NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jay Clayton Announces Selection Of Sean Buckley As Deputy U.S. Attorney

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the selection of Sean Buckley as Deputy U.S. Attorney. 

    Mr. Buckley joins the Office from Kobre & Kim, where he has served since 2018 and handled a wide variety of securities and other criminal and regulatory matters for companies and individuals.  Mr. Buckley previously served as a prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice for nearly a decade, where he was most recently the Co-Chief of the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. In that role, he oversaw complex international investigations involving terrorism financing, economic espionage, sanctions violations, and anti-money laundering matters across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

    From 2009 to 2018, Mr. Buckley served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, handling a wide range of national security and international criminal matters.

    Prior to joining the government, Mr. Buckley practiced at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP from 2003 to 2009.  Mr. Buckley received his A.B. from Princeton University, an M.A. from the University of Virginia Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.  He has been recognized with several honors, including the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award and the Assistant Attorney General’s Exceptional Service Award.

    “We are excited to welcome Sean Buckley back to the Office as the Deputy United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Sean demonstrated exceptional leadership and case-making skills during his prior service in the Office. He is deeply respected by the New York Bar and embodies the commitment to professionalism and the safety of the people of New York that runs through our Office. We are fortunate to once again benefit from Sean’s tremendous intellect and strategic thinking.  With the combination  of Sean,  Amanda Houle, and Jeff Oestricher, I am confident that the Office could not have a more formidable and effective leadership team.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Pierce Jury Convicts a Louisiana Registered Sex Offender of Various Internet Sex Crimes Involving a Martin County Minor

    Source: US FBI

    MIAMI – On May 20, a federal jury sitting in Fort Pierce, Florida convicted Nicolas James Palmisano, 45, of Destrehan, Louisiana, for attempted enticement of a minor, attempted production of visual depictions involving sexual exploitation of a minor, receipt of visual depictions involving sexual exploitation of a minor, transfer of obscene material to a minor, and offense by a registered sex offender.

    According to court records and evidence introduced during trial, in 2019, Palmisano was convicted in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana for sexual offenses involving a juvenile. Upon the completion of his four-year prison sentence, Palmisano registered as a sex offender with the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office in the town in which he resided.

    In May 2024, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) learned that a minor had images of sexually explicit activity on her cellular phone. An MCSO computer forensic examiner recovered messages, images, and recordings from the minor’s cellular phone that were sent from Palmisano’s cellular number. Despite acknowledging that the minor was 15 years old, Palmisano wrote thousands of sexually explicit messages and sent multiple sexually explicit images, as well as audio and video recordings, of himself between February 22 and May 6, 2024. Palmisano also solicited, and obtained, sexually explicit images from the minor.

    In August 2024, members of the FBI and MCSO arrested Palmisano at the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, after he arrived for his annual Sexual Offender Registration review and update. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Palmisano’s residence and recovered his cellular phone, which was found to contain the sexually explicit material that Palmisano and the minor exchanged.

    A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 25, before U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez. Palmisano faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years up to life in prison, and up to a lifetime of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, acting Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI Miami, and Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek made the announcement. 

    FBI Fort Pierce investigated the case, with assistance from MCSO, FBI New Orleans, and St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

    Fort Pierce Branch Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Lineberger and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Kahn Obenauf are prosecuting 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 Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    Anyone with information relating to child sexual exploitation or abuse is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    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 24-cr-14044.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis Nonprofit Executive Admits $2.3 Million-Dollar Student Meal Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS – The owner of a nonprofit on Tuesday admitted fraudulently obtaining more than $2 million in funds intended to feed low-income Missouri children, both before and during the coronavirus pandemic.

    Cymone McClellan, 32, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She admitted that she and Terra Davis, 43, submitted $2.3 million worth of false and fraudulent meal reimbursement claims to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services from about January 2019 to June 2022, on behalf of their nonprofit, Sister of Lavender Rose (S.O.L.R.). Davis was McClellan’s second-in-command at S.O.L.R.

    McClellan and Davis submitted false reimbursement claims for a total of 860,876 meals that they purportedly supplied to Missouri children. But McClellan actually only purchased enough food and milk to serve fewer than a quarter of those meals, her plea agreement says.

    McClellan provided bogus sign-in sheets to DHSS falsely claiming to have taken the attendance of meal recipients at certain food distribution locations. S.O.L.R. submitted management plans to DHSS falsely asserting that state meal reimbursement dollars were spent only in connection with the provision of meals to low-income children, and that the nonprofit did not use meal money to make purchases over $5,000. McClellan’s management plans also falsely claimed that all checks were signed by her finance director, who was not a signor on S.O.L.R.’s account.

    McClellan admitted spending $60,000 of the money that was to be used for feeding children for the down payment on a house in Collinsville, Illinois. She spent another $86,172 on a house in Florissant, Missouri, and almost $135,000 more to buy five vehicles: a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, a 2012 Chevrolet Express G3500 van, a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris van, a 2012 Ford E350 box truck and a 2018 Lexus RX SUV.

    As part of her plea, McClellan has agreed to forfeit the vehicles and houses. At her sentencing, now set for August 26, she will be ordered to repay the rest of the money.

    Davis pleaded guilty in December to the same wire fraud conspiracy charge. She is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting the case.  

    Anyone with information about pandemic fraud should call the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or report via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two St. Louis Area Doctors Admit Health Crimes

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS – Two doctors from the St. Louis, Missouri area have pleaded guilty to federal crimes.

    Dr. Asim Muhammad Ali, 54, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances and to maintain a drug-involved premises. Dr. Mohd Azfar Malik, 71, pleaded guilty in April to two counts of making false statements related to health care matters. Malik, a psychiatrist, also agreed to surrender his Drug Enforcement Administration registrations authorizing him to administer controlled substances.

    As part of his plea agreement Thursday, Dr. Ali admitted agreeing to perform health care services for Medicare patients of a company Dr. Malik owned, Psych Care Consultants LLC, but bill using Dr. Malik’s name and Medicare billing number. The doctors billed Medicare for “annual wellness visits,” a yearly appointment in which the health care provider develops, creates, or updates a personalized prevention plan and performs tasks including a cognitive function assessment. Dr. Ali did not see them in person but called asked a series of questions. Dr. Ali admitted that Medicare paid $3,902 for the fraudulent claims.

    Dr. Malik admitted submitting claims for payment to Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurers in which he falsely claimed to have performed in-person services when he was out of Missouri or out of the country. In one example in the plea agreement, Dr. Malik admitted submitting a claim to Missouri Medicaid for an initial inpatient hospital visit on Dec. 3, 2023. Dr. Malik was in Hawaii at the time. He also admitted billing a private insurance company for the intravenous infusion of ketamine when he was out of town. The infusion was conducted by Dr. Ali. Dr. Malik knew Dr. Ali was under indictment and lacked a DEA registration authorizing him to administer controlled substances, including ketamine. Dr. Malik admitted causing a total loss of $19,442 to Medicare, Medicaid, and the private health care insurers,

    Dr. Ali also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances, one count of illegally prescribing controlled substances, one count of paying illegal kickbacks for referrals and one count of a submitting false claims last year in a separate 2020 case. He admitted involvement in a conspiracy to pay kickbacks for urine specimens referred for testing to one of his companies, Central Diagnostic Laboratory. Dr. Ali also pre-signed prescriptions for controlled substances to be given to patients on their next visit to one of his other businesses, the Institute for Pain Management LLC. Dr. Ali did not see the patients on the dates they received the prescriptions and rarely looked at patient charts or determined a legitimate medical need for the controlled substances that they were prescribing. Dr. Ali also signed prescriptions for patients who appeared to be selling or giving away their controlled substances. 

