NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket man convicted of providing fentanyl to a member of a drug trafficking conspiracy has been sentenced to five years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Calvin Tavarez, 30, previously admitted to a federal judge that on at least two occasions he supplied fentanyl to a member of the conspiracy.

    Tavarez pleaded guilty on January 29, 2025, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 60 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of federal supervised release.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter I. Roklan and Stacey A. Erickson.

    The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island FBI Safe Streets Task Force. The Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Foreign intel job scams target current, former DoD employees

    Source: United States Air Force

    When a social media message pops up offering a high-paying consulting job from an unknown recruiter, it’s easy to be intrigued, but think twice. For many current and former members of the Department of the Air Force, and increasingly, across the entire U.S. government workforce, this is the first step in a recruitment scheme by foreign intelligence entities, officials warn.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Newtonville — Kings District RCMP charge man with firearms offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Kings District RCMP charge man with firearms offences, search property as part of ongoing investigation.

    On April 19, Kings District RCMP attended a residence on Jehill Davidson Rd. in Newtonville for a complaint of firearms being found on the property.

    A 53-year-old man of Newtonville was safely arrested on April 19 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and is facing charges for multiple firearms offences.

    The man is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear in Kentville Provincial Court on April 22 at 9:30 a.m.

    The investigation, including a search of the property in Newtonville, is ongoing and is being led by Kings District RCMP.

    File # 2025-514892

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgia Man Charged With Sending Threatening Letter to Spiritual Mission in Suburban Chicago

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A Georgia man has been charged with sending a threatening letter to a spiritual mission in suburban Chicago.

    A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges JIMIL PARMAR, 33, of Lawrenceville, Ga., with one count of mailing a threatening communication.  Parmar was arrested last week in the Northern District of Georgia. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 2, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Atlanta.

    According to the complaint, Parmar mailed a letter in July 2023 to the Sant Nirankari Mission in West Chicago, Ill.  The letter stated, “CANCEL US CANADA TOUR IMMEDIATELY SRS ATTACK PLANNED,” the complaint states.  The threat coincided with a visit by the Mission’s spiritual leader, Satguru Mata Sudiksha Ji Maharaj, who was touring the United States and Canada that summer and had appearances scheduled in the Chicago and Atlanta areas. 

    At least four other Sant Nirankari Missions in the United States that month received what appeared to be identical letters, the complaint states.  The federal investigation is being led by the FBI and remains active.

    The complaint and arrest were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Atlanta Field Office of the FBI.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kavitha J. Babu.

    “When a threat of mass violence occurs, our Office will find, arrest, and prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.  “This case demonstrates our Office’s commitment to hold accountable those who seek to intimidate and instill fear in members of our community.”

    “The subject’s alleged actions serve as a disturbing reminder of the hatred that many marginalized people encounter simply because of their beliefs,” said FBI SAC DePodesta.  “We extend our appreciation to the FBI Atlanta Field Office and all of our dedicated law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to apprehend those who dare to threaten the safety of our communities.”

    The charge in the complaint is punishable by up to five years in federal prison.  The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington Man Who Distributed Large Amounts of Fentanyl in the Tri-Cities Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker announced that United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Ricardo Cantu, age 26, to 108 months in prison on drug trafficking charges. Judge Dimke also imposed 4 years of supervised release.

    According to court documents and information provided at the sentencing hearing, in September 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) developed information that Cantu, who was a source of supply for methamphetamine and fentanyl laced pills, was distributing large quantities in and around the Tri-Cities with the assistance of several co-defendants to include Julio Gaspar Iniguez, Veronica Martinez and Daniel Mora.  

    Between September and October 2023, the DEA conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Cantu and Gaspar totaling nearly two pounds of methamphetamine and over 3,041 fentanyl pills. Cantu and Mora were armed with firearms during each transaction.

    On December 7, 2023, Agents executed search a warrant at Cantu’s home. Cantu and another man were smoking fentanyl in the garage at the time, and as a result, law enforcement and children inside the home were exposed to the fumes from this dangerous controlled substance.

    During a search of Cantu’s bedroom, agents located 10,000 pink fentanyl-laced pills in a child’s Hello Kitty bag.  Inside the closet, there were another 2,000 fentanyl-laced pills, a digital scale, and loaded Glock firearm, which previously had been reported stolen. During a search of the garage, agents located another 1,500 fentanyl pills, 3 digital scales and other evidence of drug distribution.

    Agents also executed a search warrant at Gaspar’s home, recovering 5 pounds of marijuana and a loaded 9mm firearm that has been associated with two shootings in the Yakima Valley. Agents also located a loaded privately made firearm, or Ghost gun, with a loaded magazine. During a search of Gaspar’s Jeep, agents located a loaded pistol in the center console.

    On March 26, 2025, Gaspar pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges. He will be sentenced on June 25, 2025, in Spokane.

    “Distributing and using fentanyl and methamphetamine in our communities – especially in places where children are present – is both reckless and deeply dangerous,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Barker. “Mr. Cantu not only trafficked deadly narcotics but did so while armed and in the presence of children, putting lives at risk. I commend the DEA and our law enforcement partners for their work in removing these dangerous drugs and firearms from Eastern Washington communities.”

    “Mr. Cantu put the entire community at risk by trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine while armed,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division.  “This sentence conveys the seriousness of the danger Mr.  Cantu posed to law enforcement and other members of the community poised to get caught in the crossfire of his drug trafficking enterprise.”

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.

    Case 2:23-cr-00132-MKD

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Walgreens Agrees To Pay Up to $350M for Illegally Filling Unlawful Opioid Prescriptions and Submitting False Claims

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON — The Justice Department, together with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), today announced a $300 million settlement with Walgreens Boots Alliance, Walgreen Co., and various subsidiaries (collectively, Walgreens) to resolve allegations that the national chain pharmacy illegally filled millions of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and then sought payment for many of those invalid prescriptions by Medicare and other federal health care programs in violation of the False Claims Act (FCA). The settlement amount is based on Walgreens’s ability to pay. Walgreens will owe the United States an additional $50 million if the company is sold, merged, or transferred prior to fiscal year 2032.

    The government’s complaint, filed on Jan. 16 and amended April 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that from approximately August 2012 through March 1, 2023, Walgreens, one of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains, knowingly filled millions of unlawful controlled substance prescriptions. These unlawful prescriptions included prescriptions for excessive quantities of opioids, opioid prescriptions filled significantly early, and prescriptions for the especially dangerous and abused combination of three drugs known as a “trinity.” Walgreens pharmacists allegedly filled these prescriptions despite clear red flags indicating a high likelihood that the prescriptions were invalid because they lacked a legitimate medical purpose or were not issued in the usual course of professional practice. 

    The complaint further alleges that Walgreens pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly and without taking the time needed to confirm that each prescription was lawful. Walgreens’s compliance officials also allegedly ignored substantial evidence that its stores were dispensing unlawful prescriptions and even intentionally deprived its own pharmacists of crucial information, including by refusing to share internal data regarding prescribers with pharmacists and preventing pharmacists from warning one another about certain problematic prescribers.

    In light of the settlement, the United States has moved to dismiss its complaint. Walgreens will also move to dismiss a related declaratory judgment action filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

    “Pharmacies have a legal responsibility to prescribe controlled substances in a safe and professional manner, not dispense dangerous drugs just for profit,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice is committed to ending the opioid crisis and holding bad actors accountable for their failure to protect patients from addiction.”

