Category: Police

MIL-OSI Security: Dartmouth — Nova Scotia RCMP release provincial stunting statistics for June – September 2024
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

As Nova Scotia’s Provincial Police, road safety is a top priority. In an effort to keep citizens informed about enforcement on our roadways, the RCMP is releasing statistics on stunting charges for the months of June to September.

During this four-month period, Nova Scotia RCMP charged 75 drivers with stunting on a number of highways across the province. This included 16 in June, 19 in July, 20 in August, and 20 in September. Each of these months represented an increase from 2023. The following drivers were caught travelling at speeds that caused significant concern:
- 109 km/h in a 30 km/h school zone on Highway 1 in Weymouth
- 144 km/h in a 50 km/h zone on Highway 242 in Joggins
- 204 km/h in a 110 km/h zone on Highway 104 in Westchester
- 174 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 125 in Upper North Sydney, with two racing vehicles both seized
- 170 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 125 in Coxheath with the driver also providing a roadside breath sample over 50mg%.
Stunting is defined as any person who operates a motor vehicle on a highway in a race, in a contest, while performing a stunt or on a bet or wager. And, anyone driving a motor vehicle 50 Km/hr or more over a speed limit, may be charged with stunting.

The fine for stunting in Nova Scotia is $2,422.50 for a first offence, six points on your licence and an immediate seven-day roadside licence suspension.

Speed is one of the major causes of serious injury and fatal collisions on our roads. Road safety is a priority for the RCMP and drivers are reminded to make it their priority as well. If you see someone driving unsafely on our roads, please report it by calling the RCMP at 1-800-803-RCMP (7267). If you believe it is an emergency, call 911.

MIL Security OSI –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby celebrates over a decade of Purple Flag status

Source: City of Derby

With October marking Purple Flag Month, Derby is celebrating over 10 years of holding the Purple Flag accreditation. The city was first awarded the purple flag in July 2013 for its city centre evening and night-time economy.

The Purple Flag recognises towns and cities that provide a safe, welcoming, and well-managed night-time economy, similar to the Blue Flag for beaches and the Green Flag for parks. The Purple Flag is only accredited to towns and cities that are welcoming to everyone, offer safe ways for visitors to travel home, provide a good mix of venues, and are appealing after dark.

With safety being a top priority, the accreditation means that Derby has benefitted from more visitors, lower crime and anti-social behaviour, and a safer city centre. It also recognises the hard work that goes on both on the streets and the planning from local authorities to make the city centre safer at night.

Visitors and residents who go on nights out in Derby can benefit from increased safety, such as the teams of volunteers and workers who give up their weekends to keep people safe. Street pastors, BID wardens, taxi marshals, licensing officers, Derbyshire Police, door staff, ambulance crews and CCTV operators also work together to ensure the safety of Derby’s visitors and residents.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure said:

I am proud to be a cabinet member of a city that has repeatedly met the high standards required for the Purple Flag status. For over a decade, Derby has been recognised as a city that puts in hard work and collaboration, from local authorities to volunteers, to ensure the safety of everyone at night.

This recognition, for over 10 years, shows that together, we gave created an evening and night-time economy that is vibrant and safe, and we are committed to going even further in the future to ensure the safety of everyone, particularly women and girls in our city.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said:

I am incredibly happy to be celebrating Purple Flag Month. I am also proud that Derby has retained its status of being a Purple Flag city for over a decade now. Through a partnership effort, our teams have been working hard to ensure that Derby remains a safe city for all. This year we have also invested £147,679 of government funding in new CCTV cameras in the city centre to make everyone, particularly women and girls, feel safer at night.

I look forward to working further on the city centre’s safety and ensuring that Derby is a safe and welcoming city for all. We have an ambition to use the next application as a launch pad to go beyond the Purple Flag standard and do even more for community safety.

Derby City Council is currently in the process of reapplying for the Purple Flag status, and the council remains confident that the city’s vibrant and well-managed night-time economy will once again meet the high standards required. The reapplication process will be an opportunity for the Council to showcase its ongoing efforts to prioritising safety at night, particularly for women and girls.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: quantacapital.com.co: BaFin again investigates the company Quanta Capital

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the company Quanta Capital and the services it is offering. BaFin has information that the company is now also offering banking business and/or financial services on a further website – quantacapital.com.co – without the required authorisation. The company is not supervised by BaFin.

BaFin already published a warning about the services offered by Quanta Capital on 3 June 2024.

Financial services may only be offered in Germany if the company providing these services has the necessary authorisation from BaFin to do this. However, some companies offer these services without the required 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 Banking Act (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.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Domestic Abuser Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violently Attacking His Girlfriend

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

pokane, Washington – On October 23, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced James Edward Kensler, age 45, of Spokane, Washington, to 60 months in prison for violently assaulting his girlfriend. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years of supervised release. At the time of the offense, Kensler was on federal supervised release. As a penalty for the supervised release violation, Judge Rice imposed a penalty of 18 months which will be served consecutively to the 60-month sentence imposed in this case.

According to court documents and information presented during proceedings in the case, Kensler was with his girlfriend at the Northern Quest Resort & Casino in May 2024. Kensler, who is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, grabbed his victim by the back of the head and threw her on the ground with such force that the impact of her head hitting the couch moved two couches and a table forward.

Kensler then chased his victim through the resort. When Kensler caught his victim, he again threw her to the ground, attempted to stomp on her face, punched her in the face, slapped her, and hit her with his knee. When Kensler’s victim attempted to escape a second time, he again pursued her and threw her into a closed elevator door.

In the resort parking lot, Kalispel Tribal Police Officers apprehended Kensler and provided aid to his victim. Officers noted the victim’s face was swollen and that she had multiple scrapes.

