NewzIntel.com

Category: Police

  • MIL-OSI Security: Canastota Woman Sentenced to 5 Years for Drug Conspiracy and Firearm Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jessica Snyder, age 46, of Canastota, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 5 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and a heroin/fentanyl mixture, and for possessing firearms as an unlawful user of controlled substances.

    United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood made the announcement.

    As part of her prior guilty plea, Snyder admitted that from approximately October 2020 through May 17, 2022, she conspired with her husband, Andrew Snyder, to distribute both methamphetamine and a heroin/fentanyl mixture to others out of the garage of their home in Madison County. Snyder further admitted that on May 17, 2022, while she was an unlawful user of controlled substances, including methamphetamine, she possessed two 9mm handguns and ammunition.

    Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered Snyder to serve a 4-year term of supervised release following her release from prison and to forfeit the two 9mm handguns and ammunition she possessed.

    Andrew Snyder was sentenced earlier this month to 60 months’ imprisonment.

    This case was investigated by ATF and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas R. Sutcliffe and Matthew J. McCrobie prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two to appear in court following a building fire, Frankton

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Sergeant Matt Lee:

    Hamilton Police have arrested and charged two people following a fire at a workshop in Frankton last month.

    Police were called to the fire on Ellis Street at around 11.20am on Monday 10 March 2025.

    After an investigation into the fire, Police this morning arrested a 46-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman.

    The pair are due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Tuesday 6 May 2025, charged with arson.

    We would like to acknowledge and thank the members of the public who provided information that assisted in our investigation.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fact Check- DHS is NOT Deporting American Children

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – Once again, the media is shamefully peddling a false narrative in an attempt to demonize our ICE enforcement agents, who are already facing a 300% surge in assaults again them. The media and Democrat politicians are force-feeding the public false information that US citizen children are being deported.  

    This is false and irresponsible. In both of these cases the mothers had a final order of deportation. Rather than separate their families, ICE asked the mothers if they wanted to be removed with their children or if they wanted ICE to place the children with someone safe the parent designates. Both mothers choose to deport with their children.  

    Jenny Carolina Lopez-Villela illegally entered this country three times in September 2019, March of 2021, and August 2021. She and her older daughter were deemed inadmissible to the United States the first time she entered the country and both her and her daughter were given final orders of removal in March 2020. When she was taken into ICE custody in April 2025, she chose to bring her younger daughter, who is an American Citizen, with her to Honduras and presented a valid United States passport.  

    Reachel Alexas Morales-Valle entered this country illegally and was released into the interior in 2013. She was given a final order of deportation in 2015. In February of 2025, she was arrested by Kenner Police Department in Louisiana for speeding, driving without insurance, and driving without a license. When she was taken into ICE custody in April 2025, she chose to bring both children, who are American citizens, with her to Honduras and presented a valid United States passport for each child.  

    DHS takes its responsibility to protect children seriously and will continue to work with federal law enforcement to ensure that children are safe and protected. Parents, who are here illegally, can take control of their departure. Through the CBP Home App— the Trump Administration is giving parents illegally in the country a chance to take full control of their departure and self-deport, with the potential ability to return the legal, right way and come back to live the American dream. It is free and available for all mobile devices. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Houston Man Guilty of Federal Controlled Substances Act Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FULGENCIO CARDENAS-RIVERA (“CARDENAS-RIVERA”), age 35, a resident of Houston, Texas, pled guilty on April 15, 2025, before United States District Judge Brandon S. Long to possession, with intent to distribute, five hundred (500) grams or more of cocaine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.

    According to court documents, CARDENAS-RIVERA traveled into the Eastern District of Louisiana with approximately three kilograms of cocaine secreted in the trunk of the car he was driving, with the intent to distribute same.

    CARDENAS-RIVERA faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years up to a maximum term of 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. 

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

    This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office and assisted by the United States Border Patrol, the Louisiana State Police, the Kenner Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tonawanda man going to prison for 25 years for production of child pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael E. Swain, 37, of Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted of production of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 25 years in prison and lifetime supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that between October 20 and November 1, 2021, Swain coerced five minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions. Specifically, Swain communicated with a 15-year-old minor female who resided in Colorado using Discord, a social media platform. The communications included sexually graphic conversations, during which Swain requested that the minor female take sexually explicit videos and images and send them to him. In addition, Swain engaged in numerous sexual communications with the minor female from approximately 2019 to 2022, during which other sexually explicit images and videos were sent from to Swain. On February 28, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Swain’s residence and seized a desktop computer tower, a laptop computer, and an external hard drive, all of which were found to contain child pornography.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Buffalo Office Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Amie Feroleto.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Denver Man Sentenced to 194 months in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Tyrell Braxton, 25, of Denver, was sentenced to 194 months in federal prison after being found guilty by a federal jury of being a felon in possession of ammunition.

    According to the facts established at trial, Braxton was charged in connection with a shooting that took place in the early morning hours on August 19, 2023, when a large group of people were gathered on the southwest corner of 28th and Welton Street in Denver.  Shortly before 4am, multiple gunshots were heard, and Denver Police officers were dispatched to a shooting.  Crime scene evidence collected on scene showed that eight different firearms were fired, resulting in 71 spent shell casings.  Video evidence captured Braxton shooting six times into a group of people, killing one man and injuring two women.  Braxton ran across Welton Street, but continued to fire his firearm eight more times.  Braxton fled the scene and was a fugitive before being captured. Braxton was on federal supervised release at the time for a prior unlawful possession of a firearm and had been released from prison in April 2023.

    “Tyrone Braxton’s wanton violence took another’s life,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado J. Bishop Grewell.  “Our community is safer with him in prison.”

    “Fighting violent crime is our top priority, and we are unwavering in our commitment to eradicating violent criminals from our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers.  “The ATF Denver Field Division will continue to deploy all resources at our disposal and leverage every law enforcement partnership in pursuit of those who terrorize our communities with violence.”

    “The Denver Police Department appreciates our great partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,” said Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas.  “Through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, DPD and our partners worked to prove the dangers Mr. Braxton possessed to our community and this sentence demonstrates our collective commitment to safety.”

    United States District Judge R. Brooke Jackson presided over the sentencing.  The Denver Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives handled the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Celeste Rangel and Special Assistant United States Attorney Leah Perczak handled the prosecution.

    Case Number: 24-cr-00029-RBJ

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Olean woman arrested, charged with multiple drug and gun charges for her role in Olean drug ring

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Janine McKenney, 42, of Olean, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of life, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that on February 17, 2025, Erie County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a female slumped over in a vehicle at a gas station in Springville, NY. When deputies arrived, the female had departed the gas station. A short time later, they located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, the driver, later identified as McKenney, provided a false name to deputies. She was detained after a deputy observed a glass pipe designed for smoking crack cocaine in the. While exiting the vehicle, McKenney appeared to be attempting to conceal a suspected crack cocaine rock, which came to rest on the driver’s seat of the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered a quantity of narcotics, including methamphetamine. The following day, on February 18, 2025, deputies conducted an intake search of McKenney at the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Holding Center and discovered three bags of suspected narcotics on McKenney’s person.  A subsequent search of McKenney’s cell phone various photographs of ledgers, firearms, and suspected narcotics that appear to be packaged for sale.

