NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Foreign Nationals Charged with Conspiracy and Possession with Intent to Distribute Almost Four Tons of Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – A federal complaint was filed today charging Erick Arriola, Baltazar Rodriguez Reyes and Eugenio Lizama, alleged drivers of drug-laden vans and a truck, with conspiring to distribute almost four tons of methamphetamine.

    It was one of the biggest seizures of methamphetamine in 2025 in the Southern District of California, and the most significant so far by the new Homeland Security Task Force San Diego, which was recently established by the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security at the request of President Trump.

    Among other goals, the task force was created to identify and target for prosecution transnational criminal organizations engaged in drug trafficking, money laundering, weapons trafficking, human trafficking and smuggling, homicide, extortion, and kidnapping.

    The complaint alleges that on June 2, 2025, federal law enforcement officials were conducting surveillance on four vehicles – which included two white panel vans, a white Ford F150 truck, and a semi-truck – as they congregated in a parking lot in the 8200 block of Otay Mesa Road.

    According to the complaint, bundles in each vehicle had been moved from the large semi-truck into the other vehicles while in the parking lot. The three defendants drove in separate directions before they were ultimately arrested by United States Border Patrol. Each vehicle was stuffed with large bundles of methamphetamine.

    Arriola, of El Salvador, was present in the United States despite being a felon convicted of DUI, battery of a spouse, and false imprisonment. Rodriguez Reyes and Lizama are Mexican nationals.

    “The recent formation of Homeland Security Task Force San Diego is an essential step to fulfilling the promises of Operation Take Back America,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, “Our Office will fully support these enhanced law enforcement partnerships to ensure the safety of our community.”

    “As a founding member of HSTF in San Diego, I’m thrilled to be working alongside our partners who have also committed resources to combatting transnational crime,” said Shawn Gibson, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “Cases under the HSTF will be a priority for me and staff as we all will continue to work together to secure our border and keep our communities safe.”

    “Collaboration between law enforcement agencies greatly helps to effectively combat transnational criminal organizations,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Stalnaker. “The leveraging of our unique capabilities amplifies our ability to safeguard the nation.”

    “When we combine our unique capabilities, authorities, strengths, and assets, we create a unified response to the expansive cartel threat,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “FBI San Diego will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to reduce the growing epidemic of drug trafficking and violence in our community.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Martin of the U.S. Attorney’s recently created Narcoterrorism Unit.

    DEFENDANTS                                 Case Number 25mj3112                                          

    Erick Omar Arriola                                      Age 27                El Salvador

    Baltazar Rodriguez Reyes                           Age 49                Mexico

    Eugenio Lizama                                          Age 35                Mexico

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B) – Possession with Intent to

    Distribute Methamphetamine

    Maximum penalty: Life; 10-year mandatory minimum sentence

    Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. 841(a)(1), 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

    Maximum penalty: Life; 10-year mandatory minimum sentence

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Homeland Security Investigations

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    United States Border Patrol

    San Diego County Sheriff’s Department

    This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) San Diego as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to, among other goals, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rochester area teacher arrested on child pornography charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kevin Burns, 45, of Irondequoit, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in October 2023, the New York State Police received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual living in Rochester uploaded an image of child pornography from the internet. Subsequent investigation traced the images to Burns, a teacher employed by a school in Monroe County. In November 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Burns’ residence, during which they seized his computer. A forensic review of the device recovered more than 450 images of child pornography, to include children engaged in sexual acts with adults, children that are restrained, blind-folded or masked, and infants and toddler-age children.

    Burns made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Colleen D. Holland and was held pending a detention hearing.   

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.

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

    # # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Salvadorean National Charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition after Standoff with SWAT at Fresno Hotel

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — On June 5, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Helan Noel Lopez-Sanchez, 32, a citizen of El Salvador, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

    According to court documents, on Jan. 16, 2025, law enforcement officers received information that Lopez-Sanchez, a felon who had escaped from police custody, was located at a Motel 6 in Fresno after he logged into his Snapchat account. The Fresno Sheriff’s Office’s SWAT team was activated to serve an arrest warrant at the Motel 6.

    According to court documents, SWAT operators sent a drone into the motel room, where they observed Lopez-Sanchez with a rifle pointing the rifle at the door. Law enforcement officers ultimately took Lopez-Sanchez into custody and located ammunition as well as a short-barreled, privately manufactured rifle.

    Lopez-Sanchez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to felony convictions including bringing alcohol/drugs into a jail and grand theft.

    This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.

    If convicted, Lopez-Sanchez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Salinas Man Charged With Attempted Enticement Of A Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JOSE – A federal grand jury today indicted Edy Antonio, Jr., 30, of Salinas, Calif., on one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct.

    Antonio was initially charged by criminal complaint on May 13, 2025, with the same offense.  According to the indictment and the criminal complaint, Antonio allegedly used or attempted to use his cell phone to persuade, induce, and entice two minors to engage in criminal sexual conduct.  On April 21, 2025, Antonio responded to an advertisement on a website dedicated to promoting commercial sex services. The advertisement depicted two minors whom Antonio believed to be a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old.  Antonio allegedly responded via text message and agreed to pay $500 to engage in sexual conduct with the minor girls.  Thereafter, Antonio traveled to the planned meeting location at a hotel in Salinas, where he was arrested by Salinas Police Department officers.  The complaint describes that Antonio worked as a respiratory therapist at two hospitals in Salinas and Monterey.

    United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King made the announcement.  

    Antonio was arrested in Salinas on May 20, 2025, and made an initial appearance in federal court that same day.  He was released on bond.  Antonio is next scheduled to appear in district court on June 10, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen.  

    An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of $250,000 for the violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b).  Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Chang is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Natachiana Burney and Susan Kreider.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI and the Salinas Police Department.  
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Gang Member Convicted by Jury for his Part in Murder

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Following a one-week trial, a federal jury in Memphis convicted a member of the Unknown Vice Lords (UVL) — a violent street gang in Memphis — for his involvement in a gang-related murder, after deliberating for less than hour.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Vincent Grant, also know as “V-Slash,” 41, of Memphis, was a high-ranking member of UVL, also known as The Ghost Mob — a criminal enterprise that controlled territory throughout the entire city of Memphis and beyond to Arkansas and Mississippi. Members of UVL committed murders, burglaries, assaults, human trafficking, and drug trafficking on behalf of the enterprise. When the gang’s Supreme Elite Chief, the leader for the entire state of Tennessee, was murdered, the gang sought retaliation against anyone thought to be involved.