“Mr. Kensler violently and repeatedly assaulted his victim, causing her severe injuries. Furthermore, Mr. Kenlser had a history of domestic violence offenses and was on federal supervised release at the time of this latest assault,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “Focusing our prosecutions on repeat offenders and those with prior domestic violence convictions is one of our strategies to support community safety and address the root causes underlying the MMIP crisis. My office is committed to working with our partners in Tribal and Federal law enforcement to secure justice for all victims and to build safer and stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington.”

“When Mr. Kensler was taken into custody, he was treated respectfully.” said Kelly M. Smith, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “The same cannot be said of how he treated his girlfriend. This case demonstrates successful partnerships, as in this case with the Kalispel Tribal Police, we can help reduce violent crime on our state’s reservations.”

“We are committed to the safety and security of our guests,” said Police Chief Rodney Schurger of the Kalispel Tribal Police Department. “Our officers responded swiftly to this violent incident and worked closely with the FBI to ensure that justice was served.”

“The safety of our guests, Tribal Members, and team members is our top priority,” said Kalispel Tribal Council Vice Chair Curt Holmes. “Domestic violence and other violent crimes are growing concerns across the nation and in the Spokane region. We are thankful for the prompt actions of our Tribal Police Department and the FBI’s involvement in this case. We also appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their dedication to prosecuting violent offenders like Mr. Kensler and helping to keep our communities safe.”

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Kalispel Tribal Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis.

2:24-cr-00074-TOR

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Deer Lake — Deer Lake RCMP investigates theft of two Sea-Doos and boat trailer

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Deer Lake RCMP is investigating the theft of two Sea-Doos and a boat trailer that were stolen from a residential property in Deer Lake on the morning of October 23, 2024.

The theft is believed to have occurred around 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning. The Sea-Doos, which were loaded onto a boat trailer, were stolen while parked on a residential property on Garden Road. A white SUV was observed that morning in Deer Lake with the trailer and Sea-Doos in tow.

The trailer is a double galvanized Sea-Doo trailer. The Sea-Doos are both 2011 Sea-Doo GTX Limited models. See the attached image.

The investigation is continuing.

Anyone having information about this crime, including information on the white SUV, those responsible for the theft, or the current location of the stolen property is asked to contact Deer Lake RCMP at 709-635-2173. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced For Drug and Firearm Crimes

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – HARRY BANKS (“BANKS”), age 23, of New Orleans, was sentenced on October 22, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion to 97 months incarceration, five (5) years of supervised release and, payment of a mandatory $300 special assessment fee after previously pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(b)(1)(C) and Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

According to court records, on December 6, 2022, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Agents saw Jerome Shaquille Wilson driving a white Dodge Challenger in the 1900 block of Frenchmen Street in New Orleans, with a passenger, Gerroy Toca. Agents subsequently saw Toca, Wilson, and BANKS engaged in apparent illegal narcotics transactions, while in possession of firearms. Agents later saw BANKS enter the white Dodge Challenger and exit with a pistol that he concealed in his waistband. Thereafter, New Orleans Police Officers detained Toca and BANKS. BANKS was found with 6.7 grams of fentanyl and a Smith & Wesson Model M&P 40 2.0M, .40 caliber pistol, concealed in his waistband.

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 track 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.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Mike Trummel of the Violent Crimes Unit.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Grafton, Vermont Man Charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Terry Russ, 42, of Grafton, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with possessing a firearm, knowing that he had previously been convicted of a felony.

On October 23, 2024, Russ appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Russ be detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, a search warrant was executed at Russ’s residence in Grafton on October 22, 2024. During execution of the search warrant, law enforcement recovered three firearms from the bedroom Russ had identified as his. An on-and-off housemate of Russ’s, who was also present, stated that he had purchased cocaine base and fentanyl/heroin from Russ in Russ’s bedroom and that Russ displayed a silver pistol next to the drugs he was selling. The housemate’s description of the silver pistol’s appearance was consistent with that of one of the firearms recovered from Russ’s bedroom.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Russ is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Russ faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, and the Springfield, Massachusetts Police Department.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Corinne Smith. Russ is represented by Robert Behrens, Esq.

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

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Website investment-pte.com: BaFin warns about Investment PTE LTD and Performance Investment PTE LTD

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about Investment PTE LTD and Performance Investment PTE LTD and the services they are offering. BaFin suspects these operators of the website investment-pte.com of offering consumers financial and investment services without the required authorisation.

The operators of the website appeal under the name Investment PTE LTD and Performance Investment PTE LTD. They claim to have their registered office in Singapore and to be regulated in St Vincent and the Grenadines. However, there is no supervision of the operator in this country.

Anyone conducting banking business or 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 particular companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (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.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: capital-imc.net: BaFin investigates the company IMC-Capital Ltd

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the company IMC-Capital Ltd and the services it is offering. BaFin has information that the company is offering banking business and/or financial services on its website capital-imc.net without the required authorisation. The company is not supervised by BaFin.

Financial services may only be offered in Germany if the company providing these services has the necessary authorisation from BaFin to do this. However, some companies offer these services without the required 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 Banking Act (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.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Summerside — JFO arrest man and woman for possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

October 24, Summerside PEI – On October 23^rd, 2024 in the early evening, Prince District JFO, with the assistance of Summerside Police made a targeted stop of a car in Summerside. A 30-year-old Kensington area man and 32-year-old Kensington area woman were arrested for possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine. A search of the vehicle located a small quantity of what is believed to be cocaine. This investigation is ongoing.

The Prince District Joint Forces Operations (JFO) is a stand-alone drug enforcement unit comprised of members of the Prince District RCMP, Summerside Police Services, and Kensington Police Services.

If you have information about drugs in your community please contact your local police detachment.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New reforms to boost confidence in police accountability system
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Confidence in the police, and in the systems that hold them to account, will be boosted under a package of reforms announced by the Home Secretary.
The announcement will reassure both the police and the public that the system of vetting and accountability is working.

It will tackle delays in investigations, ensuring the complexity of specialist police roles are considered from the outset, and introduce stronger vetting processes so the highest standards are always upheld and maintained.