    Dr. Ali is scheduled to sentenced on August 25 for both cases. Dr. Malik is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11.

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Sestric is prosecuting Thursday’s case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Sestric, Derek Wiseman and Jonathan Clow are prosecuting the 2020 case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis Drug Trafficker Connected to Nine Murders Sentenced to Two Life Sentences

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Thursday sentenced a St. Louis cocaine trafficker responsible for nine murders to two consecutive life sentences in prison, plus five more years. Judge Autrey also ordered Anthony “TT” Jordan to pay restitution of $67,405.

    Jordan, 38, was convicted by a jury in February of one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and nine counts of use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime resulting in death.

    Evidence and testimony at that trial showed that Jordan led a major cocaine trafficking ring. “Building up his drug empire, Jordan maintained his status by enforcing a lethal code against those who snitched, those who stole, and those who targeted his associates,” a sentencing memorandum says. After a Jordan associate was murdered, Jordan later targeted a St. Louis gang he held responsible for the murder. He then targeted gang members and their families with the help of others. 

    According to evidence and testimony, Jordan was responsible for multiple non-fatal shootings and the murders of nine people:

    • The April 19, 2008, murders of Al Walters, Linnie Jackson and Keith Burks.
    • The Feb. 3, 2010, murders of Marquis Jones and Keairrah Johnson.
    • The June 25, 2013, murder of Anthony “Blinky” Clark.
    • The Dec. 29, 2013, murders of Robert “Parker G” Parker and Clara Walker.
    • The Jan. 21, 2014, murder of Michail “Yellow Mack” Gridiron.

    Jordan’s associate, Michael Brooks, fatally shot Montez “Tez” Woods on May 20, 2012, because Jordan believed he stole cocaine, according to evidence and testimony. When Brooks was killed in retaliation for the murder of Woods, that sparked another round of retaliatory murders by Jordan.

    Jordan’s phone was later seized and found to contain images of some of the victims he murdered, including Mr. Clark and Mr. Gridiron. Twenty firearms were also seized from vehicles and residences connected to Jordan.

    “Today’s sentencing of Anthony Jordan wraps up the last and most violent of the 34 defendants responsible for large-scale drug trafficking directly sourced from Mexican cartels,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Dismantling an entire criminal enterprise is what the FBI does best. Together with our law enforcement partners, this is how we are making the greatest impact in protecting our community.”

    “Anthony Jordan’s reign of terror has come to an end,” DEA St. Louis Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Davis said.  “Our hope is that today’s sentencing serves as a reminder that the DEA and our law enforcement partners will go to great lengths to remove criminals who bring violence and push harmful drugs into our communities.  The life sentence of Anthony Jordan handed down today is the culmination of the dismantling of a violent drug trafficking network that no longer possesses the ability to wreak havoc in the St. Louis area.” 

    Jordan’s cocaine was supplied by Adrian Lemons, who obtained cocaine in bulk from representatives of a Mexican cartel. Lemons, now 47, of St. Louis, is serving a 20-year prison sentence. Lemons, Jordan and 32 others were indicted as part of a long-running investigation by the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Granger and Donald Boyce prosecuted the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tama Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    Jacob Samuel Yang, age 36, from Tama, Iowa, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids to distributing child pornography and possessing child pornography.

    In a plea agreement, Yang admitted that in March 2024, he sent child pornography to other people.  He stored child pornography on his cellular phone and computer.  The child pornography included a depiction of an infant or toddler.  

    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 the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood 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 Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

    Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Yang remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Yang faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $62,200 in special assessments, and a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, the Tama Police Department, and the Marshalltown Police Department.  

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

    The case file number is 25-CR-24.  

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nevada Man Who Stole Over $7 Million in Treasury Checks, Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

    Source: US FBI

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Kyle Eugene Duncan-Carle, 41, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment and five years’ supervised release after he admitted to bank fraud in 2023.

    In addition to his term of imprisonment, Duncan-Carle, was ordered to pay $3,490,634.75 in restitution.

    According to court documents and statements made at Duncan-Carle’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, from January 2023 through September 2023 in the District of Utah. Duncan-Carle stole U.S. Treasury checks made out to individuals and companies, assumed the identity of the individuals whose names were on the checks, opened credit union accounts under the assumed identities, and then deposited the checks and withdrew the funds. Duncan-Carle admitted the scheme resulted in at least eight stolen treasury checks that totaled $7,975,621.22. As a result, Duncan-Carle cost the United States government, financial institutions, and a financial institution’s insurance provider $3,490,634.75.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.  

    The case was investigated jointly by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI); the Internal Revenue Service Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA); and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.  

    Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen P. Dent and Luisa Gough of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. 
     

    Release No. 25-71

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General joins the Vilnius Summit of B9 and Nordic Allies

    Source: NATO

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte participated in the B9 and Nordic Summit in Vilnius on Monday (2 June 2025), hosted by President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, at which Allied leaders were joined by President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. Discussions focused on preparing the NATO Summit in The Hague and strengthening support for Ukraine.

    The Secretary General thanked President Nausėda for hosting the meeting and commended Lithuania’s leadership and commitment to NATO. “Lithuania is a staunch Ally, and continues to lead by example,” said Mr Rutte, highlighting Lithuania’s current investment of over 4% of GDP in defence and its plans to increase this to between 5-6% in 2026. “This sends an incredibly powerful message of commitment to our collective defence, and it also sets an example for our other Allies. On this stage, and in our meetings today, it is clear that the commitment to collective defence is strong,” he said. 

    During their meeting, leaders discussed how to further strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence. “We are facing the most dangerous security environment in decades,” said Mr Rutte. “We are not at war – but we are not at peace either.” He stressed the need to pivot to warfighting readiness, including significantly more forces that are well-trained, well-equipped, fully supported and sustainable. Mr Rutte said he expects the Summit in The Hague to demonstrate Allies’ enduring commitment to collective defence – through increased defence investment and defence industrial production, and agreement on ambitious new capability targets. “We continue to count on the B9 and our Nordic Allies to play a key role in these important efforts,” he said.

    Support for Ukraine will also be a priority for the Summit in The Hague. The Secretary General commended Ukraine’s efforts, and the role of Baltic and Nordic countries in providing persistent military and financial assistance. “A strong, sovereign Ukraine is essential for Euro-Atlantic security,” said Mr Rutte.