    “This settlement resolves allegations that, for years, Walgreens failed to meet its obligations when dispensing dangerous opioids and other drugs,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Granston of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to hold accountable those entities and individuals whose actions contributed to the opioid crisis, whether through illegal prescribing, marketing, dispensing or distributing activities.”

    “Importantly, Walgreens’s agreements with the DEA and HHS-OIG provide swift relief in the form of monitoring and claims review that will improve Walgreens’s practices immediately,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that opioids are properly dispensed and that taxpayer funds are only spent on legitimate pharmacy claims.”

    “This landmark civil settlement is the largest Controlled Substances Act resolution in our district’s history and once again confirms the high priority our office has placed upon confronting those responsible for the opioid crisis here,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We are grateful for the energy and collaborative spirit brought to this effort by our colleagues in the DEA, the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section and Consumer Protection Branch, and the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of Illinois, District of Maryland, Eastern District of New York, and Eastern District of Virginia.”  

    “With the power to dispense potentially harmful substances comes the responsibility to ensure that every prescription is legitimate before it is filled,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “When pharmacies fail that responsibility, this office will work with others across the country to hold accountable those who put patients and communities at risk.”

    “This settlement holds Walgreens accountable for failing to comply with its critical responsibility to prevent the diversion of opioids and other controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York. “The settlement also underscores our office’s continued commitment to ensure that all persons and businesses that fill controlled-substance prescriptions adhere to the requirements of the Controlled Substances Act that are designed to prevent highly addictive medications from being used for illegitimate purposes.”    

    “Strict compliance with the law is essential to safeguarding the public, who rely on carefully considered and limited prescriptions for their health and wellbeing,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Those companies and individuals authorized to provide controlled substances have a professional responsibility to ensure that the prescriptions they fill are within the course of professional practice and regulations. Medically unnecessary prescriptions are a cost ultimately borne by the taxpayers and consumers. As we continue to address the opioid crisis here in Virginia and across the nation, we are determined to ensure pharmacies and pharmacists operate within the law.”

    In addition to the monetary payments announced today, Walgreens has entered into agreements with DEA and HHS-OIG to address its future obligations in dispensing controlled substances. Walgreens and DEA entered into a memorandum of agreement that requires the company to implement and maintain certain compliance measures for the next seven years. Walgreens must maintain policies and procedures requiring pharmacists to confirm the validity of controlled substance prescriptions prior to dispensing controlled substances, provide annual training to pharmacy employees regarding their legal obligations relating to controlled substances, verify that pharmacy staffing is sufficient to enable pharmacy employees to comply with those legal obligations, and maintain a system for blocking prescriptions from prescribers whom Walgreens becomes aware are writing illegitimate controlled substance prescriptions. Walgreens has also entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG, which further requires Walgreens to establish and maintain a compliance program that includes written policies and procedures, training, board oversight, and periodic reporting to HHS-OIG related to Walgreens’s dispensing of controlled substances. 

    “Pharmacies have an obligation to ensure that every prescription for highly addictive controlled substances is legitimate and issued responsibly in compliance with the Controlled Substances Act,” said DEA Acting Administrator Derek Maltz. “When one of the nation’s largest pharmacies fails at this obligation, they jeopardize the health and safety of their customers and place the American public in danger. The DEA remains committed to protecting all Americans from unscrupulous practices that prioritize profit over patient safety.”

    “Pharmacies that neglect their legal duties and their critical role in delivering safe and appropriate medications to enrollees of federal health care programs, and instead exploit these programs for market advantage, squander taxpayer dollars and put patient safety at risk,” said Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins of HHS-OIG. “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will use every tool in our arsenal to prevent these outcomes. This settlement and corporate integrity agreement reflect HHS-OIG’s commitment to ensuring compliance, correcting failures in oversight, and protecting the foundation of federally-funded health care.”

    “In the midst of the opioid crisis that has plagued our nation, we rely on pharmacies to prevent not facilitate the unlawful distribution of these potentially harmful substances,” said Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General Performing the Duties of the Inspector General at OPM OIG. “We applaud our investigative staff, law enforcement partners, and partners at the Department of Justice for their hard work and unwavering commitment to protecting patients from harm.”

    The civil settlement resolves four cases brought under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the FCA by former Walgreens employees. The FCA authorizes whistleblowers to sue on behalf of the United States and receive a share of any recovery. It also permits the United States to intervene and take over such lawsuits, as it did here. The relators will receive a 17.25% share of the government’s FCA recovery in this matter.

    The United States’ pursuit of this matter underscores the government’s commitment to combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS-OIG, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The DEA, HHS-OIG, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Defense Health Agency (DHA), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Inspector General, FBI Chicago Field Office, and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Colorado, Southern District of California, Eastern District of California, Northern District of California, Eastern District of Washington, Southern District of Alabama, Southern District of Illinois, Central District of Illinois, District of Arizona, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, District of Puerto Rico, and Eastern District of Louisianaprovided substantial assistance in the investigation.

    The United States is represented in this matter by attorneys from the Justice Department’s Civil Division Consumer Protection Branch (Assistant Director Amy DeLine and Trial Attorney Nicole Frazer) and Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section (Assistant Director Natalie Waites and Trial Attorney Joshua Barron), as well as from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of Illinois (Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie R. Raedy), Middle District of Florida (Chief of the Civil Division Randy Harwell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Tapie), District of Maryland (Chief of the Civil Division Thomas Corcoran), Eastern District of New York (Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot M. Schachner) and Eastern District of Virginia (Assistant U.S. Attorney John Beerbower). Fraud Section senior financial analyst Karen Sharp provided support for the matter.

    The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Yakama Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison for Sexual Abuse in Indian Country of an Incapacitated Teenager

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Yakima, Washington – Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that on April 14, 2025, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Darius Morningstar Speedis, age 20, of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, to 72 months in federal prison for Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Judge Dimke also imposed 10 years of supervised release and required Speedis to register as a sex offender.  

    According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in early November 2022, Speedis sexually assaulted a 16-year-old Native American woman who had become intoxicated and incapacitated. The assault occurred after several teenagers, including the victim and Speedis, consumed alcohol – at least some of which was provided by Speedis. The sexual assault occurred on the Yakama Nation.

    Although the victim had no independent recollection of the sexual assault, Speedis had recorded the assault and then sent a video to the victim.  That video, however, later was deleted and was not recovered by law enforcement.

    At sentencing, Judge Dimke took into account the abuse of trust involved in the sexual assault, including the recording of the sexual assault, as well as Speedis’ age and reported remorse before pronouncing sentence.  Judge Dimke also noted the “epidemic” of sexual abuse occurring on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation.

    “Sexual violence has no place in any community, and it is especially devastating when it targets vulnerable victims and occurs within communities already impacted by an epidemic of abuse,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr.  Speedis’ conduct and our unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims of sexual assault. My office will continue working closely with our Tribal partners to hold offenders accountable and support survivors on their path to healing.”

    “Not only did Mr. Speedis sexually assault this victim, he recorded that assault and then sent it to her.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “I hope his acknowledgement of guilt can aid in the victim’s recovery from this disturbing episode. The FBI is committed to justice for Native Women, who too often are targets of crimes of violence.”

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yakama Nation Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Letitia A. Sikes.

    1:24-cr-02043-MKD.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Subcontractor Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Bribe General Services Administration Official

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Greenbelt, Maryland – Today, a Mt. Airy, Maryland, man pled guilty to conspiring to bribe a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) official, wire fraud in connection with an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, and possession of a machine gun with an obliterated serial number.