This follows the long-awaited accountability review and draws on findings of the reviews undertaken by Dame Louise Casey and Lady Elish Angiolini.

In a statement to Parliament, Yvette Cooper set out the government’s mission to put confidence back into policing, ensuring both that the police have the confidence of the communities they serve, and that officers have the confidence they need to do the vital job of keeping people safe.

She set out new measures that will be taken forward in response to the accountability review started under the previous government, including:

a presumption of anonymity for firearms officers facing criminal proceedings following police shootings, up until the point of a conviction

raising the threshold for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to refer police officers to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), so that only cases that have a reasonable prospect of conviction are referred – as is already the test for members of the public suspected of committing a crime

a rapid independent review to consider the legal test for use of force in misconduct proceedings and the threshold for unlawful killing in inquests

an examination by the Director of Public Prosecutions of CPS guidance and processes in relation to charging police officers for offences committed in the course of their duties

the creation of a national lessons-learned database for deaths or serious injuries following police contact or pursuits to ensure findings are incorporated into future training and guidance

placing the IOPC victims’ right to review policy on a statutory footing

The Home Secretary also announced reforms to address fundamental flaws in police vetting and misconduct processes, including delivering on key manifesto commitments. These will:

for the first time, place vetting standards on a statutory footing

empower chief constables to promptly dismiss officers who fail their vetting

strengthen requirements relating to the suspension of officers under investigation for violence against women and girls

ensure officers convicted of certain criminal offences are automatically found to have committed gross misconduct and create a presumption of dismissal in gross misconduct cases

The Home Secretary set out these reforms to address concerns held by police, local communities and the families of those impacted by police use of force.

As well as legislating for a presumption of anonymity, ministers will take forward 3 measures set out by the previous government. These will align the threshold for IOPC referrals of officers to the CPS to that used by police for members of the public, accelerate processes by allowing the IOPC to send cases to the CPS prior to their final investigation report where there is sufficient evidence, and place the victims’ right to review policy for IOPC decisions on a legislative footing to ensure the voices for victims and bereaved families are heard.

The Home Office and Ministry of Justice have also appointed 2 independent reviewers, Tim Godwin OBE QPM and Sir Adrian Fulford PC, to undertake a rapid review of the legal test for use of force in misconduct cases, and the threshold for determining unlawful killing in coronial inquests, to bring greater clarity and prevent delays in the accountability system following recent legal rulings.

The Attorney General has also requested that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) reviews CPS guidance and processes in relation to charging police officers for offences committed in the course of their duties, reflecting the complexity of specialist roles.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

The British tradition of policing by consent relies on mutual bonds of trust between the public and the police. For our policing model to work, it is essential that the police have the confidence of the communities they serve and that officers have the confidence they need to do their vital and often extremely difficult job of keeping us all safe.

Too often in recent times, both elements of that confidence have become frayed. The government have made it a mission to put confidence back into policing.

The measures I have outlined are practical steps to rebuild confidence, tackle delays, provide clarity and ensure that high standards are maintained. The government is determined to take the necessary action to strengthen public confidence in the police, and to strengthen the confidence of the police when they are out on the street every day, doing the difficult job of keeping us all safe.

Chief Constable Simon Chesterman, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Armed Policing, said:

Police officers are not above the law, and nobody expects them to be, but the system that holds officers to account when they use force to protect the public, their colleagues and themselves, has become broken.

We are supportive of the Home Secretary’s announcement and welcome their commitment to getting it right for officers and the public they serve and improving overall policing standards.

The ongoing work on the accountability review now has momentum to continue and is a real opportunity to get the balance right in the interests of the public we are here to protect.

We are proud to have the most restrained and professional armed officers in the world, but increasingly they are more afraid of going to prison for doing their jobs, than facing the violent and dangerous individuals we rely on them to protect us from.

“Good police officers need to know that if they do what they are trained to do, they will be supported by the leaders of the police service, government and most importantly the public. > > We remain determined to get police accountability right and we will support government to address concerns about the current accountability system to restore the confidence of police officers and the public.

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Updates to this page

Published 24 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Met Police and modern slavery charity work to protect victims of exploitation
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met Police and modern slavery charity work to protect victims of exploitation

The Metropolitan Police and Justice & Care have jointly worked to pursue the conviction of prolific sex trafficker Roland Cankaj to protect multiple victims of exploitation.

Roland Cankaj, 43 (19.03.1981) of Western Gateway, Tower Hamlets, E16 appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, 23 October where he was found guilty of multiple exploitation offences following a six day trial.

The Met’s modern slavery team launched an investigation into an organised crime network named the ‘Cankaj Brotherhood’ in 2022 with intelligence leading to a group trafficking Brazilian women into the UK to be sexually exploited.

The detailed investigation showed Cankaj renting an apartment in Tower Hamlets under a false passport. Officers begun to observe Cankaj’s movements and saw him drive young women to addresses and waiting outside in the car while the women went inside. He was also seen to be in the company of young women, taking provocative pictures of them outside London landmarks which were used to advertise sexual services. A brothel in Tower Hamlets, run by Cankaj, was uncovered – the rooms were sparsely furnished and contained items associated with sex work.

As a result of the officer’s work, a total of six victims were identified and the Met worked closely with Justice & Care, the modern slavery charity, to support them.

During an interview, one victim explained how she had worked as a beautician in Brazil and got into conversation with Cankaj about money. He arranged for her to come to the UK and moved her between various addresses to have sex with men she didn’t know before taking half the money – sometimes 10 to 15 men a day.

As part of A New Met for London, the Met is doing more to support communities and people who’ve had their trust damaged. Officers are working to protect women and children from violence and exploitation and pursuing the predatory men who commit those crimes. Through targeted operations and partnerships with community organisations, the Met is working to create safer environments for women and girls across London.