    Later in the evening on February 18, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at McKenney’s Olean residence. McKenney utilized her residence while engaging in drug trafficking activities. During the search, quantities of suspected cocaine, morphine pills, and drug paraphernalia were recovered. In addition, three loaded pistols, ammunition and $2519.00 in cash was also recovered. Two of the three pistols were previously reported stolen. In November 2014, McKenney was convicted of a drug felony in New York State Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Eric Butler, the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Amie Feroleto.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.     

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, SH3, Awakino

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are responding to a serious crash that has blocked State Highway 3 at Awakino, in the Waitomo district.

    The crash was reported about 9.50am, between Papakauri and Awakau roads, and is understood to involve a car and truck.

    At least one person has been injured.

    Traffic management is being arranged, and motorists should expect delays of several hours while the scene is cleared. Police advise motorists to take alternative routes.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 04.29.2025 WTAS: Bipartisan, Bicameral TAKE IT DOWN Act to Criminalize the Spread of Deepfake Revenge Porn Heads to President Trump’s Desk

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the bipartisan, bicameral TAKE IT DOWN Act, introduced in the Senate by Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and co-led by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 409-2 and heads to President Trump’s desk. The legislation unanimously passed the Senate in February.
    The TAKE IT DOWN Act criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated NCII (or “deepfake revenge pornography”), and requires social media and similar websites to implement procedures to remove such content within 48 hours of notice from a victim.
    The House companion was introduced by Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) and Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.).
    Here is what they are saying about the TAKE IT DOWN Act:

    TIME: Inside the First Major U.S. Bill Tackling AI Harms—and Deepfake Abuse
    “In January, however, Cruz was promoted to become the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, giving him a major position of power to set agendas. His office rallied the support for Take it Down from a slew of different public interest groups. They also helped persuade tech companies to support the bill, which worked: Snapchat and Meta got behind it.
    “‘Cruz put an unbelievable amount of muscle into this bill,’ says Sunny Gandhi, vice president of political affairs at Encode, an AI-focused advocacy group that supported the bill. ‘They spent a lot of effort wrangling a lot of the companies to make sure that they wouldn’t be opposed, and getting leadership interested.’”

    THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: House passes Ted Cruz bill cracking down on deepfake nudes
    “U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’s bill targeting the publication of nonconsensual deepfake pornography will soon be federal law.
    “The House voted 409-2 Monday to approve the bill, which already passed the Senate, sending it to President Donald Trump’s desk.
    “Elliston was 14 years old in October 2023 when a classmate used an artificial intelligence program to turn innocent photos of her and her friends into realistic-looking nudes and distributed the images on social media.
    “They were only removed after they shared the story with Cruz and he pushed for action.
    “First lady Melania Trump participated in an event highlighting the issue and Elliston sat with her as a guest for the president’s joint address to Congress.
    “Trump gave Elliston a shout-out during the speech, saying he looked forward to signing Cruz’s proposal into law after the House passed it.”

    USA TODAY: With rare bipartisan support, Congress passes bill to outlaw deepfake pornography
    “A bill to criminalize AI-generated explicit images, or ‘deepfakes,’ is headed to President Donald Trump’s desk after sailing through both chambers of Congress with near-unanimous approval.
    “The Take It Down Act has enjoyed uncommon bipartisan support, along with a key endorsement from the first lady.
    “The newly-passed bill will require technology platforms to remove reported “non-consensual, sexually exploitative images” within 48 hours of receiving a valid request. Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, introduced the legislation in August.”

    The New York Times: House Passes Bill to Ban Sharing of Revenge Porn, Sending It to Trump
    “The legislation, introduced by Senators Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, and Amy Klobuchar, Democrat of Minnesota, is the first internet content law to clear Congress since 2018, when lawmakers approved legislation to fight online sex trafficking. And though it focuses on revenge porn and deepfakes, the bill is seen as an important step toward regulating internet companies that have for decades escaped government scrutiny.”

    CBS NEWS: House passes “Take it Down Act,” sending revenge porn bill backed by Melania Trump to president’s desk
    “‘If you’re a victim of revenge porn or AI-generated explicit imagery, your life changes forever,’ Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, said at a March 3 roundtable promoting the bill.
    “Cruz, who introduced the bill, recalled the experience of a teenage victim, Elliston Berry, whose classmate used an app to create explicit images of her and then sent them to her classmates. Berry’s mother had tried unsuccessfully to get Snapchat to remove the images for months before she contacted Cruz’s office for help.
    “‘It should not take a sitting senator or sitting member of Congress picking up the phone to get a picture down or video down,’ Cruz said.”

    CNN: House passes bill aimed at protecting victims of deepfake and revenge porn
    “Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas introduced the bill, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Rep. Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania, have supported the effort.
    “According to Cruz’s office, the bill ‘would criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated NCII (or ‘deepfake pornography’), and require social media and similar websites to have in place procedures to remove such content upon notification from a victim.’”

    THE HILL: Bill criminalizing deepfake revenge porn passes House, heads to Trump’s desk
    “Cruz celebrated the bill’s passage on Monday, calling it a ‘historic win in the fight to protect victims of revenge porn and deepfake abuse.’
    “‘By requiring social media companies to take down this abusive content quickly, we are sparing victims from repeated trauma and holding predators accountable,’ he wrote in a statement.”
    More than 120 organizations representing victim advocacy groups, law enforcement, and tech industry leaders have voiced their support for the legislation, including Meta, Snap, Google, Microsoft, TikTok, X, Amazon, Bumble, Match Group, Entertainment Software Association, IBM, TechNet, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Internet Works, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network), and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE).
    In March, Sen. Cruz and Rep. Salazar hosted a bipartisan roundtable with First Lady Melania Trump to hear from victims of revenge and deepfake pornography and urge the House to pass the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act. During his State of the Union address, President Trump emphasized the bill’s importance and said, “I look forward to signing it into law.”
    Other notable endorsements came from the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of House lawmakers evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, and Paris Hilton, who called the bill “a crucial step toward ending non-consensual image sharing online.”
    During the 118th Congress, the bill unanimously passed the Senate Commerce Committee and the full Senate.
    BACKGROUND:
    While nearly every state has a law protecting people from non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including 30 states with laws explicitly covering sexual deepfakes, these state laws vary in classification of crime and penalty and have uneven criminal prosecution. Further, victims struggle to have images depicting them removed from websites, increasing the likelihood the images are continuously spread and victims are retraumatized.
    In 2022, Congress passed legislation creating a civil cause of action for victims to sue individuals responsible for publishing NCII. However, bringing a civil action can be incredibly impractical. It is time-consuming, expensive, and may force victims to relive trauma. Further exacerbating the problem, it is not always clear who is responsible for publishing the NCII. 
    The TAKE IT DOWN Act would protect and empower victims of real and deepfake NCII while respecting speech by:

    Criminalizing the publication of NCII in interstate commerce. The bill makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly publish NCII on social media and other online platforms. NCII is defined to include realistic, computer-generated pornographic images and videos that depict identifiable, real people. The bill also clarifies that a victim consenting to the creation of an authentic image does not mean that the victim has consented to its publication.
    Protecting good faith efforts to assist victims. The bill permits the good faith disclosure of NCII, such as to law enforcement. 
    Requiring websites to take down NCII upon notice from the victim. Social media and other websites would be required to have in place procedures to remove NCII, pursuant to a valid request from a victim, within 48 hours. Websites must also make reasonable efforts to remove copies of the images. The Federal Trade Commission is charged with enforcement of this section. 
    Protecting lawful speech. The bill is narrowly tailored to criminalize knowingly publishing NCII without chilling lawful speech. The bill conforms to current First Amendment jurisprudence by requiring that computer-generated NCII meet a “reasonable person” test for appearing indistinguishable from an authentic image.