    According to court documents, Christopher Brackins, 51, conspired to bribe Public Official A, a former GSA contracting officer’s representative.  GSA is a federal agency that manages federal property.  Brackins owned a general construction company that performed subcontracting work on GSA projects.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s (DOJ) Criminal Division; Deputy Inspector General Robert Erickson, GSA Office of Inspector General (GSA-OIG); Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Baltimore Field Office; Acting Inspector General Steven A. Stebbins, U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DOD-OIG); and Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D., U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG).

    As outlined in court documents, between 2018 and 2021, Brackins provided approximately $50,000 worth of money and other things of value to Public Official A in exchange for Public Official A’s role in directing GSA projects to Brackins’s company.  For example, in late 2018, as part of the bribery scheme, Brackins paid a fraudulently inflated bonus to one of his employees. Brackins then directed the employee to pay Public Official A $8,000 in cash from the fraudulently inflated bonus check.  Similarly, in early 2021, Brackins paid Public Official A $25,000, at Public Official A’s direction, using an intermediary who accepted the payments through the intermediary’s air-conditioning repair business.  The defendant and his company earned an estimated $133,413 in profits from this scheme.

    Brackins pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a federal public official.  He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison followed by up to three years of supervised release.  Brackins also pled guilty to wire fraud and possession of a machine gun, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years and 10 years in prison, respectively, and up to three years of supervised release each.  U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman has scheduled sentencing for Wednesday, September 10, at 2 p.m.

    Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the GSA-OIG, FBI, DOD-OIG, and DHS-OIG for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Crespo and DOJ Trial Attorney Jonathan E. Jacobson who are prosecuting the federal case. 

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Men Indicted for Controlled Substance Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    More than two and a half kilograms of pure methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine seized during the investigation

    BOSTON – Three men residing in Boston have been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy involving methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine.

    Heriberto Perez, 50, whose immigration status is unknown; Jean Carlos Frias Polcano, 27, a Dominican national; and Rafael Vargas-Cabrera, 36, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Perez and Frias Polcano were also indicted on one count each of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.  

    According to court documents, in July 2024, law enforcement authorities received information about the drug trafficking activities of Perez. Over the course of the investigation, over 2.6 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, as well as hundreds of grams of cocaine and over 60 grams of fentanyl was allegedly seized from Perez and his associates, including Frias Polcano and Vargas-Cabrera, through controlled purchases.

    The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Perez and Frias Polcano are subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol Tabacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of the Narcotic & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting 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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Forces conduct strike against al Shabaab

    Source: United States AFRICOM

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against al Shabaab on April 16, 2025. 

    The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Adan Yabaal, Somalia. 

    AFRICOM’s initial assessment is that no civilians were harmed. 

    Al Shabaab has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. forces. 

    AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al Shabaab’s ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad. 

    Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Lexington Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

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

    Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Roberto Ceja, Jr., 33, of Lexington, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 16, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Ceja to 66 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Ceja is released from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.

    This case involved a Title III wiretap investigation that involved three of Ceja’s cell phones. Co-conspirators were also intercepted involving discussions about narcotics and meeting under surveillance. As part of the investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted three undercover buys from Liban Mohamud Adan who investigators learned was being supplied by Ceja. Ceja was responsible for distributing 88 grams of actual methamphetamine in the Lexington area.

    Liban Mohamud Adan pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  He was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment followed by a 5-year term of supervised release.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Lolo Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Distributing Child Pornography

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    MISSOULA – A Lolo man who received and distributed child pornography was sentenced today to 240 months in prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Erik Robert Salazar, 29, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography.

    U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that on September 13, 2023, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) detectives received a Cyber Tipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The report originated from Snapchat, who reported to NCMEC that a user, later identified as Salazar, had uploaded two images of child sexual abuse material to their servers on August 19, 2023.

    Through legal process, detectives determined the Snapchat account in question belonged to Salazar. Detectives received the remaining contents of Salazar’s Snapchat account and reviewed his communications with other parties.

    Salazar’s communications were replete with contact with minor females on dates ranging from September 2015 to October 31, 2023. Salazar consistently requested images and videos of those minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Some of the minors sent Salazar images and videos in response to his requests. Additionally, Salazar used Snapchat to send some of these minors images and videos depicting other minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. For example, beginning on August 4, 2023, Salazar began to communicate on Snapchat with a minor female (MV1) who was then 15 years old. In their communications, MV1 informed Salazar of her age, which Salazar indicated sexually excited him. Throughout the communications, Salazar solicited nude images of MV1, which she sent. MV1 also reported that Salazar sent her at least one video of a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. MV1 reported Salazar told her he wanted to have a baby with her and asked MV1 if she would allow him to perform similar acts on their future daughter.

    Salazar was arrested in Missoula, Montana, for a related offense on October 31, 2023, and was interviewed by detectives. He admitted the Snapchat account involved in the cyber tip belonged to him and that he received images depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct using the account.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case and the investigation was conducted by the FBI and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.

    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 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 Justice.gov/PSC.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kalispell Man Sentenced to Mor Than 10 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Drugs on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    GREAT FALLS – A Kalispell man who conspired to distribute drugs on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 128 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Cameron Lee Richard Carr, 34, pleaded guilty in September 2024 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian Morris presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that in early November 2023, law enforcement received information Carr was trafficking illegal drugs from Kalispell, Montana to Browning, Montana. On November 28, 2023, Carr was observed leaving the Going to the Sun Inn in Browning. A Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services officer saw Carr run a stop sign and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Carr fled before eventually stopping his vehicle and attempting to run away on foot. He was apprehended by the officer and arrested. The officer saw Carr reach for his waistband when he was arrested, so the officer searched him for weapons before placing him in a patrol vehicle. The officer recovered suspected meth and fentanyl from and noticed a 9 mm Ruger handgun on the ground near the area where Carr was apprehended.

    Law enforcement searched Carr’s vehicle and seized 11 additional firearms, 500 grams of methamphetamine, 168 grams of fentanyl in pill and powder form, and small amounts of heroin, oxycodone, morphine, and cocaine. On December 1, 2023, during an interview with law enforcement, Carr admitted distributing drugs in Browning.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case and the investigation was conducted by the FBI, DEA, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, and the Glacier County Sheriff’s Office.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

    XXX

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts California Man of Assaulting a Federal Officer

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal jury in Salt Lake City returned a guilty verdict against a California man after he assaulted a federal officer while law enforcement attempted to arrest him on an outstanding warrant.

    Gabriel Gigena, 41, of Valley Springs, CA, was charged by indictment on July 10, 2024.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on Saturday May 4, 2024, members of the United States Marshal Service (USMS) were summoned to assist with the apprehension of Gigena, who was wanted for a warrant issued by the State of California. Law enforcement learned Gigena was at a park with his twin three-year-old daughters in Park City, Utah. In a briefing, members of the arrest team outlined their goal to take Gigena into custody while ensuring the safety of his children and others.