    The B9 format brings together Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.  This summit was held jointly with Nordic Allies Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. President Zelenskyy of Ukraine attended elements of the meeting.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fourteen Individuals, Including 10 Mexican Nationals, Charged with Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking and Immigration Offenses

    Source: US FBI

    Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that a criminal complaint charging fourteen individuals was unsealed, and thirteen of the fourteen charged individuals have been arrested.  Additionally, multiple search warrants were executed in the Eastern District of Wisconsin and the Central District of California in coordination with the arrests. All the defendants are charged with narcotics trafficking, including fentanyl and cocaine, and two of the individuals, Osmar Venejas-Mejia and Hector Rodriguez-Villalobos, are charged with illegal reentry after removal from the United States.

    The defendants charged in this law enforcement action are identified as follows: 

    Name                                                   Age            Citizenship
    FERNANDO PALMA-JIMENEZ            49              Mexico
    DANIEL MORALEZ                               37              USA 
    CARMELO HERNANDEZ-RAMIREZ    40              Mexico
    LUIS QUINONEZ-HERNANDEZ          36              USA 
    REYNALDO SANCHEZ-GONZALEZ   48              Mexico 
    CARLOS PEREZ-SANTANA                32              Mexico
    EQUIEL MARTINEZ                             39              Mexico 
    GERARDO OSORIO-JARAMILLO       47               Mexico
    JESUS MEDINA-RODRIGUEZ            47              Mexico
    ERIK RODRIGUEZ                               33              USA 
    ANDREA ROA                                     30              Mexico
    HECTOR RODRIGUEZ-VILLALOBOS 35              Mexico
    OSMAR VENEJAS-MEJIA                  34             Mexico
    JOSEPH MARINCIC                           40             USA

    According to the criminal complaint, between approximately March 2023 and the present, the fourteen defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl and cocaine, and that multiple defendants possessed with intent to distribute controlled substances, distributed controlled substances, and used communication facilities to facilitate the distribution of controlled substances.  If convicted, the penalties for the narcotics trafficking offenses carry maximum penalties of forty years to life in prison depending on the specific offense and weight of controlled substances charged. 

    The complaint also alleges that Osmar Venejas-Mejia and Hector Rodriguez-Villalobos, both Mexican nationals, were previously removed from the United States and unlawfully reentered the United States. If convicted, the penalties for the illegal reentry offense carry a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  

    The defendants were charged based on a long-running investigation by law enforcement officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), in partnership with the North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gail Hoffman and Elizabeth Monfils.  Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in the arrests and execution of search warrants related to the case, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Marshal Service (USMS), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the West Allis Police Department, the Brookfield Police Department, the Waukesha Police Department, the South Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department, and Wisconsin State Patrol. 

    This case was charged as part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The public is cautioned that an indictment or criminal complaint is merely a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

     # #  #

    For Additional Information Contact:

    Public Information Officer

    Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

    414-297-1700

    Follow us on Twitter

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Elizabeth Metis Settlement — Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit investigates suspicious deaths in Elizabeth Metis Settlement

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On May 21, 2025, Cold Lake RCMP received a report of a structure fire at a residence on Township Road 610 Elizabeth Metis Settlement. Upon arrival, emergency responders were able to remove one resident from the home; however, they were deceased. Fire crews were able to extinguish the blaze; however, the home suffered extensive damage.

    The Alberta RCMP Major Crime Unit was contacted and has taken carriage of the investigation.

    An additional search of the home was conducted and the remains of a second individual were located.

    The remains of both people were taken to the Edmonton Office of the Chief Medial Examiner who will work with the RCMP to positively identify the remains.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Secretary of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Indicted by Federal Grand Jury

    Source: US FBI

    LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Jack Montoucet, former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), has been indicted on federal charges. A federal grand jury in Lafayette has returned an indictment charging Montoucet with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

    The indictment alleges that LDWF was an agency of the State of Louisiana that received benefits under federal programs involving grants, contracts, and other forms of assistance. While Secretary of the LDWF, Montoucet was the chief executive and empowered to enter contracts on LDWF’s behalf. Dusty J. Guidry was a Commissioner on the LDWF Commission which was charged with the control and supervision of the wildlife of the State of Louisiana and operated as a policy-making and budgetary control board. It is alleged that Guidry was placed on the Commission by and would take actions as directed by Montoucet. Leonard C. Franques, IV was a resident of the State of Louisiana and owned DGL1, LLC, a business created to provide online educational courses to be used by LDWF and was registered with the State of Louisiana in May 2020; Franques also owned LWF, LLC, (LWF) a Louisiana company registered with the State of Louisiana in June 2020. 

    It is alleged in the indictment that from approximately May 2020 until June 2022, Montoucet knowingly and unlawfully conspired with Guidry and Franques, and others known and unknown to the grand jury, to accept and agree to accept kickbacks from Franques in return for being influenced in connection with awarding a state contract to DGL1. 

    The indictment further alleges that Montoucet and Guidry used their official positions at LDWF to award a state contract to DGL1 and under the contract, DGL1 would provide online hunters’ education and boaters’ education courses and the education courses to resolve LDWF citations. It is alleged that DGL1 would keep a portion of the revenue generated from providing those services and in exchange, Franques agreed to provide, and Montoucet and Guidry agreed to accept, kickbacks and other things of value. It is alleged that as part of their conspiracy, Franques attempted to conceal the true source and nature of payments to Montoucet and Guidry. 

    According to the indictment, from on or about November 10, 2021, until June 10, 2022, LDWF received $454,174.14 from the LWF contract signed by Montoucet, of which $122,507.96 was held as a kickback for Montoucet, to be paid after he completed his term as LDWF Secretary. The indictment alleges that Montoucet, Guidry, and Franques agreed that after Montoucet’s retirement from LDWF, they would hire Montoucet and pay his kickbacks as a purported “signing bonus,” in order to conceal the true nature of these funds. 

    If convicted, Montoucet faces a sentence of not more than 5 years in prison on the conspiracy count, and up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud and money laundering counts, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 

    The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Myers P. Namie, Lauren L. Gardner, and LaDonte A. Murphy, along with Trial Attorneys Trevor Wilmot and Steven Loew of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section of the Department of Justice. 

    An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grande Prairie — Grande Prairie RCMP makes arrests in identity theft investigation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On April 30, 2025, Grande Prairie RCMP ran the plates of a black Kia Sportage and determined that the plates were stolen. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled the scene.

    On May 1, 2025, Grande Prairie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) observed the Kia Sportage in a residential driveway and called in Grande Prairie Rural General Investigation Section (GIS) to assist. Once occupants had entered the vehicle, looking to leave, the vehicle was blocked by police and the two within were arrested. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had been purchased using a loan fraudulently obtained thanks to identity theft. A third suspect was also identified, but has yet to be arrested.

    As a result of the investigation, the following individuals were charged:

    • A 21-year-old individual, of no fixed address, was the passenger arrested in possession of the vehicle and was charged with:
      • Fraud over $5000;
      • Identity fraud; and
      • Breach of release order.
    • A 26-year-old individual, a resident of Grande Prairie, was the driver arrested in possession of the vehicle and was charged with:
      • Fraud over $5000;
      • Identity fraud; and
      • Obstruct peace officer.
    • A 26-year-old individual, a resident of Hythe, Alta., was charged with Fraud over $5000 and Identity fraud, and an arrest warrant has been issued.