    To read the bill text, click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man sentenced after Operation Barber cuts at West Coast drug supply

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Constable Mat Wood:

    Police acknowledge the sentencing handed down in the Christchurch District Court this week in relation to the supply of drugs on the West Coast.

    Leo Smith, aged 22, was on Tuesday (29 April) sentenced to 10 months home detention.

    Operation Barber started in 2023 after Police received information relating to the supply of class B drugs across the wider region.

    Smith was identified as a person of interest, and Police conducted search warrants on 8 March 2024 at two addresses he was connected to.

    Police located and seized drugs, instruments, and cash, as well as his mobile devices.

    The operation has been hugely successful thanks to the dedication of the West Coast Tactical Crime Unit who were greatly assisted over the last 18 months by Christchurch Criminal Investigations Branch.

    As a result of our investigations, we have been able to uncover a number of associates working with Smith.

    Several other people were involved in the supply chain and supplying class A-C illicit drugs across the Greymouth and Canterbury regions.

    These offenders were unidentified previously, with little to no criminal history. They have now been convicted and more than $90,000 in cash has been forfeited across the wider operation.

    Police will continue to hold people to account who are supplying drugs and causing harm to our community.

    If you have concerns about illegal drug use in your community, please call 111 if there is an immediate public safety risk, or contact us via 105 online, or by phone, to make a report.

    You can also report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Key evidence leads to guilty plea

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man pled guilty today to theft of postal keys.

    According to court documents, on June 9, 2024, Lee Vann Tyner, 48, broke into the Jolliff Station post office in Chesapeake by shattering the glass door to an entrance. Tyner entered the post office and stole several keys used to unlock mail receptacles.

    On June 11, 2024, a Chesapeake Police officer conducted a traffic stop on an SUV that matched the description of a vehicle that the officer had received information was being used to sell narcotics. Tyner told the officer that he had no driver’s license or identification with him, and, initially, gave the officer a false name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Tyner falsely claimed that he had rented the SUV using Turo.

    Inside the vehicle were postal keys that were confirmed to have been stolen from the Jolliff Station post office. Several Georgia driver’s licenses, mail, credit cards, debit cards, and Social Security cards that did not belong to Tyner were also found inside the SUV.

    Tyner is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9 and faces up to 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes accepted the plea.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony C. Marek is prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-4.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Britain Man Sentenced to 43 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Narcotic Pills

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIK PETERSEN, 44, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 43 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotic pills.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2023, members of the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad began investigating suspicious packages that were being delivered to the Newington residence of Petersen’s brother, Kyle Petersen.  At the time, Kyle Petersen was on federal supervised release following a federal conviction in 2017 involving the trafficking of fentanyl and prescription pills.  During the investigation, a court-authorized search of a package mailed to Kyle Petersen contained more than 400 grams of pills containing Protonitazene, a synthetic opioid typically more potent than fentanyl.  The investigation revealed that Kyle Petersen had received approximately 34 similar packages mailed from the same source in Michigan, and also received approximately 46 packages from California and Oregon suspected to contain multiple pounds of marijuana.  Investigators also made controlled purchases of counterfeit Percocet pills containing fentanyl from Erik Petersen.

    Kyle and Erik Petersen were arrested on federal criminal complaints on April 3, 2024.  On that date, a search of Kyle Petersen’s residence revealed more than a kilogram of counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, counterfeit Xanax pills, a large quantity of Protonitazene, approximately 40 grams of cocaine, and $76,650 in cash.

    Erik Petersen has been detained since his arrest.  On December 19, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, Bromazolam, and Protonitazene.

    Kyle Petersen has pleaded guilty and is detained while awaiting sentencing.

    This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the New Britain and Newington Police Departments.  The Tactical Diversion Squad is composed of personnel from the DEA, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hamden, West Haven, Fairfield, Seymour, and Glastonbury Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 25 Members of a Violent Gang in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On April 9, 2025, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 25 violent gang members from the municipality of Mayagüez with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and firearms violations, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) Mayagüez Strike Force were in charge of the investigation of the case, with the collaboration of the United States Marshal Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Response Team (SRT), and the Guaynabo Municipal Police SRT collaborated during the arrests.

    “The prosecution of this drug trafficking gang demonstrates our determined efforts to protect our communities from the violent crime and gun violence they bring to our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Our prosecutors will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to make our neighborhoods safe and bring criminals to justice.”

    “Today, we sent a clear message: violence, drugs, and organized crime will find no safe haven in Puerto Rico,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “Thanks to the courage of our Special Agents and Police of Puerto Rico Task Force Officers, with the unwavering support of our federal partners, we disrupted a criminal network that terrorized our communities for years. The FBI remains fully committed to protecting our people, restoring peace to our neighborhoods, and holding violent offenders accountable.”

    The indictment alleges that from in or about April 2021 through the present, the drug trafficking organization distributed heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”), cocaine, and marihuana within 1,000 feet of Rafael Hernández (Kennedy) Public Housing Project (PHP), the Manuel Hernández Rosa (Candelaria PHP), the El Carmen (PHP), and other areas nearby nearby the municipality of Mayagüez, all for significant financial gain and profit.

    The goal of the drug trafficking organization was to maintain control of all the drug trafficking activities within the controlled areas using force, threats, violence, and intimidation.  In preserving power and protecting territory, the members of the organization incurred in violent acts including but not limited to murder in order to protect themselves and their organization. Members of the criminal organization also transported and distributed kilogram quantities of cocaine.

    As part of the conspiracy, the defendants had meetings to discuss strategy and plan of their criminal activities, including but not limited to acts of violence. The co-conspirators held meetings to discuss drug trafficking business and issues between gang members. During said meetings, incarcerated defendants and co-conspirators would participate via phone call. The defendants and their co-conspirators used violence to take over other areas and sell their own narcotics at those areas to increase their power and profits.

