NewzIntel.com

Category: Police

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Delaware County Teacher Convicted After Trial of Coercing, Transporting, and Sexually Abusing Students

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paul Geer was a Teacher at the “Family Foundation” Private Boarding School, Which Operated in Hancock, New York, From Approximately 1992 Until 2014

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Paul Geer, age 57, of Hancock, New York, was convicted today by a federal jury after a two-week-long trial on two counts of coercing and enticing two separate children to travel across state lines to engage in unlawful sexual activity and two counts of transporting the children across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity with those children.  The jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict on two additional counts. 

    Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon and Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Craig Tremaroli made the announcement.

    The evidence at trial proved that, while Geer was a teacher at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, New York, he imposed various disciplinary sanctions on students that were tantamount to torture. The sanctions Geer imposed on students included depriving children of food or forcing children to eat food that had been regurgitated, binding children in rugs and leaving them in isolated rooms for extended periods of time and forcing children to perform forced physical labor. The evidence at trial further proved that, in 1994 and 2001, Geer used his position of authority and his ability to impose these brutal sanctions to coerce two students to travel with him, on separate occasions, to Maine and Toronto, Canada. The evidence at trial also proved that Geer transported the students across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity with them. While on those trips, Geer raped or otherwise sexually abused each of the two children.

    Geer was taken into custody following the verdict. 

    At sentencing currently scheduled for July 9, 2025, in Albany, New York, the two counts of coercion and enticement each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. The two counts of transporting children across state lines each carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

    The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance New York State Police and the Colonie, New York Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica N. Carbone, Adrian S. LaRochelle, and Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, and led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon Sentenced To 26 Years In Prison For Armed Robberies And Assault Of Federal Officer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who has prior felony convictions was sentenced today in two separate cases to a total of 26 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He admitted to committing armed robberies of two jewelry stores and assaulting a detention officer while in custody.

    According to court documents, on December 12, 2016, Wyatt Scott Peterson (42) entered EZ Pawn in Las Vegas and demanded the keys to the jewelry case. During the course of the robbery, he brandished a 9mm semi-automatic handgun to intimidate employees into not resisting and complying with his demands. The firearm was discharged into a display case during the robbery. Peterson stole at least $40,000 and left the store. Then, on December 21, 2016, Peterson entered Super Pawn in Las Vegas and demanded the keys to the jewelry case. He stole 29 rings, three pairs of earrings, and five bracelets combined worth more than $20,000 before he left the store.

    Peterson has prior felony convictions including identity theft in Colville, Washington; Possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver in Spoke, Washington; and Attempt carrying concealed firearm or other deadly weapon in Clark County, Nevada. He is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.

    In December 2016, Peterson was charged and detained pending trial for the armed robbery case. He was housed at Nevada Southern Detention Center in Pahrump, Nevada. While in custody, he confronted a detention officer at the stairwell and began punching the detention officer.

    Peterson pleaded guilty to one count each of commerce by robbery, possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, felon in possession of a firearm, and assault on a federal officer.

    Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division made the announcement.

    The case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jim Fang prosecuted the cases.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Laws to keep firearms out of the wrong hands come into force

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Changes to the Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) regime take effect today (Sunday 2 March).
     Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says the Firearms Prohibition Order regime has been expanded to help Police to keep firearms out of the hands of gangs and other high-risk offenders. 
    “This is part of our commitment to reduce violent crime, restore law and order, and keep communities safe.
     “Our changes target gangs and organised crime groups. We have expanded the qualifying criteria for the court to make an FPO, given police a new search power to monitor compliance with an FPO, and established a process which allows an FPO to be modified or removed,” Mrs McKee says.
     Minister for Police Mark Mitchell says changes to the Act strengthen the existing FPO regime by sending a strong message that the Government is committed to addressing violent crime and enforcing consequences for gangs.
     “This Government takes law and order seriously and we have shown we will not back down. These changes complement other tools we’ve already given Police to disrupt gangs and organised crime,” Mr Mitchell says.
     “The changes in the Act mean courts will be able to issue FPOs to any gang member or associate convicted of a significant offence, and Police will have practical tools to ensure people with FPOs are complying with them.”
     Firearms Prohibition Orders (FPOs) are made by the court when offenders have committed serious violent offences. They are in force for 10 years – prohibiting offenders from holding a firearms licence, and from being around or accessing firearms. Breaching the conditions of an FPO is a criminal offence, and offenders that do breach conditions can be liable for up to seven years in prison.
     “This is not an extra punishment. It is about monitoring compliance with the order that has already been placed upon them, and of course, the ultimate outcome is about making our communities safer,” Mrs McKee says.
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dominican Man Arrested for Fentanyl and Meth Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant allegedly possessed over 20 kilograms of controlled substances, pill press and six firearms hidden inside an alarmed trap wall closet, accessed via remote control

    BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Lawrence has been arrested and charged for his alleged involvement in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine supplied by the Sinaloa Cartel.

    Leury Then Rosario, 33, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Rosario was arrested on Feb. 25, 2025 and was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for March 7, 2025.

    “The alleged discovery of this defendant’s hidden trap wall concealing a stockpile of narcotics and weapons lays bare the dangerous reality of drug trafficking today: fentanyl and methamphetamine are flooding our communities, protected by deadly firepower,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Drug traffickers are adapting, but so are we. This office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to dismantle these criminal networks piece by piece, ensuring those who peddle poison in our communities face the full force of justice.”

    “Those who choose to distribute fentanyl, especially fake pills containing the drug, endanger their customers as well as the general public. Maintaining public safety requires that they be investigated and prosecuted aggressively,” said Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “We work closely each day with our law enforcement partners to target those who seek to profit from the sale of deadly substances.”

    “The Massachusetts State Police has committed investigatory, intelligence and tactical resources in support of the DEA Strike Force, knowing that it could yield enormous results for the communities we serve,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “This arrest, the second successful operation in as many weeks, is a culmination of a complex investigation by local, state and federal partners. Their results and the decision to prosecute these offenses reinforce our shared belief that criminal gangs, illegal guns and illicit drugs have no place in Massachusetts. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.”

    According to the charging documents, in January 2023, an investigation began into a DTO operating on the North Shore area of Massachusetts that was being supplied with fentanyl and methamphetamine by an organization based in Sinaloa. The investigation allegedly identified Rosario to be a Lawrence-based drug trafficker operating as part of the DTO.  