    As proven at trial, on Jan. 10, 2019, the gang’s Supreme Elite Chief and his girlfriend were murdered in a residential neighborhood in broad daylight. The gang sought retaliation that same night against a rival gang, the Traveling Vice Lords (TVL) whom they initially believed to have been responsible. Multiple UVL members drove to a known TVL hangout and engaged in a gun battle with the other gang. During the next few days, UVL conducted its own internal investigation and were informed that a fellow member was thought to be responsible for their Chief’s murder.

    Five days after the Chief was murdered, on Jan. 15, 2019, the implicated member, the victim for this trial, was murdered at the hands of Grant and other UVL members. On Jan. 14, 2019, Grant, as a keeper of guns for the gang, provided guns to multiple gang members for the purpose of going on a “demo,” which is the gang’s term for committing violent acts.  Then early the next morning at around 1:00 a.m., Grant and three other gang members drove the victim to an apartment complex, where two of them executed the victim with the guns Grant provided.

    “This violent gang brutally executed one of their own and left the body on display as a warning that betrayal would not be tolerated,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their blatant disregard for human life — carrying out shootings in broad daylight and in residential neighborhoods—underscores the urgent need to confront and dismantle this threat to public safety. The Justice Department and the ATF turned this case from a cold case into a conviction, and we remain committed to working closely with law enforcement to tackle even the most challenging cases. Our warning to street gangs is clear: their violence will not be tolerated.”

    “Gang violence is never isolated — it endangers entire communities,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This gang’s brutal executions, carried out openly in residential neighborhoods in broad daylight, sent a chilling message of intimidation; but ATF and our law enforcement partners sent an even stronger one back: violence and fear will not prevail. We remained dedicated to protecting the community and unraveled this deadly conspiracy to ensure justice was done. We remain relentless in our commitment to dismantle gangs that threaten public safety, and we’ll continue to hold accountable, those who inflict violence in our communities.”

    The jury convicted Grant of causing death by use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, that being murder in aid of racketeering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 19 and faces up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, and United States Secret Service assisted in the investigation.

    Trial Attorneys Lisa Thelwell and Christopher Usher of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case with substantial assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.

    This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Manteca Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $1.4 Million from Former Employer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Justin Alexander Payne, 50, of Manteca, pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. 

    According to court documents, from December 2017 to September 2023, Payne worked as an IT Director for a family-owned, independent fuel supplier, distributor, and retailer company in Modesto. As part of his scheme, Payne used his company-issued credit card to make unauthorized purchases of gift cards from multiple retailers. To convert the gift cards to cash, Payne sold the gift cards to online businesses that specialize in purchasing unwanted gift cards for less than the value of the cards. The online businesses conducted no less than 3,700 transactions in gift card purchases from Payne, which included subsequent payouts to Payne.

    Payne also used the company’s credit card to make unauthorized purchases of personal items, including, but not limited to, adult clothing, children’s clothing, golf and other sports equipment and home improvement products. In furtherance of the scheme, Payne concealed his unauthorized purchases from the family-owned company by altering receipts and falsifying expense reports to make it appear as if the purchases were for legitimate IT equipment for the company. During his employment, Payne embezzled more than $1.4 million dollars from the company.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Modesto Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitnee Goins is prosecuting the case.

    Payne is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on October 16, 2025. Payne faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI New York Offering a Reward for Information Leading to the Arrest and Conviction of Man Wanted for Conspiracy to Murder

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Joel Myrie. Myrie, who is also known by the alias “Pookie,” is wanted for his alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting that occurred on June 19, 2022, in the Canarsie area of Brooklyn, New York. It is alleged that Myrie—a member of the No Love City (NLC), a Brooklyn-based subset of the violent Gangster Disciples (GD) street gang—and others attempted to murder a rival gang member by firing two firearms into a crowded neighborhood street. As a result of this attempted murder, a 28-year-old victim was shot and injured.

    Myrie was indicted on charges of conspiracy to murder and attempted murder in aid of racketeering; assault in aid of racketeering; and possessing, using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Brooklyn, New York, and a federal warrant was issued for his arrest on August 29, 2024.

    On September 10, 2024, as part of his efforts to evade arrest, Myrie was seen wearing a dress and long-haired wig. It is unknown if Myrie has maintained his altered appearance.

    If you have any information concerning Myrie, please contact your local FBI office or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You can report a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Highs Gang Members Convicted by Jury of RICO Conspiracy, Drug Trafficking, and Firearms Offenses

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Following a three-week trial, a federal jury in Minneapolis convicted five Minnesota men today for their involvement in the Highs — a violent Minneapolis street gang — and in gang-related murders, shootings, and narcotics distribution.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, defendants Tyreese Giles, 24, Josiah Taylor, 31, Trevaun Robinson, 29, William Banks, 35, and Gregory Brown, 35, all of Minneapolis, were members of various “cliques,” or subsets, of the Highs — a criminal enterprise that controlled territory north of West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis. Members of the Highs committed murders, narcotics trafficking, weapons violations, burglaries, assaults, and robberies on behalf of the enterprise. As part of their Highs membership, the defendants were expected to retaliate against their rivals, the Lows gang, which operated south of West Broadway Avenue. These two gangs had been in a gang war that spanned years and alleged members of the Lows gang have been separately charged with federal crimes, including racketeering charges.

    “This is the second successful trial against members and associates of the Highs gang in this case in the last three weeks,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case and these trials show the Department’s relentless determination to hold accountable criminal enterprises that use murder and intimidation to exert power and control narcotics territory. We will continue to dismantle violent gangs and secure justice for victims and their loved ones in communities around the country.”

    “The Highs have long terrorized north Minneapolis, bringing drugs, violence, and murder,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson for the District of Minnesota. “This verdict represents yet another step in our fight against gang violence. I want to thank the coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who joined together to bring down this violent criminal street gang. I also want to thank the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section for lending their expertise and partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on our RICO cases.”