Detective Sergeant Andy Owen, who led the investigation, said:

“Cankaj tricked these women into a false sense of security, making them believe that this exploitation was a way of them gaining financial freedom. In fact, he was the one financially benefitting, making a career out of orchestrating prostitution with vulnerable victims.

“This was a complex investigation led by the Met and I am pleased our work has led to justice for these women. The key to our success was building the victim’s trust in the police -Justice & Care were integral in achieving this, providing support to these women who had spent years being exploited and ensuring they felt safe and supported to share their stories.

“The Met are dedicated to protecting vulnerable people – we rely on information from our communities to continue tackling exploitation and modern slavery in London. If you’re suspicious about possible exploitation in your area, or you’re concerned about someone who may be a victim, please contact us.”

Julie Currie, Victim Navigator Programme Coordinator at Justice & Care, who supported one of the victims said:

”We are proud to support the survivor to bring her trafficker to justice, and commend her bravery in supporting this case.

“As this case shows, modern slavery is brutal and it is everywhere – with an estimated 122,000 victims currently trapped in exploitation in the UK.

“Our Navigators are deployed into the heart of the Metropolitan Police, and many other police forces across the UK, and are often there from the moment a potential victim is identified to help them feel safe.

“They work helping survivors to start to rebuild their lives and support them to engage with the criminal justice process.

“This case is just one example of the incredible partnership between Justice and Care and the Metropolitan Police.

”Every member of the public can help us stop this crime by learning the signs of modern slavery and reporting concerns to police.”

For more information and advice around spotting the signs of exploitation, visit: Human trafficking | Metropolitan Police

Charges

Cankaj was arrested on 20 April 2024 at London Stansted Airport and was subsequently charged with:
- Two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation
- Fraud by false representation
- Possession of a controlled article for use in fraud
He pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and keeping a brothel for use in prostitution.

He was found guilty on Wednesday, 23 October at Croydon Crown Court of arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploitation.

MIL Security OSI –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Prince Albert — Prince Albert RCMP warning the public of dangerous persons

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Prince Albert RCMP is warning the public of dangerous persons involved in multiple vehicle robberies involving a firearm.

On October 24, 2024 at approximately 8:30 a.m., Prince Albert RCMP received a report of a robbery north of Prince Albert, SK.

Initial investigation determined that an individual was in a vehicle driving near the White Star elevator north of Prince Albert, SK when they were approached by multiple males in a vehicle.

The individual was shot by the suspects. They have been transported to hospital with unknown injuries. The suspects stole the individual’s vehicle.

The suspects are described as three or four males. They may be wearing black bandanas or black balaclavas. The suspects are believed to be armed with a gun and considered dangerous.

They may be driving a white 2020 Dodge Ram with Saskatchewan license plate RNF 50. (Yes, there are only 5 characters.)

The suspects are believed to be travelling near the intersection of Highways #55 and #123 near Prince Albert.

More information to come. If in the Prince Albert and surrounding area: seek immediate shelter or shelter in place and close and lock doors and windows. Do not leave a secure location. Be cautious of someone asking for a ride. Do not pick up hitch hikers. Do not disclose police locations. Be cautious if not in the immediate described areas.

The situation is rapidly unfolding and we will provide updates as soon as possible.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Musquodoboit Harbour — RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment confirms weapons-related threats at school to be unfounded

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment determined that threats to a school were unfounded, and were in fact related to a planned event involving foam dart guns.

On October 23, at approximately 8:30 a.m., officers attended a school in Musquodoboit Harbour related to a report that a student made threats involving a weapon. The student was detained upon arrival at the school and was not in possession of weapons.

Further investigation found that the comments perceived as threats were related to an upcoming event involving foam dart guns. The student was released by police and there will be no charges.

The Nova Scotia RCMP takes school safety concerns seriously, and threats of violence are investigated thoroughly. Anyone with information or knowledge of threats to school communities is asked to contact their local police or 911 in an emergency so police can establish if a threat is credible. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Buildings Department follows up on incident of broken glass cladding at external wall of Citywalk

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Upon notification by the Police at about 7.30pm last night (October 24) regarding the incident of broken glass cladding at the external wall of Citywalk, Tsuen Wan, staff of the Buildings Department (BD) was immediately deployed to carry out site inspection and found that a piece of glass cladding of about 3m by 2m at the external wall of the fifth floor of the building facing Wo Tik Street was broken. No obvious danger to the overall building structure was noted.

     As instructed by the staff of the BD, the property management company (PMC) of the building has arranged a contractor to remove the remaining loosen pieces of glass last night and would arrange inspection to the other glass cladding and carry out necessary repair as soon as possible to ensure public safety. The BD will issue an investigation order to require the owner to appoint an authorised person to conduct investigation and submit an investigation report together with a remedial proposal. The BD would maintain contact with the PMC to monitor the progress of the investigation and repair works.

     The affected pavement is temporarily fenced off. The BD will continue to follow up the matter to ensure public safety.

     The BD has specific requirements on the quality and construction of glass cladding. For example, the testing of materials and procedures before installation should comply with the relevant statutory requirements.

     The BD emphasised that it is the responsibility of owners to ensure the safety of their buildings. Timely repair and maintenance of private buildings is the basic responsibility of owners. They may also be liable to criminal prosecution and civil proceedings if the building dilapidation causes damage to property or injury to persons.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Upper Sackville — RCMP traffic stop results in seizure of handgun and drugs
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

A traffic stop by the Nova Scotia RCMP’s Southeast Traffic Services (SETS) on Highway 101 has resulted in numerous charges and the seizure of a restricted firearm, drugs, illegal tobacco, and cash.

On October 23 at approximately 1:55 p.m., an officer with SETS was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 101 in Upper Sackville and queried the license plate of a passing Dodge Ram, showing it to be unregistered. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was determined to have a revoked driver’s license.