    The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the drug trafficking conspiracy, to include: leaders, drug point owners, enforcers, runners, sellers, drug processors, lookouts, and facilitators. The members of the gang used force, violence, and intimidation to intimidate rival drug trafficking organizations, and to discipline members of their own organization. The defendants charged in the drug trafficking conspiracy are:

    [1] Jonathan Martínez González, a.k.a. “J/El Brother”

    [2] Isaías Jaseph Molina Valle, a.k.a. “Simio/Simi”

    [3] Juan A. Ortiz Mendoza, a.k.a. “Abuelo/Abu/Ablo”

    [4] Fernando Manuel Torres Ruiz, a.k.a. “La M”

    [5] Jonathan Enrique Rodríguez Acosta, a.k.a. “John Pri/Pri”

    [6] Franschesca M. Rivera-Valle, a.k.a. “Cheska”

    [7] Joseph G. Ríos Vélez

    [8] Jomael Enrique Aponte Rivera, a.k.a. “Farru”

    [9] Abdiel Sánchez Negrón

    [10] Michael J. Marrero García, a.k.a. “Michael El Pato”

    [11] Héctor A. Rosado Matías, a.k.a. “Bebo/Bebito”

    [12] Christopher Santiago Rivera, a.k.a. “Gato”

    [13] Jesus D. Rodríguez Soto, a.k.a. “John”

    [14] Luis Joel Couret Clas, a.k.a. “Shaggy”

    [15] Julio E. Mangual Vargas, a.k.a. “Julio Maraña”

    [16] Fredwin Yomar Álvarez, a.k.a. “Bombilla”

    [17] Héctor M. Cotto Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Tello”

    [18] Ezequiel Soto Bonilla, a.k.a. “Bigote”

    [19] Carlos Mikel Rodríguez Núñez, a.k.a. “Mikel/Fosforito”

    [20] Carlos Obed La Llave Otero, a.k.a. “Security/El Gordo”

    [21] Michael Concepción Soto

    [22] Héctor Javier Surita Muñiz, a.k.a. “Coquito/Surita”

    [23] Merchisede Rivera Pérez, a.k.a. “Merquisedec Rivera Pérez/Melchicede Rivera Pérez/El Negro/Melqui”

    [24] José C. Colón-Félix, a.k.a. “Fresita”

    [25] Antonio M. López Olivencia, a.k.a. “Delivery”

    Fifteen defendants are charged in Count Seven with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and seven of those defendants are facing one count of possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    The FBI thanks the PRPB Mayagüez Strike Force for their assistance in this investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort, Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares, and AUSAs Laura Díaz González, and Héctor Siaca Flores are prosecuting the case. If convicted on the drug charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. If convicted of both the drug and firearms charges in Count Seven, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life in prison. The defendants charged with possession of machineguns in furtherance of drug trafficking in Count Eight face a mandatory sentence of thirty years in prison to be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the drug trafficking charges. All defendants charged in the drug conspiracy are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $19,710,000.

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

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Individuals Charged with Attempted Kidnapping of Man in Mayagüez

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On April 24, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging five individuals with conspiracy to kidnap and the attempted kidnapping of a man in Mayagüez on July 12, 2024, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico and Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office.

    According to the Indictment, beginning on a date unknown, but not later than on or about May 21, 2024, to on or about July 12, 2024, defendants  [1] Edilberto Aponte-Sánchez, [2] Anthony Esquilín-Guzmán, [3] Ramdy Kaleb Ocasio-Pagán, [4] Jocner Martínez-Correa, and [5] Dylan Camacho-Álvarez conspired and agreed with each other to unlawfully and willfully kidnap, abduct, or carry away and hold for ransom, reward, or otherwise, H.R.G. by using means, facility, or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce in committing or in furtherance of the commission of the offense, namely motor vehicles, messaging applications, and cellular telephones in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1201(c). The defendants are also charged with the attempted kidnapping of the victim (H.R.G.) in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(d) and 2.

    On July 12, 2024, the defendants attempted to kidnap the victim (H.R.G.) from a parking lot in Mayagüez by trying to force him into a van. The victim fought back, and the defendants fled the scene.

    “I commend the tireless efforts of the FBI, Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and prosecutors in the investigation of this case,” said United States Attorney Muldrow. “This case reinforces the importance of being aware of your surroundings at all times — whether you are leaving the bank or ATM after making a withdrawal of money, putting gasoline in your car, or just walking down the street while texting on your cell phone. If you see something that doesn’t look right, trust your instincts.”

    “Violence in our communities will never be tolerated,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “The FBI and our partners will relentlessly investigate those who prey on innocent people — wherever they hide, however long it takes.”

    If convicted, the defendants face a sentence of up to life in prison as to the conspiracy to commit kidnapping and up to twenty years in prison for the attempted kidnapping. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and Deputy Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit Jeanette Collazo and AUSA Corinne Cordero Romo are in charge of the prosecution of the case.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shelburne — Shelburne RCMP Detachment charge a man and recover stolen vehicle

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Shelburne RCMP Detachment has charged a man with multiple offences after responding to a report of a stolen truck.

    On April 25 at approximately 9:40 a.m., Shelburne RCMP Detachment responded to a report of a stolen GMC Sierra truck in the Jordan Falls area. During the investigation, officers identified two people of interest.

    Officers later received an unrelated report of two people on foot off Morvan Rd. near Shelburne. The two matched the descriptions of the people of interest. Investigators, including an RCMP Police Service Dog, conducted patrols in the area immediately. When one of the people was located, officers learned the other person may be in possession of a firearm.

    The Nova Scotia RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and RCMP Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (drones) operators were dispatched to assist.

    At approximately 12:40 p.m., officers located the stolen vehicle abandoned on a side road near Shelburne. The officers seized evidence to support the investigation and returned it to its owner.

    Through the investigation, officers identified the suspect as Joseph Hayden, 34, of Jordan Ferry, and learned he was at a home on Sandy Point Rd. in Shelburne. Officers from Shelburne RCMP Detachment and ERT attended and safely arrested Hayden outside the home.

    Hayden has been charged with six offences including Motor Vehicle Theft, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Unauthorized Possession of Firearm, and Possession of Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized. He had a first court appearance on April 26 and was remanded into custody.

    The other person identified as part of the investigation was arrested and will face a charge of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. They were released pending an upcoming court appearance.

    Hayden was not in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest. Officers are continuing the investigation and conducting checks to determine if a firearm seized on April 28 at an unrelated call was also used during this incident.

    Shelburne RCMP Detachment appreciated cooperation from the public as officers made attempts to locate the suspect and the stolen vehicle.

    The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information who has not yet spoken with police is asked to contact Shelburne RCMP Detachment at 902-875-2490. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fourteen Members of a Jefferson County Drug Trafficking Organization Charged with Federal Drug and Gun Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – An indictment charging 14 defendants in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and heroin was unsealed today. Eight of the defendants were arrested today and five defendants were already in custody on other offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

    A 59-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Eddie Jerry Jones, a.k.a. “Boss,” 47, of Fairfield, Alabama, Marcus Dewayne Johnson, a.k.a. “Moon,” 56, of Hoover, Alabama, Larry Denzel Rollins, Jr., a.k.a. “King” and “Blo,” 25, of Forestdale, Alabama, LaNicholas Demarco Rollins, 30, of Forestdale, Alabama, Zachary Holmes, a.k.a. “Stakks,” 31, of Birmingham, David Will Jones, 47, of Fairfield, Alabama, Juan Miguel Nation, 21, of Birmingham, Juan Pierre Nation, 50, of Birmingham, Cordero Reid, a.k.a. “Kojacc” 36, of Birmingham, Demetrius Emmanuel Preyer, 48, of Pleasant Grove, Alabama, Devante Marquis McKinney, a.k.a. “The Barber,” 37, of Birmingham, Marcus Orlandeo Bogus, a.k.a. “The Mechanic,” 55, of Center Point, Alabama, and Otis Kenneth Myree Hudson, 33, of Birmingham, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine base or “crack” cocaine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana between January 2021 and March 2025. The indictment also charges all defendants with at least one count of using a telephone to facilitate a drug-trafficking crime.