    “This case is a powerful example of how we use federal racketeering laws to take down violent gangs at the center of community violence,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “These individuals relied on firearms, retaliation, and drug trafficking to fuel chaos and assert fear and dominance over their neighborhoods. ATF special agents worked closely with our partners to map the gang’s structure and document their vicious acts of violence, to bring the full weight of the law against its members. We will continue to use every tool available to protect the public and hold violent offenders accountable.”

    “The verdict today reflects the United States Postal Inspection Service’s (USPIS) dedication to building great partnerships with other federal agencies, as well as state and county law enforcement, to bring violent criminals in our communities to justice,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Steve Hodge of USPIS.

    “As financial investigators, IRS Criminal Investigation brings a unique skill set to dismantling violent criminal enterprises,” said Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. “Our special agents are experts in exposing how criminal organizations move and hide their illicit funds. By following the money, we developed critical financial evidence on significant fentanyl suppliers. As an agency on the RICO task force to combat violent crime, IRS-CI will continue to collaborate with our federal, state, and local partners to make a noticeable impact in our community. These convictions are a critical step in restoring safety and stability to the streets of Minneapolis and maintaining the marked decrease in violence in our community.”

    As proven at trial, the gang war escalated when, on Sept. 9, 2021, a prominent Highs member was shot and killed at a barbershop in Minneapolis. About two hours later, suspecting that the Lows were responsible for the killing, defendant Giles traveled to Pennwood Market in Lows territory. Once there, Giles, who was dressed in black and wearing a mask covering his face, shot and killed a Lows member. He fired the fatal shot into the victim’s back before he attempted to flee from the scene.

    Evidence at trial tied defendant Robinson to two shootings — one into a crowd of individuals in downtown Minneapolis on July 7, 2019, and another in the parking lot of Merwin Liquors, a Highs hangout, on April 2, 2022.

    Defendants Taylor and Banks trafficked drugs, including fentanyl, on behalf of the Highs. Evidence proved that Brown was a high-level narcotics supplier for the Highs and coordinated trips to and from Arizona for Highs members to obtain tens of thousands of fentanyl pills to sell on the streets of Minneapolis. Each defendant was arrested in possession of narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, and one possessed a firearm in furtherance of their narcotics trafficking.

    The jury convicted defendants Giles, Robinson, Banks, And Brown of Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Conspiracy. Defendants Taylor and Banks were also convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy. The jury convicted Taylor of the separate crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    This is the second of several trials in this case, which charged over 40 defendants with RICO conspiracy, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, and other charges related to their activities as members and associates of the Highs gang. Nine defendants are awaiting trial.

    The ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies contributed to the investigation.

    Trial Attorneys Brian Lynch and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Lopez-Calhoun and Carla Baumel of the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update: Coast Guard, partner agencies respond to diesel spill on Patapsco River in Maryland

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    06/05/2025 05:43 PM EDT

    The Coast Guard and partner agencies continue to respond to a diesel fuel spill near the East Harbor Marina in the Patapsco River, Thursday afternoon.

    For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Saves American Taxpayers Hundreds of Millions by Negotiating New Contract for the Coast Guard

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    DHS is revolutionizing national security while saving the taxpayer over $260 million

    WASHINGTON – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that she successfully saved the American taxpayer over $260 million by cancelling a failing U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) shipbuilding project.

    Shipbuilding company Huntington Ingalls (HII) began production of a Legend-class National Security Cutter (NSC) in May 2021. It was supposed to be delivered by 2024 at the latest but is still nowhere near complete. 

    “This is about fulfilling President Trump’s commitment to the American taxpayer,” said Secretary Noem. “Huntington Ingalls owed us this cutter over a year ago. As the Trump administration is revitalizing the U.S. Coast Guard through Force Design 2028, we need to be smart with the American taxpayer’s money. This project was over time and over budget. Now the money can be redirected to ensuring the Coast Guard remains the finest, most-capable maritime service in the world. I would like to extend my thanks to Huntington Ingalls for negotiating in good faith.”

    In addition to returning over $260 million to the U.S. Treasury, the Coast Guard will receive $135 million in parts that will be used to retrofit, upgrade, and maintain the Coast Guard’s existing fleet of 10 Legend-class cutters. By cancelling the production of NSC #11 and securing the parts deal with HII, Secretary Noem has ensured that the Treasury will recoup the remaining funds for use where they are most needed.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI and Local Partners Interrupt IED and Mass Shooting Event

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI Portland Field Office and local law enforcement partners arrested a Columbia County, Oregon, juvenile who conspired to conduct an improvised explosive attack and mass shooting at the Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Washington, on May 22, 2025.

    The teen, whose name will not be released due to an effort to limit public disclosure of a minor, was arrested on the morning of May 22, 2025, by deputies from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

    The detailed and imminent attack plans were reported to the FBI on May 19, 2025. Immediately, the FBI began working with our partners to identify the suspect who was responsible for the threat. The subject was identified the next day, May 20, as a juvenile Columbia County resident who shared nihilistic violent extremist ideology and the plans in online chats. The suspect was placed under court-authorized surveillance for public
    safety concerns, and a federal search warrant was planned and executed on May 22, 2025, prior to the arrest.

    The suspect demonstrated the intent and means to carry out their plan, which included precise details such as a map of the mall, a route the shooter would follow, a plan to use an improvised explosive device commonly known as a chlorine bomb to incite panic, and then to shoot mall patrons as they were exiting the movie theatre before ultimately committing suicide at a pre-determined location in the mall.

    An alarming amount of indicators of a cogent path to violence were met—at no point in this plan did it seem like the suspect wouldn’t follow through with their plans. 

    “This plot was as serious as it gets,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Olson. “We, along with our partners, moved swiftly to interrupt this violent plan and to protect our community.” 

    Initial contact with the subject was made by the FBI, however the arrest was made by local law enforcement on state charges.

    The FBI encourages the public to report suspicious behavior to law enforcement and for parents to engage with their children and have an open dialogue about their online activity.

    The Columbia County District Attorney’s office is prosecuting this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Justice Department Launches Investigation into Rhode Island for Race-Based Employment Preferences in Violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into the State of Rhode Island (“Rhode Island”) concerning potential race-based discrimination in state employment practices.

    The state of Rhode Island mandates state agencies set hiring targets that are effectively race-based employment quotas.[1] These statutorily mandated goals pressure state agencies to engage in discriminatory, and potentially unlawful, hiring practices. The Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section opened the investigation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, national origin, and other protected characteristics.