    Immediately following Rosario’s arrest on Feb. 25, 2025, search warrants were executed at his primary residence and an alleged stash location in Lawrence, Mass. It is alleged that the stash location purported to be a multiservice business with an empty retail counter in the front room. The back room allegedly contained two large casino-style poker tables and video poker-type machines. A high-end video surveillance system was allegedly overserved operating throughout the first floor as well as outside. According to court filings, the basement storage room of the stash location contained two large, locked storage boxes that contained equipment commonly used in drug processing or manufacturing: respirators; gloves; drug packaging materials; scales; blenders; and other tools.

    According to court documents, a small remote control with an extendable antenna was also allegedly found. When law enforcement actuated the remote control, an audible alarm sounded and a trap wall within the storage area opened – revealing a hidden closet that allegedly contained, among other things:

    • Over 16 kilograms of counterfeit pills, in various colors and sizes, containing controlled substances;
    • A brick-shaped object of a white powdery substance, weighing approximately one kilogram, that field tested positive for the presence of cocaine;
    • Over two kilograms of suspected fentanyl pressed into 10-gram units, commonly referred to as “fingers” in retail drug trafficking;
    • Over two kilograms of suspected fentanyl powder in large bags;
    • Over 25 pounds of loose powders in various colors, believed to include cutting agents used with narcotics;
    • A commercial pill press used to press counterfeit pills, including over 50 pill die casts with designs to counterfeit Percoet, Xanax, Adderall and others;
    • Multiple kilogram presses, as well as branded stamps used to imprint logos onto kilograms of narcotics; 
    • One Glock Model 33 .357 caliber semiautomatic handgun loaded with six rounds of ammunition;
    • One High Point .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun loaded with eight rounds of ammunition;
    • One Ruger .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun loaded with six rounds of ammunition;
    • Two Glock-style personally made firearms (also known as “ghost guns”) with no serial numbers loaded with 10 and nine rounds of ammunition respectively; and;
    • One AR-15 style rifle with a .458 SOCOM caliber, loaded with eight rounds of ammunition.
       

    The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    U.S. Attorney Foley, DEA Acting SAC Belleau and MSP Colonel Noble made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Natick, Newton, Waltham, Brookline and Lawrence Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

    This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pulled Over for a Suspended Driver’s License, Convicted Felon Faces Up to 15 Years for Possessing Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Maine: A Millinocket man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to court records, in March 2023, an officer with the East Millinocket Police Department ran a registration check on a vehicle and discovered that it was registered to someone with a suspended driver’s permit. The officer stopped the vehicle, and a confrontation ensued between the officer and the driver, Jeffrey Barnard, 61. Barnard was arrested with the assistance of a second officer and a private citizen. As he was searched, a .22 caliber revolver was found in his jacket pocket. Barnard is precluded from possessing a firearm due an extensive criminal history, which includes a 2017 conviction in the U.S. District Court for being a felon in possession of a firearm in a case that stemmed from an armed standoff with police in Ellsworth.

    Barnard faces up to 15 years imprisonment and a maximum $250,000 fine to be followed by up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case with assistance from the East Millinocket Police Department.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Malden Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Malden man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine.

    Logan Pierre, a/k/a “LO,” 33, pleaded guilty conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, 40 grams and more of fentanyl and cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2025. Logan Pierre was charged along with his brother and co-defendant, Isaiah Pierre in June 2024. Isaiah Pierre fled apprehension and is a fugitive.

    In the fall of 2023, an investigation began into drug trafficking activities conducted by Logan and, allegedly, Isaiah Pierre. The investigation revealed that the Pierre brothers were allegedly actively selling methamphetamine in the greater Boston area. Between October 2023 and May 2024, Logan Pierre and, allegedly, Isaiah Pierre sold or arranged the sale of a pound methamphetamine on at least five separate controlled purchases. During a search of Logan Pierre’s apartment, an additional 1000g of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine was recovered.

    The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, 40 grams and more of fentanyl, and cocaine provides for a sentence of a mandatory minimum term of 10 years and up to life in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin; and Revere Police Chief David Callahan made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Halifax Gang Member Sentenced to Over Four Years in Prison After Being Found With A Stolen AR-15 Rifle Loaded With 30 Rounds of Ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Roanoke Rapids man was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon after he was found in possession of a stolen AR-15 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. On August 21, 2024, Shelvy Travon Edwards, age 29, pled guilty to the charges.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, on September 12, 2023, Halifax County Sheriff’s Deputies and Roanoke Rapids Police Officers received a community tip that Edwards was in the parking lot of an apartment complex and was armed. Officers were looking for Edwards because there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest. When law enforcement arrived, they saw Edwards move a long, dark colored object towards the center console of the vehicle he was seated in prior to fleeing on foot and leaving the car door open. Two officers pursued Edwards and quickly apprehended him with the assistance of a K-9 officer.  Two other officers secured the scene and determined that the object Edwards had placed near the center console was a fully loaded AR-15 rifle. A review of the serial number later determined that it was stolen. Edwards has prior felony convictions in North Carolina and Virginia that prohibit him from legally possessing a firearm. The felonies include conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon (NC), and unlawful wounding (VA).

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and the Roanoke Rapids Police Department  investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart  prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-15-M-RN.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbus men sentenced to decades in prison for their roles in drug & human trafficking rings, overdose & violent deaths

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two Columbus men were sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 25years and 23 years in prison for drug crimes, sex trafficking crimes and their roles in the deaths of a local man and woman. The defendants are two of nearly two dozen individuals charged in a case involving large-scale drug and human trafficking rings, the overdose death of at least one individual and the violent death of a second victim.

    Dustin A. Speakman, 35, of Columbus, was sentenced to 276 months in prison. He pleaded guilty in March 2024 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1,000 of an elementary school. As part of his plea, Speakman admitted to his role in the violent death of one victim that occurred during the time he was operating a drug distribution house.

    Tyler Bourdo, 31, of Columbus, was sentenced to 300 months in prison. He also pleaded guilty in March 2024 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1,000 of an elementary school, as well as distributing fentanyl and cocaine that resulted in death and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

    Speakman and Bourdo are two of 23 defendants charged in a narcotics and human trafficking case that involves at least two deaths. Two of the defendants were found guilty following a jury trial last month. All 23 defendants have been convicted or pleaded guilty.

    According to court documents, from 2008 until June 2022, lead defendants Patrick Saultz and Cordell Washington ran a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Columbus that included sex trafficking, labor trafficking and money laundering.

    Court documents detail that the drug trafficking organization brought large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, alprazolam and marijuana into Columbus. These drugs were sold or used to coerce individuals into sexual activity for some members of the drug ring and their profit.

    Speakman joined the drug trafficking organization after being released from jail in 2022, where he was housed with Saultz. Speakman was a mid-level drug distributor for the group out of residences on South Ogden and South Warren.