    McKinney and Rollins, Jr. are also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  The minimum prison sentence for this charge is five years in custody, and the sentence must be served after the completion of any other sentence related to the crime.  

    Eddie Jones is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The maximum penalty for this offense is 15 years.

    Eddie Jones, Rollins, Jr, and Holmes were in custody on capital murder charges pending in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama. David Jones was in federal custody on pending federal supervised release violations. Reid is serving a life sentence in the Alabama Department of Corrections’ Fountain Correctional Facility for Attempted Murder.

    The maximum penalty for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance is life in prison. 

    Each count of using a telephone to facilitate a drug-trafficking crime carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison.

    The indictment also includes special findings of the grand jury regarding the amount of narcotics attributable to various defendants as part of the drug-trafficking conspiracy.

    “My office, along with our federal, state, and local partners, are committed to relentlessly investigate and prosecute drug trafficking organizations in our District, particularly those that distribute deadly fentanyl into the community and use firearms to commit their crimes,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “This case involved an immense amount of collaboration and dedication from our law enforcement partners and underscores the impact of the OCDETF program’s multi-agency approach.” 

    “The 59-count indictment underscores the unwavering commitment of the DEA and our law enforcement partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks that threaten our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer. “While these charges were filed in the Northern District of Alabama, the ripple effects of such widespread drug distribution reach far beyond those borders. We will continue to work tirelessly to hold accountable those who seek profit from the sale of these dangerous substances and bring them to justice.”

    “Drug trafficking and the prevalence of gun violence continue to plague the United States at alarming rates,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz. “The ATF will continue to work with our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and charge those individuals who commit violent acts and distribute large amounts of narcotics throughout the communities that we serve.”

    “Criminals trafficking illegal drugs in our communities have a profound negative effect on Americans’ quality of life,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS-CI Atlanta Field Office. “The 59-count indictment filed today is an outcome of IRS Criminal Investigation special agents, our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office working together to break up drug trafficking organizations that pose a threat to the United States.”  

    “Today’s actions demonstrate the FBI’s persistence in combating violent crime in our communities,” said FBI Birmingham Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher DiMenna. “We will continue to strengthen and grow our federal, state, and local partnerships to meet our mission and to ensure the safety and security of the American people.”

    “Today’s indictments reflect the commitment and collaboration of our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle major drug-trafficking networks that threaten the safety of our communities,” said Birmingham Chief of Police Michael Pickett. “We will continue to pursue those who distribute dangerous narcotics with relentless focus and determination. I commend the dedication of all the investigators, agents, and prosecutors who made this operation a success.”

    The DEA, ATF, IRS, FBI, and the Birmingham Police Department Narcotics and Homicide units investigated the case, along with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, United States Secret Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, Alabama Department of Corrections, Hoover Police Department, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison J. Garnett, Brett A. Janich, and Kristy M. Peoples are prosecuting the case.

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

    An indictment contains only charges.  Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dubuque Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun Possession

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

    A man who possessed a firearm as a felon pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Nicholas David Welter, age 32, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

    In a plea agreement, Welter admitted that on October 18, 2024, law enforcement officers found him while he was sitting in a vehicle in Dubuque.  There was a loaded stolen firearm near his feet.  Welter admitted that he possessed the gun.  Welter has prior felony convictions for theft second degree and burglary third degree.   

    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.

    Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Welter remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Welter faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 25-CR-1001.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Haven Man Guilty of Offenses Stemming from Pandemic Robbery Spree

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on April 28, 2025, a federal jury in New Haven found WILLIAM ROSARIO LOPEZ, 39, of New Haven, guilty of offenses related to his commission of several armed robberies of Connecticut gas stations in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    According to the evidence presented during the trial:

    On March 18, 2020, Rosario Lopez entered the Shell Gas Station located at 1302 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon.  Wearing a black mask, he pointed a small silver pistol at the store employee, grabbed him by the collar, directed him to walk to the cash register, and struck him in the back of the head as they were walking to the cash register.  After the employee provided Rosario Lopez with cash from the register, Rosario Lopez ordered the employee to lay on the floor and then fled the store.

    On March 22, 2020, at approximately 10 p.m., Rosario Lopez entered the Fleet Gas Station located at 1611 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike in Southington.  Wearing a surgical-type mask, he pointed a silver pistol at the store employee and demanded money.  The employee provided Rosario Lopez with a small amount of cash and, after explaining that all the money was already in the safe and that he did not know the combination, Rosario Lopez kicked the employee, ordered him to lay on the floor, and then fled the store.

    On March 22, 2020, approximately one hour after the Southington robbery, Rosario Lopez entered the Shell Gas Station located at 883 Hamilton Avenue in Waterbury.  Wearing a surgical-type mask, he pointed a small silver pistol at the store employee and demanded money.  After the employee opened the cash register and provided cash to Rosario Lopez, Rosario Lopez ordered the employee to lay on the floor and then fled the store.

    On March 23, 2020, less than two hours after the Waterbury robbery, Rosario Lopez entered the Shell Gas Station located at 696 Main Street in Ansonia.  Wearing a surgical-type mask, he pointed a small silver pistol at the store employee, demanded money and threatened to shoot the employee.  After the employee was unable to open the cash register quickly, Rosario Lopez fired one round in the direction of employee and then fled.  The employee was not struck by the projectile.

    On March 26, 2020, Rosario Lopez entered the Citgo Gas Station located at 788 West Main Street in New Britain.  Wearing a surgical-type mask, he waited for another customer to leave the store, approached the counter, pointed a small silver pistol at the store employee and demanded money.  The employee opened the cash register and Rosario Lopez took cash from the register drawer.  Rosario then fled the store.

    Solimar Rodriguez Gonzalez acted as a “lookout” in at least two of the robberies, and she is depicted on store video surveillance just prior to the robberies that occurred in Vernon and Waterbury.

    Rosario Lopez and Gonzalez were arrested on April 9, 2020.  In association with their arrests, investigators searched a vehicle they used during the robberies and recovered a silver .25 caliber semiautomatic pistol and 14 rounds of ammunition.

    Rosario Lopez’s criminal history includes convictions in New York for attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon, and convictions in Puerto Rico for importation and unlawful possession of a firearm, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, threatening a witness, and aggravated robbery.

    On April 28, 2025, the jury found Rosario Lopez guilty of four counts of obstruction of interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery), one count of attempted obstruction of interstate commerce by robbery, four counts of brandishing a firearm during a robbery, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  At sentencing, he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 28 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

    Rosario Lopez has been detained since his arrest.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

    On January 21, 2025, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the obstruction of interstate commerce by robbery.  She awaits sentencing.