    According to evidence and testimony presented at trial, as Gigena walked down a parking lot, two task force officers with the USMS were tasked with apprehending Gigena and securing the children. However, security concerns hastened law enforcement’s approach, which resulted in officers charging at and tackling Gigena. During the tackle, one of the officers pushed Gigena’s hands away from the two young girls. As this officer and Gigena fell to the ground Gigena placed his arm around the officer’s neck and started to strangle him. The officer testified in court that Gigena applied maximum force to his neck. Other officers on scene called out “police” and told Gigena to stop. Meanwhile, additional agents arrived on scene in vehicles that had flashing red and blue lights. These additional officers also assisted in taking control of Gigena. At one point, another officer displayed and threatened the use of a taser to get Gigena to comply. Another officer gained control of Gigena’s arm and removed it from the officer’s neck. Officers testified that Gigena never relented his assault or resistance of law enforcement until he was forced to do so.

    According to witness testimony, Gigena made multiple statements about being the “chief of the Indian people” and that they were not allowed to arrest him. Gigena was taken into custody soon after the assault.

    “His resistance was aimed at injuring the officer,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Yeates during closing arguments. “Despite multiple warnings, despite multiple commands, the defendant fought to the bitter end until he was finally placed in handcuffs.”

    Gigena’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 8.3 before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ted Stewart at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. 

    Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Sam Pead and J. Drew Yeates of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Walgreens Agrees to Pay Up to $350M for Illegally Filling Unlawful Opioid Prescriptions and for Submitting False Claims to the Federal Government

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    Note: View settlement here.

    The Justice Department, together with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), today announced a $300 million settlement with Walgreens Boots Alliance, Walgreen Co., and various subsidiaries (collectively, Walgreens) to resolve allegations that the national chain pharmacy illegally filled millions of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and then sought payment for many of those invalid prescriptions by Medicare and other federal health care programs in violation of the False Claims Act (FCA). The settlement amount is based on Walgreens’s ability to pay. Walgreens will owe the United States an additional $50 million if the company is sold, merged, or transferred prior to fiscal year 2032.

    The government’s complaint, filed on Jan. 16 and amended April 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that from approximately August 2012 through March 1, 2023, Walgreens, one of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains, knowingly filled millions of unlawful controlled substance prescriptions. These unlawful prescriptions included prescriptions for excessive quantities of opioids, opioid prescriptions filled significantly early, and prescriptions for the especially dangerous and abused combination of three drugs known as a “trinity.” Walgreens pharmacists allegedly filled these prescriptions despite clear red flags indicating a high likelihood that the prescriptions were invalid because they lacked a legitimate medical purpose or were not issued in the usual course of professional practice. 

    The complaint further alleges that Walgreens pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly and without taking the time needed to confirm that each prescription was lawful. Walgreens’s compliance officials also allegedly ignored substantial evidence that its stores were dispensing unlawful prescriptions and even intentionally deprived its own pharmacists of crucial information, including by refusing to share internal data regarding prescribers with pharmacists and preventing pharmacists from warning one another about certain problematic prescribers.

    In light of Friday’s settlement, the United States has moved to dismiss its complaint. Walgreens will also move to dismiss a related declaratory judgment action filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

    “Pharmacies have a legal responsibility to prescribe controlled substances in a safe and professional manner, not dispense dangerous drugs just for profit,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice is committed to ending the opioid crisis and holding bad actors accountable for their failure to protect patients from addiction.”

    “This settlement resolves allegations that, for years, Walgreens failed to meet its obligations when dispensing dangerous opioids and other drugs,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Granston of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to hold accountable those entities and individuals whose actions contributed to the opioid crisis, whether through illegal prescribing, marketing, dispensing or distributing activities.”

    “Importantly, Walgreens’s agreements with the DEA and HHS-OIG provide swift relief in the form of monitoring and claims review that will improve Walgreens’s practices immediately,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that opioids are properly dispensed and that taxpayer funds are only spent on legitimate pharmacy claims.”

    “This landmark civil settlement is the largest Controlled Substances Act resolution in our district’s history and once again confirms the high priority our office has placed upon confronting those responsible for the opioid crisis here,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We are grateful for the energy and collaborative spirit brought to this effort by our colleagues in the DEA, the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section and Consumer Protection Branch, and the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of Illinois, District of Maryland, Eastern District of New York, and Eastern District of Virginia.” 

    “With the power to dispense potentially harmful substances comes the responsibility to ensure that every prescription is legitimate before it is filled,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “When pharmacies fail that responsibility, this office will work with others across the country to hold accountable those who put patients and communities at risk.”

    “This settlement holds Walgreens accountable for failing to comply with its critical responsibility to prevent the diversion of opioids and other controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York. “The settlement also underscores our office’s continued commitment to ensure that all persons and businesses that fill controlled-substance prescriptions adhere to the requirements of the Controlled Substances Act that are designed to prevent highly addictive medications from being used for illegitimate purposes.”    

    “Strict compliance with the law is essential to safeguarding the public, who rely on carefully considered and limited prescriptions for their health and wellbeing,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Those companies and individuals authorized to provide controlled substances have a professional responsibility to ensure that the prescriptions they fill are within the course of professional practice and regulations. Medically unnecessary prescriptions are a cost ultimately borne by the taxpayers and consumers. As we continue to address the opioid crisis here in Virginia and across the nation, we are determined to ensure pharmacies and pharmacists operate within the law.”

    In addition to the monetary payments announced today, Walgreens has entered into agreements with DEA and HHS-OIG to address its future obligations in dispensing controlled substances. Walgreens and DEA entered into a memorandum of agreement that requires the company to implement and maintain certain compliance measures for the next seven years. Walgreens must maintain policies and procedures requiring pharmacists to confirm the validity of controlled substance prescriptions prior to dispensing controlled substances, provide annual training to pharmacy employees regarding their legal obligations relating to controlled substances, verify that pharmacy staffing is sufficient to enable pharmacy employees to comply with those legal obligations, and maintain a system for blocking prescriptions from prescribers whom Walgreens becomes aware are writing illegitimate controlled substance prescriptions. Walgreens has also entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG, which further requires Walgreens to establish and maintain a compliance program that includes written policies and procedures, training, board oversight, and periodic reporting to HHS-OIG related to Walgreens’s dispensing of controlled substances. 

    “Pharmacies have an obligation to ensure that every prescription for highly addictive controlled substances is legitimate and issued responsibly in compliance with the Controlled Substances Act,” said DEA Acting Administrator Derek Maltz. “When one of the nation’s largest pharmacies fails at this obligation, they jeopardize the health and safety of their customers and place the American public in danger. The DEA remains committed to protecting all Americans from unscrupulous practices that prioritize profit over patient safety.”

    “Pharmacies that neglect their legal duties and their critical role in delivering safe and appropriate medications to enrollees of federal health care programs, and instead exploit these programs for market advantage, squander taxpayer dollars and put patient safety at risk,” said Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins of HHS-OIG. “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will use every tool in our arsenal to prevent these outcomes. This settlement and corporate integrity agreement reflect HHS-OIG’s commitment to ensuring compliance, correcting failures in oversight, and protecting the foundation of federally-funded health care.”

    “In the midst of the opioid crisis that has plagued our nation, we rely on pharmacies to prevent not facilitate the unlawful distribution of these potentially harmful substances,” said Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General Performing the Duties of the Inspector General at OPM OIG. “We applaud our investigative staff, law enforcement partners, and partners at the Department of Justice for their hard work and unwavering commitment to protecting patients from harm.”

    The civil settlement resolves four cases brought under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the FCA by former Walgreens employees. The FCA authorizes whistleblowers to sue on behalf of the United States and receive a share of any recovery. It also permits the United States to intervene and take over such lawsuits, as it did here. The relators will receive a 17.25% share of the government’s FCA recovery in this matter.