    As part of his guilty plea, Speakman admitted to severely beating one of his drug runners in May 2022 and then providing him with free drugs to make up for the attack. Witnesses said the male was beaten by Speakman and then given cocaine and fentanyl as compensation. Shortly after, the victim began to seize and foam at the mouth and did not respond to Narcan. The victim was driven to an alley near Grant Hospital where he was found unconscious by Columbus Fire Department personnel with severe trauma to the face and head. His cause of death was ultimately determined to be blunt force trauma caused by Speakman.

    Bourdo supplied and oversaw the drug distribution at one of the stash houses on North Warren. He was providing the property’s owners approximately $100 in illegal narcotics per day for use of the residence.

    According to Bourdo’s plea agreement, on Oct. 14, 2021, an individual was found deceased in an alley between Bourdo’s primary residence and a drug distribution house. The woman was found with a needle in her hand and another needle in her pocket and had been dead for approximately 18 hours.

    Further investigation revealed that, on Oct. 10, 2021, the woman had overdosed on crack cocaine and fentanyl at one of the organization’s drug houses that Bourdo supplied on North Warren. Witnesses on site immediately placed the woman in a bathtub and soaked her in cold water. The witnesses provided multiple rounds of Narcan, CPR and chest compressions, eventually resuscitating her. The woman left and, over the next 48 hours, met up with Bourdo on more than one occasion to get and use more drugs.

    Video surveillance of the alley shows Bourdo walking to the deceased woman’s body just moments before police personnel arrived to attempt (unsuccessfully) to obtain her phone to prevent further investigation into her death.

    As part of his plea, Bourdo admitted to coercing adult drug-addicted females into performing commercial sex acts by using violence as well as providing and then withholding or threatening to withhold narcotics and lodging.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris commended the investigation coordinated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Jared Murphey , Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Other agencies that have assisted the task force with the investigation include the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, HIDTA Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Pickerington Police Department, New Albany Police Department, and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Prichard and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.

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

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mercer County Accounting Professor Convicted Of Tax Evasion And Filing False Tax Returns Sentenced To 24 Months In Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for evading federal income taxes and filing false tax returns, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Gordian A. Ndubizu, of Princeton Junction, New Jersey, was convicted on Aug. 15, 2024, of all eight counts of an indictment charging him with four counts of tax evasion and four counts of filing false tax returns in tax years 2014 through 2017, following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi, who imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.

    According to documents filed in this case and evidence introduced at trial:

    During tax years 2014 through 2017, Ndubizu was a professor of accounting at a university in Pennsylvania as well as the co-owner of Healthcare Pharmacy in Trenton, New Jersey. Healthcare Pharmacy was organized as an S corporation, the income of which flowed through to Ndubizu and his wife and was to be reported on their personal income tax returns. Ndubizu prepared fraudulent books and records for Healthcare Pharmacy inflating the pharmacy’s costs of goods sold to reduce and underreport the pharmacy’s actual profits flowing through to Ndubizu and his wife. In the fraudulent books and records, among other things, Ndubizu identified certain wire transfers as payments to purchase goods sold by the pharmacy when those wire transfers were in fact made to personal bank accounts under Ndubizu’s control and to bank accounts in Nigeria associated with an automotive company under Ndubizu’s control. Each of Ndubizu’s tax returns for tax years 2014 through 2017 falsely underreported his income and falsely reported that he had no financial interest in or signature authority over any foreign bank accounts. Ndubizu failed to report approximately $3.28 million in income from the pharmacy, resulting in the evasion of approximately $1.25 million in tax due and owing.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. He also thanked special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and officers of the Trenton Police Department and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for their work on this case.  

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander E. Ramey and Ashley Super Pitts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Number of people taken ill in Camden

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police are aware and are investigating the circumstances after a number of people have been taken ill in and around the Camden area today (Monday, 3 March).

    We are aware of nine cases and believe that all of these people have fallen ill after taking a substance believed to be heroin. At this time, there have been no fatalities but we continue to monitor the situation.

    Working alongside our partners, including the local council, enquiries are underway to establish if these drugs are the cause of these people being taken ill.

    There have been no arrests and enquiries are ongoing.

    Public safety is our priority and our advice remains that people should not buy, sell or consume illegal drugs – they are illegal and the trade is not regulated, so there are always very serious risks associated with taking these substances.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Temple Terrace Man Indicted for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death

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

    Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging Charles Zumbahlen (31, Temple Terrace) with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. If convicted, Zumbahlen faces a minimum penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Zumbahlen that the United States intends to forfeit all assets which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.

    According to the indictment, on November 24, 2024, Zumbahlen distributed a lethal amount of fentanyl that resulted in the death of Victim-1. 

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Innovation Fund to support Crisis Café

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today visited Wellington City Mission’s Whakamaru Crisis Café where he announced they are the latest recipient of the Government’s Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund.

    “I am thrilled that the Wellington Mission will be receiving funding to deliver on an important initiative that is designed to increase early access to support for people who are experiencing mental health challenges,” Mr Doocey says.

    “Todays announcement will allow the Mission to operate the Crisis Café twenty-four hours, four days a week.

    “Often sitting in an ED or clinical settings in times of mental distress can be a very challenging place for people, Crisis Cafés provide an alternative welcoming place where people can go when they need support. The service also has the potential to help alleviate demand on EDs, Police, and specialist secondary mental health teams.

    The Crisis Café is a peer-delivered service and provides a safe, relaxed, non-clinical setting for people who are in distress related to either mental health and/or addiction issues, and need to talk to someone face-to-face.

    “Initiatives such as this Crisis Café are exactly what the Innovation Fund was designed for. This Government is here to support community-driven and delivered solutions that will make a real difference to people facing mental health and addiction challenges.

    This is the fifth successful recipient from the first round of the Innovation Fund with Youthline, the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, MATES in Construction and the Mental Health Foundation already announced, with more still to come.

    In addition, last year, Mr Doocey announced six new Crisis Recovery Cafés will be rolled out around the country over the next two years.

