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently. Smith was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    Smith was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in December 2023. He pleaded guilty on November 4, 2024.

    The case stemmed from a Rapid City Police Department officer finding Smith with a firearm in Rapid City. Smith is federally prohibited from owning and possessing firearms because he has previous felony convictions, including crimes of domestic violence and assault on law enforcement. After being arrested, Smith attempted to avoid the charges by convincing a witness to claim responsibility for the firearm.

    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.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.

    Smith was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Memphis Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Machineguns

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

    Memphis, TN – Jermaine Brown, 19, and Alvin McGee, 23, both of Memphis, have each been sentenced to federal prison for possession of a machinegun. Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren, announced the sentences today.

    According to the information presented in court, on July 10, 2023, Memphis Police Department officers observed Brown and McGee driving in a stolen Hyundai Sonata through the Kensington Manor apartment complex and attempted to stop the vehicle. When the vehicle reached a dead end, the driver, Jermaine Brown, and front passenger, Alvin McGee, both jumped out of the moving vehicle, which crashed into a dumpster. Brown had a Glock .40 caliber pistol with an attached Machinegun Conversion Device (commonly referred to as a “switch”) that was loaded with 17 rounds.  Brown threw the machinegun after a short foot pursuit.  McGee had a Radical Firearms AR-15 style .223 caliber rifle with approximately 60 rounds and a “drop-in auto sear,” which turns the rifle into a machinegun, and he also fled from the police.  Officers apprehended McGee quickly.  

    Brown and McGee were indicted in December 2023 for possession of machineguns.

    On July 12, 2024, Brown pled guilty before Senior United States District Judge Jon Phipps McCalla and was sentenced on November 8, 2024 to 27 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

    On October 18, 2024, McGee pled guilty before Judge McCalla and was sentenced on January 24, 2025 to 41 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

    There is no parole in the federal system.  

    This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

    Assistant United States Attorney Greg Wagner prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Fondren thanked the law enforcement partners who assisted in this case.

    ###

    For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Carrying the spirit and intent of Murray Sinclair’s vision forward in Treaty 7 territory

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Tiffany Dionne Prete, Assistant Professor, Sociology Department, University of Lethbridge

    For nearly three decades, I have immersed myself in archival work to uncover the histories of my People, the Kainai (Blood Tribe) in Treaty 7 territory, in Alberta. What began in childhood as a search for photographs of my ancestors has evolved into a lifelong pursuit of understanding through records and Tribal narratives.

    Unlike my peers who had photo albums of their ancestors, I had none. Cameras were rare in Indigenous communities during the 1800s and early 1900s, leaving few family photographs. Instead, I turned to online archives, hoping to find even a single image. This archival work became a means of reconnecting with my ancestors.

    During my graduate studies at the University of Alberta, this passion for archival research deepened.

    As a research assistant for the Aboriginal Healing through Language and Culture project, I was part of a project that partnered with Roman Catholic Oblate missionaries to view historical records of Indigenous Peoples in the North West, which included my People.

    ‘Indigenous Research: Walking the Path of my Ancestors’ video by Tiffany Prete.

    However, ongoing litigation related to the Residential School Settlement class-action suit limited my access. While I was granted permission to view specific materials, many documents remained restricted, and photocopying was often prohibited. This experience highlighted the persistent barriers Indigenous researchers face when reclaiming their histories and underscored the importance of equitable access to archival records.

    Documenting Survivor testimonies

    Growing up, conversations about residential schools were notably absent in my community. My family and fellow Tribal members rarely spoke of their experiences, and my public education glossed over their existence, perpetuating a widely held belief across Canada that residential schools were benevolent and necessary for Indigenous Peoples’ “advancement.”

    As the child of a residential school Survivor, I grew up with a profound sense of something unspoken yet deeply impactful in our collective history. Silence reflected the profound harm inflicted by the Canadian government and religious organizations operating these schools, leaving scars not just on individuals but across generations. Despite Survivors’ efforts to share their truths, the dominant Canadian narrative continued to portray residential schools as positive contributions to the nation’s development.

    The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was pivotal in challenging this false narrative. By documenting Survivor testimonies and exposing the systemic abuses within these institutions, the TRC dismantled the myth of their benevolence. This was more than a historical reckoning; it was a vital step toward acknowledging the truth of Canada’s colonial history and its lasting impact on Indigenous Peoples.

    TRC Calls: 15 years ago

    Fifteen years ago this June, on the day the 94 Calls to Action were released, Murray Sinclair, former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, stated: “The Survivors need to know before they leave this Earth that people understand what happened and what the schools did to them.”

    Sinclair’s words, coupled with one call in particular, ignited within me a deep commitment to create a program of work that would reclaim and document my Blood People’s history — stories that had long been excluded from Canada’s historical consciousness in favour of a whitewashed, generalized narrative. This commitment responded to Call to Action No. 78 which called upon Canada to commit funding to assist communities to research and produce histories of their own residential school experience and their involvement in truth, healing and reconciliation.

    The work I have been engaged in focuses on using archival records and partnering with Blood Tribe Elders, who are residential school Survivors, to together reinterpret these records. Together, we sought to tell our history through our own lens, using our voices to articulate the policies and experiences of the Stolen Children Era — the era covering over a century and a half where the Canadian government used multiple colonial models of schooling to assimilate Indigenous children.

    ‘The Kinai Stolen Children Era’ talk with Tiffany Prete.

    While conducting research in recent years leading up to an exhibit focusing on experiences of the Stolen Children Era, I noticed some improvements in access to archival materials, but significant barriers remain.

    Processes for accessing restricted documents vary widely, with some archives lacking clear pathways. Policies around documentation also differ — some allow photography under strict guidelines, while others prohibit duplication, limiting researchers to handwritten notes. These challenges, and others, underscore the ongoing need for systemic efforts to ensure Indigenous communities can reclaim their histories and preserve cultural narratives.

    Enduring strength of our people

    Through my archival work, the intentions behind Canada’s residential school system became clear. The education system for Indigenous children sought to create passive, obedient individuals stripped of agency and identity as Indigenous Peoples.

    Yet, within these oppressive records, I have found powerful stories of courage, resistance and resilience.

    These acts, combined with the wisdom of Elders, reflect the enduring strength of our People. Among the greatest examples of collective resistance and resilience is the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

    I deeply admire the Survivors who broke the silence, initiating the class-action lawsuit that led to the TRC. Their bravery, along with the work of TRC leaders, resulted in powerful reports and the transformative Calls to Action. They remind us of the importance of reclaiming our power and affirm that we, as the Indigenous Peoples of this land, are deserving of dignity and justice.

    Sinclair’s clarity, strength, commitment

    Among those I hold in high regard is the late Sinclair, whose leadership during the TRC was defined by clarity, strength and commitment. He spoke candidly about Canada’s colonial policies and charted a clear path forward.

    In 1988, he became the first Indigenous judge in Manitoba. And he held those responsible for the operations of the schools accountable. His firm approach to justice and reconciliation inspires me, as an intergenerational Survivor, to confront challenges rooted in colonization with strength and resolve.

    As we move forward, let us band together with a shared commitment to treat all people with the dignity and respect they deserve as human beings.

    Reconciliation is not a solitary journey but a collective effort — a promise to do better and honour the truths of our shared history.

    Together, we must right the wrongs of the past, confronting injustice with courage and compassion. Let us carry the spirit and intent of Sinclair’s vision forward, ensuring that the path of reconciliation becomes not just a goal, but a way of living that defines us as a nation.

    Tiffany Dionne Prete does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Carrying the spirit and intent of Murray Sinclair’s vision forward in Treaty 7 territory – https://theconversation.com/carrying-the-spirit-and-intent-of-murray-sinclairs-vision-forward-in-treaty-7-territory-247617

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Holocaust Remembrance Day, Governor Newsom’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education releases findings and recommendations

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jan 27, 2025

    What you need to know: The Council was tasked with assessing the status of Holocaust and genocide education in California, making recommendations for how to improve that education, and promoting best practices for educators, schools, and organizations and sponsor Holocaust and genocide remembrance.

    Sacramento, California – On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Governor Gavin Newsom’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education today released the “Holocaust and Genocide Education in California: A Study of Statewide Context and Local Implementation.” In 2021, following a disturbing increase in antisemitic hate, Governor Newsom established the Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education to identify instructional resources to teach students across California about the Holocaust and other acts of genocide and provide young people with the tools necessary to recognize and respond to instances of antisemitism and bigotry.

    Read the full study HERE.

    “In California, hate is unacceptable, and the shocking decline in awareness among young people about the Holocaust and other acts of genocide is especially alarming. I was proud to establish the Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education and grateful for their work on this comprehensive report. I look forward to reviewing the Council’s recommendations and ensuring that California continues to be a beacon for tolerance, empathy, and education.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    How we got here

    The Council assessed the status of Holocaust and genocide education in California, made recommendations for how to improve Holocaust and genocide education in our schools, and will now work to promote best practices for educators, schools and organizations and sponsor Holocaust and genocide remembrance. The Council is co-chaired by State Senator Henry Stern, Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Dr. Anita Friedman, Executive Director, Jewish Family and Children’s Services/Northern California.

    Dr. Anita Friedman, Executive Director, Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS)/Northern California: “California leads  the nation in support for state-of-the art Holocaust and Genocide Education. As a result, our State is systematically creating a more unified society and a more informed, morally courageous and socially responsible next generation. We are inspired by the enthusiastic cooperation  of educators, communities and students in this common cause.”

    State Senator Henry Stern: “On this Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, we reaffirm the plea to ‘Never Forget.’ Never forget our ancestors, the unimaginable horrors endured, and the systemic failures that allowed such atrocities to unfold. We remember not only to honor our ancestors but to safeguard against history repeating itself. Understanding the patterns of genocide that occurred to numerous groups worldwide, is essential in fostering empathy, combatting hate, and upholding our collective moral responsibility. We have to ensure that our students are learning this complex subject matter so they are equipped to enter a society increasingly rife with misinformation. I’m proud that this critical report will allow us to invest in the resources, teacher training, and curriculum necessary to equip our students with factual information to break the cycle of history repeating itself.”