    The 21-year-old and 26-year-old individuals were brought before a justice of the peace. The 26-year-old was remanded into custody while the 21-year-old was released on conditions. Both are to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie on May 7, 2025.

    Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Dwayne Olson is asked to please contact the Grande Prairie RCMP Detachment at 780-830-5700. 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grande Prairie — Leduc RCMP Seek Public’s Help Identifying Vehicle and Suspects in Royal Oaks Shooting – Update

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The suspect vehicle has been located. Leduc RCMP would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating the truck.

    Background

    May 2, 2025

    Leduc RCMP Seek Public’s Help Identifying Vehicle and Suspects in Royal Oaks Shooting

    On May 1, 2025 at approximately 5:20 am, Leduc RCMP responded to a report of shots fired at a residence in the Royal Oaks subdivision of Leduc County.

    Initial investigation indicates that around 5 a.m., two unknown males discharged a firearm toward the residence before fleeing the scene on foot. No injuries were reported.

    Police are now seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle believed to be connected to the incident. Investigators are looking for a yellow 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Express, also known as a Stinger or Rumble Bee edition. The truck is missing a portion of the front passenger bumper, specifically in the area where the fog light would be located.

    If you have seen a vehicle matching this description or have any information related to the suspects or the incident, please contact Leduc RCMP at 310-RCMP (7267). Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Fourth man arrested in connection with arsons in north London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A fourth man has been arrested as part of an investigation into a series of fires in north London.

    A 48-year-old man [D] was arrested on Monday, 2 June at London Stansted Airport. He was initially stopped by officers under schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, 2000, before being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

    The arrest is connected to an investigation into a vehicle fire in NW5 on Thursday, 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on Sunday, 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of Monday, 12 May.

    The man [D] has been taken to a London police station, where he currently remains in police custody.

    The Crown Prosecution Service previously authorised charged against three other men:

    • Roman Lavrynovych 21 (06.02.04), of Sydenham, a Ukrainian national [A] was charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.
    • Stanislav Carpiuc, 26 (15.07.98) of Romford, a Romanian national, [B] was charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.
    • Petro Pochynok 34 (25.07.90) of north London, a Ukrainian national [C] was charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

    The three men [A-C] have been remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on Friday, 6 June.

    The investigation is being led by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command due to the fires all having connections to a high-profile public figure. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May. Enquiries remain ongoing.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Olds — Olds RCMP and partners charge female with property crime offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On May 5, 2025 at approximately 3:05 p.m., Olds RCMP received a complaint of a suspicious male carrying two chainsaws who ran towards a U-Haul vehicle, jumped in it and then dangerously fled the area.

    RCMP officers located the U-Haul vehicle and attempted to stop it on Highway 587 when it drove into the Red Lodge Provincial Park entrance/exit gate, damaging the gate. Innisfail and Didsbury RCMP, as well as Police Dog Services, also responded to the area to attempt to locate and stop the vehicle.

    At 3:44 p.m., Olds RCMP received another complaint that a farmer’s land was damaged, along with other wire fencing on several properties. The U-Haul was located on Range Road 12 and Highway 587, with the female driver walking southbound on Range Road 12, away from the U-Haul. RCMP quickly arrested the driver and continued a search for other suspects who were inside the U-Haul. A short time later, neighbours and residents of the area assisted the RCMP with information leading to the arrest of the outstanding suspects. RCMP conducted a search of the U-Haul and found stolen property, including a tool bag, as well as the two stolen chainsaws.

    A 52-year-old individual, a resident of Wetaskiwin, Alta., was arrested and charged with the following:

    • Mischief Under $5000
    • Possession of Stolen Property
    • Flight from a peace officer
    • Dangerous operation
    • Trafficking Identity

    Following a judicial interim release hearing, the 52-year-old individual was released from custody to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Didsbury on June 2, 2025.

    Olds RCMP remains fully committed in building safer communities by working in partnership with our community as well as through investigative and enforcement efforts to achieve this goal. Olds RCMP would like to thank neighbouring RCMP detachments who assisted during this operation as well as the members of the public. The investigation continues.

    If you have any further information you can contact Olds RCMP at 403-556-3324, 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Oyen — Oyen RCMP and Toronto Police Service investigate extortion – Charges laid

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    In December of 2024, Oyen RCMP received a report that a youth from the Oyen area had fallen victim to an online extortion. Oyen RCMP conducted a thorough investigation which included obtaining judicial authorizations to obtain information associated to the suspects social media accounts, email accounts, and banking information.

    Through the course of the investigation, a male resident of North York, Ontario, was identified. Oyen RCMP collaborated with Toronto Police Service to have a search warrant executed on the male’s residence, and subsequently have the suspect arrested and charged.

    A 24-year-old individual has been charged with the following offences:

    • Making sexually explicit material available to a child
    • Extortion
    • Possession of child pornography
    • Access child pornography
    • Distribute child pornography

    The individual is set to appear in court in the Toronto area on May 30, 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: ELLISON C. TRAVIS APPOINTED ACTING UNITED STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ellison C. Travis has been appointed by President Trump as the Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana. Mr. Travis replaces April M. Leon, who has held the position since February 2025.

    Mr. Travis stated, “I am honored that President Trump has appointed me Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana. Our office will work every day with our federal, state, and local partners to execute Operation Take Back America, reduce violent crime, and enforce federal law in our district.”

    Mr. Travis served as Executive Assistant United States Attorney since July 2023. He previously served as Acting United States Attorney in 2021, as well as First Assistant United States Attorney from 2018-2023. Previously, he was with the Louisiana Department of Justice for over twenty years. During his tenure with the Louisiana Department of Justice, Mr. Travis served as the Director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Criminal Division (2017-2018), as an Assistant Attorney General in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (2002–2017), and as an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division (1997–2002). Mr. Travis also served as an Assistant District Attorney (1990–1996). During his thirty-five years in public service, he prosecuted all manner of criminal matters, including violent crimes, financial crimes, and public corruption. Mr. Travis helped author and pass legislation to penalize those who commit electronic abuse of persons with infirmities and those who commit public program fraud. He also represented the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in the state Legislative Task Force on Medicaid Fraud Prevention.

    Mr. Travis received his J.D. from Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, and his B.A. in Economics from Louisiana State University.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Second Defendant Pleads Guilty For Fraudulently Obtaining Millions In Public Benefits And Laundering Proceeds To China

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carlos A. Grijalva, age 59, of Simi Valley, California, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments in the amount of approximately $46.4 million.

    Grijalva is the second defendant to plead guilty in connection with this case, following the guilty plea of Bruce Jin in January 2025. In April 2025, Grijalva, along with a third defendant, Brian R. Cleland, was charged in a superseding indictment with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and other offenses, after charges were originally filed against all three defendants in August 2023.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Grijalva admitted that, from 2021 to early 2022, he, Cleland, and Jin, along with other unnamed coconspirators, agreed to launder state unemployment compensation funds that they knew had been obtained through fraud. Grijalva also admitted that he and the others entered into a series of agreements that made it appear as if they were operating legitimate businesses selling masks and other COVID19 personal protective equipment while knowing that the funds obtained and laundered through their companies were derived from fraudulently obtained state unemployment compensation (“UC”) benefits.