    This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police, and the Vernon, Southington, Waterbury, Ansonia, New Britain, New Haven, and Guilford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth L. Gresham, Robert S. Ruff, and Daniel P. Gordon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Primary Healthcare Commission announces suspected intrusion into outsourced network system of operator of Kwai Tsing District Health Centre

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) under the Health Bureau announced yesterday (April 29) that the PHC Commission received notification from the Kwai Tsing Safe Community and Healthy City Association (KTSCHCA), the operator of the Kwai Tsing District Health Centre (Kwai Tsing DHC), on April 28 on suspected hacking of its outsourced service provider’s network system, resulting in possible leakage of members’ data. The PHC Commission is highly concerned about the incident, and has instructed the KTSCHCA to seriously follow up and to submit a report within three working days. 
     
         According to the notification from the KTSCHCA, the system involved is managed independently by its outsourced service provider, and is mainly used to assist with administrative work such as service booking or members sign-in at the Kwai Tsing DHC. The outsourced network system was hacked last Sunday (April 27), resulting in possible leakage of members’ data, including names, membership numbers, dates of birth, residential districts (not full addresses) and the first four digits of the Hong Kong Identity Card of some members who have enrolled in a vaccination programme. The KTSCHCA is currently assessing the possible number of members of the Kwai Tsing DHC affected and the data involved.
     
         The PHC Commission noted that the KTSCHCA has reported the incident to the Police and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, and has also informed the Digital Policy Office of the incident. As required by the PHC Commission, the KTSCHCA has immediately suspended the operation of the Kwai Tsing DHC’s network system and all external connections to its computer servers to prevent further intrusion attempts by hackers. The KTSCHCA has also commissioned an independent cybersecurity expert to conduct an investigation and review. In view of the system suspension of the DHC, the appointments on blood taking and seasonal influenza vaccination of relevant DHC members will be rescheduled starting from yesterday. The operator of the Kwai Tsing DHC has started to notify the relevant members via phone calls and text messages, and will also inform all its members of the hacking incident. Members of the public may contact the DHC at 1878 222 for enquiries.
     
         The system involved does not have any direct connection with the systems of DHCs/DHC Expresses in other 17 districts in Hong Kong. The operators of other DHCs/DHC Expresses have not outsourced or used the system involved. The PHC Commission has urged the operators of other DHCs/DHC Expresses to review their network systems, including the systems of their outsourced service providers, the computer security risk, and whether any suspicious activities have occurred. The PHC Commission has not received any report of similar incidents. 
     
         Besides, the Kwai Tsing DHC is a registered healthcare provider on eHealth. Currently, it connects to eHealth through the designated clinical management system (CMS) specified by the PHC Commission to assist members in registering with eHealth, managing members’ participation in government-subsidised healthcare programmes and facilitating service referrals, etc. The system involved is independent of both the designated CMS and eHealth, with no direct system interfaces. Investigations also revealed that there was no intrusion into eHealth by hackers or any leakage of personal data from eHealth. However, for prudence’s sake, upon receiving notification of the incident, the Commissioner for the Electronic Health Record (eHRC) has suspended the eHealth registration of the operator concerned, in order to protect data privacy and system security of eHealth. During the suspension period, the Kwai Tsing DHC is unable to access to any electronic health record in eHealth. The eHRC will only resume the connection of Kwai Tsing DHC with eHealth, after conducting a careful assessment of the detailed report submitted by the Kwai Tsing DHC and confirming that the security risks of the system are fully eliminated.
     
         The Government emphasised that it has always attached great importance to cybersecurity. The PHC Commission is conducting a comprehensive review of the incident, including whether the cybersecurity measures of the KTSCHCA are in compliance with the requirements stipulated in the DHC operation contract, and will further strengthen the protection measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IOS SAGAR CONCLUDES PORT CALL AT PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Reinforcing the enduring bond between India and Mauritius, IOS SAGAR made a significant and engaging port call at Port Louis, Mauritius, from 26 to 28 Apr 25, as part of its operational deployment in the Indian Ocean.

    During her harbour visit, the ship’s Commanding Officer called on the Commandant of the Mauritius Coast Guard, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two maritime forces. Select personnel of the multinational crew visited several key training facilities of the Mauritius Police Force (MPF) , namely the Special Mobile Force Squadron, Maritime Air Squadron, Coast Guard Training School and the Police Helicopter Squadron and interacted with their counterparts. The visit provided a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience and discuss areas of mutual interest in maritime security.

    As part of social activities, an invigorating joint yoga session was organised onboard IOS SAGAR, with participation from the multinational crew and MPF personnel. The Commandant of the National Coast Guard also attended the event. The crew of IOS SAGAR and the MPF also played a friendly volleyball match. IOS SAGAR opened its decks to visitors, welcoming members of the MPF, the Indian diaspora, and other enthusiastic groups. Visitors were given a tour of the ship and briefed on her operational capabilities, navigation systems, and life onboard. In addition, a trek to the iconic Signal Mountain was conducted for the ship’s crew, including the multinational crew.

    On departure from Port Louis, IOS SAGAR is scheduled to undertake a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Mauritius Coast Guard. Upon completion, the ship will proceed towards its next port of call, Port Victoria, Seychelles, continuing its mission of enhancing maritime security, regional cooperation , and goodwill in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

    _____________________________________________________________

    VM/SKS                                                                                                        95/25

    (Release ID: 2125196) Visitor Counter : 56

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing man in Tseung Kwan O (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Police today (April 29) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Tseung Kwan O.

    Chau Kwai-lun Allen, aged 45, went missing after he was last seen on Tong Ming Street in July, 2024. His family then made a report to Police.
        
    He is about 1.67 metres tall, 59 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen in unknown clothing.

    Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0316 or 5632 5537 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Cockfighting Charges

    Source: US State of California

    Onill Vazquez Lozada of Providence, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty today to two counts of possessing, sponsoring, and exhibiting birds in an animal fighting venture in violation of the Animal Welfare Act.

    As part of his plea, Lozada admitted that on April 27, 2021, he possessed roosters for the purpose of having them fight. Lozada also admitted that on March 6, 2022, he sponsored and exhibited, and aided and abetted sponsoring and exhibiting, at least one rooster in a fight against another rooster.

    Cockfighting is a contest in which a person attaches a knife, gaff or other sharp instrument to the leg of a “gamecock” or rooster and then places the bird a few inches away from a similarly armed rooster. This results in a fight during which the roosters flap their wings and jump while stabbing each other with the weapons that are fastened to their legs. A cockfight ends when one rooster is dead or refuses to continue to fight. Commonly, one or both roosters die after a fight.

    Lozada faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each charge to which he pleaded guilty. Sentencing is scheduled for July 29. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and Acting U.S. Attorney Sara M. Bloom for the District of Rhode Island made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, the Postal Inspection Service, and the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Rhode Island State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division, Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Providence, Woonsocket, and Attleboro Police Departments.