    Attorney General Rob Bonta: “There is no place for hate in California. The California Department of Justice is committed to combatting all forms of hate and bigotry, and to building a more just, empathetic society for our children. Acknowledging the truth and teaching our youth are crucial steps toward ensuring that we don’t repeat the atrocities of our past. I’m grateful to our state partners and the Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education for their work and recommendations to continue fighting antisemitism and intolerance through education and beyond.”

    State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond: “We must counter hate wherever and whenever it rears its head, and especially in our schools. Every child must feel safe to learn, and every child should feel that they belong on their school campus. It takes strong leaders to end hate and foster understanding. I am proud to stand alongside nearly 100 school and district leaders and antibias practitioners as we commit to use the power of education to end hate across California.”

    “I’m grateful for the work of the Governor’s Council Holocaust and Genocide Education for identifying gaps in education on the Holocaust and other genocides. This education is vital as history often repeats itself if unchecked. Young people are our future leaders, and this education equips them with the tools to recognize and respond to antisemitism and bigotry in all forms. California must always stand for love, tolerance, and understanding. Securing that future begins with a strong foundation of empathy and understanding amongst our youth population.”

    First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

    Key findings

    Key findings of the study released today show that while some districts have developed robust programs, the overall landscape remains fragmented, with success often dependent on individual educator initiative. Local Educational Agency (LEA) representatives emphasized the need for state-level support – ultimately pointing to the necessity of a systematic, state-supported approach to ensure the kind of equitable, high-quality Holocaust and genocide education statewide that the Council envisions.   

    Respondents highlighted increased student knowledge, heightened empathy, and higher levels of engagement as key successes of their Holocaust and genocide education efforts. However, the study uncovered significant gaps in implementation support. The majority of respondents shared that their LEAs did not provide professional development focused on Holocaust and genocide education. 

    The California-focused analysis revealed that while the state has made significant strides, including recent legislation and funding allocations, there are opportunities to further align and amplify these efforts.

    Recommendations

    Drawing on these comprehensive findings, this report offers 10 recommendations to strengthen Holocaust and genocide education in California:

    1. Communicate California’s Vision for Holocaust and Genocide Education
    2. Revise the California History–Social Science Content Standards
    3. Revise the History–Social Science Framework for California Public Schools
    4. Update, Distribute, and Provide Guidance for the Model Curriculum for Human Rights and Genocide
    5. Continue to Create a Vetted Central Clearinghouse for Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Professional Learning
    6. Increase Direct Funding to Districts and Schools for Holocaust and Genocide Education
    7. Expand Existing Statewide Professional Learning on Holocaust and Genocide Education
    8. Monitor and Evaluate Educational Outcomes
    9. Continue to Conduct Additional Research to Inform the Council’s Future Actions
    10. Expand, Publicize, and Strengthen the Role of the Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education

    Fighting hate

    Governor Newsom has long made the eradication of discrimination and hate a priority. Working with the Jewish Caucus and Legislature, the Newsom administration successfully secured millions of dollars to ensure that future generations of Californians never forget the lessons of past genocides, including millions of dollars to develop curriculum resources related to Holocaust and genocide education, such the Holocaust Museum LA, the JFCS Holocaust Center, the Museum of Tolerance, and the California Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham Statement on New Army Corps Funding for South Carolina Water Infrastructure Projects

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it will provide $28 million in funding for a North Myrtle Beach project to help prevent flooding and improve water quality, $7.9 million for the Lakes Marion and Moultrie water infrastructure project, and $7.6 million for stormwater and drainage systems in Charleston. These funds were allocated from the recent disaster supplemental, American Relief Act of 2025, which Senator Graham advocated for and supported.
    Graham said, “I appreciate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers listening to South Carolina’s needs. Each of these projects will be necessary and beneficial when it comes to defending our state against natural disasters and improving water quality and infrastructure.”
    Graham recently led a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works encouraging them to prioritize funding for the North Myrtle Beach project. Graham is also a long-standing supporter of the other projects that will receive funding. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, over the years he has made several congressionally directed spending requests to fund the projects in the City of Charleston and Orangeburg County.
    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it will fund the following projects:
    $28 million for North Myrtle Beach and vicinity to initiate and complete design and construction of the Ocean Outfalls and Stormwater Mitigation Project (Phase I).
    $7.9 million for Orangeburg County to initiate and complete design and construction of the Lodge Hall Reach Water Transmission Pipeline for the Lakes Marion and Moultrie water infrastructure project.
    $7.6 million for the City of Charleston to initiate and complete design and construction to rehabilitate the Brick Arches Stormwater System and Dupont Wapoo Drainage Outlet.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boston Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A member of the violent Boston-based gang, H-Block, has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to drug conspiracy charges.

    Avery Lewis, a/k/a “Wave,” 32, of Dorchester pleaded guilty on Jan. 21, 2025 to two counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for May 13, 2025.

    Lewis was one of 10 H-Block gang members and associates charged in August 2024 following a multi-year investigation of H-Block beginning in 2021 in response to an uptick in gang-related drug trafficking, shootings and violence. Over 500 grams of cocaine, cocaine base (crack cocaine) and fentanyl, as well as over 20,000 doses of drug-laced paper were seized during the investigation.

    According to the charging documents, the H-Block street gang is one of the most feared and influential city-wide gangs in Boston. Originally formed in the 1980s as the Humboldt Raiders in the Roxbury section of Boston, the gang re-emerged in the 2000s as H-Block. Current members of H-Block have a history of violent confrontation with law enforcement, including an incident in 2015 when a member shot a Boston Police officer at point blank range without warning or provocation.

    Lewis was a long-time H-Block gang member and daily street-level dealer with a regular roster of customers. Over the course of the investigation, Lewis sold cocaine to an undercover officer on several occasions and coordinated other drug trafficking criminal activities with H-Block gang members.

    Lewis’ criminal history includes a 2017 cocaine conviction for possessing 86 bags of cocaine inside his apartment as well as a 2013 conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.  

    Lewis is the first defendant to plead guilty in the case.

    The charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
        
    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Andrew Murphy of the U.S. Secret Service Boston Field Office; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Depart of Labor, Office of Inspector General made the announcement. The investigation was supported by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; and the Braintree, Quincy, Randolph and Watertown Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit and Jeremy Franker of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section are prosecuting the cases.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Hola Prime Announces Exclusive Prime Bowl 5-Day Trading Competition Challenge

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, NY, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hola Prime, a leading prop trading firm, is set to launch its Prime Bowl 5-Day Trading Challenge, an innovative competition designed to challenge traders in an intense, high-stakes environment. This unique event, the first of its kind in the trading community, combines the fast-paced world of trading with the global excitement surrounding the 59th NFL Super Bowl. Unlike traditional long-duration trading contests, the Prime Bowl focuses on a short five-day timeframe, providing an opportunity for traders to show their skills under the thrill of rapid decision-making and expected market volatility.

    The decision to create a 5-day competitive trading format is rooted in the belief that it simulates real-world trading conditions where traders need to act quickly and efficiently. With  $50,000 as the initial balance and leverage up to 50:1, participants will be required to adjust their strategies in real-time and capitalize on market fluctuations. The five-day period is designed to bring out the best in traders, pushing them to make calculated moves and manage risk while responding to any sudden shifts in the market. This short, high-intensity format offers a rare opportunity for traders to experience the fast-paced nature of real trading, where timing and precision are essential for success.

    In addition to the competitive aspect, the Prime Bowl 5-Day Trading Challenge is strategically aligned with the globally recognized NFL Super Bowl, which has a significant economic impact across industries, particularly in the Forex market. The increased consumer spending power, advertising revenues, and global viewership during the Super Bowl potentially influence currency values, particularly the US dollar. By running the competition alongside this event, Hola Prime offers traders a unique opportunity to test their skills while crossing market conditions influenced by one of the world’s most-watched sporting events. This added layer of expected volatility provides a real-time backdrop for traders to engage with currency pairs and make decisions based on live economic shifts.

    “We believe the 5-day trading competition format is an ideal time period for traders to trade. It creates a high-stakes trading environment” said Mr Somesh Kapuria, CEO of Hola Prime. “By limiting the competition to five days, we are encouraging participants to focus on their strategies, sharpen their decision-making skills, and see immediate results from their trades. The alignment with the Super Bowl allows traders to tap into the economic activity surrounding the event, giving them a chance to apply their strategies to global market movements”, he added.

    Participants in the competition will not only compete for exciting prizes but will also have the chance to engage with a vibrant community of traders, exchanging tips, strategies, and insights through online forums and social media. The competition is open to traders of all experience levels, and with no KYC required to enter, anyone can sign up but the competition is thoroughly monitored to ensure no notorious activity.

    The competition will take place on the Match Trader platform, where traders can track their progress, adjust their strategies, and climb the leaderboard.

    Registration for the Prime Bowl 5-Day Trading Challenge opens on January 26th, 2025, at 00:00 UTC and closes on February 2nd, 2025, at 21:00 UTC. The competition begins on February 2nd, 2025, at 22:00 UTC and ends on February 7th, 2025, at 22:00 UTC. To participate, traders simply need to log in or sign up at Hola Prime, visit the competition tab, and click to register. With the chance to win exciting prizes and gain valuable experience in a competitive setting, the Prime Bowl 5-Day Trading Challenge promises to be a must-experience event for traders.

    Social Links

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    Medium: https://medium.com/@social_46267

    Media Contact

    Brand: Hola Prime

    Contact: Media Team

    Email: marketing@holaprime.com

    Website: https://holaprime.com/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo: Battle for Goma continues as ‘volatile’ crisis unfolds

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    As fighting intensifies between the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group and Congolese forces, UN chief of Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix underscored the critical state of the battle for eastern DRC’s regional capital Goma, describing the crisis as “volatile and dangerous”.

    In a briefing on Monday, Mr. Lacroix told journalists in New York that some staff from the UN’s Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) was forced to seek shelter for a few hours due to the ongoing conflict.