    Grijalva also admitted to knowing that bank accounts of identity theft victims were unlawfully accessed across the United States and that fraudulent UC claims were generated and paid to these accounts. Grijalva understood that this fraudulent activity was being conducted by fraudsters located in China. Through this pattern of financial activity, tens of millions of dollars of fraudulent UC payments were issued to accounts by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and other state treasuries around the United States.

    Grijalva also admitted that he and Cleland then provided the bank account information of these identity theft victims to payment processing companies to generate ACH payments to accounts controlled by him and Cleland. The bank account information being provided to him and Cleland, including account numbers and routing numbers, was likewise from an individual in China, known in the superseding indictment as “COCONSPIRATOR 2.” As a result of this fraudulent activity, Grijalva and Cleland obtained over $46 million in fraudulently obtained funds. Grijalva admitted that he and Cleland discussed, on a number of occasions, that the supposed sale of COVID-19-related PPE would be their cover story for this financial activity.

    After that, Cleland and Grijalva, using a number of different bank accounts, transferred over $30 million to companies controlled by Bruce Jin, as well as transferring additional funds to an individual known as “COCONSPIRATOR 1” in the superseding indictment. Grijalva admitted that he and Cleland made transfers to Jin knowing that Jin would, in turn, transfer at least a portion of these funds to parties located in China.

    Grijalva also admitted that he and Cleland each made an estimated $2.2 million dollars in personal profit from the scheme.

    Grijalva agreed to certain property forfeitures as part of his plea agreement, including approximately $46.4 million in US currency, as well as the contents of several bank accounts and real properties located in Hawaii and California that were purchased using funds traceable to the charged offenses. One of these properties, located in California, was purchased in the name of one of Grijalva’s family members.

    Jin has been detained since his arrest in August 2023 and is awaiting sentencing. Cleland has pleaded not guilty to the charged offenses and is awaiting trial.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ravi Romel Sharma and K. Wesley Mishoe and Trial Attorney Patrick B. Gushue of the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Section, Bank Integrity Unit, are prosecuting the case. 

    The U.S. Attorney General previously established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    The maximum penalty for conspiracy to launder monetary instruments is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

    A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: High Level  — High Level RCMP makes arrest in drug trafficking investigation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    In Feb. 2024, High Level RCMP received information from the public regarding a suspect that may be trafficking crack within the town of High Level. After a lengthy investigation, High Level RCMP members were able to confirm the information and a search warrant was obtained. On May 1, 2025, High Level RCMP, assisted by the Grande Prairie, Alta., branch of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) executed the warrant on a property on 98 Avenue in High Level.

    As a result of the search warrant, the following was seized:

    • 33.6 grams of cocaine, divided in 84 individual packages;
    • Canadian Currency;
    • Suspected drug transaction accounting documents and score sheet; and
    • 940 unstamped tobacco cigarettes.

    As a result of the investigation, a 65-year-old individual, a resident of High Level, was charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of unstamped tobacco products. The individual was brought before a justice of the peace and released on conditions. She is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in High Level on May 26, 2025.

    High Level RCMP would like to thank the public for coming forth with information and community concerns. Anyone with information on suspected criminal activity is asked to please contact the High Level RCMP detachment at 780-926-2226, or their local police service. 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. 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: FBI Denver Statement on Attack at Pearl Street Mall in Boulder

    Source: US FBI

    On June 1 at 1:26 p.m. Boulder Police were called to the outdoor Pearl Street Mall for a report of an attack on a group of individuals. The individuals were walking in a regularly scheduled, weekly peaceful event.

    Officers rushed to the scene at 1325 Pearl St. and arrested the suspect at 1:32 p.m. The suspect has been identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, of El Paso County. He was taken to the hospital to be medically evaluated before being booked in the Boulder County Jail on multiple charges.

    Witnesses reported that the suspect used a makeshift flame thrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd. The suspect was also heard to yell “Free Palestine” during the attack.

    After receiving updated information, law enforcement officials have now identified eight victims: Four women and four men ages 52 to 88 were taken to Denver metro hospitals.

    The Boulder Police Department notified the FBI and requested their assistance within minutes of the attack and are grateful for our partnership and their assistance.

    The FBI is investigating the attack as a targeted act of terrorism and is working with the Boulder Police Department to process the crime scene, interview witnesses, and gather evidence.

    Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Anyone with digital media—videos, social media posts, digital recordings—is asked to upload that at fbi.gov/boulderattack.

    “Our strength as a society comes from our shared values, and our commitment to protecting one another. Any attempt to divide us through fear or harm has no place in Boulder, Colorado, or anywhere in our nation,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “We stand in full solidarity with those targeted. And we will continue to ensure that justice is pursued swiftly, support is provided to victims and their communities, and preventative action is taken to protect everyone’s safety.”

    “Boulder is not immune to tragedy sadly and I know a lot of people are scared right now and questioning how this happened and why. Boulder has recovered before from acts of violence before and we will again recover. I urge this community to come together. Now is not the time to be divisive,” Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said. “When this call came out today, our officers rushed to the scene as quickly as they could to protect our community and arrest the suspect and I’m very proud of their response. I also greatly appreciate all of our law enforcement and community partners who responded to help as well. I want to assure our Boulder community that we will have increased presence at many events and locations throughout the city to ensure safety.”

    If you missed the news conference earlier, you can watch the full replay on the City of Boulder YouTube channel. 

    As in every criminal case, the suspect is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pharmacist Sentenced to Prison for False Medicaid Claims

    Source: US FBI

    FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Georgetown, Ky., man, Justin Bell, 40, was sentenced to 4 months in prison and 4 months home detention by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, for submitting criminal false claims to Kentucky Medicaid.

    According to his plea agreement, Bell was a pharmacist who owned and operated Georgetown Pharmacy. The pharmacy dispensed a variety of prescription medications to retail customers, including medicated pads that manage and prevent scars from burns and other traumatic skin injuries. These scar pads were expensive: Kentucky Medicaid reimbursed pharmacies over $14,000 for a box of twelve. In March and April of 2020, Bell solicited unwitting Kentucky Medicaid patients to receive the scar pads, even though the patients did not have a medical need for them. In some instances, patients received the pads without discussing them with their providers or using the pads. Bell’s pharmacy submitted eight claims for reimbursement to Kentucky Medicaid for the scar pads and caused Medicaid to pay a total of $118,621.28 for medically unnecessary prescriptions.

    Bell paid restitution to Kentucky Medicaid for the offense and was ordered to pay a fine of $20,000. Under federal law, Bell must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for two years.

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Olivia Olson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, and Russell Coleman, Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Kentucky Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Smith and Andy Smith prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: High Level — High level RCMP conduct arrests after shooting on Highway 58

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On May 8, 2025, at approximately 3:30 a.m., High Level RCMP were dispatched to a report of a male who had been shot while driving on Highway 58. The male had sustained non-life-threatening injuries as a result. High Level RCMP investigated the shooting, and initial findings suggest that the incident was supposed to be targeted, but the wrong vehicle was fired upon. Further investigation revealed that the suspect vehicle was in Fort Vermilion, Alta., which led to the arrest of two suspects and the discovery that four more were involved. High Level RCMP obtained search warrants for two residence in Fort Vermilion linked to these individuals. The warrants were executed with the assistance of the Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team, Alberta RMCP Police Dog Services, and Fort Vermilion RCMP. None of the outstanding suspects were arrested, but nine rifles as well as ammunition were seized from the residences. The weapon involved in the shooting was not recovered.

