Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
WASHINGTON – Stephen Rattley Johnson, 37, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 7.5 years in prison for uploading and possessing videos in 2020 depicting the rape and sadistic sexual abuse of prepubescent girls.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Johnson was found guilty by a federal jury on April 17, 2024, of five counts of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. On the possession count, the jury further found that the child pornography involved minors under 12 years of age, an aggravating circumstance that doubles the statutory maximum sentence. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols ordered Johnson to pay $52,600 in restitution and special assessments. Upon release from his prison term, Johnson will be required to serve 10 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender.
According to court documents and the evidence presented at trial, on September 21, 2020, and October 1, 2020, Johnson uploaded hundreds of child pornography files to his Google Drive cloud storage account. Google identified 220 of the files as known child pornography and closed Johnson’s account. Consistent with its statutory obligations, Google reported the material to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which in turn referred the matter to law enforcement. As part of its investigation, investigators obtained the contents of Johnson’s Google account, which included hundreds of child pornography files.
Law enforcement arrested Johnson on October 7, 2021, and searched his then-residence in the H Street Corridor of Northeast Washington. Among other evidence, law enforcement seized his cellphone and the laptop Johnson had used to upload the child pornography. Although Johnson deleted the child pornography from his computer after Google closed his account, digital forensics experts were able to recover artifacts showing that Johnson had downloaded many of the files as early as April 2020 and that he had opened and watched them. Many of the files are videos depicting the rape and sadistic sexual abuse of prepubescent girls. In addition, Johnson’s web browser history showed that he had navigated to child pornography online—including several of the files he later uploaded to Google—and evidence from his cellphone showed that he continued to seek out child pornography even after Google closed his account.
The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and Metropolitan Police Department’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force; the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; and the High Technology Investigative Unit of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul V. Courtney and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Lipes prosecuted the case, with valuable assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Janani Iyengar and Jocelyn Bond.
(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that Andrew Scott Walker pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 1st Degree, and one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, 3rd Degree in Greenville County on October 31, 2024, before Judge Perry Gravely.
In January 2021, the Simpsonville Police Department responded to a residence after receiving a report from a concerned citizen that she discovered nude images of children on the phone of a man she knew. The Simpsonville Police Department seized the cell phone and searched the device, in which more pictures and videos were discovered of Walker sexually assaulting one of the children, and his voice was identified. The children were also identified.
Judge Gravely sentenced Walker to 10 years in prison on the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 1st Degree charge, which is to run consecutive to the Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, 3rd Degree charge, for which he received 15 years, for a total sentence of 25 years. He must register as a sex offender upon his release, consented to a forfeiture order, and a permanent restraining order was signed for the victims.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Johnson prosecuted the case.
Attorney General Wilson thanks Investigator Jim Donnely from the Simpsonville Police Department, the Simpsonville Police Department, and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office who assisted in the investigation.
Columbus, OH – The U.S. Marshals Service Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) arrested 53 violent Felony Domestic Violence and Felony Family Violence fugitives during a fugitive apprehension initiative called Operation Safe Haven.
Enforcement activities covered 31 operational days, from Oct 1 to Oct 31, and targeted fugitives with Felony Domestic Violence and Felony Family Violence arrest warrants, prioritizing those who used firearms in the commission of crimes or signaled high-risk factors for violence. Operation Safe Haven resulted in the arrest of fugitives on charges to include homicide, forcible sexual assault, domestic violence, aggravated assault, and child abuse.
Notable arrests included: On 10/17/2024, Columbus SOFAST arrested Justin Woolum. Woolum was wanted by the Kenova Police Department (WV) for Rape of a Minor. Columbus SOFAST arrested Woolum in Lancaster, OH.
On 10/30/2024, Dayton SOFAST arrested James Wilson. Wilson was wanted by Dayton Police Department for Felony Domestic Violence and Strangulation. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio also issued an arrest warrant for Wilson charging him with a Supervised Release Violation.
On 10/01/2024, Columbus SOFAST and FCSO (Franklin County Sheriff’s Office) SWAT arrested Aaron Rice. Rice was wanted by the Springfield Police Division for Felonious Assault and Weapons Offenses. Rice was indicted for Abduction and Kidnapping. An investigation indicated that, while Rice was a fugitive for the Felonious Assault case, he kidnapped the victim and a small child. Rice drove the victims from Ohio to Tennessee where they escaped. Rice was also facing Felony Domestic Violence charges in the State of Tennessee at the time of his arrest.
On 10/18/2024, Cincinnati SOFAST arrested Timothy Cromwell. Cromwell was wanted by the Colerain Township Police Department for the Abduction and Kidnapping of the victim at gun point.
On 10/25/2024, Cincinnati SOFAST arrested Jurabek Sherov. Sherov was wanted by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office for kidnapping the victim and holding her hostage for several days at gun point. Sherov was also charged with Rape, and Strangulation.
“Every day our Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force officers are out locating and apprehending our most violent offenders. As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the U.S. Marshals and our law enforcement partners focused on locating those suspects accused of violent crimes relating to domestic violence. Removing these dangerous fugitives from our community can hopefully bring some peace to the victims and serve as a deterrent to others to not commit these sorts of crimes”. – Michael D. Black, U.S. Marshal, Southern District of Ohio.
Columbus SOFAST is a fugitive-focused, U.S. Marshals Service-led task force consisting of local, state and federal authorities including the Columbus Division of Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Bexley Police Department, Capital University Police Department, Delaware County Probation Office, Groveport Police Department, Hocking County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster Police Department, Ohio Attorney General Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, Office of Inspector General Social Security Administration, United States Attorney’s Office, Utica Police Department, Whitehall Police Department, and Zanesville Police Department.
Dayton SOFAST is a multi-jurisdictional, U.S. Marshals Service- led task force comprised of the Dayton Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Division of Police, Greene County Prosecutor’s Office, Miami County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office, Perry Township Police Department, Greenville Police Department, Springboro Police Department, Franklin Police Department, United States Secret Service, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, West Carrollton Police Department, and the Xenia Police Department.
Cincinnati SOFAST is a U.S. Marshals Service-led task force consisting of local, state, and federal authorities including the Adult Parole Authority, Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Butler County Probation Office, Colerain Township Police Department, Department of Homeland Security/ Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Golf Manor Police Department, Harrison Police Department, Mount Orab Police Department, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Trenton Police Department, Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, and Warren County Sheriff’s Office.
On October 31, 2024, Bill C-20, An Act establishing the Public Complaints and Review Commission, was granted Royal Assent. The activities of Canada’s law enforcement agencies will now be subject to greater accountability and transparency.