    “I am committed to trialling new and innovative solutions to help address unmet need. Crisis Recovery Cafés are safe, welcoming places where people can go when they need support. It’s an alternative model of care that can prevent people ending up in ED,” Mr Doocey says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Invest Hong Kong provides updates on information security incident

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Invest Hong Kong provides updates on information security incident
    Invest Hong Kong provides updates on information security incident
    ******************************************************************

         ​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) provided an update today (March 3) on the information security incident identified on February 22 which involved a malicious ransomware attack to part of InvestHK’s computer systems. According to InvestHK’s investigation findings, there was no evidence indicating leakage of personal information. No further suspicious activities have been identified. InvestHK is very grateful for the support and assistance rendered by the Police and the Digital Policy Office (DPO) during the incident. The department’s computer systems have largely resumed normal operations today.     The spokesman for InvestHK said that as the global cybersecurity landscape was evolving, the department would continue to enhance its cyber resilience level and cybersecurity risk management. It will also follow the suggestions from the DPO and experts in tightening its IT security systems to prevent similar incidents from happening again .     The spokesman reminded members of the public to stay alert and to refrain from clicking on any embedded links or providing any personal or financial information such as credit card information, or making any payment to suspicious emails or SMS messages.     The department condemns such malicious attacks again and hopes that the culprits can be brought to justice as soon as possible so as to safeguard information and cybersecurity.

     
    Ends/Monday, March 3, 2025Issued at HKT 22:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chairs a meeting with Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant in New Delhi to review implementation of three New Criminal Laws in the State

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chairs a meeting with Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant in New Delhi to review implementation of three New Criminal Laws in the State

    Primary objective of the three New Criminal Laws introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is to ensure swift justice

    Goa should become a model state in effectively implementing New Criminal Laws

    To ensure speedy justice timelines in investigation and prosecution should be strictly adhered

    Set a target to achieve 90% conviction rate in criminal cases having more than 7 years of punishment

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 7:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, chaired a review meeting on the implementation of three new criminal laws in Goa, in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, in New Delhi today. The meeting reviewed the implementation and present status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics in Goa. The meeting was attended by the Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Goa, the Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), the Director, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and other senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the government of Goa.

    During the meeting, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah underlined that the primary objective of the three new criminal laws, introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is to ensure swift justice. He said that Goa should become a model state in effectively implementing three New Criminal Laws.

    Shri Amit Shah emphasized the importance of strictly adhering to timelines in investigation and prosecution to ensure speedy justice. He highlighted the need to achieve a 90% conviction rate in criminal cases of having provision of more than seven years of punishment. The Home Minister also stressed the mandatory registration of all Investigation Officers (IOs) on the e-Sakshya platform and directed the full implementation of e-Summons in Goa by March 31, 2025.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah reiterated that senior police officers must regularly monitor cases related to organized crime, terrorism, and mob lynching to prevent the misuse of relevant provisions. Permission from a Superintendent of Police-level officer should be taken before registering cases under these sections. Shri Shah also directed the police to ensure that property recovered from criminals is returned to its rightful owners in accordance with the provisions of the new criminal laws.

    Shri Amit Shah stressed the need to achieve 100% forensic sample testing and instructed strict adherence to this goal. He urged the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Director General of Police of Goa to continuously review the implementation progress of the three new laws.

    ****

    RK/VV/ASH/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2107850) Visitor Counter : 101

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Serious crash at Port Adelaide

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man has been seriously injured in a crash at Port Adelaide.

    About 6.15pm on Monday 3 March, police were called to the intersection of Grand Junction Road and Commercial Road following a crash between a Hyundai sedan and a motor scooter.

    The scooter rider, a 30-year-old man from Alberton, was seriously injured in the crash. His injuries are considered life threatening.

    The Hyundai driver, a 29-year-old woman from Semaphore South was not injured.

    Major Crash Investigators attended the scene.

    There were traffic restrictions in place for several hours surrounding the intersection and for eastbound lanes on Grand Junction Road but was cleared just after midnight.

    Anyone who witnessed the crash who hasn’t yet spoken to police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested after Adelaide stabbing

    Source: South Australia Police

    Off-duty police have assisted with apprehending a man after an incident in the CBD.

    About 11pm on Monday 3 March, police and ambulance crews were called to Hurtle Square after reports a man had been stabbed.

    The victim a 41-year-old man from Adelaide did not receive serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

    Two off-duty police officers were on scene and apprehended the suspect, a 58 -year-old man from Adelaide until patrols arrived.

    The man was charged with assault cause harm and refused bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Onerahi homicide: Name release

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police conducting a homicide investigation following the death of a woman at Beach Road Reserve on Thursday can now release her name.

    She was Yvonne Ann Chapman, 66, of Parua Bay.

    Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB, says Police enquiries into the events leading up to her death are continuing.

    “Our team has been working hard to piece together the circumstances leading to the tragic death of Yvonne.

    “Our thoughts are with her whānau and those closest to her during this unthinkable time.

    “We understand this was a distressing incident for those involved and the wider community, and want to reassure those affected we have a dedicated team working on this case.”

    Anyone with information can call Police on 105 and quote file number 250227/1223.

    Information can also be provided anonymously on 0800 555 111 via Crime Stoppers.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Validated Bloods Gang Member Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – Jamari Tyrek Ishman, age 24, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ishman pled guilty to the charge on November 20, 2024.

    According to court records and evidence presented at sentencing, Ishman was stopped by the Edenton Police Department for an expired registration violation on March 16, 2024. The officer detected an odor of marijuana and saw an open bottle of wine in the passenger seat. The officer also saw that Ishman had a juvenile passenger in the car. Based on the odor and open container, the officer asked Ishman and his juvenile passenger to exit the car. Once out of the car, the officer noticed Ishman had a red bandana in his back pocket, believed to reflect Ishman’s validated status as a member of the Bloods street gang. The officer searched Ishman and found a firearm magazine in his pants pocket. Ishman initially denied that there was a gun in the vehicle that matched the magazine, however, he ultimately admitted that there was a gun under the seat. The officer searched the vehicle and found a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine under the seat. The officer also found a pill bottle with a small amount of marijuana inside.

    Ishman is a previously convicted felon prohibited from legally possessing a firearm. His felony convictions include assault inflicting serious bodily injury on a detention employee in 2021 as well as multiple convictions in 2019 for breaking and entering.

    The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is a collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. Agencies involved in the investigation include the Edenton Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Dixon is prosecuting the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number: 2:24-cr-00024-M-BM.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cartel Boss Tied to Southlake Murder-for-Hire Among Defendants Expelled From Mexico

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

    Among the 29 cartel bosses expelled from Mexico and transferred to the custody of the United States on Thursday was Northern District of Texas defendant Jose Rodolfo Villarreal Hernandez, aka “El Gato,” announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham. 

    Mr. Villarreal Hernandez, a Mexican national who held a high-level position in the Beltran-Leyva Organization (BLO) Drug Cartel, was charged in June 2018 with interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire in the brutal slaying of a 43-year-old Southlake, Texas lawyer in 2013. 