    Senior Trial Attorney Gary Donner and Assistant Chief Stephen Da Ponte of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John McAdams for the District of Rhode Island are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jose Rivera, 37, of Queens, New York, was sentenced to 70 months for his role in a drug trafficking organization in Berkeley County.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Rivera was one of the conspirators of the drug trafficking operation selling large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Rivera supplied nearly three kilograms of cocaine to another defendant, who then drove it to West Virginia to sell.

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

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The FBI; the U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative (agencies included are the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department, Ranson Police Department, Charles Town Police Department, and Martinsburg City Police Department); West Virginia State Police; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Hagerstown Police Department; the National Resources Police Department; FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; the New York Police Department; the New Jersey State Police; the Washington County (Maryland) Drug Task Force; the Maryland State Police; the  U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland;  and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania investigated.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Willimantic Man Who Stole 38 Guns from Newington Store Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KWITZPATRICK DUFFANY, 37, formerly of Willimantic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for offenses related to his theft of 38 firearms from a Newington gun store in 2023.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 27, 2023, during non-business hours, Duffany entered Hoffman’s Gun Store in Newington by climbing onto the balcony over the main entrance, cutting into the siding with a knife, and dropping down from the ceiling.  Surveillance footage showed Duffany walking through the store and filling duffel bags with 38 guns.  He then exited the store through the same hole.  After stealing the guns, Duffany and two other individuals traveled to Hartford where Duffany traded several of the stolen guns for cash and drugs.  In the following days, Duffany sold most of the remaining guns in exchange for cash and narcotics, or he provided guns to other individuals to sell.

    Duffany was arrested by the Connecticut State Police in Ashford in the early morning of June 1, 2023.  Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station showed Duffany hiding a satchel in a soda display case shortly before his arrest.  Investigators recovered the satchel and found a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun and drugs inside the bag.  The gun had been stolen from Hoffman’s Gun Store.

    To date, law enforcement has recovered only six of the stolen guns, including one that was recovered by Hartford Police during an investigation of a homicide that occurred on July 5, 2024.

    Duffany has been detained since his arrest.  On February 3, 2025, he pleaded guilty to theft of firearms from a licensee, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.       

    This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Newington Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Willimantic Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Britain for its cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Operation Take Back America Leads To Criminal Charges Against Multiple Defendants For Firearms Offenses And Immigration-Related Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson announced today that in April the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged 11 defendants with criminal charges related to firearms offenses and immigration-related violations as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from perpetrators of violent crime.

    The defendants facing federal firearms charges are:

    Steven Tyler Philbeck, 33, of Lincolnton, N.C., is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and distribution of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Philbeck distributed methamphetamine in Catawba County in February 2025, and illegally possessed a Glock 19 Gen4, 9mm handgun in furtherance of the drug trafficking activities.

    Naquan Damerius Blakeney, 24, of Charlotte, is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon. The indictment alleges that Blakeney illegally possessed a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol, and did so knowing he was prohibited from possessing a firearm following a prior criminal conviction.

    Justin Lloyd Coleman, 33, of Huntersville, N.C., is charged with two counts of possession of a machinegun and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. The indictment alleges that Coleman illegally possessed one more machineguns, a pistol, and a rifle. Coleman has prior felony convictions, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms.

    Kiren Nashawn Heath, 21, of Monroe, N.C., is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that Pressley possessed a Walther, model P99, 9mm pistol frame with a Smith & Wesson, model SW99, 9mm pistol slide, and did so knowing he was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    Daquan Devonte Jeter, 33, of Charlotte, was indicted for the unlawful possession of a firearm. Jeter is alleged to have unlawfully possessed what is commonly known as a “sawed-off” shotgun, knowing he had prior felony convictions.

    Norris Lashane Myers, 47, of Lenoir, N.C., is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that Myers possessed a Taurus PT92AF, 9mm handgun, knowing he was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    Nathaniel Desean Nicholes, 25, of Charlotte, is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon. The indictment alleges that Nicholes, knowing that he had previously been convicted of multiple state felony charges for Breaking and Entering, unlawfully possessed a Glock, model 19, 9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol.

    The defendants charged with immigration-related violations are:

    Jose Guadalupe Cervantes Nava, 52, of Mexico, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States. Nava was previously deported from the United States four times in two months: on April 13, 2018, on April 20, 2018, on May 3, 2018, and again on May 20, 2018.

    Remedios Arroyo Beltran, 51, of Mexico, is charged with illegally reentering into the United States. Beltran was previously deported from the United States three times: on April 22, 2019, on July 7, 2019, and again on July 12, 2019.

    Erik Antonio Lopez-Hernandez, 21, of Honduras, is charged with illegally reentering into the United States. Lopez-Hernandez was previously deported from the United States in July 2023. He was arrested on February 22, 2025, by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, after the defendant allegedly attempted to flee and evade arrest for a traffic violation.

    Darwin Gonzalez Navarijo, 40, of Guatemala, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States. Navarijo was previously deported from the United States three times: in June 2009, in November 2010, and again in June 2017.

    The charges in the indictments are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson credited Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Emergency Removal Operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for their investigations that led to the charges. U.S. Attorney Ferguson also commended the local law enforcement agencies that assisted in the investigation and apprehension of the defendants, to include the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, the Hickory Police Department, and the Huntersville Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys with the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the cases. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Source of Supply for Merced County Methamphetamine Distribution Sentenced to 22.5 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — Raul Zamudio Hurtado, 42, of Oakdale, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 22 and a half years in prison and for two counts of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine arising from two separate cases, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, in May 2017, a coalition of federal, state, and local agencies investigated a group of Sureño gang members and associates in the Merced area for crimes of violence, drug sales, and illegal firearms possession. More than 50 individuals were arrested and 14 defendants were charged federally. Hurtado was the source of supply of methamphetamine to the suspected Sureño members and was indicted. On July 24, 2019, Hurtado pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and remained in custody pending sentencing in the first case. In April 2020, he was released with conditions.

    Between December 2021 and November 2022, Hurtado obtained and distributed methamphetamine in large quantities and received tens of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds. On Nov. 16, 2022, a search warrant was executed, more than 73 pounds of methamphetamine was seized, and Hurtado was charged again. On June 3, 2024, Hurtado pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in this second case.

    These cases were the product of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Merced Area Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (MAGNET), the California Department of Justice/California Highway Patrol, Special Operations Unit, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Modesto Police Department Major Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Pearson and Kimberly Sanchez prosecuted 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, visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Cockfighting Charges

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Onill Vazquez Lozada of Providence, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty today to two counts of possessing, sponsoring, and exhibiting birds in an animal fighting venture in violation of the Animal Welfare Act.

    As part of his plea, Lozada admitted that on April 27, 2021, he possessed roosters for the purpose of having them fight. Lozada also admitted that on March 6, 2022, he sponsored and exhibited, and aided and abetted sponsoring and exhibiting, at least one rooster in a fight against another rooster.

    Cockfighting is a contest in which a person attaches a knife, gaff or other sharp instrument to the leg of a “gamecock” or rooster and then places the bird a few inches away from a similarly armed rooster. This results in a fight during which the roosters flap their wings and jump while stabbing each other with the weapons that are fastened to their legs. A cockfight ends when one rooster is dead or refuses to continue to fight. Commonly, one or both roosters die after a fight.