    “The state of Rhode Island’s official hiring policy embraces racial discrimination, something the Supreme Court has long held to be unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Discrimination in the name of ‘diversity’ is not only fundamentally unjust, but it also violates federal law. The Civil Rights Division will investigate Rhode Island’s discriminatory policy and take appropriate action if warranted.”

    You can view the notice letter here

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Launches Investigation into Rhode Island for Race-Based Employment Preferences in Violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into the State of Rhode Island (“Rhode Island”) concerning potential race-based discrimination in state employment practices.

    The state of Rhode Island mandates state agencies set hiring targets that are effectively race-based employment quotas.[1] These statutorily mandated goals pressure state agencies to engage in discriminatory, and potentially unlawful, hiring practices. The Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section opened the investigation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, national origin, and other protected characteristics.

    “The state of Rhode Island’s official hiring policy embraces racial discrimination, something the Supreme Court has long held to be unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Discrimination in the name of ‘diversity’ is not only fundamentally unjust, but it also violates federal law. The Civil Rights Division will investigate Rhode Island’s discriminatory policy and take appropriate action if warranted.”

    You can view the notice letter here

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Pakistani Weapons Smuggler of Transporting Iranian Advanced Conventional Weapons Destined for the Houthis in Yemen

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    A federal jury convicted a Pakistani national today on charges related to smuggling Iranian-made advanced conventional weaponry destined for the Houthis in Yemen and threatening multiple witnesses.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on the night of Jan. 11, 2024, U.S. Central Command Navy forces operating from the USS LEWIS B. PULLER, including Navy SEALs and members of the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team East, boarded an unflagged dhow, a small vessel, in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Somalia. The U.S. boarding team encountered 14 individual mariners on the vessel, including the captain, Muhammad Pahlawan, 49.

    During a search of the dhow, the U.S. boarding team located and seized Iranian-made advanced conventional weaponry, including ballistic missile components, anti-ship cruise missile components, and a warhead. The type of weaponry found aboard the dhow is consistent with the weaponry used by the Houthi rebel forces during the time of the charged conspiracy against merchant ships and U.S. military ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden after the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel. During the interdiction, Pahlawan lied to the boarding team, instructed other crewmembers to lie, and eventually threatened the lives of his crewmembers and their families.

    Pahlawan’s January 2024 trip was part of a larger operation. From in or around August 2023 through in or around January 2024, Pahlawan worked with two Iranian brothers, Shahab Mir’kazei (Shahab), and Yunus Mir’kazei (Yunus), affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to smuggle materials from Iran to the Houthi rebel forces in Yemen. Pahlawan completed multiple smuggling voyages, coordinated and funded by Shahab and Yunus, by traveling with cargo from Iran to the coast of Somalia and transporting that cargo to another vessel for a nighttime ship-to-ship transfer. Pahlawan worked with Shahab and Yunus to prepare the dhow for these smuggling voyages, received specific coordinates from them for the ship-to-ship transfers, and received multiple payments from them for his role in the smuggling operation.

    Pahlawan was convicted of: conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists, providing material support and resources to Iran’s weapons of mass destruction program, providing material support to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’s weapons of mass destruction program, conspiring to and indeed transporting explosive devices to the Houthis knowing those explosives would be used to cause harm, and threatening his crew. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 22 and most statutes of conviction include a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia, Executive Assistant Director Jodi Cohen of the FBI’s National Security Branch; and Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Troy A. Edwards Jr. and Gavin R. Tisdale for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Joseph N. Kaster of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. Former Eastern District of Virginia prosecutor Danya Atiyeh, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Jessica Aber, and former National Security Division Trial Attorney Lesley Woods supported the case.

    The following government agencies provided invaluable support to the case: the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Defense, the Diplomatic Security Service, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of State.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Seconds to Spare: A Sailor’s Fight for Life in the Eye of the Storm

    Source: United States Navy

    Norfolk, Va. – The order to cancel evening flights came down at 8:15 p.m. on April 7, 2025, a reprieve from a rapidly approaching storm that promised to shroud USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in darkness and rain. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Dan Roark, Former Police Officer, Sentenced for Exploitation of a Child and Receipt of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On June 5, 2025, Dan Roark, 48, currently of Knoxville Tennessee, was sentenced by the Honorable Katherine A. Crytzer, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville.

    As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Roark agreed to plead guilty to an indictment charging him with, one count of exploitation of a child in violation of 18 U.S.C.§ 2251(a); and one count of receipt of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2).  Roark was sentenced to 300 months in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.  Roark will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions during his supervised release. 

    In early October 2023, Scott County Virginia Sheriff’s Department (SCVSD) received an anonymous tip that a juvenile female (JV) was sending child pornography through the internet to other potential internet users. A forensic examination of a cellphone belonging to JV’s mother revealed child pornography images of JV as well as text messages between JV’s mother and Roark while he was employed with the Knoxville Police Department. In the text message communications, Roark demanded that JV’s mother provide child pornography depicting JV. JV’s mother complied by sending child pornography images and videos depicting JV to Roark. 

    The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by the SCVSD, 9th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office (9th JDAGO), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Internet Crimes Against Children’s Task Force. This investigation was led by Detective Daniel Ross of SCVSD, HSI Task Force Officer Cortney Dugger, and Investigator Chanel Finnell of the 9th JDAGO.

    Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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 the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab “resources.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Six People Indicted for COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme Totaling Over $34 Million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – Elaine A. Escoe, 40; Alfred L. Davis, 51; Gino J. Jourdan, 37; Cher L. Davis, 53; Latoya T. Clark, 39; and James G. McGhow, 69, have been indicted with conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $34 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds.

    According to allegations in the indictment, from May 2020 through November 2021, the defendants conspired to submit more than 90 false and fraudulent applications for funds under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). The applications allegedly contained materially false representations regarding employee counts, payroll expenses, and business revenues. In support of the applications, the defendants are alleged to have submitted falsified IRS tax documents and fabricated bank statements.

    The indictment alleges that the scheme resulted in the wrongful disbursement of approximately $29.1 million in PPP funds, $1.2 million in RRF funds, and $3.8 million in SVOG funds. After the funds were disbursed, the defendants allegedly directed payments to each other and to businesses they controlled, withdrew large sums in cash, and used blank, signed checks to conceal the origin and nature of the proceeds.