November 1, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario
On October 31, 2024, Bill C-20, An Act establishing the Public Complaints and Review Commission, was granted Royal Assent. The activities of Canada’s law enforcement agencies will now be subject to greater accountability and transparency.
The passage of this bill represents a major milestone in the realm of civilian law enforcement review in Canada. It will create the first-ever independent complaints and review body for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), in addition to enhancing the existing review mechanism for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The establishment of the new Public Complaints and Review Commission (PCRC) will increase public trust in our law enforcement institutions by providing an avenue for the public to submit complaints, should they have concerns about the conduct of an RCMP or CBSA officer, or the level of service they provided. Further, the PCRC will have the ability to conduct systemic reviews of the activities of the RCMP and the CBSA.
The PCRC Act will be the first federal statute to require the collection, analysis and reporting of demographic and race-based data on complainants, an important step that will contribute to identifying systemic issues within our law enforcement and develop better-informed solutions to combat them.
The new legislation will also enact mechanisms for additional accountability and transparency, such as a more robust reporting framework around review processes and mandatory timelines for RCMP and CBSA responses to PCRC reports, reviews and recommendations.
Bill C-20 is the result of extensive consultations and engagement with various stakeholders, including experts, academics, civil rights organizations, and vulnerable communities. It reflects the many voices that have raised concerns around systemic issues within our law enforcement institutions and have called for increased transparency and accountability.
Public confidence in the RCMP and CBSA is crucial to the health of our democracy. This independent body will ensure Canadians values, rights and freedoms are being upheld.
Gabriel Brunet Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs 819-665-6527 gabriel.brunet@iga-aig.gc.ca
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, Nov. 2 in honor of Senior Investigator John L. Carey — a retired New York State Police member who passed away from illness linked to his assignment at the World Trade Center following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
“Senior Investigator Carey was a dedicated member of the New York State Police, and his passing is a reflection of the relentless bravery and unimaginable sacrifice that defines both a public servant and a hero,” Governor Hochul said. “The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 have claimed the life of another New Yorker, a New Yorker who will always be remembered for protecting his community and for his fearlessness in service.”
Senior Investigator Carey joined the State Police in 1982 and served for 32 years until his retirement on July 30, 2014. In September 2001, he was sent on a two-week assignment to Ground Zero to identify victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center, where he was then exposed to the toxic chemicals and fumes at the scene.
Senior Investigator Carey is survived by his wife, Christine; their four children, Andrew, Ashley, Adam and Jennifer; and his granddaughter, Grace Elizabeth.
Police investigating traffic crash, Cambridge Road and South Arm Highway
Saturday, 2 November 2024 – 8:38 am.
Police are investigating a hit and run crash on the Mornington roundabout (Cambridge Road and South Arm Highway) that reportedly occurred about 2.50pm on Friday 1 November. A Silver Mitsubishi Lancer sedan was struck from behind by a white utility, similar to a Ford Ranger, as they travelled through the roundabout on Cambridge Road towards Rosny. The utility had large white lettering across the top of the front windshield and was seen travelling up the South Arm Highway after the crash. Anyone with information or dash camera footage is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. Please quote crash report 24006769.
First Minister thanks people for patience as recovery operation continues.
A further meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) has been chaired by First Minister John Swinney to coordinate the recovery response to Storm Éowyn.
Due to the severity and impact of the storm, there is significant disruption to parts of the country. This includes around 35,000 properties without power and continued transport disruption with road closures and rail, bus, flight and ferry cancellations. It is expected to take some time to get all services fully restored.
Utility companies, national agencies and local authorities are working at pace to restore power and assess the impact, including responding to significant damage, removing fallen trees and debris, to ensure services can fully resume in the coming days.
The First Minister joined a Ministerial COBR meeting chaired by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden earlier this evening. The First Minister also spoke with the Prime Minister today to discuss the ongoing response to Storm Éowyn and the impact on Scotland.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“I want to thank everyone who followed Police Scotland advice not to travel and express my sincere gratitude to the emergency services and to those working in the public, private and third sector who are continuing to support people and communities across the country.
“With yellow warnings in place for wind, snow and ice over the weekend, it is clear the severity of Storm Éowyn will continue into next week and this will have an impact on the speed at which utilities and local services can fully resume.
“Given the damage and disruption facing the network across the United Kingdom, utility companies are under significant pressure and are working in challenging conditions. I have stressed the importance of getting power restored as quickly as is practically possible and have been assured that assessments are being made at pace to ensure power is restored to affected properties in Scotland as soon as possible. Alongside our partners, Ministers are being updated regularly and ensuring all steps are being taken.
“I am pleased at the progress made to restore power to many communities over the course of today however a significant number of properties remain without power. Utility companies are continuing to provide support to customers, including ensuring provisions are in place for the most vulnerable.
“I want to thank people for their continued patience and encourage them to take extra care and look out for each other, particularly those who are supporting vulnerable neighbours and family members.
“As we look ahead to Monday, partners are working at pace to ensure services can resume next week. Local authorities – who are responsible for school closures – will be working to ensure all buildings meet the required safety standards to reopen safely to pupils. We would expect decisions on schools to be clearly communicated by local authorities to parents, pupils and staff, with as much advance warning as possible, and would encourage all parents to follow that advice.
“People should prepare for continued disruption, especially in areas that have been impacted by a loss of power, and I encourage everyone to follow advice being issued by local authorities, as well as continuing to follow updates from national agencies.”
Background
SGoRR was attended by the Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Justice and Home Affairs Secretary Angela Contance, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, Rural Affairs and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon, Acting Net Zero and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin and Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson. They were joined by representatives from the Met Office, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, SEPA, transport and utilities companies and resilience partners.
The latest Met Office weather warnings are available on the Met Office website.
Flood alerts are issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and can be viewed on their website.
Follow Traffic Scotland for the most up-to-date information on the trunk roads throughout the warning periods, via their website, social media channels and radio broadcasts. Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.
To report a power cut or damage to electricity power lines or substations call the SP Networks national Freephone number 105. More information on what to do during a storm can also be found on SP Energy Website.
During a power cut firefighters can be called to fires started by candles or portable heaters. For advice on how to stay safe during a power cut visit Scottish Fire and Rescue Website.
CFA volunteer Fiona Burns was recognised in today’s Australia Day Honours, receiving an Australian Fire Service Medal for her more than 21 years of dedicated service to CFA and her community.