    He explained that this had “limited their ability to have the full level of information that they would have gotten if they had not been sheltering”, making it difficult to assess the fast-evolving situation.

    Mr. Lacroix said that peacekeepers remain in their positions but noted that safety was “paramount” for non-essential personnel and their dependents, who have been relocated away from Goma.

    He confirmed that MONUSCO personnel would continue to deliver on their mandate to the best of their ability, including protecting civilians and disarming combatants in accordance with international humanitarian law.

    “The fate of the millions of civilians living in Goma or having been displaced is really the priority, along with the safety and security of UN personnel,” Mr. Lacroix said.

    Humanitarian catastrophe

    Bruno Lemarquis, UN Deputy Special Representative, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC, briefed the press from the ground and painted a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis.

    “What is unfolding in Goma is coming on top of already one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth, with close to 6.5 million displaced people in the country, including close to three million displaced people in North Kivu,” he said.

    He described scenes of mass displacement and violence: “Civilians are taking the brunt of the escalating hostilities”, with heavy artillery fire “directed at the city centre” including a maternity hospital.

    “For example, several shells struck the Charity Maternity Hospital in central Goma, killing and injuring civilians, including newborn and pregnant women,” he emphasised.

    “[Hospitals] are struggling to manage the influx of wounded people,” he said, noting that basic services, including water, electricity and internet, are severely disrupted.

    Mr. Lemarquis called for temporary humanitarian pauses to facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians and ensure aid delivery. “We must act now to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of the people of Goma,” he urged.

    Rwanda’s role

    Responding to questions about Rwanda’s involvement, Mr. Lacroix confirmed the presence of Rwandan troops supporting M23 in Goma, citing significant troop numbers.

    He condemned the killing of peacekeepers, noting that three had died, including two from South Africa and one from Uruguay, with 12 others injured.

    The Under-Secretary-General reiterated the UN’s call for all parties, including Rwanda, to respect the safety and security of UN personnel.

    Regarding Rwanda’s role as a leading troop-contributing country to UN missions, Mr. Lacroix stated, “At this moment, we have to focus on the emergency, with saving as many lives as possible, and trying to bring about the cessation of hostilities.”

    Diplomatic efforts

    Mr Lacroix reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting regional peace initiatives, welcoming the East African Community’s plan for a summit on 28 January and an African Union Peace and Security Council session on Tuesday.

    Both officials stressed the urgency of international engagement, with Mr. Lemarquis highlighting a recent $70 million allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support humanitarian efforts.

    The press conference concluded with a stark message from Mr. Lacroix: “I urge the international community to intensify its engagement to prevent the bloodshed and to support the humanitarian response. We must act now.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dallas Police Officer Charged With Selling Stolen Duty Weapons

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

    A police sergeant who sold stolen service weapons has been indicted on federal gun charges, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham.

    Thomas Michael Fry, 52, was indicted Wednesday with three counts of possession and sale of a stolen firearm.

    “Police officers have a sacred duty to uphold the rule of law. Instead, this sergeant betrayed his department – and his community – by allegedly pawning stolen firearms,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not hesitate to pursue charges against law enforcement officers who fail to live up to their oaths.”

    According to the indictment, at least three 9mm Sig Sauer pistols were stolen from a Dallas Police Department substation.

    Sgt. Fry, a Dallas Police Officer, then allegedly pawned the firearms through a pawn shop in Oklahoma.

    An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Sgt. Fry is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

    If convicted of the federal charges, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison.

    Sgt. Fry has also been charged by the state with three counts of theft of a firearm.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua D. Detzky and Marty Basu are prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Crimestoppers GNO and U.S. Marshals New Orleans Task Force Operation Boo Dat Concludes with Over 50 Arrests and an Endangered Teen Recovery

    Source: US Marshals Service

    New Orleans, LA – Crimestoppers Greater New Orleans (GNO) and the U.S. Marshals Service New Orleans Task Force sponsored their annual Operation Boo Dat 2024 from Oct. 22, 2024, to Jan. 18, 2025.  The operation was a partnership between New Orleans Police Department, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Kenner Police Department, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana Probation and Parole, Homeland Security Investigations, and USMS New Orleans Task Force resulted in 51 arrests, with 16 of the arrests being for felony sex offender registration violations.  A missing/endangered 13-year-old female was also recovered for NOPD during the operation and that recovery led to an immigration violation arrest of a 16-year-old male who was believed to have been involved in juvenile gang activity across the New Orleans metro area.  Twenty-one of the 51 arrested fugitives were arrested during the operation on felony warrants related to open sex-based offenses.  Crimestoppers GNO provided critical support during the operation to include a media released photo spread of 31 fugitives.  The photo spread resulted in the arrests or clearing of 11 of the photo spread targets.  The 20 remaining targets are still at large and Crimestoppers GNO rewards are available for information that leads to their arrest.

    During the operation, sex offender compliance checks were also conducted in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany parishes.  These compliance checks require law enforcement officers to physically visit the sex offender’s reported address of residence to verify that the offender still lives at the provided address.  Countless hours of follow-up investigative work are often required during and after a compliance check.  The compliance checks led to the arrests of 16 fugitives wanted for violating their sex offender registration (Failure to Register or Update as a Sex Offender—FTR).  Several of the FTR arrests were based off Crimestoppers GNO tips.    

    Highlights of Operation Boo Dat 2024 included:

    — The Nov. 1, 2024, arrest of Kevin Dubon-Carrasco, who was wanted by JPSO on an October 2024 warrant for sexual battery, indecent behavior with juveniles, and domestic abuse battery-child endangerment. The alleged victim was an 8-year-old child.  Dubon-Carrasco was arrested in the 3300 block of Green Acres, Metairie, and later rebooked with immigration violations.

    — The Nov. 6, 2024, arrest of Michael K. Brooks on an August 2024 NOPD warrant for aggravated battery by shooting, home invasion, and first-degree rape.  He was also wanted out of Fort Smith, Arkansas, on an active warrant for aggravated assault.  After an almost three-hour standoff with Brooks fleeing on foot through a neighborhood in the 2400 block of Sixth Street, he was finally arrested with assistance from NOPD Special Operations Division.

    — The Nov. 13, 2024, USMS Missing Child Unit recovery of an endangered 13-year-old female runaway for NOPD.  She had been listed as a runaway for NOPD 3rd District earlier in November. She had a prior history of running away and allegations of prior sexual abuse.  It was determined via investigation that she was associated with alleged teenage gang members known to operate in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish and be in possession of firearms and rifles.  With critical assistance from HSI and SBPSO she was recovered in Chalmette, and a 16-year-old male was taken into immigration custody based on the female’s recovery.

    — The Nov. 19, 2024, arrest of Jose Briseno-Molina, who was wanted by the Montgomery County Texas Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for aggravated sexual assault of children.  The alleged victims were under the age of 13.  Briseno-Molina is alleged to have fled Texas to Jefferson Parish, working at a barber shop to raise money before allegedly planning to flee to Mexico.  USMS Southern District of Texas contacted the USMS New Orleans Task Force for assistance and, with critical support from JPSO, the task force arrested Briseno-Molina in the 700 block of Terry Parkway in Jefferson Parish. An ICE immigration hold was also placed on him.  

    — The Dec. 4, 2024, arrest of Ashley Karl Carambat, wanted on a November 2024 STPSO warrant for pornography involving juveniles under the age of 13 and aggravated crimes against nature.   Information was developed by the USMS New Orleans Task Force that Carambat had relocated to the Mobile, Alabama, area and a collateral lead was sent to the USMS Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, who arrested her in Spanish Fort, Alabama.

    — The Dec. 19, 2024, arrest of Jalil Jonas Williams on an NOPD warrant for second-degree murder. Williams, who was on active LA P&P supervision, is alleged to have murdered a Cox Cable technician in the 8000 block of Dwyer Road Dec. 16, 2024.  He was also wanted for an attempted armed robbery in the French Quarter and is a person of interest in another armed robbery in Jefferson Parish.  With assistance from a Crimestoppers GNO tip he was arrested at the New Orleans Bus/Train Station where he was awaiting a bus to allegedly flee from New Orleans.  He was in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest.

    — The Dec. 20, 2024, arrest of Parnell Wilson, wanted by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office on a July 2024 warrant for two counts of first-degree rape of a child (an 8-year-old girl).  Wilson was on active Louisiana Probation and Parole supervision. The USMS New Orleans Task Force, working with LA P&P, developed information that Wilson was going back and forth between New Orleans and Tangipahoa Parish and refusing to comply with his supervision.  He was finally arrested at the LA P&P Office in New Orleans based on work done by the USMS New Orleans Task Force and LA P&P.  

    “Operation Boo Dat demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Marshals Service, Crimestoppers GNO, and our local law enforcement to protect our communities from violence and exploitation,” said Eastern District of Louisiana U.S. Marshal Enix Smith III.

    “Together, we will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents and hold accountable those who threaten them.”  