    Each of the six defendants is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Each defendant also faces multiple substantive counts of wire fraud and engaging in monetary transactions involving criminally derived property. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison on each wire fraud charge and up to 10 years in prison on each money laundering charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida; Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of FBI Miami and Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, made the announcement.

    FBI Miami’s West Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the case.  HSI Miami assisted in the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Bailyn is prosecuting the case.  Legal Administrative Specialist Matthew Neff is helping with litigation technology.

    An indictment is a mere allegation.  A defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-80076-AMC.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Final of 14 Individuals Sentenced for Dog Fighting

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Following a final sentencing hearing today, all 14 defendants convicted in a large-scale federal dog fighting case in Albany, Georgia, have been sentenced to a total of 343 months in prison for dog fighting and other charges.

    “Dog fighting is an odious form of organized crime, and it’s a magnet for other criminal activity,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The Justice Department and its local partners, such as the Seminole County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office, will not tolerate this callous criminal activity.”

    “The brutality of dog fighting, combined with armed drug distribution, negatively affects our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker for the Middle District of Georgia. “The collaboration among law enforcement agencies at every level during this investigation and prosecution was essential in bringing these defendants to justice and rescuing abused animals.”

    “The Office of Inspector General is committed to working with all of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in pursuing individuals who choose to participate in animal fighting activities and engage in violations involving animal welfare,” said Special Agent in Charge Miles Davis of the Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG).

    Details of the total sentencings is below:

    • Donnametric Miller, of Donalsonville, Georgia – 100 months in prison;
    • Fredricus White, of Panama City, Florida – 35 months in prison
    • Christopher Travis Beaumont, of Panama City, Florida – 30 months in prison;
    • Marvin Pulley, of Donalsonville, Georgia – 30 months in prison;
    • Cornelious Johnson, of Panama City, Florida – 27 months in prison;
    • Terelle Ganzy, of Panama City, Florida – 24 months in prison;
    • Willie Russell, of Blakely, Georgia – 24 months in prison;
    • Brandon Baker, of Panama City, Florida – 20 months in prison;
    • Terrance Davis, of Pansey, Alabama – 20 months in prison;
    • Tamichael Elijah, of Donalsonville, Georgia – 18 months in prison;
    • Timothy Freeman, of Bainbridge, Georgia – time served (15 months in prison);
    • Herman Buggs Jr., of Donalsonville, Georgia – time served (two weeks in prison);
    • Rodrecus Kimble, of Donalsonville, Georgia – one year home confinement; and
    • Gary Hopkins, of Donalsonville, Georgia – six months home confinement.

    In addition to prison sentences, the court also imposed restitution for the costs of care of dogs rescued in this investigation. Under federal law, it is illegal to fight dogs in a venture that affects interstate commerce and to possess, train, transport, deliver, sell, purchase or receive dogs for fighting purposes.

    According to court documents filed in this case, defendants from three states all converged on a property in Donalsonville, Georgia, on April 24, 2022, where they held a large-scale dog fighting event. Law enforcement disrupted the event after a 911 call and rescued 27 dogs that night, including one found in the blood-soaked fighting pit with severe injuries who soon died. The participants used their cars to store injured dogs who had already been fought, as well as those whose handlers were awaiting their turn in the fighting pit. Law enforcement personnel also seized a distribution quantity of methamphetamine.

    Seized cell phones in this case contained evidence of some of the participants’ extensive participation in the dog fighting “industry,” including large group dog fighting text message chains, fight reports, and dog fighting videos and photos, including one of a dog who had been hung to death in a garage. Authorities seized and rescued 78 pit bull-type dogs altogether in this investigation, including 51 recovered during search warrants executed with arrest warrants this spring, sparing them from similar fates.

    The USDA-OIG and detectives with the Seminole County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Detectives with the Bay County, Florda, Sheriff’s Office also provided assistance.

    Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy and Trial Attorney Leigh Rendé of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case with assistance from Criminal Chief Leah McEwen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Morrill and Paralegal Kristi Cote for the Middle District of Georgia handled a parallel civil forfeiture proceeding to ensure that the dogs did not have to be returned to the defendants. The Seized Canine Program of the U.S. Marshals Service cared for the rescued dogs pending legal process.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Ends Politicized TSA Watchlist Program That Has Failed to Prevent a Single Terrorist Attack in its Existence; Calls for Congressional Investigation

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    The Quiet Skies Program is a redundant, corrupted program that costs US taxpayers $200 million a year

    WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced it is ending the Quiet Skies Program, which since its existence has failed to stop a single terrorist attack while costing US taxpayers $200 million a year. The program, under the guise of “national security,” was used to target political opponents and benefit political allies. TSA will continue performing important vetting functions tied to legitimate commercial aviation security threats to both ensure the safety of the American traveler and uphold its statutory obligations. REAL ID, implemented on May 7 of this year, will further help bolster TSA security. 

    DHS and TSA have uncovered documents, correspondence, and timelines that clearly highlight the inconsistent application of Quiet Skies and watchlisting programs, circumventing security policies to benefit politically aligned friends and family at the expense of the American people. In addition to its own internal investigation, DHS’s Secretary Kristi Noem is calling for a Congressional investigation to uncover further corruption through this program.

    “It is clear that the Quiet Skies program was used as a political rolodex of the Biden Administration—weaponized against its political foes and exploited to benefit their well-heeled friends. I am calling for a Congressional investigation to unearth further corruption at the expense of the American people and the undermining of US national security,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “TSA’s critical aviation and security vetting functions will be maintained, and the Trump Administration will return TSA to its true mission of being laser-focused on the safety and security of the traveling public. This includes restoring the integrity, privacy, and equal application of the law for all Americans.” 

    DHS revealed earlier this week evidence detailing the politicization of TSA’s watchlisting program under the previous administration.

    This includes William “Billy” Shaheen, spouse of fellow Democrat and sitting U.S. New Hampshire Senator, Jeanne Shaheen, being given blanket exemptions from review, while non-politically aligned members like then-Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard received additional screening and monitoring by Federal Air Marshalls.

    Despite William Shaheen traveling with a known or suspected terrorist three times, then TSA Administrator Pekoske gave explicit direction to exclude Shaheen from the Silent Partner Quiet Skies list. After Senator Shaheen directly lobbied then former Administrator Pekoske, on her husband’s behalf, Pekoske granted Billy Shaheen a blanket Quiet Skies exemption. 