    The United States’ pursuit of this matter underscores the government’s commitment to combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS-OIG, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The DEA, HHS-OIG, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Defense Health Agency (DHA), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Inspector General, FBI Chicago Field Office, and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Colorado, Southern District of California, Eastern District of California, Northern District of California, Eastern District of Washington, Southern District of Alabama, Southern District of Illinois, Central District of Illinois, District of Arizona, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, District of Puerto Rico, and Eastern District of Louisiana provided substantial assistance in the investigation.

    The United States is represented in this matter by attorneys from the Justice Department’s Civil Division Consumer Protection Branch (Assistant Director Amy DeLine and Trial Attorney Nicole Frazer) and Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section (Assistant Director Natalie Waites and Trial Attorney Joshua Barron), as well as from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of Illinois (Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie R. Raedy), Middle District of Florida (Chief of the Civil Division Randy Harwell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Tapie), District of Maryland (Chief of the Civil Division Thomas Corcoran), Eastern District of New York (Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot M. Schachner) and Eastern District of Virginia (Assistant U.S. Attorney John Beerbower). Fraud Section senior financial analyst Karen Sharp provided support for the matter.

    The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

    Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Additional information about the Fraud Section of the Civil Division and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/fraud-section.  

    For information about the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, visit:

    For information about the federal agencies involved in this investigation and their work to combat the opioid crisis and federal healthcare fraud, visit:

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Oshkosh Man Indicted on Production of Child Pornography Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on April 15, 2025, a federal grand jury issued an indictment alleging that Bradley D. Hounsell (age: 43) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, “attempted to and did employ a minor under the age of 18, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct” in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a), 2251(e), and 2(a).

    According to the unsealed indictment, between on or about November 4, 2023, and November 8, 2023, Hounsell is alleged to have employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor for the purpose transporting child pornography via the internet. If convicted of the offense, Hounsell faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and up to 30 years of incarceration. He may also be fined up to $250,000 and would be required to register as a sex offender under state and federal law.

    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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.

    An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove his guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.     

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    For Additional Information Contact:

    Public Information Officer

    Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

    414-297-1700

     

    Follow us on Twitter

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Felons from Waushara County Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Firearms, including Machineguns

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on April 15, 2025, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced John D. Taylor (age: 37) to a total of eight years’ imprisonment and five years’ supervised release after Taylor pled guilty to Dealing Firearms Without a License, Felon in Possession of Firearms, Transfer and Possession of Machineguns, and Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(a)(1)(A), 922(g)(1), 922(o), & 924(c).

    Relatedly, on November 22, 2024, Judge Griesbach had sentenced Taylor’s co-defendant, Allison A. Mundt (age: 31) to a total of seven years’ imprisonment and five years’ supervised release after Mundt pled guilty to Dealing Firearms Without a License, Felon in Possession of Firearms, and Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(a)(1)(A), 922(g)(1), & 924(c).

    According to court records, in March and April 2024, law-enforcement officers developed information that Taylor and Mundt, previously convicted felons living in Waushara County, were offering firearms for sale. Law enforcement arranged controlled purchases of firearms and methamphetamine from Taylor and Mundt, which culminated in a search warrant. In all, the investigation recovered approximately 35 firearms, including machineguns, short-barrel rifles, short-barrel shotguns, and pistols, some with no serial numbers. 
    Officers also seized drum magazines and other high-capacity magazines, over 1,700 rounds of ammunition, and an ounce of methamphetamine intended for distribution.

    In sentencing Taylor and Mundt, Judge Griesbach stressed that trafficking in firearms without a license circumvents background checks, increasing the risk that firearms will end up in the hands of convicted felons and other prohibited persons. The court noted that such conduct is even more dangerous with machineguns and other high-capacity rifles and pistols. Moreover, these defendants were previously convicted felons who were using and distributing methamphetamine.

    This case was investigated by the Waushara County Sheriff’s Department, Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group Drug Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Funnel.

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    For Additional Information Contact:

    Public Information Officer

    Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

    414-297-1700

     

    Follow us on Twitter

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bay Area Defendants Plead Guilty to Bank Robberies in the Eastern District of California and the East Bay

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Dontae Jerome Jones Jr., 20, and JoMya Mauriyne Futch, 21, each pleaded guilty today to one count of bank robbery, and Futch pleaded guilty to one count of perjury, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    On March 13, 2025, co-defendant Yasmin Charisse Millett, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.

    According to court documents, between June 2023 and September 2024, Jones and Millett conspired to commit at least 10 bank robberies in Sacramento, Vallejo, Suisun City, Benicia, Concord, and Antioch. Jones and Millett worked together and with others, primarily women they recruited, such as Futch, to facilitate a patterned series of bank robberies. The participants drove to bank and credit union branches, entered the branches with threatening notes demanding money, presented the notes to branch employees, took cash, and exited the branches to a waiting getaway car. Generally, the notes would instruct the bank employees to provide money or “I will kill everyone in here.” After a successful robbery, the members of the conspiracy distributed the stolen money amongst themselves.

    Jones and Millett actively sought and groomed recruits to act as the note passers. Millett advertised the conspiracy on Instagram in videos and photographs of herself and other participants holding large amounts of cash. Jones and Millett sometimes directed recruits to wear dark sunglasses during the robberies to conceal their identities and carry purses in order to carry the stolen money away from the banks and credit unions.

    On July 17, 2023, Jones and Millett used a stolen white Audi A7 with dark tinted windows to pick up Futch and commit a bank robbery at a credit union in Suisun City. Jones and Millett provided Futch with instructions on how to commit the robbery. Jones and Millett waited in the vehicle while Futch entered the bank and handed an employee a note demanding money, threatening to shoot the employee if the employee did not comply with the demand. After reading the note, the employee gave Futch money. Futch returned to the waiting getaway vehicle and Jones, Millett, and Futch each took a portion of the stolen money.

    The next day, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the stolen white Audi A7. Millett was driving the stolen car and Jones was the front seat passenger. During the traffic stop, law enforcement officers found bait money on Millett and Jones from the bank robbery that occurred the day before in Suisun City. The officers also found a crumpled post-it demand note on the driver’s seat that stated, “Don’t Make eye contact Don’t look suspicious Don’t Push emergency Button Put smile on your face or I will shoot.”

    On Aug. 15, 2024, Futch appeared as a witness under oath before a grand jury and knowingly made false statements. During her testimony, Futch stated that on July 17, 2023, she believed that she was going to open up a bank account for Millett—not commit a robbery. Futch further claimed that she had no clue that she was committing a bank robbery, and maintained throughout her testimony that she did not know about any plan to commit a bank robbery. However, these statements were false because Millett informed Futch about her plans to commit a bank robbery in the days leading up to July 17, 2023, and Futch had agreed to commit bank robberies with Millett and Jones.

    This case is the product of an investigation by FBI field offices in San Francisco and Sacramento, with assistance from the Police Departments of Sacramento, Vacaville, Suisun City, Vallejo, Antioch, Benicia, Concord, Hayward, and Fremont, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitnee Goins is prosecuting the case.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley is scheduled to sentence Jones and Futch on Aug. 7, 2025. Jones and Futch face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the bank robbery conviction. Futch faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for her perjury conviction. 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: New Jersey Woman Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Residential Marijuana Grows in Sacramento and Placer Counties

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Xiu Ping Li, 48, residing in Skillman, New Jersey, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to five years in prison and four years of supervised release for three counts of manufacturing marijuana, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, Li operated multiple residential marijuana grows in Sacramento and Placer Counties that yielded more than 8,000 marijuana plants and 21.4 pounds of processed marijuana found during the execution of search warrants in 2016 and 2017. Li also acknowledged using proceeds from a marijuana grow to buy another property to continue growing marijuana.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Elk Grove Police Department, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Roger Yang prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Scott, LA Non-Profit Corporation and Two Daughters Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    LAFAYETTE, La. – A federal grand jury in Lafayette, Louisiana has returned an indictment charging a Lafayette man and his two daughters with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the Child and Adult Care Food Program (“the Program”), a federal program operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook.

    The indictment charges Brian Desormeaux, 64, and his two daughters, Amy Desormeaux Hernandez, 38, and Lenzi Desormeaux Babineaux, 34, each with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. According to the indictment, Regional Nutrition Assistance, Inc. (“RNA”) was a Louisiana non-profit corporation located in Scott, Louisiana and was owned and operated by Brian Desormeaux and he served as its Executive Director. Amy Desoremaux Hernandez served as its Assistant Director and Lenzi Desormeaux Babineaux served as its Senior Program Manager.

    RNA was a “Sponsoring Organization” for the Program and was responsible for administering it in certain locations, including “Day Care Homes,” which are organized childcare programs for children enrolled in a private home. The Program authorizes assistance to states through grants-in-aid and other means to assist non-profit food service programs for children and adult participants in non-residential institutions that provide care. It is intended to provide aid to the participants and family or group day care homes to provide nutritious foods for the health and wellness of young children, older adults, and chronically impaired persons. 

    The indictment alleges that the defendants had access to KidKare/Minute Menu HX, the online portal used by Sponsoring Organizations to administer the Program. It is alleged that it was part of the conspiracy that defendant Amy Hernandez would access the online portal at the beginning of the month to change Day Care Home Providers to “inactive” status to avoid monitoring and oversight by the Louisiana Department of Education (“LDOE”). Then at the end of the month, she would change those “inactive” Day Care Home providers back to “active” status so that claims could be submitted to LDOE for reimbursement by USDA.

    Allegations in the indictment state that all three defendants submitted or caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to LDOE for reimbursement from USDA, to include claims that children were being cared for and fed at Day Care Home providers when in fact, they were not. In fact, it is alleged that some of those Day Care Home providers were deceased at the time claims were made on their behalf. 

    The indictment also alleges that Lenzi Desormeaux Babineaux submitted false and fraudulent state fire marshal inspection reports for Day Care Home providers so that they would be in compliance with LDOE’s requirements for inclusion in the Program, which was necessary for reimbursements. The indictment further alleges that these three defendants submitted false and fraudulent claims seeking reimbursement they were not entitled to, causing LDOE and USDA to pay at least $400,000 in fraudulent claims.

    If convicted, each defendant faces not more than 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Louisiana State Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren L. Gardner.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Wins Three Cases to Allow for Sustainable Timber Management Including Harvesting

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    The President’s directive to expand timber production touches on a number, whole-of-government efforts needed to improve forest management. The Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) plays an important role in defending those agencies’ actions, and recently the division successfully defended projects in Montana, Idaho, and California that underscore this work.

    In Montana, ENRD defended the Forest Service’s South Plateau Landscape Area Treatment Project on the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The project is designed to increase landscape resiliency to insects and disease, help protect a nearby community from wildland fire and contribute to a sustained yield of timber products. The magistrate judge recommended the district court uphold the project after finding, among other things, consistent and science-based support in the project’s approach to grizzly bear and lynx and their habitat.

    In the Central District of California, ENRD defended the North Big Bear Landscape Restoration Project in the San Bernardino National Forest. The project will thin trees and reduce wildfire risk, and the district court’s decision affirmed the Forest Service’s review of the science and makes clear that thinning trees is not always controversial and thus subject to additional levels of scrutiny.

    A third case in Idaho focused on two large forest health restoration projects on Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in Idaho. The projects will improve forest health, reduce fire risk, and provide timber that will support the social and economic structure of local rural communities and provide for regional and national needs. The Forest Service had done an extensive environmental impact statement and other work to comply with a 2021 order from the district court. The court found that the Forest Service’s work addressed its concerns and provided thorough analyses, paving the way for the projects to proceed.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Houston ISD Official and Contractor Guilty in Nine-Year, Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme

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

    HOUSTON – A Houston federal jury has returned guilty verdicts against the former chief operating officer of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and an HISD contractor, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX).

    The jury deliberated for only six hours before convicting Brian Busby and Anthony Hutchison following a four-week trial. Both were convicted of conspiracy, bribery, filing false tax returns and witness tampering. Hutchison was also convicted of seven counts of wire fraud.

    Over the course of the trial, the jury heard testimony from over 50 witnesses regarding the 33 charged counts involving bribery, false invoicing schemes, witness tampering and tax violations. Five former HISD officials testified, all of whom received bribe payments – Rhonda Skillern-Jones, former HISD Board of Education president; Derrick Sanders, officer of construction services; Alfred Hoskins, general manager of facilities, maintenance and operations; Gerron Hall, area manager for maintenance – south; and Luis Tovar, area manager for maintenance – north. 

    They described the pressure Busby put on them to provide Hutchison’s companies more work with HISD as well as larger projects following Hurricane Harvey. They recounted how they received tens of thousands of dollars over the course of 2017 and 2018 or longer. 

    Skillern-Jones testified Busby told her she should use Hutchison’s company on school projects with the funds remaining from the school bond passed in 2012. They agreed that if the contract was given to Hutchison, then they could make some money off the projects. Following completion of the Holland Middle School and Pleasantville Elementary School projects, Busby met with Skillern-Jones outside of a Walmart parking lot to give her $12,000 in cash from Hutchison as the bribery payment for allocating her district’s portion of bond funds for projects Hutchison performed.

    Sanders, who also socialized with Busby and Hutchison, described taking trips to Las Vegas with them where he would be paid bribes and recounted their lavish purchases. On one occasion when Hutchison paid him, he exclaimed “next,” signaling Busby to come into the room for his payment. 

    Hoskins testified his maintenance team did not want to use Just Construction because it was often more expensive than other vendors, but Busby pressured him to give Hutchison’s company more work. Testimony further revealed they would bypass the rotation or bid process in selecting vendors and just provide work directly to Hutchison’s companies.

    The jury also saw a handwritten ledger seized from Hutchison’s residence which contained detailed notes of all HISD projects awarded to Just Construction. It included entries for bribe payments and locations where they were made.

    Detailed evidence also revealed the extensive invoicing fraud scheme Hutchison perpetrated through his company Southwest Wholesale. Since 2015, Southwest Wholesale had been the exclusive mowing and landscape contractor for HISD. The jury heard testimony demonstrating how Hutchison continuously overbilled for years for the approximately 150 schools he was contracted to mow. He also similarly charged HISD over twice the cost of what he paid for the supplies and marked that inflated charge up 20%. He consistently overbilled HISD over the course of years for a loss in excess of $6 million.

    Busby also made excessive cash deposits to over 18 bank accounts which was far more than his legitimate income. He attempted to explain it based on other sources of income, but the jury was not convinced it accounted for the close to $3 million cash deposits made over the course of five years that were not declared in his income tax returns for 2015-2019. 