    Lozada faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each charge to which he pleaded guilty. Sentencing is scheduled for July 29. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and Acting U.S. Attorney Sara M. Bloom for the District of Rhode Island made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, the Postal Inspection Service, and the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Rhode Island State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division, Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Providence, Woonsocket, and Attleboro Police Departments.

    Senior Trial Attorney Gary Donner and Assistant Chief Stephen Da Ponte of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John McAdams for the District of Rhode Island are prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests Guatemalan alien convicted of firearm crime and charged abduction by force, strangling Virginia woman

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    CHANTILLY, Va. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in partnership with the Virginia State Police, arrested an illegally present Guatemalan national who was previously convicted of a federal firearms crime and is currently charged with abduction by force, assault on a family member and felony strangulation causing injury. Officers with ICE Washington, D.C. and VSP apprehended Wilmer Ramos-Giron, 34, in Chantilly April 24. Additionally, Ramos-Giron illegally reentered the United States twice after having been deported.

    “Wilmer Ramos-Giron represents a significant threat to our Virginia residents,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russell Hott. “He has displayed a blatant disregard for our immigration laws, and more importantly, for the safety and wellbeing of our community. He is a violent and recidivist threat to public safety that ICE Washington, D.C. cannot tolerate. Regardless of the obstacles placed in our way, we remain committed to prioritizing public safety. The men and women of ICE Washington, D.C. will continue to arrest and remove criminal alien threats from our Washington, D.C. and Virginia neighborhoods, and ensure their victims receive the justice they so rightly deserve.”

    Ramos-Giron illegally entered the United States at an unknown location, on an unknown date, and without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

    On Feb. 17, 2012, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Chantilly arrested Ramos-Giron for brandishing a firearm. Later that day, ICE Washington, D.C. issued Ramos-Giron a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge.

    On March 29, 2012, the DOJ immigration judge ordered Ramos-Giron removed from the United States to Guatemala. ICE removed Ramos-Giron from the United States April 19, 2012.

    Ramos-Giron illegally reentered the United States at an unknown location, on an unknown date, and without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

    Officers with ICE Washington, D.C. arrested Ramos-Giron April 16, 2019, at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center pursuant to a federal warrant for alien in possession of a firearm. Officers issued Ramos-Giron an order to reinstate a previous removal order.

    The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia court convicted Ramos-Giron July 12, 2019, of alien in possession of a firearm and sentenced him to nine months in prison.

    ICE again removed Ramos-Giron Jan. 21, 2020, from the United States to Guatemala following his release from federal prison.

    Ramos-Giron illegally reentered the United States at an unknown location, on an unknown date, and without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

    On Jan. 27, Fairfax County Police arrested Ramos-Giron and charged him with felony abduction by force, assault on a family member and felony strangulation causing injury. Later that day, ICE Washington, D.C. filed an immigration detainer against Ramos-Giron with the Fairfax County Sherriff’s Office; however, the detention center refused to honor the detainer and released Ramos-Giron back into the community without notifying ICE.

    Officers with ICE Washington, D.C. and VSP arrested Ramos-Giron April 24 in Chantilly. Ramos-Giron remains in ICE custody.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROWashington.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: San Jose Engineer Pleads Guilty to Bombings of PG&E Transformers, Causing Property Damage and Widespread Power Outages

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Peter Karasev, 38, a U.S. citizen residing in San Jose, pleaded guilty in the Northern District of California today to federal charges related to two separate bombings of PG&E electrical transformers in late 2022 and early 2023.

    Karasev was indicted on Oct. 19, 2023, and pleaded guilty today to two counts of willful destruction of an energy facility. According to the plea agreement, Karasev admitted that on Dec. 8, 2022, and Jan. 5, 2023, he willfully damaged energy facilities involved in the production, storage, transmission, and distribution of electricity. In both attacks, Karasev used homemade explosive devices to cause significant destruction and widespread power outages in the San Jose area.

    “Attacks on America’s critical infrastructure are attacks targeting the heart of our nation’s security. They will be treated like the grave threat they are to our country,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “With today’s guilty plea, the defendant admitted to putting thousands of lives and businesses at risk and endangering essential services for countless more. The Justice Department will not rest until we disrupt and hold accountable those participating in these dangerous attacks.”

    “The defendant admitted to using homemade explosives to intentionally damage two electrical transformers and cause significant disruptions to more than 1,500 residences and businesses in San Jose. The search of his home following his arrest uncovered a staggering trove of explosive devices and hazardous chemicals. There can be no mistake as to the extent of destruction that could have resulted,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins for the Northern District of California. “We applaud the swift work of law enforcement officers to investigate these threats to critical infrastructure, bring the defendant to justice, and prevent further harm to the residents of San Jose.”

    “With today’s guilty plea, Karasev admits to using explosives to attack two electrical facilities which resulted in power outages to numerous homes and businesses in the San Jose area,” said Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “Americans rely on essential infrastructure as they go about their daily lives. The FBI works with our partners to protect that infrastructure, and we will hold accountable anyone who seeks to damage it.”

    The first attack, which occurred near the Westfield Oakridge Mall, resulted in the destruction of a PG&E transformer and left more than 1,450 customers without power for nearly 16 hours. The second attack, carried out near Plaza Del Rey shopping center, caused further destruction, damaging a transformer and adjacent building, and interrupted power to dozens more residents and businesses.

    In connection with his plea, Karasev admitted that the attacks were premeditated and deliberate. He conducted extensive internet searches regarding explosive materials, infrastructure attacks, and geopolitical conflicts. Upon his arrest on March 1, 2023, law enforcement agents discovered multiple homemade explosive devices, over 300 pounds of explosive precursor materials, hazardous chemicals, firearms, and remote detonation devices in his home, vehicle, and office.

    Under the terms of the plea agreement, Karasev faces a stipulated sentence of between 102 and 126 months (approximately 8.5 to 10.5 years) in federal prison. He also agreed to pay restitution of no less than $104,076.26 for the damages caused. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 19.

    The FBI and the San Jose Police Department are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne C. Hsieh for the Northern District of California and Trial Attorney Jacob Warren of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two arrested following firearm discharge in Newham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police are investigating a firearms discharge in Newham this afternoon.

    Police were called at 14:42hrs on Tuesday, 29 April following reports of a gunshots heard in Upton Lane, E7.

    Officers were joined at the residential property by London Ambulance Service where one person was treated at the scene for a gunshot wound.

    The man has been conveyed to hospital where his condition is not believed to be life-threatening. The London Ambulance Service also treated two other people for head injuries.

    Two people have been arrested in connection with this offence with one remaining in hospital after sustaining minor injuries.

    Chief Inspector Daryl Jones from North East Command said:

    “We are aware that this shooting on a residential street this afternoon would have had an enormous impact on the local community.

    “We are pleased we’ve been able to make two arrests and recover a firearm within hours of the incident.

    “Any residents with concerns, please speak to the officers at the scene, or to your local neighbourhood policing teams.”

    A cordon remains in place while police undertake enquiries, which are ongoing.

    If you were a witness or have any information which might help, please call police on 101 with the reference 4319/29Apr or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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