    Any information can be provided to the U.S. Marshals Service at (504) 589-6872 or via email at usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.  Crimestoppers GNO may also be contacted with tips at (504) 822-1111.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Statement on Firing of Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC  — After President Trump abruptly fired Admiral Linda Fagan, the 27th Commandant of the Coast Guard and America’s first female Service Chief who was two-and-a-half years into her four-year term, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:
    “Admiral Fagan is a consummate professional and a strong leader with a record of distinguished service.  During her time as Commandant, she successfully led more than 55,000 Coast Guard personnel in their critical missions and life-saving operations at sea.
    “I am troubled that this firing was based on politics, not performance. I urge my Republican colleagues to take a closer look at her unwarranted dismissal and speak out against the removal of high-achieving officers for partisan reasons.
    “Admiral Fagan’s removal is a loss for the Coast Guard.  She’s a trailblazer and mentor for many young officers.  Her legacy continues through them and we salute her for a job well done. 
    “Admiral Fagan earned her place in history and raised the bar for others to follow.  No one, not even President Trump, can take that away from her.”
    -end-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz, Senators Introduce Resolution Warning of Serious Public Health Threats From Trump Administration Freeze on Critical Health Alerts, Including Disease Outbreaks and Food Contamination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – Following reports that the Trump Administration has paused critical communications from federal health agencies, including warnings on disease outbreaks and food contamination, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced a resolution calling for uninterrupted health warning services for the American people.
    “People deserve to have timely and accurate information about dangerous disease outbreaks or contamination in their food. This shouldn’t be controversial or political. It’s about keeping people healthy and safe,” said Senator Schatz.
    “Federal health agencies must be able to communicate timely and accurate information to health care providers and the public, especially as the devastating Southern California fires burn down community health centers and put hospitals and lives at risk,” said Senator Padilla. “President Trump’s dangerous order halting federal public health communications puts vulnerable California communities at even further risk in a time of crisis. I will keep fighting to protect public access to essential health information.”
    “Disease outbreaks and public health crises don’t stop during presidential transitions. Preventing health agencies from communicating with the public is flat out dangerous,” said Senator Van Hollen.
    “Avian flu is spreading, and the Trump Administration thinks it’s a good idea to stop federal health agencies from communicating with the public? This is dangerous and misguided,” said Senator Welch.
    “President Trump is playing politics with people’s health. At the very least, the federal government should be able to alert the public when it is aware of disease outbreaks or contaminated food.  The Trump Administration should not withhold this information from the public,” said Senator Reed.
    “Halting alerts about deadly disease outbreaks or food contamination serves no one. Just last year, ten people died after a listeria outbreak at a Boar’s Head facility – a number that might have been even higher if public agencies hadn’t been allowed to warn the public. Even in a time of deep political difference, we ought to agree that preventing the spread of deadly disease is a wise use of taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Blumenthal.
    The full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Events – Firefighters Compete at UFBA South Island Waterway Challenge

    Source: United Fire Brigades’ Association

    Each year, over 20,000 fires threaten precious homes, businesses, our natural environment and lives across New Zealand. We have seen several large vegetation fires this summer already and they all require one thing – lots of water and brave people to put it there!
    Firefighting relies on timing, technical expertise, and teamwork to save lives and property; the branch on the hose, the hose to the pump, the standpipe to the hydrant, and each person playing their part.
    Since 1885, the United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) Waterway Challenge has helped firefighters test their hose-running and pump-operating skills in a fun, safe, and competitive environment. The track has 19 different setups covering rural and urban approaches to firefighting.
    On Saturday 1 February, over 50 volunteer firefighters from around the South Island will show off their teamwork and firefighting skills that they use to protect property and lives, as they compete in teams against each other in the annual UFBA South Island Waterway Challenge.
    Teams of firefighters will be coming from Lincoln, Lyttleton, Rangiora, Westport, Greymouth, Brunner, Methven, Cromwell, Mataura, Balclutha, Wyndham, Mossburn, Sefton, Rolleston, Luggate, and Ross Volunteer Fire Brigades.
    Competitors have trained all year, some are highly experienced and we have some fresh faces ready to take on the challenge. This firefighting event helps teams prepare for the biennial UFBA National Waterway Challenge a few weeks after the South Island event.
    Bring the kids along to watch this competitive display of firefighting techniques.
    Location: Darfield Domain
    Date/Time: Saturday 1 February 2025 from 0930hrs till 1600hrs (approx.) 
    About the UFBA – for over 145 years the United Fire Brigades’ Association has been the leading association representing firefighters in New Zealand. Today our services support around 14,000 firefighters throughout the fire and emergency services sector by providing advocacy, skills-based challenges, workshops and service honours.
    For more information visit www.ufba.org.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Restricted fire season begins for Porirua and Kāpiti Coast

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a restricted fire season for the Porirua and Kāpiti Coast areas from 8am today, until further notice.
    A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire must go to checkitsalright.nz and apply for a fire permit authorised by Fire and Emergency.
    District Manager Brett Lockyer says Porirua and the Kāpiti Coast have become extremely dry since the beginning of the year.
    “Although there has been a bit of rain in the last couple of days, we still have a lot of very dry vegetation on the west side of the district, which could easily catch fire,” he says.
    “With that in mind, we’re restricting how and when people can light fires in those areas.
    “We will keep monitoring the conditions, but for now we suggest that people hold off on any planned burn activities, and check on their recent fire sites to make sure these are fully out.”
    Brett Lockyer says if people aren’t sure what the restrictions are in their area, they should go to www.checkitsalright.nz and enter their address.
    “You will need a permit to light a fire, and you will need to comply with any conditions set out,” he says.
    “This is a very risky time of year for wildfires, so we’re asking everyone to help us keep Wellington District’s people, property and environment safe from fires this summer.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW’s frontline heroes celebrated with Australia day honours

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 26 January 2025

    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    Released by: Minister for Emergency Services

    Sixteen emergency services personnel from NSW have been recognised on the Australia Day 2025 Honours List for their service to the community during times of crisis.

    The Australian Fire Service Medal was awarded to eleven recipients representing Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS).

    The Emergency Services Medal was awarded to five recipients representing the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES), Surf Life Saving NSW (SLS NSW), and VRA Rescue NSW.

    Medal recipients are announced twice a year as part of the Australia Day and the Kings Birthday Honours Lists, recognising the dedication, bravery, and leadership of emergency services personnel to keeping our communities safe. 

    Australian Fire Service Medal recipients

    • Mr Gregory Reuben Houston, FRNSW
    • Mr Samuel James Parkhouse, FRNSW
    • Mr Garry James Reardon, FRNSW
    • Mr Samuel Stuart Clark AM, NSW RFS
    • Ms Robyn Leslie Reynolds, NSW RFS
    • Ms Jennifer Ann Farrell, NSW RFS
    • Mr Scott Alexander Campbell, NSW RFS
    • Mr Wayne Robert Keel, NSW RFS
    • Mr Anthony Clough, NSW RFS
    • Mr John Duncan Hedley, NSW RFS
    • Mr Robert James Conroy, NSW RFS

    Emergency Services Medal recipients

    • Mrs Christine Speer, NSW SES
    • Mr Anthony Gerard Battam, NSW SES
    • Mr Michael Anthony Wasley, SLS NSW
    • Mrs Julie Wilcox, SLS NSW
    • Mr Daniel John van Keimpema, VRA Rescue NSW

    Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

    “I’m thrilled to see so many of our outstanding emergency services personnel recognised on the Australia Day Honours List. Their service is a testament to the very best of our state and we’re proud to honour their achievements.

    “From bushfires to floods, surf rescues and storms – our emergency services workers go above and beyond to protect the people of NSW and demonstrate exceptional bravery, compassion, and commitment.

    “The Australian Fire Service Medal and the Emergency Service Medal is a well-deserved recognition of their tireless efforts to keeping our communities safe.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Crime and Violating Supervised Release

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Tyson Davis Sr., 45, of Huntington, was sentenced today to seven years and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl and violating supervised release.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 14, 2023, Davis sold approximately 2.93 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant while in a parked vehicle in Huntington. Davis admitted to the transaction. Investigators conducted three additional controlled buys with Davis using the confidential informant, on June 8, August 3 and October 24, 2023. Davis sold a total of 24.057 grams of substances containing fentanyl to the confidential informant during the four transactions.

    Laboratory analysis of the drugs determined that the substances sold by Davis on June 8 and June 14, 2023, were at least 58 percent pure fentanyl, and the substance sold by Davis on August 3, 2023, was at least 46 percent pure fentanyl.  According to investigators, the fentanyl they seize typically ranges from 0.5 percent to 7 percent pure fentanyl.

    Davis has a long criminal history that includes multiple convictions for drug and firearms-related offenses. At the time of this offense, Davis was serving a term of supervised release as a result of his May 17, 2021 conviction for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Today’s sentence includes two years and six months in prison for committing a crime while on supervised release.

    United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

    United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-23.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tyler County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Martin Thomas Anderson, age 36, of Sistersville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 151 months for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Anderson, also known as “Martin McNeil,” was selling methamphetamine in Marshall and Wetzel Counties. Two traffic stops recovered more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a stolen firearm, cash, and drug paraphernalia from Anderson. Anderson has prior drug, firearms, and escape convictions.

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

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

    U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lancaster County Brothers Plead Guilty to Vape Shop Armed Robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. —Marterrious Tyresse Hannah, 22, and Jaimon Tywan Hannah, 22, both of Lancaster County, have pleaded guilty to their involvement in an armed robbery of a local vape shop. Marterrious pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit an armed robbery, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during an armed robbery. Jaimon pleaded guilty to the armed robbery of the vape shop.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on July 31, 2023, Marterious Hannah and Jaimon Hannah, brothers, arranged to visit a local vape shop to purchase a handgun from the store clerk, an individual they knew. At the time of sale, Jaimon brandished a handgun and proceeded to rob the clerk. While the Hannah brothers were inside the premise, two other men entered through the open front door and assisted with committing the armed robbery. The robbers stole a safe that contained money, cash from the store clerk, and vape products from the store. At least two defendants were armed as seen on surveillance video. The defendants also stole the firearm they had come to purchase from the store clerk. The firearm was later used and recovered in North Carolina during the commission of a violent crime. 

    Both defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and face a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and five years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty pleas and will sentence the defendants after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

    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.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Preferred Bank Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC), one of the larger independent California banks, today reported results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Preferred Bank (“the Bank”) reported net income of $30.2 million or $2.25 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2024. This represents a decrease in net income of $3.2 million from the prior quarter and a decrease of $5.6 from the same quarter last year. The decrease compared to both periods was mainly due to a one-time $8.1 million increase in occupancy expense this quarter due to the previously disclosed error in the calculation of ASC 842, Accounting for Leases. As previously disclosed, this calculation error goes back to the adoption of ASC 842 in 2019 and the $8.1 million item represents the cumulative erroneous calculation through the years from 2019 to present.

    Net interest income was $69.2 million, up by $325,000 compared to last quarter’s $68.8 million and down slightly from the $69.4 million recorded one year ago. Noninterest expense was $28.2 million, an increase of $6.2 million from the previous quarter and an increase of $10.4 million over the same quarter last year. These increases were due to the aforementioned non-recurring occupancy expense item. The provision for credit losses was $2.0 million this quarter compared to $3.2 million last quarter and compared to $3.5 million this quarter last year. Despite the non-recurring expense item, Preferred Bank continues to deliver top-of-peer group profitability metrics and long term shareholder returns.