    Shaheen was not the only high-profile individual that was placed on this exclusion list: this list also included members of foreign royal families, political elites, professional athletes, and favored journalists.

    For more information on TSA security screening protocols, click here.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Lloydminster — Lloydminster RCMP investigates sexual assault on a minor

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On March 18, 2025, Lloydminster RCMP received a complaint regarding an adult who was exchanging sexually explicit pictures with a minor via Snapchat. Further investigation revealed that the adult had travelled to the Lloydminster area in order to commit further sexual offences.

    Lloydminster RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) took over the investigation and were able to identify the suspect. The male was originally from P.E.I., but had moved to Ontario, from where he started the Snapchat exchange. During the investigation, RCMP learned he had recently moved to Nova Scotia. A Canada-wide arrest warrant was obtained by Lloydminster RCMP GIS and executed by the Nova Scotia RCMP on May 27, 2025.

    As a result of the investigation, Travis James Birt (29), a resident of Nova Scotia, was charged with:

    • Sexual Assault;
    • Sexual Interference;
    • Child Luring;
    • Possession of child pornography; and
    • Making sexually explicit material available to a child.

    Birt was brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. He is to appear before the Saskatchewan Provincial Court in Lloydminster on June 9, 2025.

    “We would like to thank Nova Scotia RCMP for their assistance in arresting this individual” said S/Sgt. Nutbrown of the Lloydminster RCMP GIS. “We have sent out Birt’s picture in hopes that other potential victims will come forth and speak with their local police.”

    Anyone with information regarding this incident or who has been a victim of this individual is asked to contact the Lloydminster RCMP at 780-808-8400, or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty to Role in COVID-19 Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Damisha Brown, 32, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Brown received $15,625 in proceeds from a criminally derived Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

    According to court documents and statements made in court, co-defendant Kisha Sutton conspired with Brown and others to obtain fraudulent PPP loans. Sutton submitted a PPP loan application on Brown’s behalf on April 25, 2021. The application listed Brown as a sole proprietor hair dresser who received $75,000 in gross income in 2020. The application was filed with an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1040, Schedule C Profit or Loss from Business, stating that the applicant had earned $75,000 in 2020. As part of her guilty pleas, Brown admitted that she never earned $75,000 as a hair dresser in one year and that the IRS Form 1040 submitted with her application was fraudulent and created solely to obtain the PPP loan.

    A PPP lender in California approved Brown’s loan application. The $15,625 in loan proceeds was deposited in Brown’s personal bank account on April 30, 2021. Brown admitted that she knew the $15,625 represented proceeds from the fraudulent PPP loan. Between April 30 and May 27, 2021, Sutton received $3,500 from Brown as her share of the fraudulent PPP loan proceeds. Brown transferred the money to Sutton using a digital wallet application. Brown admitted that she transferred the $3,500 as Sutton’s compensation for facilitating the submission of her fraudulent loan, in keeping with their agreement. Brown further admitted that she spent the remainder of the loan proceeds on ineligible personal expenses.

    The CARES Act made forgivable PPP loans available to qualifying sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed individuals adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to replace their normal income and for certain other eligible expenses. Applicants were required to certify that they were in operation on February 15, 2020, and provide documentation showing their prior gross income from either 2019 or 2020.

    Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on October 2, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. Brown also owes $12,125 in restitution.

    Brown and Sutton, 44, of Jersey City, New Jersey, are among seven individuals indicted by a federal grand jury on charges alleging they and others conspired, as well as aided and abetted one another, to obtain fraudulent PPP loans totaling $140,625. On March 25, 2025, co-defendant William Powell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and co-defendant Jasmine Spencer pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting bank fraud. Powell, 35, of Huntington, and Spencer, 32, of Charleston,  are scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2025. The indictment against Sutton and the other defendants remains pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU).

    United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan T. Storage and Jennifer D. Gordon and former Assistant United States Attorney Holly Wilson have prosecuted the case.

    Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-192.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Laredo area alien smuggling ring taken down

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – Two men have been ordered to federal prison for their roles in an extensive human smuggling conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Manuel Capetillo, 27, Poteet, and Michael Diaz, 31, Laredo, pleaded guilty Feb. 4 and March 4, respectively.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen has now imposed an 85-month-term of imprisonment for Capetillo, while Diaz received 70 months. Both men were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. Diaz was further ordered to pay a $10,000 special assessment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the inhumane conditions in which the aliens were transported and that Capetillo and Diaz had made a business out of smuggling aliens. “You thought of these people as cattle,” he said. Judge Kazen also commented on Capetillo’s leadership role and that he was one of the highest-level players in the region he had seen. 

    Capetillo and Diaz are attributed with smuggling over 65 aliens, including adults and children as young as six, who came from multiple countries as far south as Guatemala and as close as Mexico. Both had received cash payments in excess of $50,000 during their operations.

    The investigation revealed both men operated stash houses in Laredo and that Capetillo also operated one in Poteet. Over several months, Capetillo recruited drivers, scouts and caretakers to bring aliens in from countries in Central America and transport them throughout the southern and central areas of Texas.

    Capetillo negotiated prices with Mexican smugglers on how much and to whom would be paid for aliens illegally crossing into the United States. He also negotiated with Mexican nationals to provide weapons for the wars taking place in Monterrey, Mexico, and importing drugs into the United States.  

    Diaz worked in close connection with Capetillo to rent a yard in Laredo and load aliens into inoperable vehicles, place them on top of tow trucks and smuggle them to Capetillo’s Poteet stash house in the Southern Texas heat. Capetillo paid Diaz for his role in the conspiracy.

    Previously released on bond, Capetillo was taken into custody following the sentencing where he will remain pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Diaz has been and will remain in custody.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation with the assistance of police departments in Laredo and Poteet. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tory Sailer prosecuted the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien Sentenced for Assaulting Law Enforcement

    Source: US FBI

    McALLEN, Texas – A 21-year-old El Salvadorian national has been sentenced for assaulting a Border Patrol (BP) agent, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Oscar Adilio Sanchez-Rivera pleaded guilty March 4.

    U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Sanchez-Rivera to serve 36 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

    “The defendant here managed to turn a simple removal case to a multi-year federal sentence,” said Ganjei. “Let this case be an example to others who may wish harm on police or federal agents; assaulting law enforcement will not be tolerated.”