Fiona Burns has been an inspirational member of CFA for more than 21 years, serving as a member of two brigades (Launching Place and Hillcrest) and is the current group officer of Yarra Valley Group.
She has served with distinction as an officer of her brigade and group for 19 of her 21 years of CFA service.
Fiona has distinguished herself through her outstanding ability and reputation as an extremely capable member of incident management teams. As a result, she was chosen to take on Level 3 planning officer role in incident control centres (ICC) at large and prolonged, multi-agency campaign fires in 2013, 2019-20 and again in 2024 in Gippsland and the Grampians.
In addition, she has represented CFA internationally as a planning officer undertaking two five-week stints to support fire suppression in Canada in 2014 and 2015. She has been a Level 3 accredited planning officer for 10 years.
“I love the planning officer role because I can take my fireground skills and use them in ICCs to support our firefighters on the front line,” Fiona said. “It’s a demanding role but I really enjoy the challenges.”
Fiona is also an experienced fireground commander where she identifies emerging operational leaders with whom she willingly shares her significant experience.
Her extensive fire management experience and analytical ability were influential during the successful transition of the former Launching Place and Woori Yallock brigades into one new brigade – Hillcrest Fire Brigade – in 2007.
As brigade captain, Fiona was responsible for driving the creation of an emergency services hub with Ambulance Victoria, co-locating an ambulance at Hillcrest Fire Station to allow better medical response for the Yarra Valley and surrounds.
Fiona was a foundation mentor in CFA’s statewide Women In Leadership mentoring program, and she is still involved in this important initiative. She is also part of the District 13 Captains’ Leadership Mentoring Program, providing guidance to new captains about leadership and administration. These programs align with Fiona’s leadership philosophy.
“Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors and supporters who share their knowledge and experiences with me, and I believe that it’s my responsibility to do the same for emerging leaders.
”By sharing my experiences and insights, I hope to inspire others to realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to CFA and beyond.
“I gain as much from the people I mentor as they get from me. It’s not a one-way street.
As a mentor, Fiona encourages diversity and opportunity to the women of CFA and is helping to future-proof CFA by developing a pool of future leaders to replace those currently holding leadership roles.
She has been a CFA trainer and assessor since 2013 and continues to combine her practical skills and knowledge to deliver training in District 13 on General Firefighter, Low Structure and Introduction to AIIMS courses, as well as leading skills maintenance and specialised bushfire training for brigades in the group and other local brigades.
Fiona has made significant contributions to community safety and education. She is a founding committee member of the Teenage Road Information Program (TRIP) and has been the chair of TRIP for the past six years. TRIP is presented by people who have lived the experience of a road crash. It includes all the emergency services agencies who attend a crash and have to deal with the resulting devastation. It’s a hard-hitting program that’s delivered in a funeral home.
“TRIP is my passion. It is primarily aimed at 16 to 25-year-olds because statistics show they have more crashes,” Fiona said.
“The program is designed to be thought-provoking and initiate conversations between mates and families about making good decisions while driving. There are consequences to decisions that drivers make. For every road fatality about 800 people are impacted.”
Along with TRIP, Fiona is an ongoing advocate of creating links to local Yarra Valley community groups that has ensured the development of more integrated emergency preparedness and response planning processes between Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Victoria State Emergency Service, local government, community groups and the local schools.
Post Black Saturday, Fiona recognised that some lives were lost by people who tried to stay to rescue their pets. The Grab and Go Pet Bag concept was developed as a result of a local school art competition. The bags, which are made from reusable calico, include a checklist for pet owners who need to evacuate.
“It was an absolute delight for me to present a framed Grab and Go Pet Bag to the winning student at their school assembly.
“I want to take moment to acknowledge those who have played a significant role in shaping my CFA journey. Brian Willians, my first captain, set a strong foundation for me. Graeme Bourne offered unwavering support during my early captaincy days. Lex de Man for his support to establish and develop Hillcrest brigade, whilst Geoff Conway and Graeme Armstrong provided me exceptional leadership and guidance. Locally, Don Bigham and Roly Rak challenged and supported me, pushing me to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined and seek opportunity to enhance our local brigades’ capacity and capability.
“Lastly and most importantly, I want to thank my mum. None of us can volunteer without the unwavering support of our loved ones, and her encouragement and support has been a cornerstone of my journey.”
BILL SHORTEN, MINISTER FOR THE NDIS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES: Good afternoon, everybody. It’s great to be here with Louise Glanville, who is the National Quality and Safeguards Commissioner for the NDIS, and also with Associate Commissioner Natalie Wade. Two bits of good news for Australians with disability and indeed for Australians generally. The first is that the National Disability Insurance Agency has released its Annual Financial Statement, the AFSR, and it demonstrates that because of the reforms that we’ve undertaken in the last nearly three years, that the Scheme is going to spend $1 billion less in the last 12 months than was expected.
So, Treasurer Chalmers said the forecast was that the Scheme for financial year 2023/24 would be $1 billion higher than it actually was. Now the Scheme is looking after more people than ever in the last 12 months, there’s 660,000 Australians receiving valuable and life changing support on the National Disability Insurance Scheme. What we were able to do is invest in outcomes and actually spend a little less than we forecast we would. So great news for the future sustainability of the Scheme. And it reflects well on the changes which Labor’s been making.
The other bit of really good news is that the National Quality and Safeguards Commission has released its annual statement, its annual report, and it demonstrates that for the first time really since the creation of the NDIS, we’re coming to grips with handling complaints. Complaints are up 78%, not because there’s been a 78% jump in problems, but rather that for the first time, a properly resourced Quality and Safeguards Commission is able to investigate 111,000 different matters.
The Scheme is changing lives, but there have been problems with it. There have been problems because the Scheme’s been treated as the only lifeboat in the ocean for Australians with disability, because there hasn’t been proper scrutiny of the payment system, because whilst most providers are doing a great job, some are not. But what we’re able to say today is that the reforms which Labor has put in place with people with disability, with states and territories, is improving the bottom line of the Scheme. We’re getting better outcomes without having to spend quite as much money as we expected to, which is good news for taxpayers and for people on the Scheme, because quality is being emphasised. But also, the National Safeguards Commission, who is the watchdog, to make sure that participants on the Scheme are both safe and receiving quality services Labor has invested significantly, we’ve doubled their staff, we’ve majorly increased their funding. What it means is we’re now able to ensure that we are now seeing greater attention paid to the quality and the safeguarding of NDIS participants.