During the course of the Motor Vehicle Act investigation, the officer observed a quantity of unstamped tobacco cigarettes in the vehicle, and the driver was arrested under the Excise Act. The officer subsequently searched the vehicle and located more unstamped tobacco, bags of suspected methamphetamine pills, a significant quantity of cash, a 9mm handgun with the serial number removed, and two high capacity magazines.

The driver, 37-year-old Jacob Netherton of Mount Uniacke, has been charged with numerous offences including, but not limited to:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Firearm Possession Contrary to Prohibition Order
- Tampering with Firearm Serial Number
- Possession of a Prohibited Device (over-capacity magazines)
Netherton was held in-custody pending an initial court appearance on October 24, 2024 at Halifax Provincial Court.

MIL Security OSI –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier to Present Funding to Seneca Family of Agencies to Help Protect Contra Costa Children from Exploitation in Martinez on Wednesday, October 30th

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Walnut Creek, C.A. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced he will present funding he secured to Seneca Family of Agencies to help local law enforcement, the probation system, behavioral health partners, and child welfare organizations to identify and respond to commercial and sexual exploitation of children in Contra Costa County on Wednesday, October 30^th. This funding was part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (H.R. 4366), which included a total of $15.2 million in federal funding Congressman DeSaulnier secured for 15 projects across Contra Costa County and Alameda County.

This event is open to press and photographers. Media interested in attending the event should RSVP to Mairead Glowacki at (202) 760-1365 or mairead.glowacki@mail.house.gov.

TIME: Wednesday, October 30^th from 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. PT

WHERE: 50 Douglas Drive, Martinez, CA 94553

WHAT: Congressman DeSaulnier will present funding he secured for Seneca Family of Agencies to coordinate between law enforcement and community partners to better protect children in Contra Costa County from commercial and sexual exploitation.

WHO:
U.S. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier
Chief Program Officer of Northern California Programs, Seneca Family of Agencies, Lauren Crutsinger
Chief Probation Officer, Contra Costa County, Esa Ehmen-Krause
Chief of Police, San Ramon Police Department, Denton Carlson

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Sagkeeng First Nation — Powerview RCMP arrest two after firearms complaint

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On October 22, 2024, just after 12:00 am, Powerview RCMP responded to a call of two males with a firearm walking in the community.

Officers began patrols immediately and spotted a running vehicle parked in front of a residence with two occupants inside. As officers approached the vehicle, they noticed a rifle in the back seat.

Melvin Courchene, 26, and a 32-year-old male were both arrested without incident, and the firearm was seized. At that time, officers became aware there was still another male inside the residence with a firearm.

Officers on scene contained the residence, and requested assistance from the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT). A warrant to enter the residence was granted, ERT responded, and the suspect, Isaiah Morrisseau, 39, surrendered without incident.

Isaiah Morrisseau is charged with:

-Possession of Firearm when Knowing Possession Unauthorized

-Weapons Possession Contrary to Order and Fail to Surrender Authorization

-Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

Melvin Courchene is charged with:

-Possession of Firearm when Knowing Possession Unauthorized

-Possession of a Firearm in Motor Vehicle

-Weapons Possession Contrary to Order and Fail to Surrender Authorization x2

The 32-year-old male was arrested for:

-Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

-Possession of a Firearm Ammunition in Motor Vehicle

Morrisseau and Courchene have been remanded, while the 32-year-old male was released on conditions and cannot be named.

The investigation continues.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Update – Pair charged after incident at Elizabeth Interchange

Source: South Australia Police

Two women have been charged following an incident at Elizabeth yesterday evening.

Just after 6.30 pm on Wednesday 23 October, police were called to the Elizabeth Interchange at Mountbatten Square following reports a security guard had been stabbed.

Patrols were quick to the scene and located two 27-year-old women who were swiftly arrested by patrols.

The 34-year-old security guard suffered a laceration to his forearm and was taken to hospital by paramedics for treatment of serious but non-life threatening injuries.

Whilst attempting to arrest one of the women, a police officer was assaulted and suffered minor injuries.

Further enquiries identified that the two females stole items from a store within the Elizabeth Shopping Centre before one female assaulted the security guard.

One female was charged with theft and granted police bail to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 26 November.

The second female was charged with assault cause harm, resisting arrest and assaulting a prescribed emergency service worker. She was refused police bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court today (Thursday 24 October).

MIL OSI News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Boyle Statement on Vandalism of Congregation Mikveh Israel

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) released the following statement on the recent vandalism and arson of the historic Congregation Mikveh Israel synagogue in his district:

“I am appalled by the disgraceful vandalism and arson of the historic Congregation Mikveh Israel synagogue. I hope the perpetrator is quickly brought to justice and urge anyone with information to submit a tip to the Philadelphia Police Department. Philadelphia stands united against hatred and antisemitism, and we all have a responsibility to combat the unacceptable rise in antisemitism that our Jewish community has faced over the past year.”

A surveillance photo and information on how to submit a tip to the Philadelphia Police Department can be found here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Announces Awardees of 2024-2025 Tobacco Grant Program, Seizure of $1 Million of Illegal Flavored Tobacco Products
Source: US State of California Department of Justice

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the recipients of the California Department of Justice (DOJ)’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Proposition 56 Tobacco Grant Program. The grant recipients are 76 local government agencies located throughout the state, including law enforcement agencies, prosecuting agencies, public health departments, cities and counties that will receive more than $28.5 million to support their efforts to reduce illegal tobacco sales to underage youth. This year’s funding prioritized retail enforcement and education as part of Attorney General Bonta’s commitment to fighting the illegal sales and marketing of tobacco products to minors. Funded activities include “flavor ban” enforcement efforts, shoulder tap and minor decoy operations, retailer education programs, tobacco retail license inspections, task force coordination, training for officers on tobacco laws and ordinances, monitoring retailer compliance, and more.

The Attorney General also announced the results of Operation Up in Smoke, the DOJ’s first-ever statewide retail tobacco enforcement operation. The operation targeted and seized illegal flavored tobacco products at retail locations and cited retailers who sell these products to minors. Fourteen local agencies, who were current and past recipients of the DOJ Tobacco Grant program, and two other state agencies were part of this year’s operation.

“The alarming rise in youth exposure to nicotine, particularly though vaping and e-cigarette demands urgent and decisive action. At the California Department of Justice, we are doing just that and reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding youth from the harmful effects of nicotine products through strict enforcement,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Our enforcement operation shows firsthand how we crack down on the sale and distribution of illegal tobacco products. Funds from today’s grants to partners across the state will allow us to continue holding accountable those who break the law, and ensure a healthier, safer future for the next generation.”

“We look forward to our continued partnership with California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the Department of Justice to keep our community healthy and safe,” said Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz. “In the City of Fresno, 85% of our schools have a smoke shop within a 1000-foot radius who routinely sell products that are designed by appearance and taste to appeal to minors. This funding allows the City of Fresno to continue safeguarding our youth, preventing them from becoming the next generation of lifelong tobacco users.”

“Everyone knows that tobacco products are marketed to teenagers to try to get them addicted at a young age,” said Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert. “In Long Beach, we are working with our law enforcement and health department partners to stop the sale of tobacco products to youth. We are going to increase enforcement, especially targeting retailers who have a history of violations. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with California DOJ and Attorney General Rob Bonta as part of this statewide effort.”

“The City of Vallejo is looking forward to utilizing this incredible $932,000 Tobacco Grant from the Department of Justice to help us with issues surrounding tobacco use by minors,” said Assistant City Manager of Vallejo Gillian Haen. “This generous grant will help our City with enforcement actions from retail inspections through enforcement as well as retailer and code enforcement education.”

“The Modesto Police Department is thrilled to have received funding through the DOJ for Tobacco Enforcement,” said Modesto Police Department. “This support highlights our urgent need to combat the rising rates of tobacco use among youth in our community, particularly the alarming appeal of flavored tobacco products. We have already seen the overwhelming amount of these products in our city, and this grant will significantly enhance our enforcement efforts and educational initiatives and hold those accountable for targeting these harmful products that pose a significant risk to our children’s health. Additionally, we will address the criminal element that often surrounds tobacco retail stores, working to reduce illegal activities that compromise the safety of our neighborhoods. In collaboration with the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, the City Attorney’s Office, and our community, we are committed to a comprehensive approach through enforcement, education, and prosecution. Together, we will create a safer environment for our youth and foster a healthier community.”

“This grant gives us the tools to crackdown on those who sell tobacco and nicotine, including banned flavored tobacco products, to minors,” said Chula Vista Police Department. “This grant also gives CVPD the opportunity to conduct operations to gather information on persons selling narcotics to the public in licensed tobacco retail stores. By joining forces with the DOJ, we will be able to target and hold responsible anyone who harms our community and our youth under the guise of legitimate businesses.”

“This grant will enable the City of Rancho Cordova to make significant progress in reducing the use of flavored tobacco products among the youth in the community,” said City of Rancho Cordova. “The city’s Code Enforcement team will carry out a comprehensive operation, engaging with every tobacco retailer in the city to provide education and resources aimed at ensuring compliance.”

Tobacco use is the number one preventable killer in the United States. Smoking-related illness accounts for approximately 40,000 deaths annually in California. Nicotine, a key component of cigarettes and most e-cigarettes, is highly addictive and harmful to the developing brains of children and young adults.

DOJ’s Tobacco Grant Program aims to reduce childhood addiction to tobacco products by supporting local partners who:
- Enforce the statewide retail flavor ban and similar local retail flavor ordinances.
- Prosecute and penalize retailers who sell or market tobacco products to youth under the age of 21, including over the internet.
- Educate and inform tobacco retailers on state and local tobacco laws.
- Investigate and inspect for retailer licensing compliance.
The program is funded by Proposition 56, the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016. With this year’s awards, the Tobacco Grant Program has distributed approximately $212 million in grant funding to over 470 grantees through a competitive process.

Operation Up in Smoke resulted in the seizure of at least 50,000 illegal flavored tobacco products amounting to over $1,000,000 in value. Unstamped cigarettes, counterfeit stamps, non-MSA cigarettes, cannabis, and illegal gambling machines, were also items seized in this operation. The following state and local agencies were involved in this year’s operation: California Department of Justice: Tobacco Unit and Tax Recovery in the Underground Economy (TRUE); California Department of Public Health – Office of Youth Tobacco Enforcement (OYTE); California Department of Tax and Fee Administration – Tax Investigations and Inspections Bureau (CDTFA); Alameda County Sheriff’s Office; Calistoga Police Department; Chula Vista Police Department; Clovis Police Department; Inglewood Police Department; Irvine Police Department; Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office; Long Beach City Prosecutor; Riverside Sheriff’s Department; Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office; Santa Cruz Police Department; County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency; Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency; Sonoma County Department of Health Service.

To see the full list of 2024-2025 Tobacco Grant Program recipients and learn more about the grant application process and qualifications, please click here.

To see further details about this year’s Operation Up in Smoke, please click here.

MIL OSI USA News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Long Island Child Therapist Charged with Distribution of Child Pornography

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Earlier today, Renee Hoberman, a licensed social worker, was arrested on charges of distribution of child pornography. The defendant was arraigned this afternoon at the federal courthouse in Central Islip before United States Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on a complaint and ordered detained.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI) and Patrick Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department announced the charges.

“As alleged, Hoberman distributed heinous and disturbing child pornography, including videos showing infants being restrained and raped. Additionally, while posing as a man, Hoberman, who is a therapist serving children, claimed to have produced child pornography and offered others the opportunity to sexually abuse children,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Our investigation into Hoberman is ongoing, and we urge anyone with information to contact HSI’s tip line. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue predators who victimize children and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

“This case is an example of the vital work our investigators do every day in cooperation with our dedicated partners in federal law enforcement,” said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder. “The hard working and diligent detectives of the Nassau County Police Department will continue to work tirelessly to protect the innocent, and we will never stop fighting to bring those who victimize children to justice.”