    As a result of the investigation, a 38-year-old individual, a resident of South Tallcree, Alta., and a 27-year-old individual, a resident of Fort vermilion, Alta. were arrested. A 29-year-old individual, a resident of Fort Vermilion, a 41-year-old individual, a resident of Bush River, Alta, A 25-year-old individual, a resident of Fox Lake, Ata., and a 21-year-old individual, a resident of John D’or Prairie are still at large, but all six have been charged with the following offences.

    • Discharge a firearm while being reckless;
    • Aggravated assault;
    • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon;
    • Possession of a restricted firearm without a license;
    • Using a firearm in the commission of an offence;
    • Careless use of a firearm;
    • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
    • Pointing a firearm; and
    • Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle.

    The 38-year-old and 27-year-old individuals were brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. They appeared before the Alberta Court of Justice in High Level on May 12, 2025.

    The 29-year-old, 41-year-old, 25-year-old and 21-year-old individuals remain at large and currently have warrants issued for their arrest. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the accused are asked not to approach but to please contact the High Level RCMP detachment at 780-926-2226, or their local police service. 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. 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: Centre County Man Sentenced To 30 Years In prison For Production Of Child Pornography And Online Enticement

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Louis Bradley Wetzel, age 41, of Howard, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to 360 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release on charges related to the production of child pornography and online enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.  Chief Judge Brann also ordered Wetzel to pay $50,000 in restitution to the victims.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, pursuant to an ongoing investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in Williamsport, Wetzel was found to be in possession of a trove of child sexual exploitation material during a search warrant conducted at his home in December of 2023. A forensic review of his digital devices revealed conversation between Wetzel and a 12-year-old minor in which he coerced the child to produce and distribute, to him, child pornography.  Wetzel also purported, during chats, to have the ability to offer up children for sale to other adults to engage in sexual acts for money. 

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting 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 the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood 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 Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

    # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Bonnyville —  Bonnyville RCMP targeted by suspect driving a trackhoe

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On May 3, 2025, at approximately 6:55 p.m., a male suspect drove a stolen trackhoe into the parking lot of the Bonnyville RCMP detachment. Investigation has revealed that just prior to this occurring at the detachment, the suspect stole the trackhoe from a local business. In the process of stealing the trackhoe, the suspect drove through a fence of the business, causing significant damage.

    The suspect then headed to the detachment, picking up boulders along the way. He then dumped several boulders in front of the prisoner bay of the detachment, believed to be an attempt to delay officer’s ability to respond to calls. He then drove the trackhoe into five unoccupied parked police vehicles, making them inoperable. The suspect then fled from the detachment on foot.

    Thanks to assistance from the RCMP RTOC (Real Time Operations Center), numerous resources were called in to assist, including St. Paul Police Dog Services (Chase), Cold Lake RPAS (drone), Eastern Alberta District General Investigation Section and Crime Reduction Unit and Elk Point Detachment. The real-time operations center is based out of K Division headquarters and is comprised of RCMP officers who are able to oversee and quarterback high risk incidents, such as this as they unfold. Their involvement in these types of incidents not only increase our chances of catching a fleeing suspect, but officer safety also increases. They are truly an invaluable resource.

    Containment was set up and the search began for the suspect. A short time later, PDS Chase located the suspect hiding in a tree line just north west of the detachment. During his arrest, the suspect resisted and fought officers, and as a result, he was bitten by PDS Chase. Once in custody, he was taken to a local hospital to get treated for minor injuries and was released.

    A 62-year-old individual, a resident of Bonnyville, has been charged with 13 criminal code offences:

    · Dangerous driving

    · Mischief over $5000 (x6)

    · Break and enter

    · PSP over $5000

    · Theft over $5000

    · Obstruct/resist peace officer (x2)

    · Utter threats

    The last charge of uttering threats was as a result of an April 17, 2025, incident in which the individual called OCC (dispatch) in Saskatchewan and uttered threats to kill RCMP officers.

    After a judicial interim release hearing, the individual was remanded into custody for Alberta Court of Justice in Bonnyville on May 6, 2025.

    Detachment Commander Staff Sgt. Sarah Parke states, “Incidents like this can be frightening for communities. In this instance, we believe there was no threat to the public and the RCMP was the target. Alberta RCMP officers from neighbouring detachments did not hesitate to assist to ensure the suspect was quickly taken into custody, as well as assisting with ensuring on-going police service in Bonnyville.

    This incident has garnered a lot of attention on social media, and unfortunately, many of the comments are negative, some of which are threatening towards RCMP to the point of expressing disappointment that officers were not injured or killed during the incident. All RCMP officers come to work, day in and day out, to protect and serve their community. It is extremely disheartening to see these types of comments made.

    Alberta RCMP have seen a steady increase in violence towards police in recent years. Most recent statistics indicate that on average, there are 2.3 incidents of violence occurring every day towards Alberta RCMP officers. In 2023, 70 Alberta officers were injured as a result of use of force incidents.

    Thankfully, no one was injured during this incident.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Maskwacis — Alberta RCMP officer involved shooting in Maskwacis – Update

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Alberta RCMP are providing an update to the officer involved shooting in Maskwacis on April 24, 2025. The Maskwacis Fire Department was successful in containing the fire and preventing any spread beyond the immediate area. Once the fire was extinguished, RCMP, ASIRT, and Fire Investigators conducted an extensive search of the burned residence and have concluded that no persons were located inside.

    RCMP continue the investigation into identifying and locating the suspect that was previously believed to be in the residence, but have concluded that no member of the public was injured during this police operation. There is no additional information available about this incident at this time.

    ASIRT was directed to investigate the potential harm to a civilian from both the shooting and subsequent fire at the residence. Due to the confirmation that no civilian was harmed in the incident ASIRT’s involvement in the matter has ceased, but the RCMP will be continuing their own review of the matter.

    Background

    April 25, 2025

    Alberta RCMP officer involved shooting in Maskwacis

    On April 24, 2025, Maskwacis RCMP were asked to assist Edmonton Police Service with the investigation and subsequent arrest of occupants who fled from a stolen vehicle into a residence in Montana First Nation, Alta. Soon after, two suspects exited the house and were arrested. The third, who was believed to be in possession of a firearm, remained in the residence. The Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) was called in to assist.

    Soon after 10:50 p.m., a confrontation occurred between RCMP and the suspect, resulting in at least one officer discharging their service weapon. No officers were injured during this confrontation. Soon after, the residence caught fire and no one was observed exiting. The Maskwacis Fire Department was called as soon as the fire started and are still dealing with the property.

    In compliance with legislative requirements, the Director of Law Enforcement was immediately notified causing the deployment of ASIRT to conduct an independent investigation. The RCMP believes in accountability and transparency and in so doing will provide full support to the ASIRT investigators. Events like this are difficult for everyone involved.