    He was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List in October 2020 and arrested by Mexican law enforcement agents in Atizapán de Zaragoza, Mexico in January 2023.

    Attorney General Pam Bondi announced his successful extradition yesterday, pledging to prosecute all extradited cartel bosses “to the fullest extent of the law in honor of the brave law enforcement agents who have dedicated their careers — and in some cases, given their lives — to protect innocent people from the scourge of violent cartels.” 

    Mr. Villarreal Hernandez will make his initial appearance in federal court next week.

    According to evidence presented at the trial of his coconspirators, Mr. Villarreal Hernandez allegedly directed and financed a multi-year effort to locate and assassinate his victim, an attorney with ties to a rival cartel. Testimony revealed that Mr. Villarreal Hernandez allegedly believed the attorney was involved with the death of Mr. Villarreal Hernandez’s father and wanted revenge. 

    The victim was shot while sitting in the passenger seat of his vehicle outside an upscale shopping center in  Southlake on May 22, 2013. His wife was standing near the driver’s side door when her husband was killed. 

    Three men who, acting on orders from Mr. Villarreal Hernandez, tracked the victim prior to his death were convicted and sentenced in 2016: Jose Luis Cepeda-Cortes and Jesus Gerardo Ledezma-Cepeda were convicted at trial of interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire; Mr. Cepeda-Cortez was also convicted of tampering with documents or proceedings. Both men received life sentences. Jesus Gerardo Ledezma-Campano, son of Mr. Ledezma-Cepeda, pleaded guilty prior to trial to one count of interstate stalking and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

    A fourth defendant, Ramon Villarreal-Hernandez, the brother of Jose Rodolfo, was arrested in Mexico and extradited to the United States in 2020. He pleaded guilty to interstate stalking in June 2022 and was sentenced to ten years in prison.

    According to the U.S. State Department, in addition to allegedly ordering the Southlake murder, Mr. Villarreal Hernandez is believed to have overseen the importation of large quantities of cocaine into the United States as well as committing violent acts within the Republic of Mexico and the United States to maintain his organization’s power and status.

    “After more than a decade, Mr. Villarreal Hernandez will have to answer for his alleged crimes in an American courtroom,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “Since the victim was gunned down in a public parking lot in 2013, law enforcement’s commitment to this case has never wavered. I extend my sincere thanks to the federal, state, local, and international partners who have pulled together to ensure this defendant will be brought to justice.”

    “FBI Dallas and the Southlake Police Department have been determined to bring this individual to justice since he orchestrated a brutal murder in one of the many communities we serve in North Texas,” said R. Joseph Rothrock, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Dallas Field Office. “We would like to thank the United States Marshals Service for ensuring that Villarreal-Hernandez arrived safely and is now in federal custody on U.S. soil.”

    “An investigative success such as this one does not come easily or through individual efforts.  Policing is a team sport,” said DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge, Eduardo A. Chávez. “We are proud to stand hand-in-hand with our colleagues from the FBI to secure Villarreal Hernández’ indictment, arrest, and transfer.  Violence and drug trafficking are evil bedfellows, but together we will ensure communities remain safe and criminals face justice.”

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

    The statutory maximum penalty for interstate stalking is life in prison; the statutory maximum for the murder-for-hire charge is life in prison or death.

    The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division, with assistance from the Southlake Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, US. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, the Fort Worth Police Department, and the Grapevine Police Department. The  Mexican Secretariat of the Navy, Fiscalía Generalde la República (FGR), Coordinación Nacional Antisecuestro (CONASE) coordinated in the arrest of Mr. Villarreal-Hernandez.  The U.S. Marshal Service for the Northern District of Texas assisted in securing the defendant upon his arrival in Texas. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Mexico City, and the U.S. Marshals Mexico City Foreign Field Office provided valuable assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Burgess (fmr) and Aisha Saleem prosecuted the case against Mr. Luis Cepeda-Cortes, Mr. Ledezma-Cepeda, and Mr. Ledezma-Campano. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn Smith and Laura Montes are prosecuting the case against Mr. Villarreal Hernandez.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Birmingham Man Convicted on Gun and Drug Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal jury has convicted a 35-year-old Birmingham man for possession of a machinegun and drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Nashville Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz.

    The jury returned a guilty verdict against Frederick Leonard Temple, Jr., aka “Cutt”, and “Cutthroat” after 4 days of testimony before U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala. Temple was convicted of possession of a machine gun, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

    “This individual posed a threat to the safety and well-being of our communities, and Friday’s verdict sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such dangerous and unlawful activities,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who engage in violence and drug trafficking are held accountable for their actions.”

    “Drug trafficking and gun violence are major issues affecting our communities at alarming rates,” ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Stankiewicz said. “Those involved in illegal firearm possession and drug distribution are being held accountable. The ATF will continue to work with our state, local, and federal partners to disrupt these cycles and combat violent crime.”

    According to evidence presented at trial, Temple distributed fentanyl on two different occasions. After the distributions, the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force searched his home pursuant to a search warrant and recovered 14 firearms, including a machinegun; several firearm magazines, including 100- and 50-round drum magazines; a large amount of ammunition; fentanyl; methamphetamine; 6 digital scales of various sizes; and other drug paraphernalia.

    The ATF investigated the case along with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Birmingham Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristy M. Peoples and Alan Kirk are prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Colombian Nationals Charged with Drug-Trafficking on Alabama Interstate

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury indicted two Colombian nationals for drug crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank.

    A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Cristian Yesid Lugo-Beltran, 24, and Johan Leandro Zapata-Valencia, 23, with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

    According to the indictment, on February 6, 2024, Lugo-Beltran and Zapata-Valencia possessed with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. The traffic stop of both men occurred on Interstate 65 in Shelby County.  

    HSI investigated the case, along with Calera Police Department and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany T. Byrd and Olivia C. Brame are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Brothers from Youngstown, Ohio, Each Sentenced to at Least a Decade in Prison for Participation in Interstate Cocaine Trafficking Operation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two Youngstown, Ohio, residents were sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh on February 26, 2025, for their convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and related firearms and drug trafficking charges, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The defendants were among 17 individuals from Lawrence County, Pennsylvania; Puerto Rico; and Youngstown, Ohio, indicted in March 2024 for violating federal narcotics, firearms, and racketeering laws by conspiring to distribute cocaine throughout Western Pennsylvania and Youngstown (read the Indictment news release here).

    Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentences on brothers Ruben Noel Sanchez, 29, and Rubel Sanchez, 22. Ruben was sentenced to a total of 13 years of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, with the latter two charges having been filed by Information in the Northern District of Ohio. Rubel was sentenced to 10 years of prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

    According to information presented to the Court, the Sanchez brothers were part of an organized drug trafficking group that shipped kilogram quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico, often mailing drug parcels through the U.S. Postal Service to co-conspirators responsible for selling the cocaine in Western Pennsylvania; Youngstown, Ohio; and elsewhere. This included the Sanchez brothers receiving kilograms of cocaine directly through the mail as well as receiving and paying for cocaine that was shipped to Philadelphia and then transported across Pennsylvania to Youngstown, Ohio. Upon receipt of the cocaine, the brothers and their co-conspirators distributed the drugs to customers and multiple other co-conspirators, who then distributed the cocaine in Youngstown, Ohio, and throughout Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.

    In March 2024, investigators executed a federal search warrant at a Youngstown residence utilized by the brothers in connection with their drug distribution operations, where investigators seized three Glock pistols—including one equipped with a machinegun conversion device known as a Glock switch and another loaded with ammunition; three unattached Glock switches; assorted ammunition; baggies of powder and pills that included separate mixtures and substances containing 1) fentanyl, cocaine, and xylazine, 2) fentanyl and xylazine, 3) cocaine, 4) fentanyl, 5) methamphetamine, and 6) heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and xylazine; a kilo press plate used in connection with the packaging and distribution of large quantities of powdered controlled substances; and the brothers’ cell phones. Evidence, including from these cell phones and other surveillance, established that the brothers knowingly possessed the drugs with the intent to distribute them and possessed the firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking. The brothers each were responsible for distributing and/or possessing with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine, at least 40 grams of fentanyl, and quantities of heroin and methamphetamine.

    Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler prosecuted this case on behalf of the government, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Lawrence County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Drug Task Force, and United States Postal Inspection Service, as well as the New Castle Police Department, Ellwood City Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and United States Department of Agriculture for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sanchez brothers.

    Lawrence County is one of six Western Pennsylvania counties officially designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. The county received its HIDTA designation in July 2022, allowing it to receive dedicated federal resources to coordinate federal, state, and local governments in fighting drug trafficking and abuse.

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wanted South Carolina Fugitive Sentenced to More than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearm at Evansville Bus Stop

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EVANSVILLE— Argelius C. Croft, 37, of Greenville, South Carolina, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

    According to court documents, on January 27, 2023, Evansville Police Department officers questioned Croft at the Evansville Greyhound Bus Station after learning that he had an active arrest warrant out of South Carolina for a pending criminal charge. When confronted, Croft provided false information about his identity to the officers and ran away from the bus station on foot carrying his backpack. After a brief foot chase, Croft fell and was arrested by EPD officers.

    During a search of his person, officers found a Ruger.22 Charger rifle with a partially obliterated serial number and a Ruger BX- 25 double-stack magazine loaded with 47 rounds inside of Croft’s backpack. When the officers found the firearm, Croft asked them to forget about it and just throw the gun in the river.

    At the time of his arrest, Croft had been convicted of numerous felonies including burglary, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and domestic violence. These prior felony convictions prohibit Croft from ever legally possessing a firearm again.

    “Deadly weapons in the hands of violent criminals fuel the shootings and deaths that have devastating impacts on our families,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This sentence should send a clear message to those who ignore their prohibition- if you choose to pick up a gun, you face a serious term in federal prison.”

    “ATF’s core mission is to identify, pursue, and perfect criminal cases against individuals who unlawfully possess or use firearms in furtherance of criminal activity,” stated Acting ATF Columbus Field Division Special Agent in Charge Thomas A. Greco. “We will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners to ensure anyone who commits violence in our communities is held accountable for their actions.”

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Over 30 individuals sentenced to federal prison following Angelina County drug trafficking investigation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas – Over 30 individuals have been sentenced to federal prison following a five-year investigation into drug trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    According to information presented in court, in 2019, law enforcement in Angelina County began investigating numerous individuals for trafficking methamphetamine into and through East Texas.  As of February 2025, over 30 individuals have been sentenced to federal prison for offenses including conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and other related offenses.  The investigation and prosecution of individuals from East Texas, Houston, and elsewhere, resulted in the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization that operated between Mexico, Houston, Angelina County, Tyler County, and other areas.

    The following individuals were sentenced for various roles in the methamphetamine distribution conspiracy:

    • Jesus Sanchez-Rueda, 33, of Houston – 360 months
    • Jesse Canseco, 35, of Houston – 292 months
    • Oscar Negrete, 26, of Humble – 68 months
    • Adolfo Lopez-Lemus, 35, of Houston – 57 months
    • Ryan Canseco, 35, of Houston – 120 months + 60 months for a firearms violation (for a total of 180 months)
    • Jason Thompson, 44, of Lufkin – 210 months + 60 months consecutively for a firearms violation (for a total of 295 months)
    • Krista Thompson, 38, of Lufkin – 95 months + 60 months for a firearms violation (for a total of 155 months)
    • Rogers Williams, 31, of Houston – 135 months
    • Edgar Reyes, 26, of Houston – 57 months
    • Edwin Galicia, 26, of Houston – 150 months
    • Joel Hernandez, Jr., 30, of Humble – 57 months
    • Matthew Rogers, 43, of Houston – 70 months
    • Robert Rogers, 68, of Woodville – 120 months + 60 months for a firearms violation (for a total of 180 months)
    • Dustin Dauzart, 32, of Alexandria, LA – 140 months
    • Everett Charles Lutz, 67, of Lufkin – 235 months
    • Amanda Jane Lorentz, 37, of Lufkin – 235 months
    • Kevin Edward Hughes, 30 of Lufkin – 120 months
    • Aaron Dewberry, 52, of Lufkin – 120 months
    • Charles Gregory Runnels, 46, of Zavalla – 137 months
    • Richard Lyles, 44, of Lufkin – 84 months
    • Shane Gammons, 44, of Lufkin – 96 months
    • Andrea Bosley, 49, of Lufkin – 37 months
    • Paul Smith, 62, of Lufkin – 77 months
    • Joshua Gilpin, 37, of Lufkin – 121 months + 60 months consecutively for a firearms violation (for a total of 181 months)
    • Martin Deanda, 32, of Houston – 121 months
    • Lorenzo Hernandez, 24, of Houston – 121 months
    • Larry Sanchez, 30, of Houston – 121 months
    • Eric Copaus, 44, of Houston – 135 months
    • Autumn Farley aka Autumn Sheppard, 30, of Houston – 57 months
    • Santos Navarro, 50, of Houston – 130 months
    • Fernando Arias, 26, of Humble – 87 months
    • Lamarcus Morris, 38, of Houston – 235 months
    • Luke Bridges, 49, of Missouri City – 235 months
    • Brian Jones, 45, of Pensacola, FL – 48 months

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

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Lufkin; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Angelina County Sheriff’s Office; Lufkin Police Department; Harris County Sheriff’s Office; Houston Police Department; and the Texas Department of Public Safety-Criminal Investigations Division.  These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.                                                                                                                                  

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Brett Fraser homicide investigation – $100,000 reward announced

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison:

    A $100,000 reward is offered for information in relation to the death of Brett Fraser in October 2014.