    On Nov. 1, 2024, authorities conducted a traffic stop in Rio Grande City when Sanchez-Rivera notified them of his alien status. As the BP agent attempted to place him in a vehicle, Sanchez-Rivera attempted to evade arrest. He punched the agent in the face and grabbed the agent’s finger, causing a fracture that required surgery.

    Sanchez-Rivera fled on foot but was soon apprehended.

    He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    BP and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Richmond Man Sentenced to Over Three Years in Prison for Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: US FBI

    RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to three years and four months in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    According to court documents, in November 2020, FBI agents received information from KIK Messenger about username “boredani” sharing videos believed to be CSAM. On Dec. 8, 2021, agents searched the residence of Hasson Julian Roberts, 42. Agents seized several electronic devices belonging to Roberts, including an external hard drive. A forensic examination of the external hard drive revealed that it contained over 100 CSAM files, including a video file depicting a prepubescent minor engaged in various sexual acts.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather H. Mansfield prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-137.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Maryland State Trooper Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bribery and Drug Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Justin Riggs, 35, of Smithsburg, Maryland, to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for Conspiracy to Distribute and Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances, Use of a Communication Facility in Causing or Facilitating the Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances, and Travel Act-State of Maryland Bribery.   

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office.

    According to his guilty plea, in December 2022, Riggs — who was serving as a Maryland State Trooper — was assigned to a group within the Maryland State Police (MSP) investigating drug and gun trafficking in Western Maryland.  The MSP group used at least one confidential human source during the investigation.  On December 19, Riggs created a fictitious Facebook account to contact a drug-distributor target.  While corresponding with the drug distributor, Riggs informed the drug distributor that he worked “for a fed agency.”  Riggs also told the drug distributor that he had “tons more info pertaining to your biggest informant.”  The former Maryland state trooper initiated several electronic conversations with the drug distributor between 2022 and 2023, attempting to sell the informant’s identity.

    On December 21, Riggs stated among other things:

    “Theres a big case man. I’m not reaching out because I care what you’re in to or not in to. you don’t have to play innocent to me. IDC about that. I’m just trying to get paid. But there’s a big case that’s going on. Im here to work with you. I gave you some free info to prove my worth. Once you find the tracker and see I’m legit then let’s talk about the other info I have.”

    “That’s why I need money for the info. I know what’ll happen to the rat. You may not have the money but your club does. And this case is going to hurt alot of members. But anyway. Just holler when you want to move forward man.”

    Then on December 22, Riggs continued conversing with the drug distributor. The drug distributor told Riggs that he was no longer going to participate in drug trafficking, to which Riggs responded in part:

    “…So listen, if you’re getting out or want nothing to do with what I can offer, is there anybody trustworthy in your club that would have interest in my services? Info for money exchange type of thing?”

    “I could be willing to give you some more info now for forwarding my services to someone that could use it.”

    On December 26, Riggs asked the drug distributor if he removed the tracker from his truck.  Riggs then offered additional help to the drug distributor.  During the correspondence, Riggs said:

    “Did you pull the tracker off? I can help you by telling you how deep the investigation is. How to make it go away, who your snitch is that’s setting y’all up, and when your phone will be tapped…”

    “Gotchya. Yah it will send an alert once removed. I think they’re going to try to put another one of this week. I can’t communicate with you once the wire tap starts. That’s why I’m going offline tomorrow. But like I said I can help you. By telling you the snitch. Once he’s gone then you’re case should be gone because he won’t be able to testify against you”

    On January 2, 2023, Riggs began negotiating a price with the drug distributor for the information which continued through January 3. During a latter part of the conversation, Riggs stated:

    “If you make the 1500 drop then I’ll just give ya the rest of the info and you can make the 300 drop.”  Then later, “Every buy he’s done hasbeen recorded. The audio conversations have been recorded. But he plans on testifying on ya…”

    Then on January 5, Person 1 picked up the $1,500 on behalf of Riggs at an agreed upon location in Western Maryland. Riggs later confirmed with the drug distributor that he received the money.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and MSP for their work in the investigation and ATF and HSI for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean R. Delaney who prosecuted the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Lunenburg County — Update: Lunenburg District RCMP charges woman with impaired driving offences following fatal side-by-side crash

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Lunenburg District RCMP has charged a woman with multiple impaired driving offences following an investigation into a fatal off-highway vehicle crash that occurred in May 2024, RCMP investigates fatal ATV crash in Forties.

    On May 27 at approximately 7:10 p.m., Lunenburg District RCMP, fire services, and EHS, responded to a report of a Polaris side-by-side crash on a logging road near the 1100 block of Forties Rd. Of the four occupants, an infant from Forties, succumbed to life-threatening injuries after being transported to hospital. Two adults, a 27-year-old female driver from Forties and a 52-year-old male passenger from New Ross, suffered serious injuries and a child also from Forties, suffered minor injuries. They were also transported to hospital by EHS.

    Through blood analysis, it was established that the driver’s blood alcohol concentration was more than twice the legal limit at the time of the crash.

    On June 4, 2025, RCMP officers arrested Madisyn Elizabeth Parker, 28, and charged her with:

    • Impaired Operation of a Conveyance Causing Death
    • Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance Causing Death
    • Causing Death by Criminal Negligence

    Parker has appeared in court and was released on conditions. She’s scheduled to return in Bridgewater Provincial Court on July 2 at 9:30 a.m.

    An RCMP collision reconstructionist and the RCMP’s National Forensic Laboratory Services supported the investigation that led to these charges.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    Our thoughts continue to be with the victim’s loved ones.

    File #: 2024-720190

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Nuclear Science for Food Safety

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Food irradiation is an innovative, gentle, and non-invasive technique that uses radiation to keep food fresh and safe to eat. It inactivates harmful microorganisms like salmonella, e.coli and listeria, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

    Food irradiation extends shelf life of food, reduce food losses and waste, and ensures that consumers have access to fresh, safe products. In Viet Nam, for example, irradiation has enabled the country to boost its food exports, prevent the spread of transboundary pests and eliminate microbes that could spoil food. These efforts are supported by the IAEA through its Joint FAO/IAEA Centre.