As set forth in the complaint, between June 2024 and October 2024, Hoberman allegedly used social media messaging apps to upload digital videos depicting one or more minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including several videos of infants six months to one year of age being physically restrained and raped by an adult male, as the infants cried and frantically screamed for the duration of the videos. As recently as on or about October 16, 2024, the defendant uploaded child pornography and engaged in multiple chats concerning child sexual molestation. In these chats, the defendant, purporting to be a man, claimed to have multiple minor children and stated that “he” would have anal sex with the children and would punish them by getting naked, stripping the children naked, and spanking them while the other children watched. The defendant invited another user to visit “his” family in New York to spank the children. In addition, the defendant described sexually abusing “his” children and their friends, and then sent two videos containing child sexual abuse material, claiming that these videos depicted the user’s own children.

According to public records and as alleged in the complaint, Hoberman works as a therapist with an organization based in Melville, New York and serves children aged 0-17.

Anyone with information about sexual exploitation by the defendant is asked to contact HSI at HSI’s tip line: (866) 347-2423 or via HSI’s website: https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.

The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Hoberman faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices, 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.

The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys James R. Simmons and Russell Noble are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

Renee Hoberman, also known as “Rina Hoberman”
Age: 36
Plainview, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-MJ-588

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former Teacher Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography with Hidden Cameras

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Wednesday sentenced a former St. Louis County, Missouri teacher to 20 years in prison for producing child pornography with hidden cameras.

Judge Autrey also ordered Joseph R. Gutowski to pay $86,500 in restitution to his victims, including those who appeared in the child sexual abuse material he collected.

Gutowski hid cameras in his office at Lafayette High School in Wildwood and in his home. He secretly filmed a minor and traded some of the images with others online. He was a member of an underground child pornography group on the cloud storage service Mega. He also traded videos he’d secretly recorded of an adult in the “Club Creep” group on Mega.

Gutowski, 42, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in July to one count of producing of child pornography and one count of receiving child pornography.

The FBI and the St. Louis County Police Department Special Investigations Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Little Rock Man Sentenced to Over 17 Years In Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

LITTLE ROCK—Christopher Monroe, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 215 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.

      Monroe, 44, of Little Rock, was indicted on June 6, 2023, in a six-count indictment charging possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

      On April 12, 2024, Monroe pleaded guilty to the fentanyl and methamphetamine crimes, as well as to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Today Judge Miller sentenced Monroe to 155 months in federal prison for the methamphetamine and fentanyl crimes, as well as for being a felon in possession of a firearm, with those offenses to run concurrently. Judge Miller also sentenced Monroe to 60 months in federal prison for possessing the firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, to be served consecutively after the 155-month sentence. In addition to the 215 months’ total imprisonment, which is more than 17.5 years, Judge Miller sentenced Monroe to five years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

      An investigation revealed that on May 20, 2023, Arkansas State Troopers observed a GMC Sierra Denali that had previously fled from Sherwood Police and Arkansas State Police in recent weeks and evaded arrest. Troopers pulled up next to the truck and identified the driver as Monroe, the sole occupant of the vehicle. Monroe had confirmed warrants out of Sherwood. Troopers attempted to block the Denali and initiate a traffic stop State Highway 167, but Monroe refused to stop. He collided with patrol cars and fled from troopers, exceeding speeds of 100 m.p.h. and endangering others. Troopers continued to chase Monroe from Sherwood through Little Rock before the pursuit was terminated by immobilizing Monroe’s vehicle at Roosevelt Road.

      During a search of Monroe’s vehicle, law enforcement officers located 309 grams of methamphetamine; 109 grams of fentanyl; cocaine; marijuana; and oxycodone. Officers also located in a safe a loaded Taurus Judge .45/.410 caliber firearm. Also located in the safe were multiple controlled substances, baggies, scales, and cash.

      Judge Miller based Monroe’s sentence on the offense as well as his documented criminal history. At the time of the Monroe’s possession of the firearm and drugs, he had been previously convicted of 3^rd degree domestic battery, possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, theft of property, and theft by receiving, as well as illegal possession of a firearm.

        The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Arkansas State Police and Sherwood Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bart Dickinson.

# # #

Additional information about the office of the

United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

https://www.justice.gov/edar

X (formerly known as Twitter):

@USAO_EDAR

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Santa Maria Man Charged with Weapon of Mass Destruction Offense in Connection with Bomb Attack in Lobby of County Courthouse

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

LOS ANGELES – A three-count federal grand jury indictment returned today charges a Santa Barbara County man with committing a bomb attack at a courthouse in Santa Maria in which several people were injured.

Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria, was charged with one count of using a weapon of mass destruction, one count of maliciously damaging a building by means of explosive, and one count of possessing unregistered destructive devices. McGuire has been in custody since his arrest in September, shortly after the attack.

McGuire’s arraignment is scheduled for October 25 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

“The facts alleged in the indictment are disturbing,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “The new charge of using a weapon of mass destruction underscores how seriously we are treating this misconduct and my office’s determination to hold accountable those who seek to bring violence upon our courts, law enforcement personnel, and the public.”

“Any time an individual commits such an act of terror, victims are traumatized and there is a potential for tragic consequences” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “If convicted, Mr. McGuire faces significant prison time thanks to the combined efforts of our local and federal law enforcement partners.”

“We are grateful that the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have taken this serious case to the grand jury, and that they have returned an indictment,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown. “This crime shocked our entire community and we are pleased to see that the suspect in this case is being held accountable.”

According to the indictment and criminal complaint, on September 25, McGuire entered a courthouse of Santa Barbara County Superior Court and threw a bag into the lobby. The bag exploded and McGuire left the courthouse on foot. The explosion injured at least five people who were near the bomb when it exploded.