    Highlights for the Quarter:

    • Return on average assets was 1.74%
    • Return on beginning equity of 16.03%
    • Net interest margin (NIM) held strong at 4.06%
    • Total loans increased by $71 million or 1.3%
    • Efficiency ratio was 38.8%

    Highlights for the Year:

    • Return on average assets was 1.91%
    • Return on beginning equity of 18.80%
    • The NIM was 4.08%
    • Total loans increased by $369 million or 7.0%
    • Efficiency ratio was 31.47%

    Li Yu, Chairman and CEO, commented, “We completed the year 2024 with net income of $130.7 million or $9.64 per diluted share. Return on assets was 1.91% for the year and return on beginning equity was 18.8%, which should be well above peer group and the industry average.

    ”Fourth quarter net income of $30.2 million or $2.25 per diluted share was negatively impacted by a correction to our lease expense of $8.1 million. This correction was previously announced and is non-recurring in nature. The after-tax effect of this item was approximately $0.42.

    “Under a high interest rate and high inflation environment, Preferred Bank’s loan growth and deposit growth were less than our historical performance. 2024 loan growth of 7.0% and deposit growth of 3.6% were still in- line with industry averages.

    “At December 31, 2024, our credit metrics improved from September 30, 2024. Non-performing loans decreased by $10.0 million or 52% and criticized loans decreased by $76.7 million or 32.6%. The Bank’s allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.27% as of December 31, 2024.

    “The recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area have wrought unprecedented damage to our community. We at Preferred Bank will be dedicated to making the utmost effort to help rebuild the homes and businesses lost in this tragedy. At this time, the Bank has confirmed the existence of one property that secures a commercial loan which was affected by the fires but we can confirm the property had the appropriate insurance. We are most grateful that none of our residential home mortgage borrowers have been affected and that none of our employees have been directly impacted.

    “In December, our Board of Directors announced an increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.70 per quarter to $0.75 per quarter, the first of which is payable in January of 2025. For the year, we also repurchased 464,314 shares of our common stock for total consideration of $34.3 million. At December 31, 2024, the Bank’s tier 1 leverage ratio improved to 11.33% from 10.85% as of December 31, 2023. Tangible book value per common share increased from $50.54 at the end of 2023 to $57.86 as of December 31, 2024, a 13.1% increase.

    “We look forward to continue our consistently strong financial performance into 2025.”

    Results of Operations – Quarter

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin. Net interest income before provision for credit losses was $69.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. This was a $325,000 increase from the $68.8 million recorded in the prior quarter and a $223,000 decrease from the same quarter last year. Compared to the prior quarter, interest income was down by $3.6 million but interest expense also decreased by $3.9 million. In comparison to the same quarter last year, interest income increased by $894,000 but interest expense increased by $1.1 million. The Bank’s net interest margin came in at 4.06% for the quarter, this is down slightly from the 4.10% recorded last quarter and was down by 18 basis points from the 4.24% margin achieved in the fourth quarter of the prior year. Management believes that efforts to reduce the Bank’s asset sensitivity have been largely effective as the margin has held up much better than originally anticipated when the first rate cut occurred in September of 2024.

    Noninterest Income. For the fourth quarter of 2024, noninterest income was $3.6 million compared with $2.1 million for the same quarter last year and compared to $3.5 million for the third quarter of 2024. The increase over the prior quarter was primarily due to other income and fees which increased by $131,000. In comparing to the same quarter last year, letter of credit (LC) fee income was up by $491,000 and last year the Bank recorded a loss on sale of investment securities of $929,000. Finally, other income was up by $303,000 over last year.

    Noninterest Expense. Total noninterest expense was $28.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $22.1 million for the third quarter of 2024 and compared to the $17.9 million recorded in the same period last year. The primary reason for the increase over the prior year and over the prior quarter was the $8.1 million occupancy expense adjustment related to accounting pronouncement ASC 842 mentioned earlier. In comparing to the prior quarter; personnel expense was down by $246,000, business development expense was up by $99,000 and OREO expense was lower by $1.8 million due to a $1.6 million valuation allowance recorded last quarter. In comparing to same quarter last year; personnel expense was up by $1.2 million due to additional personnel, professional services was up by $251,000 and other expense was up by $360,000.   For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the Bank’s efficiency ratio was 38.8%, higher than the 30.6% posted last quarter and higher than the 25.0% posted this quarter last year.

    Income Taxes. The Bank recorded a provision for income taxes of $12.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. This represents an effective tax rate (“ETR”) of 29.0% which is identical to the ETR for last quarter and up from the 28.5% ETR recorded in the same period last year. The Bank’s ETR will fluctuate slightly from quarter to quarter within a fairly small range due to the timing of taxable events throughout the year.

    Balance Sheet Summary

    Total gross loans at December 31, 2024 were $5.64 billion, an increase of $369 million from the total of $5.27 billion as of December 31, 2023. Total deposits were $5.92 billion, an increase of $207.5 million from the $5.71 billion as of December 31, 2023. Total assets were $6.92 billion, an increase of $264.2 million over the total of $6.66 billion as of December 31, 2023.

    Results of Operations – Year

    The Bank’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $130.7 million or $9.64 per diluted share. This is down from $150.0 million or $10.52 per diluted share for 2023. The decrease was due to net interest income which was down by $16.7 million as well as noninterest expense which increased by $13.4 million. This was partially offset by noninterest income which increased in 2024 by $6.5 million over 2023. Despite this decline, the Bank’s earnings metrics still remain top-of-class as ROA was 1.91%, ROBE was 18.8% and the Bank’s efficiency ratio was 31.5%. Also, during 2024 the Bank repurchased 464,314 shares at an average price of $73.76 which contributed approximately $0.17 per diluted share for 2024.

    Asset Quality

    Non-accrual loans and loans 90 days past due and still accruing totaled $9.4 million as of December 31, 2024, a decrease of $10.0 million from $19.4 million on September 30, 2024 and a decrease of $19.3 million from the $28.7 million in nonperforming loans as of December 31, 2023. Total net charge-offs for the quarter were $6.6 million and all were previously fully reserved.

    Total criticized loans decreased to $158.1 million from $234.8 million last quarter. The Bank expects to upgrade a number of the remaining credits in this cohort once more collateral is in place.

    Allowance for Credit Losses

    The provision for credit losses for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $2.0 million compared to $3.2 million last quarter and compared to $3.5 million in the same quarter last year.   The Bank’s allowance coverage ratio declined to 1.27% of loans as compared to 1.36% in the prior quarter.

    Capitalization

    As of December 31, 2024, the Bank’s leverage ratio was 11.33%, the common equity tier 1 capital ratio was 11.80% and the total capital ratio stood at 15.11%. As of December 31, 2023, the Bank’s leverage ratio was 10.85%, the common equity tier 1 ratio was 11.57% and the total capital ratio was 15.18%.

    Conference Call and Webcast

    A conference call with simultaneous webcast to discuss Preferred Bank’s fourth quarter 2024 financial results will be held tomorrow, January 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern / 11:00 a.m. Pacific. Interested participants and investors may access the conference call by dialing 844-826-3037 (domestic) or 412-317-5182 (international) and referencing “Preferred Bank.” There will also be a live webcast of the call available at the Investor Relations section of Preferred Bank’s website at www.preferredbank.com.

    Preferred Bank’s Chairman and CEO Li Yu, President and Chief Operating Officer Wellington Chen, Chief Financial Officer Edward J. Czajka, Chief Credit Officer Nick Pi and Deputy Chief Operating Officer Johnny Hsu will discuss Preferred Bank’s financial results, business highlights and outlook. After the live webcast, a replay will be available at the Investor Relations section of Preferred Bank’s website. A replay of the call will also be available at 877-344-7529 (domestic) or 412-317-0088 (international) through February 11, 2025; the passcode is 6335378.

    About Preferred Bank

    Preferred Bank is one of the larger independent commercial banks headquartered in California. The Bank is chartered by the State of California, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Bank conducts its banking business from its main office in Los Angeles, California, and through twelve full-service branch banking offices in California (Alhambra, Century City, City of Industry, Torrance, Arcadia, Irvine (2), Diamond Bar, Pico Rivera, Tarzana and San Francisco (2)), one branch in Flushing, New York and a branch office in the Houston, Texas suburb of Sugar Land. In addition, the Bank also operates a loan production office in Sunnyvale, California. Preferred Bank offers a broad range of deposit and loan products and services to both commercial and consumer customers. The Bank provides personalized deposit services as well as real estate finance, commercial loans and trade finance to small and mid-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, professionals and high net worth individuals. Although originally founded as a Chinese-American Bank, Preferred Bank now derives most of its customers from the diversified mainstream market but does continue to benefit from the significant migration to California of ethnic Chinese from China and other areas of East Asia.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the Bank’s future financial and operating results, the Bank’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Bank’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: changes in economic conditions; changes in the California real estate market; the loss of senior management and other employees; natural disasters or recurring energy shortage; changes in interest rates; competition from other financial services companies; ineffective underwriting practices; inadequate allowance for loan and lease losses to cover actual losses; risks inherent in construction lending; adverse economic conditions in Asia; downturn in international trade; inability to attract deposits; inability to raise additional capital when needed or on favorable terms; inability to manage growth; inadequate communications, information, operating and financial control systems, technology from fourth party service providers; the U.S. government’s monetary policies; government regulation; environmental liability with respect to properties to which the bank takes title; and the threat of terrorism. Additional factors that could cause the Bank’s results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the Bank’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation which can be found on Preferred Bank’s website. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of the press release, and the Bank assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. For additional information about Preferred Bank, please visit the Bank’s website at www.preferredbank.com.