Why don’t we leave it at that from me for now. We’re happy to take questions, but I might invite Louise Glanville, the new Quality and Safeguards Commissioner, to explain what’s been happening with how we’re keeping people safe. And then I might invite Natalie Wade, the Associate Commissioner, to add some further remarks.
LOUISE GLANVILLE, NDIS QUALITY AND SAFEGUARDS COMMISSIONER: Thank you for that, Minister. It’s great to be here with you and with Natalie today. And what’s really important about the work of the Commission, that it is building progressively to being a strong regulator. Indeed, we want to be a formidable regulator. We want to ensure that people with disability are receiving the sorts of supports they need and the quality of services that they need. We know there are many providers out there that do fantastic work in relation to the disability space, and we are keen to ensure that that continues into the future.
It’s important that we think about the human rights of people with disability in this respect, and that we deliver on the promise of the NDIS for people to live ordinary lives, like we all do, in every single way. So, it’s wonderful to be here and to watch the way in which the regulatory tools that we can be using to assist with that process are really on the increase and on the improve that the government, the federal government has made substantial commitment to our resourcing to enable us to do that work well. There has been a strong staff grown, and certainly I give credit to my predecessor, Mike Phelan, who has been acting in this space and has done some great work in leading the team at the commission in order to do this very important piece of work that will assist in ensuring the sustainability of the NDIS over time.
NATALIE WADE, NDIS QUALITY AND SAFEGUARDS ASSOCIATE COMMISSIONER: Thank you, Minister and Commissioner Glanville. Today’s annual report from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, really highlights that with the increase in complaints there is a demonstrated trust between the Commission, but also the disability community, where people with disabilities are bringing forward to us at the regulator, the issues that they’re facing in receiving quality and safe services.
It is fundamental to our work as a regulator to hear directly from people with disability and for them to trust that when they tell us that there is a problem, that they will be able to receive a response and resolve, and those matters will be [inaudible].
It’s really important to reflect on the increase of regulatory action that has been taken by the Commission in the last 12 months. It is absolutely imperative that providers be supported to understand their role in providing quality and safe services to people with disability. But it’s also fundamental to ensure that when things go wrong or providers do not do what they are expected to do, that regulatory action follows. And today’s annual report really highlights that that is exactly what has been happening in the last 12 months.
Commissioner Glanville and I are very much looking forward to continuing the work from the last 12 months and ensuring that the human rights of people with disability is centred in our work, that providers are most supportive, and that we all move forward to advance the rights of people with disability as we regulate this space.
JOURNALIST: Part of these reports, will anything in the near future be addressing the wait times to get onto the NDIS?
SHORTEN: Yeah, the NDIS has grown remarkably. The year before I became the Minister, it was growing at 23%. That’s too fast. That’s I think reflecting also a lack of other services for Australians with disability. One thing that has happened though in the last 12 months as we’ve been reforming the Scheme, is that there’s been almost the analogy that, there’s almost been a rush for last drinks at the pub, so to speak, by a proportion of providers who have been desperate to try and get some extra money out of the Scheme before they can’t any longer. So that has led to, I think, a surge in people seeking change of circumstances. Listen, long story short, we’ve got to treat every application and every change of circumstance as serious and legitimate until proven otherwise.
But what that has meant is a doubling in the workload of the agency. We’ve surged workforce to help get rid of the backlog of claims. We’re sorry that people have been inconvenienced, but we are now seeing a decrease in the claims coming in and the variations coming in as people calm down and realize that the Scheme isn’t actually just trying to exit a whole lot of people with permanent disability.
And also, some of the shonks are now being chased out. I mean, I think it shows the determination of the Albanese government that we have banned for life, in many cases 200 people, from providing services to the Scheme. 200 plus people have been banned in the last two years, 124 in the last 12 months. This is a clear message that if you just want to use people with disability as human ATMs, if you think that somehow a government Scheme of taxpayer money is easy pickings, you’re wrong. That’s changing.
JOURNALIST: And so, how is that working? How do you monitor those shonks for lack of a better word?
SHORTEN: When I became Minister three years ago, frankly, I was shocked and appalled at what I discovered. The Scheme had been rolled out and there were over half a million people on the Scheme, and that was good by the previous government. But the complete naivety, negligence of a lack of scrutiny of payments meant that people were able to draw down, in some cases, tens of thousands of dollars with no accountability, that there was no pre-checking of the integrity of invoices before they were paid, that we see price gouging, where some service providers will provide an identical service to someone on the Scheme to who’s not on the Scheme, identical, and it could be a shower chair or it could be a some other service, but they charge the NDIS participant more just because they’re on the NDIS.
So, we’ve now got rules against that. We’ve set up what’s called a Fraud Fusion Taskforce. They have got hundreds of investigations underway. It shouldn’t have been the case, but it’s taken until now and this government, to get 21 Commonwealth agencies working with each other. And, you know, we’re now sending people to jail for ripping off the Scheme. I think there was a view in the unethical parts of the community that NDIS is a government Scheme, it’s easy money to cheat. Those wells are drying up, because we are now investing in a state-of-the-art investigation processes. I must always stress though, it is changing hundreds of thousands of lives for the better, and most service providers are doing a good job. But there has been an element of fraud, unethical behaviour, price gouging and opportunism. And we say to those people, get off our Scheme, you’re not welcome, you will get caught.
JOURNALIST: And then just a question, locally in Port Augusta earlier this week, there was the death of a 26-year-old woman with severe intellectual and physical disabilities. Are you aware of that?
SHORTEN: It’s shocking and tragic about Tegan’s passing in Port Augusta. She wasn’t on the NDIS. South Australian Police are investigating it. It’s not compulsory to be on the NDIS, but I think it is a wakeup call for community to look out for each other. This is a more general comment, not reflecting on the NDIS, but just all of us. Someone who’s vulnerable is not someone else’s business. We should all keep an eye out for our neighbours. You can do that without being a nosey parker, but we’ve got to look after each other. SA police will do, I’m sure, an excellent job in getting to what has happened. We certainly will take a keen interest to see what lessons there are.
One thing that the NDIS is doing is that when people are presenting for their plans, we are now – and this is following Annie Smith’s death, that tragedy which was completely avoidable and culpable – what we are now doing is making sure that if you’re on the NDIS, you’ve got more than one relationship. You can’t just be with a carer or just with a family member. We want to make sure that that’s a red flag to us because we it takes it takes a village to support anyone. And that’s what we’ve got to behave. We’ve got to get back to that true Australian value.
JOURNALIST: Are you aware of she was receiving any government payments, Centrelink or?
SHORTEN: I don’t know.