     “Food irradiation is under utilized, but we are working to raise its profile as the benefits it provides will serve consumers and producers and help meet many food safety issues,” said Carl Blackburn, an expert in food irradiation at the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre. “With continued collaboration, support and capacity building, countries around the world are strengthening their approach to using ionizing radiation — and promoting the technology to ensure that consumers can have confidence in what’s on their plates.”

    The IAEA, through the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, will continue to support food safety and quality and forge partnerships under the Atoms4Food initiative, which aims to leverage innovative nuclear techniques to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce food losses and wastes, ensure food safety and improve nutrition.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Director General in Syria to Strengthen Cooperation in Safeguards, Cancer Care and Food Security

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi meets with the President of Syria, Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Damascus on 4 June 2025. (Photo: D. Candano/IAEA)

    The IAEA Director General has been in Syria this week to clarify remaining safeguards issues and support the country’s use of nuclear science and technology in the areas of human health, particularly cancer care and food and agriculture.

    Mr Grossi met President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Damascus on 4 June and recognised “his courage in cooperating with full transparency to close a chapter of Syria’s past that diverted resources necessary for development.”

    Mr Grossi added: “With a new government committed to engaging with the international community, we have an opportunity to resolve outstanding issues.”

    “Immediate and unrestricted access” to sites relevant for inspections was granted by President Al-Sharaa, and the Director General confirmed that IAEA teams conducted verification activities during his visit.

    In his meeting with the Syrian President, Mr Grossi also announced a comprehensive programme to support the country with medical equipment and training for hospitals, as well as help in agriculture and water management. They also explored the possibility of nuclear power in Syria.

    During his visit, Mr Grossi also met Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani with whom he signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in the areas of food security and cancer control. The IAEA will support Syria with medical equipment and hospital training, as well as with assistance in food and agriculture to enhance food safety and security.

    Advancing Cancer Care

    Each year, more than 1400 women in Syria are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer. For many, access to a specialized form of internal radiotherapy called brachytherapy could significantly improve chances of survival.

    To help these women receive the treatment they need, the IAEA, through its Rays of Hope Initiative, is working with local medical teams to build Syria’s first fully equipped brachytherapy suite at Al-Biruni Hospital in Damascus. This life-saving facility is being made possible with the financial support of the government of Italy.

    “We are supporting the reconstruction of Syria’s radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and radiology services,” said Mr Grossi. “We’re providing equipment like CT scanners, brachytherapy machines for women’s cancers, and other tools not currently available in the country, and we will train personnel on the ground to use them.”

    Atoms4Food

    Through cooperation on Atoms4Food, the IAEA and Syria will work together to strengthen food security for the country’s population using nuclear and isotopic applications to improve agricultural practices.

    “Food security is, of course, of great importance to Syria, and the IAEA is well positioned to assist,” said Mr Grossi. “Nuclear techniques can make a big difference in areas like crop development, water management, insect sterilization, or pest control. We do this around the world, and now we’re opening a new chapter for Syria and its people.”

    Technical Cooperation and Capacity Building

    Earlier this year, an IAEA expert mission travelled to Syria and carried out assessments on the status of Syria’s Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) to provide recommendations to the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS) to enhance radiation safety in the country. 

    National radiotherapy services were also evaluated, and technical input delivered to strengthen clinical practices. Experts from the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme also held a series of technical training sessions and practical workshops on advanced radiotherapy techniques in Damascus.  

    The IAEA will continue to support capacity building through the clinical training of local radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiotherapy technologists while the brachytherapy machine is on its way to Al-Biruni Hospital.

    The IAEA has been delivering support to Syria including  medical equipment  such as portable and mobile X ray machines, non-destructive testing devices and portable ultrasound units following the devastating earthquake in February 2023. 

    The mission of Mr Grossi to Syria this week was made possible with logistical support from the Government of Italy.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 295 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The IAEA team based at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) today heard repeated rounds of gunfire that appeared to be aimed at drones reportedly attacking the site’s training centre, followed by the sound of multiple explosions, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

    It was the fourth time this year that the training centre, located just outside the site perimeter, was reportedly targeted by unmanned aerial vehicles.

    “Drones flying close to nuclear power plants could threaten their safety and security, with potentially serious consequences. As I have stated repeatedly during the war, such incidents must stop immediately,” Director General Grossi said.

    The IAEA team on site reported hearing at least five explosions between 11:30am and 13:45pm local time, each preceded by gunfire. Additional gunfire was heard around 14:00pm. The ZNPP told the IAEA team that all incidents involved “drone neutralization” near the training centre premises. There were no immediate reports of any damage to the centre.

    Last month, the IAEA team also heard bursts of gunfire, coinciding with a purported drone attack on the same training centre. In mid-April this year, a drone was reportedly shot down and crashed near the ZNPP’s training centre, just over three months after another reported drone attack on the centre.

    Drones are also frequently detected near Ukraine’s other nuclear sites.

    In February, a drone severely damaged the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chornobyl plant in northern Ukraine, built to prevent any radioactive release from the reactor unit 4 destroyed in the 1986 accident and to protect it from external hazards.

    Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine – also regularly report of drones being detected near the respective sites.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: The Justice Department, Texas Reach Agreement to End In-State Tuition for Illegal Aliens

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Agreement comes hours after Justice Department filed complaint challenging two decades-old laws

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released the following statements after a federal judge formally enjoined Texas from providing in-state tuition for illegal aliens.

    “The Justice Department commends Texas leadership and AG Ken Paxton for swiftly working with us to halt a program that was treating Americans like second-class citizens in their own country,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Other states should take note that we will continue filing affirmative litigation to remedy unconstitutional state laws that discriminate against American citizens.”

    “I’m proud to stand with Attorney General Bondi and the Trump Administration to stop an unconstitutional and un-American law that gave in-state tuition to illegal aliens,” said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. “This law was an insult to our nation’s citizens and has now been rightly stopped from being enforced. I will continue to fight for the American people and work swiftly to defeat any policy that puts illegal aliens ahead of our own citizens.”

    The motion came just hours after the Department filed a complaint in the Northern District of Texas seeking to enjoin enforcement of Texas laws that required colleges and universities to provide in-state tuition rates for all aliens who maintain Texas residency, regardless of their legal status. Federal law prohibits institutions of higher education from providing benefits to aliens that are not offered to U.S. citizens. The Texas laws were in direct conflict of federal law and the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

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