    Financial Tables to Follow

     
    PREFERRED BANK
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands, except for net income per share and shares)
               
      For the Quarter Ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,
      2024   2024   2023
    Interest income:          
    Loans, including fees $ 111,596     $ 114,112     $ 107,709  
    Investment securities   14,013       15,032       16,973  
    Fed funds sold   249       280       282  
    Total interest income   125,858       129,424       124,964  
               
    Interest expense:          
    Interest-bearing demand   18,245       23,211       21,716  
    Savings   85       84       72  
    Time certificates   37,030       35,956       32,455  
    Subordinated debt   1,325       1,325       1,325  
    Total interest expense   56,685       60,576       55,568  
    Net interest income   69,173       68,848       69,396  
    Provision for credit losses   2,000       3,200       3,500  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   67,173       65,648       65,896  
               
    Noninterest income:          
    Fees & service charges on deposit accounts   761       747       857  
    Letters of credit fee income   1,977       1,959       1,486  
    BOLI income   102       108       105  
    Net loss on called and sale of investment securities   –       –       (929 )
    Net gain on sale of loans   112       91       205  
    Other income   685       554       382  
    Total noninterest income   3,637       3,459       2,106  
               
    Noninterest expense:          
    Salary and employee benefits   13,279       13,525       12,058  
    Net occupancy expense   10,110       1,883       1,536  
    Business development and promotion expense   340       241       239  
    Professional services   1,606       1,816       1,355  
    Office supplies and equipment expense   396       435       391  
    OREO valuation allowance and related expense   155       1,915       294  
    Other   2,360       2,274       2,000  
    Total noninterest expense   28,246       22,089       17,873  
    Income before provision for income taxes   42,564       47,018       50,129  
    Income tax expense   12,343       13,635       14,290  
    Net income $ 30,221     $ 33,383     $ 35,839  
               
    Income per share available to common shareholders          
    Basic $ 2.29     $ 2.50     $ 2.63  
    Diluted $ 2.25     $ 2.46     $ 2.60  
               
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding          
    Basic   13,190,696       13,327,848       13,617,225  
    Diluted   13,442,294       13,544,273       13,804,315  
               
    Cash dividends per common share $ 0.75     $ 0.70     $ 0.70  
               
    PREFERRED BANK
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands, except for net income per share and shares)
               
      For the Twelve Months Ended    
      December 31,   December 31,   Change
      2024   2023   %
    Interest income:          
    Loans, including fees $ 445,139     $ 412,505       7.9 %
    Investment securities   62,854       64,427       -2.4 %
    Fed funds sold   1,103       1,056       4.5 %
    Total interest income   509,096       477,988       6.5 %
               
    Interest expense:          
    Interest-bearing demand   87,951       75,417       16.6 %
    Savings   323       225       43.5 %
    Time certificates   142,894       103,853       37.6 %
    FHLB borrowings   0       3,819       -100.0 %
    Subordinated debt   5,300       5,300       0.0 %
    Total interest expense   236,468       188,614       25.4 %
    Net interest income   272,628       289,374       -5.8 %
    Provision for credit losses   12,100       10,000       21.0 %
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   260,528       279,374       -6.7 %
               
    Noninterest income:          
    Fees & service charges on deposit accounts   3,172       3,333       -4.8 %
    Letters of credit fee income   7,188       5,798       24.0 %
    BOLI income   420       412       2.1 %
    Net loss on called and sale of investment securities   –       (5,046 )     -100.0 %
    Net gain on sale of loans   659       752       -12.4 %
    Other income   2,126       1,864       14.0 %
    Total noninterest income   13,565       7,113       90.7 %
               
    Noninterest expense:          
    Salary and employee benefits   53,648       51,314       4.5 %
    Net occupancy expense   15,420       6,049       154.9 %
    Business development and promotion expense   1,250       737       69.6 %
    Professional services   6,711       5,270       27.3 %
    Office supplies and equipment expense   1,781       1,588       12.2 %
    OREO valuation allowance and related expense   2,234       3,344       -33.2 %
    Other   9,016       8,332       8.2 %
    Total noninterest expense   90,060       76,634       17.5 %
    Income before provision for income taxes   184,033       209,853       -12.3 %
    Income tax expense   53,371       59,813       -10.8 %
    Net income $ 130,662     $ 150,040       -12.9 %
               
    Income per share available to common shareholders          
    Basic $ 9.79     $ 10.64       -8.0 %
    Diluted $ 9.64     $ 10.52       -8.4 %
               
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding          
    Basic   13,347,004       14,095,745       -5.3 %
    Diluted   13,554,266       14,261,644       -5.0 %
               
    Dividends per share $ 2.85     $ 2.35       21.3 %
               
    PREFERRED BANK
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands)
           
      December 31,   December 31,
      2024   2023
      (Unaudited)   (Audited)
    Assets      
    Cash and due from banks $ 765,515     $ 890,852  
    Fed funds sold   20,000       20,000  
    Cash and cash equivalents   785,515       910,852  
           
    Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   20,021       21,171  
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   348,706       313,842  
           
    Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value   2,214       360  
           
    Loans   5,640,615       5,273,498  
    Less allowance for credit losses   (71,477 )     (78,355 )
    Less amortized deferred loan fees, net   (9,234 )     (11,079 )
    Loans, net   5,559,904       5,184,064  
           
    Other real estate owned and repossessed assets   14,991       16,716  
    Customers’ liability on acceptances   –       315  
    Bank furniture and fixtures, net   8,462       9,694  
    Bank-owned life insurance   10,433       10,632  
    Accrued interest receivable   33,561       33,892  
    Investment in affordable housing partnerships   58,346       65,276  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost   15,000       15,000  
    Deferred tax assets   47,316       48,991  
    Income tax receivable   2,281       2,391  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   13,182       22,050  
    Other assets   3,497       4,030  
    Total assets $ 6,923,429     $ 6,659,276  
           
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity      
    Deposits:      
    Noninterest bearing demand deposits $ 704,859     $ 786,995  
    Interest bearing deposits:   2,026,965       2,075,156  
    Savings   30,150       29,167  
    Time certificates of $250,000 or more   1,477,931       1,317,862  
    Other time certificates   1,676,943       1,500,162  
    Total deposits   5,916,848       5,709,342  
           
    Acceptances outstanding   –       315  
    Subordinated debt issuance, net   148,469       148,232  
    Commitments to fund investment in affordable housing partnerships   21,623       30,824  
    Operating lease liabilities   16,990       19,766  
    Accrued interest payable   16,517       16,124  
    Other liabilities   39,830       39,568  
    Total liabilities   6,160,277       5,964,171  
           
    Shareholders’ equity   763,152       695,105  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   6,923,429       6,659,276  
           
    Book value per common share $ 57.86     $ 50.54  
    Number of common shares outstanding   13,188,776       13,753,246  
                   
    PREFERRED BANK
    Selected Consolidated Financial Information
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands, except for ratios)
               
      For the Quarter Ended
      December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31,
      2024 2024 2024 2024 2023
    Unaudited historical quarterly operations data:          
    Interest income $ 125,858   $ 129,424   $ 127,294   $ 126,520   $ 124,964  
    Interest expense   56,685     60,576     61,187     58,020     55,568  
    Interest income before provision for credit losses   69,173     68,848     66,107     68,500     69,396  
    Provision for credit losses   2,000     3,200     2,500     4,400     3,500  
    Noninterest income   3,637     3,459     3,404     3,065     2,106  
    Noninterest expense   28,246     22,089     19,697     20,028     17,873  
    Income tax expense   12,343     13,635     13,722     13,671     14,290  
    Net income $ 30,221   $ 33,383   $ 33,592   $ 33,466   $ 35,839  
               
    Earnings per share          
    Basic $ 2.29   $ 2.50   $ 2.51   $ 2.48   $ 2.63  
    Diluted $ 2.25   $ 2.46   $ 2.48   $ 2.44   $ 2.60  
               
    Ratios for the period:          
    Return on average assets   1.74 %   1.95 %   1.97 %   2.00 %   2.15 %
    Return on beginning equity   16.03 %   18.37 %   19.44 %   19.36 %   21.21 %
    Net interest margin (Fully-taxable equivalent)   4.06 %   4.10 %   3.96 %   4.19 %   4.24 %
    Noninterest expense to average assets   1.62 %   1.29 %   1.15 %   1.20 %   1.07 %
    Efficiency ratio   38.79 %   30.55 %   28.34 %   27.99 %   25.00 %
    Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)   0.47 %   -0.00 %   0.68 %   0.26 %   -0.00 %
               
    Ratios as of period end:          
    Tangible common equity ratio   11.02 %   10.92 %   10.55 %   10.35 %   10.43 %
    Tier 1 leverage capital ratio   11.33 %   11.28 %   10.89 %   10.80 %   10.85 %
    Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   11.80 %   11.66 %   11.52 %   11.50 %   11.57 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   11.80 %   11.66 %   11.52 %   11.50 %   11.57 %
    Total risk-based capital ratio   15.11 %   15.06 %   14.93 %   15.08 %   15.18 %
    Allowances for credit losses to loans at end of period   1.27 %   1.36 %   1.34 %   1.49 %   1.49 %
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans   7.64 x   3.92 x   1.79 x   4.33 x   2.73 x
               
    Average balances:          
    Total securities $ 350,732   $ 356,590   $ 353,357   $ 348,961   $ 349,863  
    Total loans   5,542,558     5,458,613     5,320,360     5,263,562     5,126,918  
    Total earning assets   6,788,487     6,684,766     6,728,498     6,585,853     6,499,469  
    Total assets   6,920,325     6,817,979     6,863,829     6,718,018     6,627,349  
    Total time certificate of deposits   3,144,523     2,874,985     2,884,259     2,852,860     2,767,385  
    Total interest bearing deposits   5,220,655     5,124,245     5,203,034     5,004,834     4,906,947  
    Total deposits   5,905,127     5,828,227     5,901,976     5,761,488     5,689,713  
    Total interest bearing liabilities   5,369,092     5,272,617     5,351,347     5,153,089     5,055,143  
    Total equity   760,345     747,222     715,190     704,996     683,141  
               
    PREFERRED BANK
    Selected Consolidated Financial Information
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands, except for ratios)
           