    Fifty-one-year-old father Brett Fraser was killed on Tuesday 21 October 2014 in the West Auckland home he shared with his flatmate.

    We want to provide answers to Brett’s family, and to hold the person or persons responsible for his death to account.

    Police will pay a reward of up to $100,000 for material information or evidence which leads to the identity and conviction of any person, or persons, responsible for Brett’s death.

    The offer will remain in force until 3 June 2025. The Commissioner of Police will determine the amount of the reward and will apportion it if there is more than one claimant.

    Immunity against prosecution will be considered for any accomplice, not being a principal offender, who gives such information or evidence to Police.

    We urge anyone that has personal knowledge of the circumstances of Brett’s death and who are prepared to assist the investigation team to please contact Police.

    Information can be provided to the investigation team on 0800 COLD CASE (0800 2653 2273) or email to Op.Frankfort@police.govt.nz

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE investigation leads to more than 13 years in federal prison for Washington State man convicted of coercing and sexually exploiting a minor online

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    EUGENE, Ore. — Brandon Kuper, 22, of Tacoma, Washington was sentenced to 165 months in federal prison and 10 years’ supervised release, Feb. 25, for using social media to coerce a minor into sending him sexually explicit materials and engage in self-harm, following a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local law enforcement partner investigation.

    According to court documents, in November 2022, Kuper messaged a minor through Discord and Snapchat, two social media messaging applications, in attempts to develop a relationship. Kuper coerced the victim into producing and sending him sexually explicit photos and videos, including sadistic and masochistic conduct. When the victim denied some of Kuper’s requests, he threatened to harm the victim and victim’s family if his demands were not met. Kuper continued to make threats and demands until the victim bravely reported Kuper to their parents and then law enforcement.

    “Through his use of popular social media platforms, Kerr sought to manipulate and exploit vulnerable minors for his own depraved desires,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy. “Fortunately, the bravery of the victim in coming forward to their parents and law enforcement helped put an end to this individual’s predatory behavior. ICE is committed to investigating and dismantling online predators who use digital platforms to exploit children. We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners, and we will continue to prioritize the safety of minors both online and offline.”

    Investigators learned that Kuper used Discord and Snapchat to find and convince minors to produce and send him sexually explicit material. In several instances, Kuper asked his victims to cut his social media username “Merqzs” into their skin, photograph it, and send him the photos. Investigators also found revenge pornography that Kuper created and posted of at least one other victim that did not comply with his demands. On Nov. 10, 2022, Kuper was arrested in Tacoma and remains in custody.

    On Nov. 17, 2022, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging Kuper with production of child pornography and enticing a minor.

    On Nov. 20, 2024, Kuper pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor.

    This case was investigated by ICE with assistance from the Bend Police Department and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensics Laboratory. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact ICE at 866-347-2423. You may also report a suspected incident of online child exploitation to the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline at https://report.cybertip.org.

    About Know2Protect

    Know2Protect is a national public awareness campaign led by the Department of Homeland Security, dedicated to educating individuals and families about the risks of online child sexual exploitation and providing actionable steps to prevent, report, and combat these crimes. The campaign focuses on equipping parents, caregivers, and communities with resources to protect children in the digital space.

    For more information, please visit Know2Protect.gov or follow @Know2Protect on Instagram, Facebook and X.

    Know2Protect (K2P) is a national public awareness campaign from the Department of Homeland Security. K2P’s aim is to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults, and policymakers to prevent, combat, and report online child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information, please visit our YouTube playlists at Know2Protect Campaign PSA Playlist and Know2Protect Digital Safety Series Playlist on the DHS main channel. Additional resources are available at know2protect.gov and @Know2Protect on Instagram, Facebook and X.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: “Redbull Guy” Sentenced to 40 Months of Incarceration for String of CVS Thefts

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Darryl Quander, 58, of Washington, DC, was sentenced on February 28, 2025 to 40 months incarceration, for one count of first-degree theft and three counts of felony enhanced second degree theft, for a string of retail thefts at CVS stores over a span of two months, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Quander pleaded guilty on December 17, 2024, in D.C. Superior Court to one count of first-degree theft and three counts of felony enhanced second-degree theft. The Honorable Judge Errol Arthur sentenced Quander to 12 months suspended to all but four months in prison on the first-degree theft charge and 16 months with all suspended except for 12 months on each felony enhanced second-degree theft charge. All four counts were ordered to run consecutive to one another and Quander’s incarceration is to be followed by three years of supervised release.

                According to the government’s evidence, between February 26, 2024, and April 24, 2024, Quander committed a string of thefts, mostly at the same CVS stores located in the 1000 block of 16th Street, N.W and the 1400 block of P Street NW. During that period, Quander committed 24 retail thefts over the course of 58 days. In each instance, Quander was seen on surveillance camera entering the stores, taking merchandise, specifically Red Bull and other merchandise, from the shelves, and leaving the stores without paying for the merchandise. Quander stole over $3,500 in merchandise during his crime spree.

                Quander was arrested for these offenses on June 10, 2024. 

                In announcing the indictments and the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dangerous Firearms and Drugs the Focus of Two Takedowns in Vallejo

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

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Two Vallejo Public Safety Partnership (PSP) investigations have resulted in arrests and federal charges for eight individuals for various gun and drug offenses. The PSP investigations are a part of a larger collaborative effort to address violent crime in the city of Vallejo. Making this announcement are Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith, Chief Jason Ta of the Vallejo Police Department, Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani.

    “The application process to join the U.S. Department of Justice’s Public Safety Partnership Program is competitive, and the United States Attorney’s Office is proud of the Vallejo Police Department’s selection as a participant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith. “This program is focused on maximizing scarce resources to increase Vallejo’s ability to fight violent crime, especially crime related to gang activity involving gun violence and drug trafficking. Our office is honored to partner with Vallejo through this unique initiative to provide focused, data-driven, and evidence-based resources and expertise to promote public safety in this city. The prosecutions announced today show our commitment to that partnership, as we bring federal resources to bear in the fight make Vallejo safer for all its residents.”