    Hutchison similarly filed false tax returns in 2017 and 2018 wherein he deducted improper business expenses. Specifically, Hutchison obtained cash he used to pay bribes to HISD officials by writing company checks to vendors, who cashed the checks and provided the cash to him. He falsely stated on the memo line that they were in payment for work performed on HISD properties. He then caused the checks to be improperly deducted on corporate tax returns as business expenses. In reality, they were cashed to pay extensive gambling debts and cash bribe payments.

    Hoskins also testified about the steps Busby and Hutchison took to interfere with the investigation. Specifically, Busby called Hoskins and told him to tell investigators Busby had nothing to do with the award of the maintenance contract to Hutchison and his company. Hoskins also described how Hutchison advised him that police had a handwritten ledger with numbers on it and that Hoskins should say it was for gambling. 

    “HISD is the largest school district in the state, and the people of Houston trusted that district officials would spend their tax dollars wisely and carefully. Instead, Busby and Hutchinson defrauded the school district and the taxpayers of millions of dollars, doing so to line their own pockets,” said Ganjei. “People need to have faith in their public institutions, and they can become understandably cynical when they hear of public servants stealing from school kids by taking bribes and over-billing. SDTX aimed to restore that public trust by bringing this multi-year investigation to trial, which lasted over four weeks and involved over 50 witnesses. I’m proud of the trial team for delivering justice here, and I thank our incredible law enforcement partners.  Most of all, I’d like to thank the jury for devoting their precious time and attention over the past month. This case demonstrates that theft from schools won’t be tolerated and that the public can have confidence in their institutions.”

    “For years, Busby and Hutchison defrauded the largest public school system in Texas out of millions of dollars – money that was intended to benefit the students of HISD,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office. “In turn, Busby and Hutchison also defrauded the taxpayers whose hard-earned dollars were fraudulently diverted for their greed and personal gain. Public corruption cases like this one are challenging to investigate and prove and erode the trust we place on our public servants. At the end of the day, we want to make sure corrupt individuals like Busby and Hutchison are brought to justice. Today’s guilty verdict is a step towards that justice. I’m proud of FBI Houston’s public corruption squad for the results of its years-long investigation and thank them, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, for their commitment to this case and to its thousands of victims.”

    U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen presided over the trial and has set sentencing for July 28. At that time, Busby and Hutchison face up to five, 10 and 20 years, respectively, for the conspiracy, bribery and witness tampering charges. Hutchison also faces up to 20 years for each count of wire fraud. All charges also carry a $250,000 maximum possible fine.

    Skillern-Jones, 39, Houston; Sanders, 50, Hoskins, 58, Hall, 48, all of Missouri City; and Tovar, 39, Huffman have pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charges. They face up to five years in prison.

    Busby and Hutchison were permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

    The FBI and IRS – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Johnson and Heather R. Winter are prosecuting the case. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Saving Lives, Building Partnerships: LAMAT 25 Delivers Critical Care, Reserve Readiness in St. Kitts and Nevis

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    During the St. Kitts and Nevis phase of LAMAT 25, more than 2,200 patients received treatment, 600-plus people underwent surgical and non-surgical interventions, thousands of hours of readiness training were accomplished, and Air Force medical professionals helped deliver a grand-total of at least $80,000 worth of care to the host nation’s populace.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ready Now, and Anywhere, 433rd Citizen Airmen go to Guyana for LAMAT 2025

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    The final health engagement of the 2025 Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) mission began March 31, leaving a lasting impact on both the people and providers of Guyana—as well as the nearly 60 U.S. Air Force medical professionals who supported the mission.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Turns 45

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

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation is marking the 45th anniversary of its first Joint Terrorism Task Force. Formed in New York in 1980, the first JTTF became a model for law enforcement cooperation across the nation. 
     
    Today, the FBI has a JTTF at each of its 55 field offices and at many of its smaller offices—about 280 locations in all. JTTFs gather investigators, intelligence analysts, linguists, and tactical experts from federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Task force members share intelligence and investigative leads and respond to threats and incidents. 
     
    “The JTTF model clearly demonstrates the power of law enforcement cooperation at all levels,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Preventing terrorism is a no-fail mission. Only by working together can we keep the nation safe.”
     
    The FBI’s JTTF model dates to the 1979, when the New York Police Department and the FBI’s New York Field Office tackled the surge in violent bank robberies by pooling resources and expertise through a joint task force. In 1980, when terrorist bombings, bomb threats, and other violence plagued the city, officials decided to imitate the bank robbery task force. They announced the formation of the first JTTF in April 1980.  
     
    The first JTTF had 10 special agents and 10 police officers. The number of task forces grew over the years, with 35 JTTFs operating by the time terrorists attacked on 9/11. Shortly after 9/11, the FBI required all field offices to establish a JTTF. By the end of 2024, JTTFs drew nearly 4,400 members from 528 state, local, territorial, and tribal agencies and 53 federal agencies. 
     
    The FBI established its National Joint Terrorism Task Force to support the local task forces in June of 2002. The NJTTF at FBI Headquarters enhances communication, coordination, and cooperation from partner agencies. 
     
    JTTFs have disrupted dozens of plots in the past four decades, including a plan to attack millennial celebrations in Los Angeles in 2000; a plan to detonate a car bomb in Times Square in New York in 2010; and plans to sow chaos in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2022 and 2023 by destroying energy facilities. 
     
    JTTFs are also among the first responders to arrive at the scenes of horrific violence—whether they are terrorist-based or not—and lead the investigations of terrorist incidents. 
     
    Among the cases JTTFs have investigated are the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York; the bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998; the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000; the 9/11 attacks in 2001; the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013; the mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, in 2015; the shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida in 2019; and the January 1, 2025, truck attack in New Orleans. 
     
    Additional Resources: 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Celebrating 45 Years of FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces

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

    The model is so effective that other portions of the Bureau have since tried to emulate it, noted Supervisory Special Agent Jake Foiles, who oversees the FBI Kansas City JTTF.
     
    “The FBI’s JTTF model has expanded and evolved and has been copied now by our cyber side, our counterintelligence side, by our traditional criminal side,” he said. “We now have task forces on many of the different squads and areas that the FBI works. And the reason for that is because that task force model is incredibly effective when you have a variety of different people from different agencies and different walks of life and backgrounds working day in and day out, every single day with each other.”

    JTTFs are also powerful mechanisms for community outreach, briefing on topics such as what FBI investigations into terrorism matters actually look like, signs that someone might be mobilizing to violence, and why it’s important for Americans to proactively reach out to the FBI if they spot those kinds of indicators. 

    Ultimately, the FBI will investigate any individual who threatens violence, including those planning to commit an act of violence to further an ideology. (The FBI cannot initiate an investigation based solely on First Amendment-protected activity.) 

    According to Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Tony Mattivi, JTTFs are critical in reviewing incoming leads to determine which terrorism threats are substantive. These task forces have an obligation to resolve any real or potential threat they’re aware of “because you never know which one of those is going to turn into a really significant threat,” he said. “And that’s, I think, some of the most important work that’s done on a daily basis inside the JTTF. And nobody sees it.” 

    Benefits of partnerships 

    Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Dana Kreeger—a veteran of the Kansas City JTTF—said the biggest benefit of JTTF participation is the ability to keep a finger on the pulse of the terrorism threat.