      For the Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,   December 31,
      2024   2023
           
    Interest income $ 509,096     $ 477,988  
    Interest expense   236,468       188,614  
    Interest income before provision for credit losses   272,628       289,374  
    Provision for credit losses   12,100       10,000  
    Noninterest income   13,565       7,113  
    Noninterest expense   90,060       76,634  
    Income tax expense   53,371       59,813  
    Net income $ 130,662     $ 150,040  
           
    Earnings per share      
    Basic $ 9.79     $ 10.64  
    Diluted $ 9.64     $ 10.52  
           
    Ratios for the period:      
    Return on average assets   1.91 %     2.28 %
    Return on beginning equity   18.80 %     23.80 %
    Net interest margin (Fully-taxable equivalent)   4.08 %     4.49 %
    Noninterest expense to average assets   1.32 %     1.17 %
    Efficiency ratio   31.47 %     25.85 %
    Net charge-off to average loans   0.35 %     0.00 %
           
    Average balances:      
    Total securities $ 352,416     $ 389,584  
    Total loans   5,396,844       5,068,486  
    Total earning assets   6,697,118       5,067,870  
    Total assets   6,830,252       6,452,661  
    Total time certificate of deposits   2,939,543       6,577,690  
    Total interest bearing deposits   5,849,300       2,570,706  
    Total deposits   5,849,300       4,678,893  
    Total interest bearing liabilities   5,849,300       5,577,155  
    Total equity   732,058       4,902,616  
           
    PREFERRED BANK
    Selected Consolidated Financial Information
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands, except for ratios)
                             
            As of
            December 31,   September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,
            2024   2024   2024   2024   2023
    Unaudited quarterly statement of financial position data:                  
    Assets:                  
      Cash and cash equivalents $ 785,515     $ 804,994     $ 917,677     $ 936,600     $ 910,852  
      Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   20,021       20,311       20,605       20,904       21,171  
      Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   348,706       337,363       331,909       333,411       313,842  
      Loans:                  
        Real estate – Mortgage:                  
          Real estate—Residential $ 790,069     $ 753,453     $ 732,251     $ 724,101     $ 688,058  
          Real estate—Commercial   2,840,771       2,882,506       2,833,430       2,777,608       2,760,761  
          Total Real Estate – Mortgage   3,630,840       3,635,959       3,565,681       3,501,709       3,448,819  
        Real estate – Construction:                  
          R/E Construction — Residential   296,580       274,214       238,062       236,596       246,201  
          R/E Construction — Commercial   287,185       290,308       247,582       213,727       179,775  
          Total real estate construction loans   583,765       564,522       485,644       450,323       425,976  
        Commercial and industrial   1,418,930       1,365,550       1,371,694       1,369,529       1,394,871  
        SBA   6,833       5,424       5,463       3,914       3,469  
        Consumer and others   247       124       118       379       363  
          Gross loans   5,640,615       5,571,579       5,428,600       5,325,854       5,273,498  
      Allowance for credit losses on loans   (71,477 )     (76,051 )     (72,848 )     (79,311 )     (78,355 )
      Net deferred loan fees   (9,234 )     (10,414 )     (10,502 )     (10,460 )     (11,079 )
        Net loans, excluding loans held for sale $ 5,559,904     $ 5,485,114     $ 5,345,250     $ 5,236,083     $ 5,184,064  
      Loans held for sale $ 2,214     $ 225     $ 955     $ 605     $ 360  
        Net loans $ 5,562,118     $ 5,485,339     $ 5,346,205     $ 5,236,688     $ 5,184,424  
                             
      Other real estate owned and repossessed assets $ 14,991     $ 15,082     $ 16,716     $ 16,716     $ 16,716  
      Investment in affordable housing partnerships   58,346       58,009       60,432       62,854       65,276  
      Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost   15,000       15,000       15,000       15,000       15,000  
      Other assets   118,732       136,246       138,036       134,040       131,995  
        Total assets $ 6,923,429     $ 6,872,344     $ 6,846,580     $ 6,756,213     $ 6,659,276  
                             
    Liabilities:                  
      Deposits:                  
        Demand $ 704,859     $ 682,859     $ 675,767     $ 709,767     $ 786,995  
        Interest bearing demand   2,026,965       1,994,288       2,326,214       2,159,948       2,075,156  
        Savings   30,150       29,793       28,251       29,261       29,167  
        Time certificates of $250,000 or more   1,477,931       1,478,500       1,406,149       1,349,927       1,317,862  
        Other time certificates   1,676,943       1,682,324       1,442,381       1,552,805       1,500,162  
        Total deposits $ 5,916,848     $ 5,867,764     $ 5,878,762     $ 5,801,708     $ 5,709,342  
                             
      Acceptances outstanding $ –     $ –     $ –     $ –     $ 315  
      Subordinated debt issuance, net   148,469       148,410       148,351       148,292       148,232  
      Commitments to fund investment in affordable housing partnerships   21,623       23,617       27,946       29,647       30,824  
      Other liabilities   73,337       82,436       68,394       77,008       75,458  
        Total liabilities $ 6,160,277     $ 6,122,227     $ 6,123,453     $ 6,056,655     $ 5,964,171  
                             
    Equity:                    
      Net common stock, no par value $ 105,501     $ 109,928     $ 113,509     $ 115,915     $ 134,534  
      Retained earnings   685,108       664,808       640,675       616,417       592,325  
      Accumulated other comprehensive income   (27,457 )     (24,619 )     (31,057 )     (32,774 )     (31,754 )
        Total shareholders’ equity $ 763,152     $ 750,117     $ 723,127     $ 699,558     $ 695,105  
        Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,923,429     $ 6,872,344     $ 6,846,580     $ 6,756,213     $ 6,659,276  
                             
    PREFERRED BANK
    Quarter-to-Date Average Balances, Yield and Rates
    (unaudited)
                           
                       
      Three months ended December 31,   Three months ended September 30,   Three months ended December 31,
      2024   2024   2023
        Interest Average     Interest Average     Interest Average
      Average Income or Yield/   Average Income or Yield/   Average Income or Yield/
      Balance Expense Rate   Balance Expense Rate   Balance Expense Rate
    ASSETS (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest earning assets:                      
    Loans (1,2) $ 5,543,215   $ 111,596     8.01 %   $ 5,459,842   $ 114,112     8.31 %   $ 5,127,935   $ 107,709     8.33 %
    Investment securities (3)   350,732     3,566     4.04 %     356,590     3,610     4.03 %     349,863     3,335     3.78 %
    Federal funds sold   20,172     249     4.91 %     20,164     280     5.52 %     20,028     282     5.58 %
    Other earning assets   874,368     10,546     4.80 %     848,170     11,521     5.40 %     1,001,643     13,739     5.44 %
    Total interest earning assets   6,788,487     125,957     7.38 %     6,684,766     129,523     7.71 %     6,499,469     125,065     7.63 %
    Deferred loan fees, net   (9,808 )         (10,248 )         (10,421 )    
    Allowance for credit losses on loans   (75,474 )         (72,899 )         (74,965 )    
    Noninterest earning assets:                      
    Cash and due from banks   10,626           10,826           12,376      
    Bank furniture and fixtures   8,866           9,419           9,243      
    Right of use assets   28,570           22,496           20,338      
    Other assets   169,058           173,619           171,309      
    Total assets $ 6,920,325         $ 6,817,979         $ 6,627,349      
                           
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                      
    Interest bearing liabilities:                      
    Deposits:                      
    Interest bearing demand and savings $ 2,076,132   $ 18,330     3.51 %   $ 2,249,260   $ 23,295     4.12 %   $ 2,139,562   $ 21,788     4.04 %
    TCD $250K or more   1,481,219     17,514     4.70 %     1,412,073     17,866     5.03 %     1,294,531     15,600     4.78 %
    Other time certificates   1,663,304     19,516     4.67 %     1,462,912     18,090     4.92 %     1,472,854     16,855     4.54 %
    Total interest bearing deposits   5,220,655     55,360     4.22 %     5,124,245     59,251     4.60 %     4,906,947     54,243     4.39 %
    Short-term borrowings   3     0     3.31 %     –     –     0.00 %     2     0     6.08 %
    Subordinated debt, net   148,434     1,325     3.55 %     148,372     1,325     3.55 %     148,194     1,325     3.55 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   5,369,092     56,685     4.20 %     5,272,617     60,576     4.57 %     5,055,143     55,568     4.36 %
    Noninterest bearing liabilities:                      
    Demand deposits   684,472           703,982           782,766      
    Lease liability   25,486           18,882           18,179      
    Other liabilities   80,930           75,276           88,120      
    Total liabilities   6,159,980           6,070,757           5,944,208      
    Shareholders’ equity   760,345           747,222           683,141      
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,920,325         $ 6,817,979         $ 6,627,349      
    Net interest income   $ 69,272         $ 68,947         $ 69,497    
    Net interest spread       3.18 %         3.14 %         3.27 %
    Net interest margin       4.06 %         4.10 %         4.24 %
                           
    Cost of Deposits:                      
    Noninterest bearing demand deposits $ 684,472         $ 703,982         $ 782,766      
    Interest bearing deposits   5,220,655     55,360     4.22 %     5,124,245     59,251     4.60 %     4,906,947     54,243     4.39 %
    Total Deposits $ 5,905,127   $ 55,360     3.73 %   $ 5,828,227   $ 59,251     4.04 %   $ 5,689,713   $ 54,243     3.78 %
    (1) Includes non-accrual loans and loans held for sale    
    (2) Net loan fee income of $1.2 million, $991,000, and $1.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, are included in the yield computations  
    (3) Yields on securities have been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis  
         
    PREFERRED BANK
    Year-to-Date Average Balances, Yield and Rates
    (unaudited)
                                           
      Twleve Months ended December 31,
      2024
    		   2023
        Interest Average     Interest Average
      Average Income or Yield/   Average Income or Yield/
      Balance Expense Rate   Balance Expense Rate
    ASSETS (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest earning assets:              
    Loans (1,2) $ 5,398,916   $ 445,139     8.24 %   $ 5,068,486   $ 412,505     8.14 %
    Investment securities (3)   352,416     14,257     4.05 %     389,584     14,461     3.71 %
    Federal funds sold   20,397     1,103     5.41 %     20,090     1,056     5.26 %
    Other earning assets   925,389     48,994     5.29 %     974,501     50,372     5.17 %
    Total interest earning assets   6,697,118     509,493     7.61 %     6,452,661     478,394     7.41 %
    Deferred loan fees, net   (10,301 )         (10,212 )    
    Allowance for credit losses on loans   (76,448 )         (70,992 )    
    Noninterest earning assets:              
    Cash and due from banks   10,624           11,978      
    Bank furniture and fixtures   9,537           9,010      
    Right of use assets   23,997           21,417      
    Other assets   175,725           163,828      
    Total assets $ 6,830,252         $ 6,577,690      
                   
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
    Interest bearing liabilities:              
    Deposits:              
    Interest bearing demand/ savings $ 2,198,837   $ 88,274     4.01 %   $ 2,108,187   $ 75,642     3.59 %
    TCD $250K or more   1,403,663     69,176     4.93 %     1,267,859     53,200     4.20 %
    Other time certificates   1,535,880     73,718     4.80 %     1,302,847     50,653     3.89 %
    Total interest bearing deposits   5,138,380     231,168     4.50 %     4,678,893     179,495     3.84 %
    Short-term borrowings   1     0     2.50 %     1     0     3.06 %
    Advance from Federal Home Loan Bank   –     0     0.00 %     75,616     3,819     5.05 %
    Subordinated debt, net   148,344     5,300     3.57 %     148,106     5,300     3.58 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   5,286,725     236,468     4.47 %     4,902,616     188,614     3.85 %
    Noninterest bearing liabilities:              
    Demand deposits   710,920           898,262      
    Lease liability   20,931           19,902      
    Other liabilities   79,618           84,449      
    Total liabilities   6,098,194           5,905,229      
    Shareholders’ equity   732,058           672,461      
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,830,252         $ 6,577,690      
    Net interest income   $ 273,025         $ 289,780    
    Net interest spread       3.13 %         3.57 %
    Net interest margin       4.08 %         4.49 %
                   
    Cost of Deposits:              
    Noninterest bearing demand deposits $ 710,920         $ 898,262      
    Interest bearing deposits   5,138,380     231,168     4.50 %     4,678,893     179,495     3.84 %
    Total Deposits $ 5,849,300   $ 231,168     3.95 %   $ 5,577,155   $ 179,495     3.22 %
    (1) Includes non-accrual loans and loans held for sale  
    (2) Net loan fee income of $4.6 million and $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are included in the yield computations
    (3) Yields on securities have been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis
         
    Preferred Bank
    Loan and Credit Quality Information
           
    Allowance For Credit Losses History
      Year ended
      December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
      (Dollars in 000’s)
    Allowance For Credit Losses      
    Balance at Beginning of Period $ 78,355     $ 68,472  
    Charge-Offs      
    Commercial & Industrial   19,028       124  
    Total Charge-Offs   19,028       124  
           
    Recoveries      
    Commercial & Industrial   50       7  
    Total Recoveries   50       7  
           
    Net Charge-Offs   18,978       117  
    Provision for Credit Losses:   12,100       10,000  
    Balance at End of Period $ 71,477     $ 78,355  
           
    Average Loans Held for Investment $ 5,396,844     $ 5,067,870  
    Loans Held for Investment at End of Period $ 5,640,615     $ 5,273,498  
    Net Charge-Offs to Average Loans   0.35 %     0.00 %
    Allowances for Credit Losses to Loans at End of Period   1.27 %     1.49 %
           
    AT THE COMPANY: AT FINANCIAL PROFILES:
    Edward J. Czajka Jeffrey Haas
    Executive Vice President General Information
    Chief Financial Officer (310) 622-8240
    (213) 891-1188 PFBC@finprofiles.com
       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Joins Bipartisan Legislation to Support Firefighters with Service-Related Cancers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    January 27, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today that he joined the reintroduction of legislation that would expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters and other first responders who died or became permanently disabled from service-related cancers. 
    The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act would also extend disability benefits in cases where these first responders become permanently and totally disabled due to cancer.
    “In the wake of record wildfires last year in Oregon and California’s current wildfires, we have seen firefighters and first responders work tirelessly around the clock to save lives,” Wyden said. “They put their health, safety, and lives on the line without receiving an ounce of support that comes with the long-term risks of fighting fires. Let’s give these everyday heroes and their families the help they deserve so they don’t have to shoulder these challenges alone.”
    Currently, firefighters are only eligible for support under the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program for physical injuries sustained in the line-of-duty, or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11 related illnesses.
    The PSOB program provides benefits to the survivors of fire fighters; law enforcement officers; and other first responders killed as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty. The program also provides disability benefits where first responders become permanently or totally disabled. The Public Safety Officers’ Educational Assistance (PSOEA) program, a component of the PSOB program, provides higher-education assistance to the children and spouses of public safety officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance administers the PSOB and PSOEA programs.
    In addition to Wyden, the legislation is led by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and cosponsored by Senators Jim Banks, R-Ind., John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Chris Coons, D-Del., John Cornyn, R-Texas, Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Deb Fischer, R-Neb., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, John Hoeven, R-N.D., Jim Justice, R-W. Va., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Mike Rounds, R-S.D., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Mark Warner, D-Va., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.
    The legislation is endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters, as well as the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies; Congressional Fire Services Institute; Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association; Fraternal Order of Police; International Association of Fire Chiefs; Major County Sheriffs of America; Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association; National Association of Police Organizations; National Fallen Firefighters Foundation; National Fire Protection Association; National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition; National Volunteer Fire Council; and Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York Police Department. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Schumer, Murray, Kim Lead 47 Senators In Introducing Resolution Condemning Trump’s Pardons Of Jan. 6 Rioters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    January 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.) on Monday led a group of 47 senators, including U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), in introducing a new resolution condemning the pardons of individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers. The resolution follows the move by President Trump, on the first day of his second term, to grant full, complete, and unconditional pardons to over 1,500 people charged with committing crimes in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and to commute the sentences of 14 others, including leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers— far-right militias. Among those pardoned by Trump were 169 people who pled guilty to assaulting police officers on January 6th.  During the siege of the Capitol that day, over 80 U.S. Capitol Police Officers were assaulted, as well as over 60 officers from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
    The senators’ resolution, Condemning the pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers, simply states: “Resolved, That the Senate disapproves of any pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police officers.” Murphy and Blumenthal will seek unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass the resolution.
    “Trump’s pardons of January 6th rioters who viciously assaulted law enforcement officers send a dangerous message: if you’re willing to commit violence in his name, there are no consequences,” said Murphy. “This endorsement of political violence not only undermines our justice system, but it also makes our nation less safe and emboldens those who would attack our democracy.”
    “President Trump’s blanket pardons of armed insurrectionists, who were convicted by juries of everyday Americans, is the ultimate disrespect for police officers who were brutally assaulted on January 6,” said Blumenthal. “These sickening pardons are a clear endorsement of political violence and discredit justice and the rule of law. I urge my Republican colleagues who were protected that terrible day—and who now stay silent—to join in condemning the violence that occurred and standing with the officers who put their lives on the line for their safety.”
    U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also cosponsored the resolution. In total, 46 senators signed onto the resolution.
    Full text of the resolution is available HERE.
    According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, approximately 1,572 defendants have been federally charged with crimes associated with the attack of the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. This includes approximately 598 charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement agents or officers or obstructing those officers during a civil disorder, including approximately 171 defendants charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer. As proven in court, the weapons used and carried on Capitol grounds during the January 6th attack include firearms; OC spray; tasers; edged weapons, including a sword, axes, hatchets, and knives; and makeshift weapons, such as destroyed office furniture, fencing, bike racks, stolen riot shields, baseball bats, hockey sticks, flagpoles, PVC piping, and reinforced knuckle gloves.
    Among others, the individuals who assaulted law enforcement officers and were granted full, unconditional pardons by President Trump this week include:
    Taylor James Johnatakis, of Kingston, Washington, was convicted of three felonies in November 2023, including assaulting officers. Prosecutors said that he “coordinated a violent assault on a line of police officers defending” the Capitol and that video shows he “used a metal barricade to attack officers head on and grabbed one officer to prevent him from defending himself against other attacking rioters.”
    Julian Khater, who assaulted a U.S. police office—Brian Sicknick—and later pled guilty to assaulting a police officer with a dangerous weapon.
    Robert Palmer, who attacked police with a fire extinguisher, a wooden plank, and a pole.
    Tyler Bradley Dykes of Bluffton, South Carolina, who was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for stealing a police riot shield and twice using it against officers. He pleaded guilty to two felony counts of assaulting, resisting or impeding officers.
    Devlyn Thompson, who hit a police officer with a metal baton.
    Andrew Taake, of Houston, Texas, who was sentenced to a little more than six years for assaulting law enforcement officers with bear spray and a metal whip.
    Christopher Quaglin, who federal prosecutors said “viciously assaulted numerous officers” and was one of the most violent rioters, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison.
    David Dempsey, who, according to prosecutors, “was one of the most violent rioters,” and received 20 years in prison. Prosecutors also said Dempsey had a “very significant history of arrests and convictions” prior to the January 6th attack.
    Daniel Rodriguez, of Fontana, California, who plunged a stun gun into the neck of Washington Police Officer Michael Fanone multiple times.
    Ryan Nichols, of Longview, Texas, who assaulted officers with pepper spray, and later on Jan. 6, at his hotel room, he called for additional violence.
    Howard Richardson, of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, who struck a police officer three times with a flagpole, hard enough to break the flagpole.
    Robert Sanford, from Chester, Pennsylvania, who hit two police officers in the head with a fire extinguisher and threw a traffic cone at another officer.
    Jonathan Munafo, of Albany, New York, who punched a police officer, stole the officer’s riot shield, and struck a Capitol office window with two poles.

    MIL OSI USA News –