JOURNALIST: And now completely unrelated from Canberra. Um, do you believe the Prime Minister and his claims about contact with Qantas?
SHORTEN: Yes, I do. Um, the Prime Minister has been diligent in reporting, um, any upgrades and disclosures. He’s acted consistently with the standards which are set out for our parliamentarians. The opposition has tried to smear the Prime Minister, but a lot of it seems to have blown back in their own face. Again, you know, Mr. Dutton, he says it’s wrong of Mr. Albanese to accept an upgrade, which he declared. But then again, when you take a favour from Gina Rinehart, you know, is there an expectation? So, their transport spokeswoman, Bridget, just said it came out all guns blazing but managed to shoot her foot off.
So, what Australians want us to do is adhere to proper standards of ethical conduct. What Australians want us to do is be transparent in our dealings with all people, and what they want us to do is get on with the cost-of-living issues. I mean, the opposition, the Liberal Party, has stolen a week of the nation’s life talking about this. All it’s done is probably depress Australians opinions of politicians generally. But in the meantime, people are battling their mortgages. People are trying to make ends meet. That’s where Labor’s head is at. And I think that’s what they expect of all parliamentarians.
JOURNALIST: Someone leaking out of the ministry called the Prime Minister a sook. So, you think that the PM is being a sook in this situation?
SHORTEN: Oh, I’m not even going to respond. I mean, frankly, that is not an accurate characterisation.
Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English
The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the website ifsinvesting.com. According to information available to BaFin, the operator is providing financial and investment services on this website without the required authorisation.
The operators of the website refer to themselves only as IFSinvesting without stating the company’s legal form. A business address in London, United Kingdom, is provided.
BaFin has recently become aware of a number of websites with almost identical content and has also warned consumers about them. On all of the websites, the following sentence is displayed at the top of the homepage: “Step Into the Trading Arena with Confidence & [name of website]“.
Anyone providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.
Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German BankingAct (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).
Please be aware:
BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.
Four years on from a fatal shooting in Ilford, detectives are releasing footage of a man they would like to identify.
An investigation was launched on 1 November 2020 when officers were called to Balfour Road, Ilford at 22:14hrs following reports of a disturbance.
Officers arrived at the scene and located Jason Diallo, 30 with multiple injuries. He sadly died at the scene.
A witness told officers that they had seen Jason cycling along the road, when he was knocked off his bike by a car. Two occupants of the car got out and shot Jason in the head before driving away.
Fifteen minutes after Jason Diallo was shot, at 22:29hrs, police were called to a shooting around five miles away in Garvary Road, E16. A 27-year-old man was found with a gunshot injury to his shoulder.
He was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds which were determined not to be life-threatening. When providing a statement to officers, he told them he had been followed by three men driving a car who began shooting at him.
A complex investigation was launched within Specialist Crime North and two men were convicted and sentenced for their involvement.
On Tuesday, 14 June 2022, Mushin Mohamed, 28 (06.04.1996) of Leytonstone Road, E15 was found guilty of murder and attempted murder at the Old Bailey and sentenced to life in prison to serve a minimum of 35 years.
Tyrelle Joseph, 24 (16.09.2000) of Banks Way, E12 was found guilty of assisting an offender and jailed for seven years after being identified as someone who had helped Mohamed and the unidentified suspects leave the scene.
Enquiries have remained ongoing to identify two more suspects believed to be involved in the shootings that night.
Investigating officers are now in a position to release this footage of a man they would like to speak with in connection with this investigation and a financial reward for information is available.
The Metropolitan Police Service is offering a substantial reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for the murder of Jason Diallo and the non-fatal shooting of a 27-year-old man on 1 November 2020.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, the senior investigating officer, said:
“We have continued our momentum behind this investigation to ensure that those responsible for killing Jason Diallo and seriously injuring another man are held accountable.
“Our enquiries have found no evidence to suggest that Jason Diallo or the attempted murder victim were known to one another or those convicted, suggesting that this was a completely unprovoked and violent incident.
“Jason Diallo was described by his family as a devoted father of two who had the softest heart. Our thoughts have remained with his family and friends throughout a difficult four years and we are determined that they see justice.
“We are now in a position to release an image of this man, who we would like to speak with in connection with this ongoing investigation.
“If you know who he is or have any information which could help us, please get in contact.”
Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting Operation Shenley. You can also report information anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
The Philippine Supreme Court has granted temporary protection to an environmental activist abducted in Pangasinan earlier this year.
In its resolution dated September 9 — but only made public this week — the court granted Francisco “Eco” Dangla III’s petition for temporary protection, and prohibited the respondents, including high-ranking soldiers and police officers, to be near the activist’s location.
“Furthermore, you, respondents, and all persons and entities acting and operating under your directions, instructions, and orders are PROHIBITED from entering within a radius of one kilometer of the person, places of residence, work, and present locations of petitioner and his immediate family,” the resolution read.
The respondents are:
Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Roy Galido
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil
Brigadier General Gulliver Señires (in his capacity as 702nd Brigade commanding general Brigadier)
Ilocos Region police chief Police Brigadier General Lou Evangelista
Police Colonel Jeff Fanged (in his capacity as Pangasinan police chief)
Aside from giving Dangla temporary protection, the court also granted his petition for writs of amparo and habeas data. A writ of amparo is a legal remedy, which is usually a protection order in the form of a restraining order.
The writ of habeas data compels the government to destroy information that could cause harm.
These extraordinary writs are usually invoked by activists and progressives in the Philippines as they face intimidation from the government and its forces.
Dangla’s abduction Dangla and another activist, Joxelle Tiong, were abducted in Pangasinan last March 24.
According to witnesses, they saw two men who were forced to board a vehicle in Barangay Polo, San Carlos City.
The two activists, who who had been red-tagged for their advocacies, were serving as convenors of the Pangasinan People’s Strike for the Environment.
They “vocally defended the people and ecosystems of Pangasinan against the harms of coal-fired power plants, nuclear power plants, incinerator plants, and offshore mining in Lingayen Gulf,” at the time of their abduction.
Three days later, several groups announced that Dangla and Tiong were found safe, but that the two had gone through a “harrowing ordeal.”
“Bruised but alive” . . . the environmental activists abducted in Pangasinan but found safe, Francisco ‘Eco’ Dangla III (left) and Joxelle ‘Jak’ Tiong. Image: Rappler
The reality The protection given to Dangla is only temporary as the Court of Appeals still needs to conduct hearings on the petition. In other words, the Supreme Court only granted the writ, but the power to whether grant or deny Dangla the privilege of the writs of amparo and habeas data lies with the Court of Appeals.
There have been instances where the appellate court granted activists the privilege of writ of amparo, like in the case of labour activists Loi Magbanua and Ador Juat, where the court issued permanent protection orders for them and their immediate families.
Unfortunately, this was not the case for other activists, such as young environmentalists Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro.
The two were first reported missing by activist groups. Security forces later said they were “safe and sound” and that they had allegedly “voluntarily surrendered” to the military.
However, Tamano and Castro went off-script during a press conference organised by the anti-insurgency task force and revealed that they were actually abducted.
In February, the High Court granted the two temporary protection and their writs of amparo and habeas data petitions. However, the appellate court in August denied the protection order for Tamano and Castro.
Associate Justice Emily San Gaspar-Gito fully dissented in the decision and said: “It would be uncharacteristic for the courts, especially this court, to simply fold their arms and ignore the palpable threats to petitioners’ life, liberty and security and just wait for the irreversible to happen to them.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police have arrested a man in relation to domestic violence related offences that occurred this month.
Around 8:30am, officers from the Territory Safety Division arrested a 24-year-old man at an address on Smith Street, Darwin, after multiple alleged assaults against his partner.
The man remains in police custody and is expected to be charged with Aggravated assault, Armed with an offensive weapon and Possess/carry/used a controlled weapon.
Acting Senior Sergeant Alex Noonan said, “Domestic violence will not be tolerated, and we are committed to bringing these offenders before the courts.
“If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out on 131 444 or in an emergency call 000. You can also anonymously report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English
The website operator is simply referred to as “NorthUnion”, and there is no information regarding its legal form. They give business addresses in Zurich, Switzerland, London, United Kingdom, Graz, Austria, and Madrid, Spain.
BaFin has recently become aware of a number of websites with almost identical content and has also warned consumers about them. In each case, the website’s homepage displays the phrase: “Step Up Your Trading with [name of operator]“.
Anyone providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies database of companies.
Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German BankingAct (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).
Please be aware:
BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.
Detectives investigating a high value watch robbery in SE10 are appealing for witnesses or anyone with footage to come forward.
At around 22:30hrs on Sunday, 27 October, three men, aged 20s, were walking on Millennium Way, Greenwich, when they were attacked from behind by a man armed with a heavy object – possibly a gas cannister.
Two of the victims suffered head injuries while the third managed to escape unharmed and called police.
A Rolex watch was stolen from one of the victims.
The attacker is described as a white man with a beard. At the time of the attack he was wearing a white Nike T-shirt.
Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information or footage should call police on 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting 8042/27OCT.
To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Licence applicants to provide verified e-contact means to TD starting from November 18 (with photos) Licence applicants to provide verified e-contact means to TD starting from November 18 (with photos) ******************************************************************************************
The Transport Department (TD) today (November 1) reminded members of the public that, from November 18, 2024, applicants for the new issue or renewal of 21 driving and vehicle licences must provide and verify a Hong Kong mobile phone number or email address as an e-contact means (ECM) for receiving electronic messages issued by the Hong Kong Police Force and the TD in future, in preparation for the Traffic e-Enforcement System to be implemented gradually in the first half of 2025. Starting from November 18:
“Online applications, instant verification”: The TD encourages the public to submit licence applications online, so that they can provide and instantly verify the ECM using a one-time password (OTP) during the application process, thereby saving time and enjoying convenience; “Applications in paper form, verification via designated platform”: If a paper application is necessary, the applicant must provide and verify the ECM via OTP on the TD’s designated online platform within three months prior to application submission, and provide the same verified ECM in the application form before submission. The designated online platform will be launched at 10am on November 4; The verified ECM will only be updated in the applicant’s records of driving licence and/or all vehicle(s) registered under his/her name after the application concerned has been approved to ensure that it is accurately updated; If an ECM cannot be provided or verified, or if the ECM provided is inconsistent with the verification record, the application cannot be processed; For any change of ECM, the applicant must notify the TD within 72 hours of the change through the online services in GovHK or by submitting form TD559; Holders of licences that have not yet expired do not need to rush to provide and verify the ECM early; and Driving licence holders who have not provided an ECM to the TD before are also welcome to provide and verify their ECM through the online services in GovHK or by submitting form TD559.
A spokesman for the TD said, “Providing a frequently used and verified ECM is of utmost importance. If the Hong Kong mobile phone number or email address is incorrect or not frequently used, the licence holder will not be able to receive notifications issued by the Police and the TD, which may result in e-Tickets and tunnel tolls not being paid timely, and may need to bear the legal responsibilities such as penalties or surcharges. Applicants must ensure that their Hong Kong mobile phone number or email address is correct. If different ECMs are provided or verified at different times, the latest record will replace the old one, rendering the original ECM invalid.” Applicants providing a Hong Kong mobile phone number as their ECM should note that the TD has participated in the SMS Sender Registration Scheme under the Office of the Communications Authority. SMS messages issued by the TD will bear the ID “#TDeContact” with the prefix “#” for easy authentication. The TD will not send SMS messages or emails with hyperlinks. From September 2024, the TD has held over 10 briefings for the transport sector, including the goods vehicle, taxi, public light bus and non-franchised bus trades, as well as stakeholders covering driving schools, vehicle dealers and financial institutions, which handle first registration of new vehicles and application for vehicle licences for their clients, to brief them on the new legal requirements regarding provision and verification of ECM. The TD will issue letters in batches to holders whose licences will soon expire, informing them of the detailed steps for providing and verifying an ECM. The TD will also deploy service ambassadors at its four Licensing Offices and the Cross Boundary Unit from November 4 to assist the public in submitting applications and verifying their ECM. The passage of the Electronic Traffic Enforcement (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2023 by the Legislative Council on June 19, 2024, provides a legal basis for the Police to serve fixed penalty notices against traffic offences or contraventions by electronic means; it also requires registered owners of vehicles, holders of various types of licences and permits, and holders of driving licences to provide the TD with their ECM in their applications. The Government then published in the Gazette that relevant provisions on collecting ECM would be implemented on November 18. The public may refer to the TD’s thematic webpage, HKeMobility mobile application and Agent T Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AgentT.hk), or call the hotline at 2804 2600 for details.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: OSCE and the Spanish National Police train Mediterranean border security officers on gendered aspects of cross-border crimes
OSCE and the Spanish National Police train Mediterranean border security officers on gendered aspects of cross-border crimes | OSCE
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A murder investigation has been launched after a man assaulted in Harrow has died from his injuries.