    Independent of ASIRT’s investigation, the RCMP’s internal review process has been implemented to gather a full account of what took place during this incident. RCMP training, policy, police response, and the officer’s duty status will be subject to review. The RCMP is, of course, fully cooperating with ASIRT. All media inquiries about this incident should now be directed to ASIRT at 780-641-9099.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: 282 charged in new cases related to SDTX’s continuing efforts to secure southern border

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

    HOUSTON – In support of Operation Take Back America, the Southern District of Texas has filed another 281 cases in immigration and border security-related matters from May 23-29, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

    Among those are 105 people who face charges of illegally reentering the country. The majority have prior felony convictions for narcotics, violent crime, sexual offenses, prior immigration crimes and more. A total of 163 people are charged with illegally entering the country, while seven cases allege various instances of human smuggling with the remainder involving other immigration crimes, child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and firearms.

    One such person charged this week is Carlos Enrique Gonzalez-Pena, an alien present in the United States with a work visa who was allegedly found in possession of CSAM. The charges allege he had visited the darknet where he viewed child pornography sites. A forensic examination of his computer allegedly resulted in the discovery of two video files involving a female child approximately four to six years of age, one of which showed her being sexually assaulted. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. 

    Another one of the cases involves Humberto Vasquez – a Mexican male who allegedly attempted to exit the United States via the Donna Port of Entry. Upon inspection, law enforcement discovered four pistols belonging to him as well as 870 rounds of assorted ammunition, according to the charges. The complaint alleges he did not possess an export license that would authorize him to transport such items into Mexico and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of illegal exportation of firearms. 

    Authorities also found three Mexican nationals near Mission this week with no legal permission to be in the United States, according to the complaints against them. Victor Manuel Ornelas-Ochoa, Alfredo Samuel Gallegos-Esquivel and Exequiel Solano had allegedly been previously removed from the country and have felonies to include possession with intent to deliver marijuana, human smuggling and aggravated sexual assault of a child, respectively. They are all charged with illegal reentry and could receive up to 20 years in prison. Another man who faces the same charges and penalty is Julio Sanchez-Lorenzo. He is a Mexican male who had just been removed from the United States via Brownsville May 21 with no permission to return, according to the charges. However, authorities allegedly found him just six days later near Roma. 

    In addition to the new cases, a federal jury in Houston convicted a Mexican citizen for illegally reentering the United States under an assumed identity. On June 11, 2024, authorities found Jose Martin Valdez-Galvan in Laredo. At that time, he provided a false name and claimed to be a U.S. citizen. Testimony revealed Valdez-Galvan originally stole the person’s identity to avoid previous charges for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Valdez-Galvan was an illegal alien who had been previously removed but returned to the United States without permission. He had assumed the other person’s identity in 2015 after his second removal. He faces up to a 20-year prison sentence. 

    “Both public safety and basic common sense require us to know who is entering and residing in our country. Those that adopt false or stolen personas to hide their identities pose an increased criminal risk to our community,” said Ganjei. “Theft of an American citizen’s identity by a foreign national will not be tolerated, and those that engage in such criminality will be charged, punished, and, if appropriate, deported.”

    In Corpus Christi, an intoxicated driver admitted he was an alien illegally in possession of firearm. Honduran national Josias Eliseo Ulloa-Pavon had been driving under the influence of alcohol before crashing Feb. 18. Upon arrival at the scene, authorities found him pinned inside the fully overturned vehicle. He had red bloodshot eyes, appeared unsteady on his feet and had a strong odor of alcohol. A search revealed a magazine containing six rounds of ammunition in his pocket and a Bersa Model Thunder .380 caliber pistol in his car.  

    Two men from Brownfield admitted to conspiring to transport illegal aliens in Laredo federal court this week. On March 22, authorities observed a Ford Expedition circumventing a Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Laredo. Mac Quese Howard was driving, and De Richardson Miller was in the front passenger seat providing directions. Authorities conducted a traffic stop and found three illegal aliens hidden in the back seat. Miller and Howard admitted they had travelled to Laredo for the sole purpose of picking up the aliens and transporting them to San Antonio for payment.

    Also announced was the sentencing of a Mexican national with a felony criminal history and multiple prior removals for illegally reentering the country again. Juan Humberto Lara Molina’s has a lengthy drug, weapons and immigration criminal history including two other illegal reentry convictions. He was also convicted of dealing cocaine in Indiana and unlawful sale of firearms in Illinois and was previously ordered removed from the United States on multiple occasions, most recently in November 2021. However, law enforcement discovered him at the Falfurrias BP checkpoint Dec. 12, 2024. He was one of seven individuals being transported farther north by human smugglers in a tractor-trailer. He was ordered to serve 24 months in federal prison. 

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, BP, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The cases are 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.

    Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.  

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. 

    An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Emerging criminal threats targeted by INTERPOL’s European Regional Conference

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    2 June 2025

    Senior law enforcement officials from across Europe gather in Athens to tackle serious international crime

    ATHENS, Greece – The increasing complexity of international crime is being addressed at INTERPOL’s 52nd European Regional Conference, which is hosted in Athens, Greece this week.

    The three-day (2 – 4 June) conference brings more than 150 senior police representatives from Europe, and around the world, to address major challenges for European policing and the impact of international crime on the region.

    The conference was opened by Michalis Chrysochoidis, Minister of Citizen Protection of Greece, Lieutenant General Dimitrios Mallios, Chief of the Hellenic Police, Major General Ahmed Nader Al-Raisi, President of INTERPOL and Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL.

    Delegates will be addressing the evolving nature of crime in Europe, including changing security threats in Europe, the dark side of Artificial Intelligence, and the Silver Notice, a pilot launched by INTERPOL this year to help trace and recover criminal assets.

    Chaired by INTERPOL’s Vice President for Europe, Peter de Buysscher, the meeting of senior police officials will also look at some of the most serious criminal activity, including drug and firearms trafficking and the link between organized crime and terrorism.

    Addressing the opening ceremony of the conference, Michalis Chrysochoidis, Minister of Citizen Protection of Greece, said:

    “It is a great honor to host in Athens the 52nd INTERPOL European Regional Conference, an important meeting, which in those days of global and regional instability is more important and necessary. We need to stay united, with a common approach to security and policing. The main topics of this year’s conference are absolutely timely. Emerging security threats and especially organized crime, the abuse of artificial intelligence, environmental crime, and human trafficking, are not isolated challenges, but very important and interconnected security threats. To counter those threats we need intelligence, technology, and new tools and above all partnership. We need to work together.

    “I want to express my sincere thanks to INTERPOL’s leadership for their tireless work in supporting operational coordination, innovation, and capability development. The tools and platforms offered by INTERPOL as the Biometric Hub and the ICSE database, or joint operations like Lionfish—are examples to what international cooperation can achieve when backed by political will and professional excellence.”

    Lieutenant General Dimitrios Mallios, Chief of the Hellenic Police, said:

    “For the Hellenic Police, international cooperation is imperative. Greece’s geographic location at the crossroad of three continents, with a fluid security landscape, marked by successive crises are reasons to remain vigilant. We are dedicated to contributing to Europe’s security architecture and we do this by actively engaging in all Interpol’s activities.