    “Terrorism is not a local threat,” he said. “It’s happening all across the country; a lot of it is intertwined. We have threat actors in Kansas City that might be talking to threat actors in Chicago or L.A. or Portland or New York.” 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man arrested on suspicion of murder following death of woman in Enfield

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers investigating the death of a woman in Enfield have arrested a man on suspicion of murder.

    An investigation was launched on Saturday, 19 April following a fatal stabbing at Ayley Croft, Enfield.

    Officers were called to the address at around 19:00hrs alongside the London Ambulance Service where a woman was found with a stab wound.

    Despite the best efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

    We can now name her as 45-year-old Pamela Munro from Enfield. Pamela’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    On Monday, 21 April, investigating officers arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

    Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said:

    “Investigating officers have worked relentlessly across the weekend to investigate the circumstances around Pamela’s death.

    “We continue to support her family who are understandably devastated.

    “This morning, we arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with Pamela’s death and he remains in custody.

    “We continue to ask anyone who may have information or particularly anyone who was driving through Ayley Croft between 18:30hrs and 19:30hrs on Saturday, 19 April and could have any dashcam footage to contact us.”

    Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who oversees policing for Enfield, said:

    “Our thoughts are with Pamela’s family and local residents who will have been significantly impacted following the news of her death.

    “I am grateful to local officers and officers from the Specialist Crime Command who have worked tirelessly since Saturday to investigate the circumstances surrounding Pamela’s death as well as support the local community.

    “Neighbourhood officers will remain at Ayley Croft throughout the coming days to support the community and help investigators continue enquiries. Please contact officers if you have any information.”

    Anyone with information is urged to contact police by calling 101 quoting the reference 5741/19APRIL.

    Alternatively, to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater Delivers Remarks Before Opening Arguments in Google Search Remedies Trial

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Thank you, Deputy Attorney General Blanche. I thank both you and Attorney General Bondi for your strong support for DOJ antitrust enforcement.

    In a time of political division in our nation, this case against Google brings everyone together. This case was filed during President Trump’s first term and litigated across three administrations. It has unified our nation. Forty-nine states, two territories and the District of Columbia have all joined the Department of Justice in prosecuting Google here. And for good reason.

    Each generation has called for the DOJ to challenge a behemoth that crushed competition. In decades past, it was Standard Oil and AT&T. Today’s behemoth is Google. It is a gatekeeper for our commerce and our information. It is so ubiquitous and so powerful that it interacts with millions of Americans, billions of times per day. Fortunately, DOJ’s Antitrust Division exists for cases just like this one.

    Today begins the final chapter for this historic litigation. The Court has already decided liability and judge Mehta has made two things clear: one, Google is a monopolist and two, Google broke the law. We are not here to relitigate the case, we are here to ask the Court to fix the harm from Google’s unlawful conduct.

    The Google search case matters because nothing less than the future of the internet is at stake here. Are we going to give Americans choices and allow innovation and competition to thrive online? Or will we maintain the status quo that favors Big Tech monopolies? If Google’s conduct is not remedied, it will control much of the internet for the next decade and not just in internet search, but in new technologies like artificial intelligence.

    The Trump administration has prioritized policies that support and advance artificial intelligence. But nothing will advance AI faster than an open and competitive marketplace free from gatekeepers and monopolies. For almost two centuries, American technological dynamism has been built on innovation, and innovation is built on competition. This is the American way.

    In its defense, Google asks the Court to keep the status quo. It seeks to tell the judge that there is nothing to see here, even though the same judge has already found Google liable. Google wants to keep the fruits of its misconduct intact, as though the DOJ had never taken action and judge Mehta had never written his 277-page opinion.

    Worse still, Google has called the DOJ’s proposed remedies “dangerous” and “irresponsible.” Not so. You know what is dangerous? The threat Google presents to our freedom of speech, to our freedom of thought, to free American digital markets. You know what is irresponsible? Leaving Google’s monopoly abuse unaddressed.

    In the trial beginning today, our exceptional team at the Antitrust Division will explain why robust remedies are required to restore and unleash competition. The online search market has been frozen in place for decades, and a free market will not be restored overnight. Please remember this important fact as you learn more about the DOJ’s proposed remedies in this case.

    Finally, a word of thanks to the men and women of the DOJ Antitrust Division. I am so very proud of the team that brought this case to where it is today and want to thank them for their diligence and service to the country. Thank you for your time and attention. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Executive Vice President of Insurance Brokerage Pleads Guilty in $133 Million Affordable Care Act Fraud Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    A Florida executive pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to submit fraudulent applications to enroll consumers in Affordable Care Act insurance plans (ACA plans) that were fully subsidized by the government. The purpose of the scheme was to obtain millions of dollars in commission payments from the insurance company that operated the ACA plans. The federal government paid at least $133,900,000 in subsidies for fraudulently enrolled individuals.

    According to court documents, Dafud Iza, 54, an executive vice president of an insurance brokerage firm, participated in a scheme to fraudulently enroll ineligible individuals into ACA plans that offered tax credits to eligible enrollees. These tax credits, or “subsidies,” could be paid by the federal government directly to insurance plans as a payment toward the plan’s monthly premium. The scheme involved submitting false and fraudulent applications for individuals whose income did not meet the minimum requirements to be eligible for the subsidies. Iza and his accomplices deceptively marketed subsidized ACA plans to ineligible consumers and falsely inflated consumers’ incomes to obtain the federal subsidies.

    In furtherance of the scheme, Iza and his accomplices targeted vulnerable, low-income individuals experiencing homelessness, unemployment, and mental health and substance abuse disorders, and knew that “street marketers” working on their behalf offered bribes to induce those individuals to enroll in subsidized ACA plans. Marketers working for Iza’s accomplices coached consumers on how to respond to application questions to maximize the subsidy amount paid by the federal government and provided addresses and social security numbers that did not match the consumers purportedly applying. 

    Iza pleaded guilty to one count of major fraud against the United States and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office; Acting Special Agent in Charge Jesus Barranco of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge Emmanuel Gomez of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-CI are investigating the case.

    Assistant Chief Jamie de Boer and Trial Attorney D. Keith Clouser of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche Delivers Remarks Before Opening Arguments in Google Search Remedies Trial

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Good morning. Today, the Department of Justice takes an important step forward to protect the American people from the perils of Big Tech. President Trump took the first big step in 2020 when his Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google to challenge its dominance over internet search. Today, as the remedies phase of that case begins, President Trump’s Justice Department will finish the job.

    Monopolies are incompatible with free markets and freedom more generally. The American dream is about more than cheap goods and services. Our values rest on freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom to innovate, and freedom to live outside the controlling hand of a monopolist. Power should rest with the people, not with Big Tech. That principle applies to the internet, which today is central to the lives of most Americans.

    The court has already concluded that Google is a monopolist. And as a monopolist, Google uses its market power against the American people. It has control of an extraordinary amount of data about ordinary Americans. Google has deplatformed conservative speech and has put its thumb on the scale politically for years. All of this behavior is downstream from Google’s monopoly power over internet search.

    This antitrust case addresses that monopoly power. The Department has asked the court to impose remedies that will ensure Google can never again wield such dominance over internet search. The proposed remedies will ensure that the people enjoy vigorous competition and choice online. And we ask the Court to ensure Google cannot prevent its rivals from achieving scale. 

    This marks an important step in President Trump’s fight to restore power back to the American people. I am proud of the hard work of the men and women of the Antitrust Division over the last five years who have investigated and litigated the case to reach this moment. Now, time to finish the job.

    Let me hand over to Gail Slater, our exceptional Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust.

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