Detective Inspector Luke Hampton of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said: “This is a complex scene with multiple people living inside the address. We have made an arrest and our enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing.
“At this early stage we believe this to have been an isolated incident and there is no apparent risk to the public.
“A man has lost his life and a family has received the worst possible news. If you have information please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
Police were called by the London Ambulance Service just before 16:40hrs on Wednesday, 30 October to reports of an injured man at an address on Sussex Road, Harrow.
Officers attended. At the scene, a 48-year-old man was found with knife injuries. He was taken to hospital where, despite the efforts of medical professionals, he sadly died at 14:35hrs.
The victim’s family has been notified. A post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.
A 37-year-old man was arrested later that evening on suspicion of attempted murder. He was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries before being taken into custody at a north London police station where he remains at this time.
Superintendent Chris Clarke leading local policing for Harrow, Barnet and Brent said: “We are supporting our Specialist Crime colleagues as they make their enquiries and local people will notice a more visible police presence in the area to provide reassurance.
“If you feel worried or if you have information please don’t hesitate to approach officers or get in touch with your local Neighbourhood policing team.”
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation team is asked to call 101 and quote CAD reference 5281/30OCT24.
To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police Drug and Organised Crime Division (DOCD) have executed a large illicit tobacco seizure earlier today.
On Friday 1 November, detectives from the DOCD attended a convenience store on Progress Drive in Nightcliff and conducted a lawful search after receiving intelligence relating to illegal tobacco products.
During the search, detectives located and seized a total of:
4.325 kg of illicit loose-leaf tobacco.
1,140 illicit tobacco cigarettes.
1,225.00 AUD in cash, allegedly being proceeds of the illicit sale of tobacco.
Infringements were issued to a 32-year-old man in relation to the seizure.
Constable Jimmy Parimeros said, “The purchase of illegal tobacco products directly funds organised crime groups, not just locally, but also interstate and overseas.”
Operation Hook was established to disrupt the sale and supply of illicit tobacco and vapes in the Northern Territory by interstate Organised Crime entities. Today’s seizure brings the total estimated value of illicit products seized during Operation Hook to $17.88 million AUD.
A man convicted of the manslaughter of Dragos Carabineanu has appeared in court for sentencing.
Gabriel Silvera, 20 (13.09.04) of Uxbridge Road, Pinner appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, 31 October where he was sentenced to eight years imprisonment, plus a further four years on licence.
He has previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the same court on Monday, 3 June. The plea had been accepted by the court and Silvera was remanded in custody to await sentencing.
Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley leading the investigation said: “Nothing can bring Dragos back to his loved ones, however, I was pleased that Silvera’s guilty plea spared them the experience of a trial, where they would have once again heard the details of the incident that took Dragos from them. Our thoughts are with them.”
Shortly after 05:00hrs on Saturday, 28 October, police were alerted by hospital staff when Dragos Carabineanu, aged 46, was brought into a central London hospital for treatment.
Dragos, who was from Burnt Oak, remained at St Mary’s Hospital in a critical condition before he sadly died from his injuries on Wednesday, 1 November 2023.
An investigation found he suffered his injuries just before midnight on Friday, 27 October 2023 outside Burnt Oak Underground Station on Watling Road in Edgware.
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command arrested Gabriel Silvera on Monday, 6 November 2023 on suspicion of murder. He was charged on Tuesday, 7 November 2023 and was remanded in custody.
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Two other people were arrested in connection with this incident:
On Thursday, 2 November 2023 a 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of theft. He received a caution.
A 38-year-old woman was arrested on Friday, 3 November 2023 on suspicion of theft. Following enquiries she was released with no further action.
Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)
RALEIGH, N.C. – D’Angelo Taborn, of Durham, was sentenced today to 27 years in prison for sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Following an FBI sting operation in Jacksonville, NC, Taborn and his co-defendant, Imani Franco, were arrested for using threats to coerce women into sex trafficking. Taborn, 31, pled guilty to the charge on July 24, 2024. Franco, 30, pled guilty on April 25, 2024, and was sentenced on September 23, 2024, to 12 years.
“Our Human Trafficking Task Force brings agencies together to expose traffickers, rescue victims, and dismantle the illicit networks that traffic in human beings for sex or labor,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “These defendants treated their victims like animals, deprived them of food, and threatened them with violence if they did not comply. Thankfully the FBI, NCIS, and local law enforcement acted swiftly, to hold the traffickers accountable and help put the survivors on their path of healing.”
“It is difficult to hear these victims literally felt “caged” by these offenders. To be forced into sex trafficking, to have to ask for food, those are deplorable conditions for any human being to endure,” said Robert M. DeWitt the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina. “The FBI and our local law enforcement partners will never stop working to combat human trafficking.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, on August 12, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Human Trafficking Task Force conducted a proactive sting operation in Jacksonville, based on online advertisements for commercial sex. An undercover officer responded to an advertisement and was directed to a hotel in Jacksonville. The undercover officer encountered a young female depicted in the advertisement, later identified as Victim 1.
A short time later, law enforcement observed the defendants step out of a hotel room just down the hall. When they saw law enforcement, Taborn and Franco attempted to leave, but they were detained while officers obtained search warrants for their hotel room and vehicle. Taborn and Franco carried three phones between them, and when officers called the number listed in the commercial sex advertisement for Victim 1, one of the phones rang.
When Taborn and Franco were arrested, Victim 1 became visibly relieved. She explained that Taborn and Franco had recruited her a month earlier and that they expected her to engage in commercial sex to make money for them. Taborn required Victim 1 to perform oral sex on him twice to ensure she was a “good product.” Taborn and Franco controlled all aspects of the commercial sex operation and took all the money that Victim 1 earned. They transported Victim 1 to different cities—Jacksonville, Charlotte, Durham, and Danville, Virginia—to find additional customers for commercial sex. Investigators located numerous commercial sex advertisements and obtained hotel receipts and surveillance footage that confirmed Victim 1’s account.
Victim 1 described how she feared Taborn and felt “like an animal in a cage.” She was not allowed to leave her room and had to request food and water from Taborn and Franco. When officers recovered her, it had been more than 24 hours since she had last eaten—a meal that consisted of four leftover chicken wings from Taborn’s and Franco’s dinner. On one occasion, Victim 1 witnessed Taborn and Franco recruit another female victim, Victim 2, who they picked up in South Carolina and transported back to North Carolina. Victim 2 had not known they wanted her to engage in commercial sex in North Carolina. When Victim 2 said she did not want to participate, Taborn threatened her with his black handgun in front of Victim 1. Officers found a firearm with an extended magazine and laser matching the description in the glovebox of Taborn’s car.
Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) undertook this investigation as part of “Operation Cross Country,” a nationwide sex-trafficking enforcement campaign, with assistance from the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Police Department, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh prosecuted the case.
This case was part of our Human Trafficking Task Force created to expose and prosecute anyone who exploits North Carolinians for sex or forced labor. Our victim-centric approach focuses on stabilizing victims, getting them resources, and helping them through the court process. If you have a tip about trafficking, text 233733.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Albert Ayala (34, Orlando) to 14 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Ayala entered a guilty plea on May 21, 2024.
According to court records, Ayala was driving a vehicle on I-4 when his girlfriend, the sole passenger in the vehicle, was ejected from the car. The woman was struck by multiple vehicles, causing her death. Ayala continued driving and crashed the vehicle at the base of an I-4 exit. Ayala then fled the scene on foot, leaving behind a pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition in the vehicle. Ayala’s DNA was located on the firearm and airbag that had deployed during the crash. Prior to possessing the firearm, Ayala had been convicted of 10 felonies. As a convicted felon he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
“We’re proud to have helped put this heartless suspect behind bars for a long time,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.
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.
Firefighters are continuing to check homes and properties in the area where a tornado affected an area of Mangawhai earlier this morning.
Fire and Emergency NZ started to receive 111 calls from about 3am, Northland District Manager Wipari Henwood said.
Reports included people needing to be rescued from damaged property, rooves lifted from buildings, trees fallen onto homes, windows blown in and fallen power lines, as well as trees blocking roads.
Most of the calls have been from people in the Molesworth Drive and Old Waipu Road area, with a couple from Langs Beach and Ruakaka reporting wind damage.
“Our initial response prioritised the calls that related to life safety. Firefighters extricated two patients and handed them into the care of St John,” Wipari Henwood said.
“We are now working through all the calls for help with property damage and making systematic checks of homes in the wider area.”
Fire and Emergency’s specialist drone team has been deployed from Auckland and will help with damage assessments.
Crews from seven brigades have responded to about 16 calls so far.
Cordons are in place on Moir St and Molesworth Drive and power is still out in the area. People should treat all power lines as live and stay well away from the area so emergency services can move freely.
Fire and Emergency continues to work with Police, St John and Civil Defence Northland in the coordinated response to the tornado.
Police can confirm one person has died in hospital following a crash on the Winton Lorneville Highway on Tuesday 21 January.
Two people were transported to hospital in a critical condition following the crash. One person passed away yesterday as a result of the injuries sustained.
Police extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of those involved.
The second person remains in hospital in a critical condition.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
Tasmania Police officer and DPFEM state service employees recognised in Australia Day Honours
Sunday, 26 January 2025 – 6:53 am.
One officer from Tasmania Police and two state service employees from the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management (DPFEM) will be recognised in the Australia Day Honours today.
Director Matthew Richman has more than 40 years’ service with Tasmania Police, including most recently as an Inspector, and currently holds the position of Director of Wellbeing Support. Today he is receiving the Australian Police Medal.
Inspector Brenda Orr has more than 24 years’ service with Tasmania Police and currently holds the position of Inspector, Southern Regional Prosecution Services. Today she is receiving the Australian Police Medal.
Mr Warwick Brennan has more than 25 years’ experience working as a communications practitioner in the government sector, and currently holds the position of Stakeholder Engagement Manager within DPFEM. Today he is receiving the Public Service Medal.
Expressing her congratulations to the recipients, Commissioner Donna Adams said, “On behalf of Tasmania Police, and the broader Department of Police Fire and Emergency Management, today I congratulate Director Matthew Richman, Inspector Brenda Orr, and Mr Warwick Brennan as they receive awards in the Australia Day Honours.” “Within Tasmania Police, Director Richman and Inspector Orr have a combined service of more than 64 years’ and they have made a significant and enduring contribution to our policing service, and the Tasmanian community.” “They are highly respected within Tasmania Police, and regarded for their experience, leadership and genuine care of others. “Their commitment to policing and service to the community exemplify the highest standards of public service and makes them very worthy recipients of the Australian Police Medal.” “Within the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Mr Warwick Brennan will today be awarded the Public Service Medal.” “Mr Brennan has made a significant contribution to public sector communications through key leadership roles across government, with outstanding service in relation to emergency and incident management communications.” “He has managed public information and communications teams across a range of Tasmanian Government responses including bushfires, whale strandings, and the COVID-19 pandemic; and he currently provides high-level strategic communications advice across DPFEM.” “On behalf of Tasmania Police, and more broadly DPFEM, I thank Director Richman, Inspector Orr, and Mr Brennan for their ongoing service and dedication.” “I also thank the award recipients from Tasmania Fire Service and Tasmania State Emergency Service for their unwavering commitment to assisting our services and the community.”
An investigation is underway after the death of a woman at a Queenstown property on Saturday 25 January.
Emergency services were called to the Windsor Place property about 2.30pm.
Police are now working to establish the full circumstances of how she died. Her death is currently being treated as unexplained.
As part of our enquiries, Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Windsor Place between 8.00am and 3.00pm and who might have information that would assist.
If you can help, please use our 105 service, and quote reference number 250125/8733.
You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police can confirm a second person has died following a crash on Milford Clandeboye Road on Wednesday 22 January.
The person was transported to hospital in a critical condition following the crash and passed away on Friday evening (24 January) as a result of the injuries sustained.
Police extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of those involved.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Thursday sentenced a St. Francois County man who stole firearms and other items from a farm and home store in Potosi, Missouri to 77 months in prison.
Judge Autrey also ordered Gregory Snyder, 46, to pay $11,484 in restitution for the stolen items.
On Sept. 19, 2021, Snyder hid in the store, emerging after closing time. He stole power tools, camping gear and 13 guns, including eight rifles and five shotguns. Snyder loaded the guns and some of the other stolen goods in his car, and then took them to a river in eastern Washington County. He returned early the next morning for more, but by then, Potosi Police Department officers had spotted evidence of the burglary. They stopped and questioned Snyder, who no longer had the stolen goods in his car. They arrested Snyder later that day.
Snyder, of Bismarck, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in August to theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and possession of body armor by a violent felon.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Potosi Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Nino Przulj prosecuted the case.
Two of the shotguns have been recovered. Anyone with information about the rest of the stolen firearms is asked to contact the ATF at 314-768-3120 or online at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips or the Potosi Police at 573-438-5468.
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.