    “This Conference offers us a vital opportunity to deepen that cooperation, to share knowledge, and to explore new tools and strategies that will help us respond swiftly and effectively to all evolving

    threats. Whether it is building capacity in digital forensics, enhancing border security, or dismantling criminal networks, our success depends on coordination, trust, and shared commitment. Let us also not forget the human side of our work—the communities we protect, the victims we serve, and the future generations we strive to safeguard.”

    INTERPOL President, Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, said:

    “We are grateful to the Greek authorities for hosting us in Athens, the birthplace of a civilization that shaped the world, when Europe is at a critical moment. It faces threats that cross borders, spread online, and deeply affect human lives. And while national efforts are vital, only strong regional and global cooperation can truly stop them.

    “We must be even more determined to find these criminals, stop them, and bring them to justice. We must also keep our eyes on the future. From artificial intelligence to biometric identity systems and darknet surveillance, we are entering an era of complexity.

    “That is why INTERPOL is investing in innovation to ensure you stay ahead of evolving crime. From artificial intelligence and digital forensics to virtual training and detection of synthetic media, we are equipping police with the technology needed to act in today’s complex environment.”

    Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, said:

    “Law enforcement in Europe and around the world is facing increasingly complex, evolving criminal threats and challenges. Whether from emerging technologies, changes to existing serious criminal activity, or new networks being created by criminal groups, these innovations make it harder for police to prevent criminal activity and maintain public safety.

    “This conference shows that the international policing community can and will respond. I am delighted to be working alongside colleagues to share best practice, develop cutting-edge capabilities and to work together to prevent international crime.

    “INTERPOL is committed to bringing more critical data into Europe, supporting more high-value operation actions and supporting European police, including through improved systems to enable law enforcement across Europe and the world to have the best possible tools.”

    During the three-day conference, delegates will also elect members of the INTERPOL European Committee and address motions on organized crime, cybercrime and a new INTERPOL information sharing system.

    INTERPOL’s European region is the most active, contributing nearly half of INTERPOL’s 150 million records.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Faust — Faust RCMP & Lakeshore Regional Police conduct arrests in stolen vehicle turned assault with a weapon investigation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On May 10, 2025, Faust RCMP were investigating multiple stolen vehicles when one was located by RCMP members out on patrol. A traffic stop was attempted, but the vehicle fled to the area of Joussard, Alta, after attempting to ram several police vehicles and run others off the road. High Prairie RCMP as well as Grande Prairie Police Dog services were called in to assist, but the suspects were not located.

    On May 12, 2025, Faust RCMP received information regarding the location of the suspects, who were barricaded in a residence in Driftpile Cree Nation, Alta. Faust RCMP and Lakeshore Regional Police surrounded the residence and were able to talk one suspect out of the residence before entering to arrest the second.

    As a result of the investigation, a 29-year-old individual, of no fixed address, and a 22-year-old individual, a resident of Driftpile Cree Nation, were charged with:

    • Assault with a weapon (x2);
    • Failure to stop;
    • Dangerous driving;
    • Possession of stolen property over $5000 (x2); and
    • Obstruct Peace Officer (x2).

    Furthermore, the 29-year-old individual was charged with possession of a weapon while prohibited.

    Both individuals were brought before a justice of the peace. The 22-year-old individual was released on conditions while the 29-year-old individual was remanded into custody. The 22-year-old individual is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in High Prairie, Alta. on June 2, 2025 while the 29-year-old individual will appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Edmonton on May 14, 2025.

    “We would like to thank the members of the public who allowed us to conduct out investigation safely by following the safety guidelines we provided” said Cst. Tyler Bell of the Faust RCMP Detachment. “Faust RCMP and Lakeshore Regional Police Service work strongly together to provide the best services to our communities in order to keep our communities safe.”

    If you have any information pertaining to any criminal or suspicious activity please contact Faust RCMP at 780-355-3670. 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. 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: Woman Guilty of Bank Fraud Conspiracy Involving Millions

    Source: US FBI

    HOUSTON – A 71-year-old woman has admitted to acting as a loan borrower on millions of dollars in fraudulent loans as part of a large-scale bank fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Jennifer Williams admitted that from 2016 to 2021, she conspired with others in a bank fraud scheme involving dozens of loans totaling at least $10 million in fraudulent proceeds.

    As part of the plea, Williams acknowledged submitting loan applications with false income information along with fraudulent tax returns and financial statements. She also admitted using proceeds from the scheme to buy a home in the Houston area.

    Williams and others accomplished the bank fraud by preparing loan applications that contained false and fraudulent information and documents, including fake equipment sales invoices, income tax returns and financial and bank statements.

    U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison will impose sentencing Aug. 14. At that time, Williams faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine or twice the amount involved in the transaction.  

    She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing. 

    Another Houston resident charged in the case – Hugo Villanueva, 70, – is considered a fugitive, and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 713-693-5000.

    The Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General (OIG), IRS Criminal Investigation, FBI and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Grande Prairie — Grande Prairie RCMP CRU conducts drug-related arrests

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Grande Prairie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) have been conducting proactive patrols in areas that have been noted to have a higher likelihood of criminal activity. As a result, four people were arrested on these two separate files:

    • On May 8, 2025, Grande Prairie CRU conducted a traffic stop on a Ford F150 with faulty equipment. RCMP members noted drugs and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle and arrested the two occupants. A search of the vehicle incidental to arrest revealed a stolen revolver with its associated ammunition as well as a small amount of both crack cocaine and unstamped tobacco.
      • As a result of the investigation, a 40-year-old individual and a 39-year-old individual, both residents of Grande Prairie, were charged with five firearm-related offences. Furthermore, the 39-year-old individual was charged with failing to comply with a release order.
      • Both individuals were brought before a justice of the peace. The 40-year-old individual was released on conditions while the 39-year-old individual was remanded into custody. They are both to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie, with the 40-year-old individual appearing on May 21, 2025 and the 39-year-old individual on May 28, 2025.
    • On May 6, 2025 Grande Prairie CRU located a white Ford Bronco, involved in previous flights from police, at a local gas station. A traffic stop was conducted as the driver was pumping gas. RCMP members noted unstamped tobacco in the vehicle and arrested both the driver and the passenger. A search of the vehicle and suspects was conducted incidental to arrest.
      • As a result of the search, the following items were seized:
        • Several packs of unstamped tobacco;
        • 34 grams of cocaine;
        • 15ml of GHB;
        • A small amount of methamphetamines;
        • $1660 in Canadian currency; and
        • A switchblade.
      • As a result of the investigation, a 30-year-old individual and a 47-year-old individual, both residents of Grande Prairie, were charged with:
        • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking;
        • Possession of proceeds of crime; and
        • Possession of unstamped tobacco.
      • Furthermore, the 47-year-old individual was charged with seven counts of possession of a weapon contrary to court orders.
      • Both individuals were brought before a justice of the peace. The 30-year-old individual was released on conditions while the 47-year-old individual was remanded into custody. Both are to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie, with the 30-year-old individual appearing on June 4, 2025, and Dick on May 21, 2025.

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