Shortly thereafter, McGuire was apprehended and detained by law enforcement officials as he was trying to access a red Ford Mustang car parked outside the building. McGuire allegedly yelled that the government had taken his guns and that everyone needed to fight, rise up, and rebel.

Inside the car, a deputy saw ammunition, a flare gun, and a box of fireworks. A search of the car revealed a shotgun, a rifle, more ammunition, a suspected bomb, and 10 Molotov cocktails. Law enforcement later rendered the bomb safe. McGuire told law enforcement he intended to re-enter the courthouse with the firearms in order to kill a judge.

A search of McGuire’s residence revealed an empty can with nails glued to the outside, a duffel bag containing matches, black powder, used and unused fireworks, and papers that appeared to be recipes for explosive material.

An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted of all charges, McGuire would face a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, and Santa Maria Police Department are investigating this matter.

Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Takla and Kathrynne N. Seiden of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Counterterrorism Section in the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts New Jersey Man of Alien Smuggling

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Albany, NEW YORK – Kenneth Moore, age 41, of New Jersey, was convicted today of two counts of alien smuggling for private financial gain, following a 3-day jury trial.

United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector, made the announcement.

The evidence at trial established that on June 20, 2023, Moore traveled from New Jersey to an area just south of the Canadian Border in Clinton County, New York, to pick up several people who had illegally crossed into the United States at a place other than a Port of Entry. Moore anticipated being paid $3,000 for his services but was quickly apprehended by agents from the United States Border Patrol.

Jurors could not reach a verdict on one count of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 25, 2025, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, at which time Moore faces a mandatory term of 3 years in prison and up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

United States Border Patrol investigated this case with assistance from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen J. Vickey and Joseph S. Hartunian are prosecuting this case.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Aggravated Identity Theft and Wire Fraud

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a Palm Bay, Florida man to 70 months in prison for using a fake identity to purchase a vehicle. On October 21, 2024, a federal judge sentenced 39-year-old Anthony Vila to 70 months in prison. In addition to the prison sentence, the judge also ordered that Vila serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to his plea agreement and other court records, in early August of 2022, Vila contacted a salesman at a Prattville, Alabama car dealership via electronic communications regarding the purchase of a vehicle valued at $45,000. After being denied financing, Vila sent the personal identifying information of someone he claimed to be his aunt to be used by the dealership as a co-signor on the loan. The information included a copy of the co-signor’s driver’s license and a pay stub. However, both documents were counterfeit. Vila also provided a date of birth and social security number for his alleged co-signor and had an unknown female claiming to be his aunt speak to the dealership over the phone. The $45,000 loan was eventually approved. The individual that Vila falsely claimed to be his aunt had no knowledge of the transaction and had not given permission for her personal information to be used.

On August 4, 2022, Vila picked up the vehicle from the dealership. Vila was apprehended with the vehicle a few days later in Montgomery. During a search of the vehicle, investigators found a laptop, printer, holograms, phone, firearm, and other items commonly used to commit identity theft. The phone contained over 100 stolen identities. The laptop contained evidence of the vehicle purchase described above. Vila pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft on June 7, 2024.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney J. Patrick Lamb prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced For Possession of a Machinegun

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TOBURREN LINDSEY (“LINDSEY”), age 23, of New Orleans, was sentenced on October 22, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry to 18 months incarceration after previously pleading guilty to possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o). Judge Guidryalso ordered that LINDSEY be placed on supervised release for three (3) years and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to court records, on February 21, 2023 (Mardi Gras Day), the New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) patrolled the 300 Block of Bourbon Street and saw LINDSEY and O’Marion Armstrong walking down Bourbon Street together. NOPD approached LINDSEY and asked him for identification and when doing so, saw a firearm protruding from LINDSEY’s waistband. LINDSEY attempted to flee but was detained and, a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun was recovered from his person. The loaded firearm contained 30 rounds of ammunition in an attached magazine, as well as one live round in the chamber.

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 track 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.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crimes Unit.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police response to IPCA findings

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police acknowledge the IPCA’s findings into a fleeing driver incident in Christchurch last year, where a passenger died after the vehicle crashed.

Shortly after 2am on 17 September 2023, officers stopped a vehicle in Christchurch and discovered the driver was breaching his licence conditions and the vehicle was not roadworthy.

The vehicle was issued a pink sticker, ordering it off the road, and the driver was instructed to drive it directly to a specific address.

The vehicle was instead located a short time later at a meet of antisocial road users.

Police signalled for the vehicle to stop and, when it didn’t, initiated a pursuit, however the vehicle was lost sight of.

The vehicle was located crashed into a tree in Rangiora a short time later. A back-seat passenger was found deceased.

The IPCA has ruled that while certain aspects of Police’s pursuit policy were not followed, the officers’ actions were not responsible for the crash.

Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill says Police staff make quick decisions in high-pressure, dynamic situations every day.

“Our staff have been reminded of our policies around fleeing vehicles and pursuits.

“While some elements of our procedure were not followed in this case, the overall decision-making was sound, and we are pleased the IPCA has agreed with us that our staff did not cause this crash.

“We implore people who are being signalled to stop – please just stop. It’s not worth risking the lives of yourselves or others, and you are putting everyone in harm’s way when you choose to flee.”

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: New Castle Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Dontae Blackshear, 26, also ordering Blackshear to serve six years of supervised release following his prison term. Blackshear previously pleaded guilty in this case to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine between May 2021 and October 2022.

According to information presented to the Court, Blackshear was responsible for trafficking 20 grams of fentanyl and 100 grams of cocaine in 2022. He was on state parole at that time following a 2021 heroin trafficking conviction and prison sentence. The 2021 conviction was preceded by several convictions in separate state prosecutions since 2016, including for assault, two violent burglaries, fleeing/eluding, and conspiracy to commit theft.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Mercer County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Sharon Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Blackshear.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025