    “Every community member deserves to feel safe and secure in their home,” stated Vallejo Police Chief Jason Ta. “We are overcoming our resource limitations through law enforcement and community partnerships. We must work together as a team to make Vallejo safer.”

    “Today’s announcement is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to collaborative investigations, leveraging the skills and talents of local, state, and federal partners to disrupt violent criminal networks that threaten the success and safety of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “Drug and weapons trafficking conducted by criminal networks exploits and slowly erodes communities unless law enforcement and the public stand together against it. Every family should have the opportunity to live, work, and thrive in a safe, crime-free community and the FBI remains firmly committed to disrupt and dismantle gangs and criminal networks that endanger neighborhoods and threaten the potential of all citizens.”

    “ATF is proud to be a part of a collective effort to prevent and reduce violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The city of Vallejo is a safer community today because of programs like the National Public Safety Partnership or PSP. This investigation serves as a great example of the effectiveness of this program. ATF continues to stay focused on the commitment that we made to the communities we serve, and we hope to continue to have more investigations like this one.”

    Super 8

    According to court documents, since July 2024 until the present, the ATF’s Oakland Field Office has been investigating members of a loosely affiliated group that was illegally selling dangerous, high-powered weapons in Vallejo using a Super 8 motel on Solano Avenue as the hub of their criminal activity. On Feb. 20, 2025, ATF arrested four Vallejo residents charged with federal firearms offenses. Zuryess Anthony Roberts, 24, was charged with possession and transfer of a machine gun. Taezon Laurece Sanderson, 23, was charged with being felon in possession of a firearm. Divaya James Talley, 18, was charged with transfer and possession of a machine gun. Anderson Thurston, 66, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    Brown Brotherhood (BBH)

    According to court documents, the Brown Brotherhood gang is a subset of the Sureño gang and has been a frequent target of investigations of the Vallejo Police Department and the Solano County Violent Crime Task Force. The primary criminal activities of this gang have included murder, robbery, extortion, drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, burglary, and stolen vehicles. The current investigation began in February 2024 through today’s arrests and takedown. FBI arrested four people today on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.

    Leo Alonso-Medina, 32, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Carlos Higuera-Aldana, 23, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Jeremiah Salanoa, 22, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Doroteo Suastegui, 47, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

    These cases are the product of investigations by the ATF, the FBI, the Vallejo Police Department, and the Solano County Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt, R. Alex Cardenas, Nicole Vanek, Douglas Harman, Charles Campbell, and Adrian Kinsella are prosecuting the eight federal cases arising out of this collaborative PSP effort.

    A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Indicted in Relation to Sex Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROANOKE, Va. – A federal grand jury here returned an indictment last week charging a Daytona Beach, Florida man with federal charges related to sex trafficking.

    Frank Smith, 27, is charged with one count of knowingly transporting an individual in interstate commerce with the intent for that individual to engage in prostitution and one count of using a facility of interstate commerce (an iPhone) to engage in the promotion of prostitution.

    “Human trafficking is a crime that often occurs in plain sight. All across the Commonwealth, in big cities and small towns, individuals are forced into this form of modern day slavery. The Justice Department is committed to ending it and holding those responsible accountable,” Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee said today. “These charges demonstrate the commitment of the Virginia State Police and our federal and local partners to rooting out human trafficking in our Commonwealth. I am grateful for their continued efforts.”

    “The Virginia State Police is committed to bringing traffickers to justice, and stopping human trafficking is a primary focus of our agency,” said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “Our special agents work tirelessly with our federal and local partners every day to make Virginia a safer place to live.”

    According to court documents, Smith traveled with Victim 1 across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia for the purpose of prostitution. In September 2024, Smith allegedly transported Victim 1 across state lines into Roanoke, Virginia with the intent that Victim 1 engage in prostitution.

    On October 8, 2024, agents with the Virginia State Police Human Trafficking Unit, with assistance from several local law enforcement agencies, contacted Victim 1 at a hotel in Radford, Virginia after seeing an ad for her “services” posted on a website used to advertise illicit sex.

    Agents set up a “date” with Victim 1 for the purpose of performing a “knock-and-talk.” When they arrived at the hotel, they explained who they were and that she was not in trouble. Agents ultimately learned that Victim 1 had been trafficked by a male later identified as Frank Smith.

    Homeland Security Investigations and the Virginia State Police Human Trafficking Unit are investigating the case. Valuable investigative assistance was provided by the Radford Police Department, the Blacksburg Police Department, the Christiansburg Police Department, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Brett is prosecuting 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: Kalamazoo Career Offender Sentenced To 324 Months For Distribution Of Fentanyl Causing Death

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

              GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that United States District Judge Jane M. Beckering sentenced Antjuan Pierre Jackson, 39, of Kalamazoo, to serve 324 months in prison for distribution of fentanyl causing death and possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it. Following his release, Jackson will be on supervised release for four years and will be required to pay a $2,000 fine.

              “Fentanyl continues to claim lives across Michigan and the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge. “Defendants who sell this poison and kill people in the process must be brought to justice. My office is committed to disrupting the pipelines that distribute these deadly drugs in our communities.”

              At sentencing, Jackson was deemed a career offender based on his two prior convictions for unarmed robbery. In imposing sentence, Judge Beckering lamented the deep loss suffered by the victim’s family. She went on to characterize opioids generally as the number one cause of overdose deaths, remarking that fentanyl distribution is “a business that must be snuffed out.”

              “Every opioid overdose, especially overdose deaths, are tragic, and it is a shame that Antjuan Jackson chose to be a part of dealing these types of lethal drugs, said Sergeant Brian Cake of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, a unit of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.  “The Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team hopes that this sentence serves as a deterrent for others continuing this criminal activity.”

              The evidence at trial and at sentencing demonstrated that, on November 23, 2022, Jackson sold fentanyl to the victim. Within hours, the victim died of a fentanyl overdose. Still, Jackson kept dealing. Less than three weeks later, in December 2022, investigators found Jackson with more than 80 grams of fentanyl in his home, as well as all the hallmarks of drug trafficking, including cash, a digital scale, a cell phone, and packaging materials. When confronted by the police about his dealing, Jackson attempted to flee. As Judge Beckering noted in sentencing Jackson, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be deadly, and the amount of fentanyl Jackson had in his home included 43,420 potentially lethal doses of the drug

              The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case with additional assistance provided by the Michigan State Police (MSP). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Carowan and Timothy Verhey prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –