NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Fugitive Sentenced To 20 Years For Distributing Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza today sentenced Billy Ruiz (46, California) to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. A federal jury found Ruiz guilty on January 8, 2025.

    According to evidence presented during the three-day trial, in March 2016, Ruiz sold large amounts of methamphetamine to a lower-level dealer for redistribution in central Florida. Ruiz was a prolific distributor of methamphetamine operating out of southern California, who, along with others, shipped methamphetamine to Orlando by overnight delivery. The methamphetamine was then repackaged and distributed in central Florida. Ruiz sold two batches of methamphetamine, each weighing approximately two pounds.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lake Mary Police Department, and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Sowell and Chauncey Bratt.

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. 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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Affiliated Companies Agree to Pay $10.8 Million to Resolve Allegations that They Fraudulently Obtained COVID-19 Loans

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on April 2, 2025, a group of affiliated companies controlled by a family office have agreed to pay $10,853,246.94 to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting false certifications in connection with loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). The affiliated companies include: Barrington Venture Holding Company LLC; The Club at Strawberry Creek LLC; The Garlands of Barrington LLC; Nuestro Queso, LLC; SSCO LLC; and Tire Profiles LLC.  

    The PPP loan program, created by Congress in March 2020 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, provided emergency financial assistance to small businesses suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program allowed eligible businesses to apply for loans that, if spent on payroll and other eligible expenses, could be forgiven and repaid on the borrower’s behalf by the federal government. When applying for a loan and for forgiveness, borrowers were required to certify that they were eligible for the PPP and that the information provided was accurate. 

    Congress limited eligibility for PPP loans to businesses with less than 500 employees (or less than an industry-based size standard, if applicable). 15 U.S.C. § 636(a)(36)(D)(i). With respect to counting employees, Congress adopted the Small Business Administration’s pre-existing “affiliation rules,” which require businesses under common ownership or control to add their employee counts together when determining their size. 15 U.S.C. § 636(a)(36)(D)(vi); 13 C.F.R. § 121.301(f)(1), (3) & (6) (effective March 27, 2020, to September 7, 2021). The Small Business Administration’s regulations also make clear that companies are to count all employees equally, including part-time and temporary employees the same as full-time employees. 13 C.F.R. § 121.106(a), (b)(2) & (4)(i). 

    This settlement resolves allegations that four of the family office affiliates—The Club at Strawberry Creek LLC; The Garlands of Barrington LLC; Nuestro Queso, LLC; and Tire Profiles LLC—falsely certified that they were eligible for the PPP loans they received. Collectively, these family office companies received six PPP loans totaling over $5 million in principal value, despite collectively employing more than 500 individuals (and not otherwise complying with an alternative size-standard). The government alleges that these entities knew that they were ineligible for the PPP loans that they received but that they applied anyway and took affirmative steps to avoid detection by regulators.  

    “When it passed the Paycheck Protection Program, Congress made policy decisions about what types of businesses would and would not be eligible for the pandemic-relief resources that it made available,” said Acting United States Attorney Frohling. “Congress decided that it did not want to provide taxpayer dollars to large companies or groups of affiliated companies who likely had access to private sources of capital typically unavailable to American small businesses.The eight-figure settlement announced today reflects the continuing commitment of the Department of Justice and the Small Business Administration to hold accountable sophisticated businesses that abused this emergency program.”

    “The favorable settlement in this case is the product of enhanced efforts by federal agencies such as the Small Business Administration working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other Federal law enforcement agencies to recover the product of this fraud as well as penalties,” said SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis.

    The United States encourages anyone with information about potential fraud involving COVID-19 to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. PPP recipients also may voluntarily disclose self-discovered evidence of fraud involving the PPP to their district’s U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    Assistant United States Attorney Aaron R. Wegrzyn represented the government in connection with this matter, with assistance from Kandace Zelaya in the Small Business Administration’s Office of Litigation and Office of General Counsel.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    # #  #

    For Additional Information Contact: 

    Public Information Officer,

    Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

    414-297-1700

    Follow us on Twitter

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: How the FBI’s Victim Services Division Supports Survivors of Crime

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

    Child-adolescent forensic interviewers (CAFIs)  

    Sloane, who’s worked as an FBI CAFI for just under two decades—most recently, in a supervisory role—said an average day on the job is hard to encapsulate. “It’s hard to describe a day in the life of a CAFI because it varies, and that’s one of the beauties but also the challenges,” she said, adding that the job comprises far more than just conducting interviews.

    It can also include: 

    • Consultation 
    • Court testimony 
    • Trainings 
    • Presentations 
    • Working Groups 
    • Working on multidisciplinary teams 

    And, Sloane stressed, CAFIs don’t work in a bubble. CAFIs are neutral fact-finders, but to accomplish that mission, they collaborate with FBI agents, task force officers, victim specialists, and prosecutors. “That’s the importance of working as a team to provide victims the best support possible to maneuver and survive this process,” she said. 

    Sloane and other supervisory CAFIs, in particular, also help resolve conflicts that might arise during the course of an investigation. Their job, in these situations, is to balance the best interest of the victim or witness in question with that of the case. SCAFIs also strategically divvy up resources to CAFIs scattered throughout the field to ensure they’re equipped to do their jobs. 

    “We don’t heal or succeed in isolation—that’s why there are really kind, authentic people to guide and support you,” Sloane said. “Your suffering matters, and we want to be here to assist in any way that we can.” 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Resources for St. Louis Area Crime Victims, Gun Locks Both Available Wednesday

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – Victim advocates will be available by phone Wednesday to help St. Louis area crime victims and survivors seek justice and obtain assistance.

    This is the third year of the hotline, which connects victims and survivors of crimes and online harassment to information about their rights and services. Those services include treatment, counseling, compensation and other support. Each year, dozens of people have called the hotline.

    The phone bank, at 314-539-6855, will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office will also have 100 gun locks available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. all week. Anyone interested should come to the reception area on the 20th floor of the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse, at 111 South 10th Street in downtown St. Louis.

    The initiative comes during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme is KINSHIP, a call-to-action to recognize that shared humanity should be at the center of supporting all survivors and victims of crime. Kinship is a state of being with survivors that drives vital connections to services, rights, and healing. Kinship is where victim advocacy begins.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cary Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years for Access Device Fraud and Identity Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW BERN, N.C. – A Cary man was sentenced today to 61 months in prison for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.  Ibrahim Abiodun Aderounmu, 27, pled guilty to the charges on November 4, 2024.  The court also ordered Aderounmu to pay $536,782 in restitution to the victims.  

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, between approximately 2020 and 2022, Aderounmu engaged in multiple access device fraud schemes involving the theft and misuse of personal identifying information (PII) of victims across the United States.  The schemes resulted in attempted losses of more than $650,000.

    As part of one scheme, victim PII was used to submit hundreds of applications for Chase Bank business credit card accounts.  If the application was successful, the physical credit card was mailed to Aderounmu’s apartment in Cary.  Aderounmu then used the credit cards to make online and in-store purchases.

    The investigation into the Chase Bank scheme resulted in a search warrant of Aderounmu’s apartment.  During the search, officers recovered, among other things, more than 400 access devices, including debit cards for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. According to the investigation, victim PII was fraudulently used to apply for and initiate UI benefits from multiple state workforce agencies, including in North Carolina, California, Nevada, and Arizona.  If approved, the benefits were loaded onto debit cards and mailed to addresses under the control of Aderounmu and others.  Aderounmu was captured on surveillance footage withdrawing the UI benefits from the debit cards at ATMs in Raleigh, Cary, and other locations in the Eastern District of North Carolina.   

    The seized access devices also included multiple USAA debit cards in the names of victims.  The investigation found that victim PII was used to open USAA accounts with addresses linked to Aderounmu.  The fraudulent accounts, in turn, were funded with fraudulent check deposits, the proceeds of which were withdrawn from ATMs in Raleigh, Cary, and elsewhere.   

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case for the government.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-222-FL.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tax preparer indicted for filing false tax returns resulting in tens of thousands in fraudulent claims

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A Needville tax preparer has been taken into custody on charges that she willfully helped clients file false tax returns with the IRS, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  

    Monica Green is set to make her initial appearance in Houston federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan at 2 p.m.

    A federal grand jury returned the six-count indictment April 2, which was unsealed upon her arrest.  

    Green ran a tax preparation business in Needville from at least 2017 to 2021, according to the charges. At times during those years, she allegedly added false credits or deductions on tax returns to fraudulently lower her clients’ overall tax liability.  

    The indictment alleges Green utilized false Schedule A deductions, false Schedule C losses for businesses that did not even exist and false education credits showing expenses for colleges her clients did not attend. The fraudulent amounts claimed on these returns would, at times, exceed tens of thousands of dollars, according to the charges. 

    Green allegedly earned money from the scheme by charging her clients preparation fees of hundreds of dollars per return.  

    If convicted, she faces up to three years in prison for each count of aiding in the preparation and filing of false tax returns as well as potential fines of up to $250,000. 

    IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray is prosecuting the case.   

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud Involving A Paycheck Protection Program Loan

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Larry E. Denson, Jr. (31, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud involving COVID relief fraud through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  Denson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the United State government. Denson has also agreed to forfeit $18,190, the proceeds of the charged criminal offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, in April 2021, Denson submitted a PPP loan application to a lender authorized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to lend funds for approved PPP loan applications. The PPP loan application falsely claimed that Denson operated his own janitorial services business with a gross income of $87,312. Throughout the loan application, Denson made false statements regarding his purported payroll and operating expenses. In support of his PPP loan application, Denson submitted a fraudulent IRS form that contained false statements about expenses and income for his purported business. Upon reliance of the false statements in his PPP loan application and supporting documentation, Denson received a PPP loan for $18,190. 

    After receiving the PPP loan proceeds into his bank account, Denson began making withdrawals and spending the funds on personal expenses, including meals at restaurants, retail purchases, and cash withdrawals. In July 2022, Denson filed a PPP Loan Forgiveness Application, falsely stating that he had spent the $18,190 on payroll. Relying on his false statements, the SBA forgave the entire loan amount.

    This case was investigated by Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Superseding Indictment Charges Massachusetts Man with Attempted Enticement, Interstate Travel, Child Pornography Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – A Massachusetts man is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in Rhode Island on Wednesday on attempted enticement, interstate travel, and child pornography charges contained in a superseding indictment, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    The superseding indictment, returned by a grand jury on April 2, 2025, charges Robert Consorti, 51, of Wilmington, MA, with two counts of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, interstate travel for the purpose of illicit sexual activity, transportation of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

    The government sought a superseding indictment following an extended investigation into Consorti’s alleged criminal conduct after his arrest in October 2024.  Consorti was arrested in October 2024 when he arrived at a Warwick hotel allegedly expecting to meet with and engage in illicit sexual contact with a fourteen-year-old girl. Unbeknownst to him at the time, Consorti was communicating with a law enforcement officer posing as the girl with whom he allegedly made the arrangements. A grand jury returned an indictment on November 13, 2024, charging him with one count each of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and interstate travel for the purpose of illicit sexual activity.

    According to recently filed court documents, it is alleged that a subsequent investigation, including a review of Consorti’s electronic devices, revealed that he was in communication with dozens of minors and allegedly grooming them for sexual activity. It is alleged that in many instances, Consorti transmitted child sexual abuse material (CSAM), requested minors send him CSAM, and/or sent the minors sexually explicit images of himself.

    It is further alleged that Consorti began communicating with a victim who was 12 years old at the time the communications began. Over a six-month period, Consorti allegedly traveled out of state on multiple occasions to meet with the victim and provided the victim with vapes and edible marijuana. It is alleged that Consorti repeatedly attempted to get the victim to engage in sexual activity in return for the items Consorti was providing, rather than pay in cash. Consorti allegedly persuaded the then 13-year-old to meet Consorti and to go to a local hotel to engage in sexual contact, but the defendant’s arrest prevented the meeting from occurring.

    A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    This case has been 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams.

    The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police ICAC Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.

    The ICAC Task Force is comprised of members of the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit along with detectives from the Warwick Police Department, Cranston Police Department, East Providence Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Bristol Police Department, Middletown Police Department, and Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat sex offender sentenced to 25 years in prison for coercing minors online

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DAYTON, Ohio – A repeat sex offender was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 300 months in prison for coercing two minor victims and producing child pornography. 

    Christopher Jewett, 26, of Dayton, met adolescent and teenage girls on an online, virtual world and social networking site.

    According to court documents, in summer 2023 and spring 2024, while on supervised release for similar prior sex offenses, Jewett communicated with minor victims online. The defendant sent the victims explicit videos and asked for explicit content in return.

    Jewett lied regarding his registered address and possessed cell phones, violating the terms of his probation. Jewett’s prior sex offenses included local convictions for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

    The defendant was charged federally in July 2024 and pleaded guilty in October 2024.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; announced the sentence imposed on April 7 by U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. Newman. Assistant United States Attorneys Jahan S. Karamali and Christina Mahy are representing the United States in this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal alien felon imprisoned for unlawfully reentering the United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – A 29-year-old Mexican national with a felony criminal history has been sentenced for illegally entering the country without authorization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Joaquin Hernandez-Reyes pleaded guilty Jan. 9.

    U.S. District Court Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Hernandez-Reyes to serve 72 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to again face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

    Hernandez-Reyes has felony convictions for illegal reentry as well as assault of a public servant and possession of a controlled substance. He was first removed from the United States in 2016 and returned illegally several more times.

    On Dec. 10, 2024, authorities discovered Hernandez-Reyes near McAllen again.

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

    Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Delcolle prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal agents arrest man who allegedly fraudulently received $32 million business tax refund check

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DAYTON, Ohio – An Atlanta-area man was arrested this morning by IRS Criminal Investigation special agents on federal charges alleging he fraudulently converted two businesses’ IRS accounts to his name and address. The defendant received tax refund checks – including one for more than $32 million – that were to be paid out to these two businesses.

    Christopher Dowtin, 48, of Jonesboro, Georgia, will appear in federal court in Atlanta today. He is charged with wire fraud and theft of public money.

    According to charging documents, Dowtin fraudulently submitted IRS forms claiming to be the responsible party for two separate companies.

    In December 2024, the IRS processed eight Change of Address or Responsible Party-Business forms associated with Dowtin. Dowtin’s requests for changes were completed and accepted. He ultimately received two tax refund checks for those companies: one in the amount of $32,495,888.58 and one in the amount of $26,156.50.

    Dowtin allegedly traveled from Georgia to Ohio with the two checks to open an account in the Southern District of Ohio.

    On Feb. 13, Dowtin allegedly took the checks to a Morgan Stanley office in Beavercreek, Ohio, and attempted to negotiate the funds into a brokerage account in a trust in his name. The affidavit details that Dowtin told the Morgan Stanley financial advisor that the two companies were paying him for illegally using his “personhood.” He said the payments owed to him had been transferred to him from the IRS. The financial advisor verified that the checks were valid U.S. Treasury checks.

    On Feb. 19, an executive director at Morgan Stanley contacted the United States Secret Service and IRS Criminal Investigation regarding the suspicious nature of the checks and Dowtin’s supporting paperwork. The checks were seized by law enforcement.

    Wire fraud is a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Theft of public funds carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and Yvonne DiCristoforo, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service; announced the arrest and charges. Assistant United States Attorney Amy M. Smith is representing the United States in this case.

    A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Arrest Annapolis Murder Suspect in DC

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Washington, DC – The U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) April 7 arrested a man wanted by the Annapolis Police Department (APD) for a murder and related offenses.

    Roscoe Jerome Jones, 31, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, was identified as a suspect in a March 19 homicide in the 100 block of Clay Street after APD officers responding to reported gunshots found the victim with apparent gunshot wounds.  

    The homicide occurred at a school bus stop with numerous children present, and one child was struck by a bullet and injured.

    The CARFTF received the warrant on March 19 and initiated the fugitive investigation to determine Jones’ whereabouts.

    Investigators discovered Jones was residing in an apartment in the 1400 block of 1st St SW, in Washington, D.C., and on April 7, in the early morning hours, members of the CARFTF conducted an enforcement operation to arrest Jones at that address.  Jones failed to comply with law enforcement commands initially but was eventually taken into custody without further incident.

    Subsequent to a search conducted at the same address, two firearms were located and seized. 

    The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force began operations in June of 2004 and was among the first regional fugitive task forces to become fully operational following the Presidential Threat Protection Act of 2000. The CARFTF has partnership agreements with over 100 federal, state, and local agencies and has eight fully operational offices. 

    The CARFTF has successfully apprehended over 102,700 fugitives since its inception and has made an extraordinary impact on the apprehension of the region’s most dangerous and violent fugitives, always striving to make their communities safer.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sheshatshiu — Sheshatshiu RCMP responds to single-vehicle crash, man arrested for impaired driving and assault

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following a report of a single-vehicle crash that occurred on April 5, 2025, 20-year-old Aiden Jack of Sheshatshiu was arrested by Sheshatshiu RCMP for impaired driving and assault with a weapon.

    Shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, police responded to the report of the crash. Two of the vehicle’s occupants, a man and a woman, were fighting outside of the vehicle. The man, Aiden Jack, was arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Impaired operation
    • Impaired operation while having a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs%
    • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
    • Assault with a weapon

    Jack was released from custody on a number of conditions. He is set to appear in court on July 10, 2025.

    The investigation is continuing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Swears In Harmeet Dhillon as the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    On Monday April 7, 2025 the Justice Department announced that Harmeet Dhillon was sworn in as the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division (CRT). The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, created in 1957 by the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, works to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all persons in the United States, particularly some of the most vulnerable members of our society. The Division enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, religion, familial status, national origin, and citizenship status. As the Assistant Attorney General, Harmeet Dhillion will bring experiences and perspectives to the DOJ unlike anyone before her.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Indictment Charges Stamford Men with Trafficking Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging TASEAN LEMAR BROWN, 35, and STANLEY CHARLES, 44, both of Stamford, with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

    The indictment was returned on April 3, 2025, and Brown and Charles were arrested yesterday.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven, entered pleas of not guilty to the charge, and were ordered detained.

    As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Brown and Charles were using the U.S. Mail to traffic fentanyl into Connecticut and distribute it in southwestern Connecticut.  The investigation included the seizure of two parcels that Brown mailed to Charles from California and Arizona, the first containing approximately one kilogram of fentanyl powder, and the second containing approximately three kilograms of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.

    If convicted of the charge in the indictment, Brown and Charles each face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Connecticut State Police, and the Stamford, Greenwich, Bridgeport, Danbury, Stratford, and Norwalk Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.

    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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ethete man sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for abusive sexual contact as the U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) has challenged the nation to confront and remove barriers to achieving justice for all victims of crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office uses the week to educate the public about victimization and its effects on individuals, families, friends, and communities. As the week kicked off across the nation, the District of Wyoming sentenced a case that recognized the accomplishments of the victims’ rights movement and reflected on how far it has come.

    Dwayne Wahtomy Jr., age 47, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment with 10 years of supervised release for the abusive sexual contact of a child by force. According to court documents, the victim disclosed that she had been sexually abused by the defendant when she was a minor. The defendant also threatened the victim to keep her silent. 

    During the investigation and prosecution of the case, the victim exercised several of her statutory victim’s rights. She was notified of all hearings, was notified of the defendant’s custody status, consulted with the prosecutor about a plea offer, and provided a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing. Wahtomy was indicted on Sept. 18, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Jan. 15. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on April 7 in Cheyenne. The BIA investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

    In 1988, the Office of Victims of Crimes (OVC) was established by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA). According to OVC, around 5 million people become victims of violent crimes annually, including rape, domestic violence, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and more. Being a victim of these traumatic crimes can, in most cases, create long-lasting impacts on someone and can sometimes create secondary problems like loss of relationships, mental health issues, physical problems, and a negative impact on occupational and societal function. Because of the prevalence and effects of crimes and victims of crimes, communities and governments have a responsibility to come up with ways to support these victims. 

    The Victim Witness Program for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Wyoming, provides federal crime victims and witnesses with information, services, and support during federal prosecutions. The office is committed to ensuring that victims and witnesses of crime are treated fairly throughout their contact with the federal criminal justice system. For more information, visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wy/victim-witness-program

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is 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, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    Case No. 24-CR-00153

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio County Man Admits to Firearms Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jakob Barnes, age 39, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm. 

    According to court documents, Barnes is prohibited from having firearms because of a prior felony conviction. During a drug-related robbery investigation, officers executed a search warrant at Barnes’ apartment on Wheeling Island and seized two firearms and ammunition.

    Barnes is facing up to 15 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Plead Guilty to Drug and Money Laundering Conspiracy Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – Three men pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston in connection with their participation in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine and laundered the proceeds.  

    Lawrence Michael Nagle, Jr., 34, of Saugus, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams of more of methamphetamine; five counts of possession with intent to distribute various weights of fentanyl, methamphetamine and oxycodone; one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition; and one count of money laundering conspiracy U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Aug. 5, 2025.

    Gino Castillo, 34, of Salem, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 8, 2025.

    Samuel Saillant, 38, of Lynn, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit money laundering. Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2025.  

    Nagle, Jr., Castillo and Saillant were among 27 individuals charged, beginning in October 2022, in connection with a wide-ranging conspiracy to traffic counterfeit prescription pills. Nagle, Jr. was charged by complaint in October 2022 and later indicted. Castillo and Saillant were charged by indictment on April 24, 2024. All 27 individuals have pleaded guilty.

    The DTO, led by Nagle, Jr. and his brother, Christopher Nagle, distributed counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine, among other drugs, to individuals in the Lynn area. In January 2022, a search of Christopher Nagle’s apartment recovered more than 74,000 counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, weighing more than 24 kilograms. On Oct. 25, 2022, a search of Nagle, Jr.’s home in Saugus and two homes he used to store narcotics—one of which was inhabited by Castillo—resulted in the seizure of more than 7.8 kilograms of fentanyl and more than 650 grams of methamphetamine. In addition, two Glock firearms and ammunition were recovered from Nagle, Jr.’s house in close proximity to oxycodone pills. At the time, Nagle, Jr. was a felon who was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

    Nagle, Jr. purchased the home in Saugus in August 2020 with the cash proceeds of his drug trafficking activities. Saillant was Nagle’s real estate agent in connection with the purchase. On the morning of Aug. 21, 2020, Nagle, Jr., Saillant and a coconspirator traveled to banks and money-transmitting services in the Lynn area to exchange Nagle’s drug money for money orders and cashier’s checks. Saillant attended a property closing later that day at which the money orders and cashier’s checks were used to fund the downpayment on the house.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Beverly, Everett, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus and Swampscott Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys K. Nathaniel Yeager, Samuel R. Feldman and John O. Wray of the Criminal Division and Alexandra Amrhein of the Asset Forfeiture Unit prosecuted the case.
            
    This case 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: Visa holder arrested for facilitating prostitution across international border

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – A 33-year-old Mexican woman has been charged for facilitating the transportation of two females from Mexico into the United States for the purpose of engaging in prostitution, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Jaqueline Rios Garcia De La Cadena is set for a detention hearing at 1 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott Hacker. 

    The charges allege that on April 2, Garcia De La Cadena and two females presented themselves individually for admission into the United States at the Hidalgo International port of entry. All three are allegedly citizens and nationals of Mexico who possessed B1/B2 visitor visas and were referred for secondary inspections. 

    The charges allege Garcia De La Cadena organized a trip for the women to travel to Houston to engage in prostitution. She allegedly paid for transportation from Mexico and made further travel arrangements from McAllen to Houston for the women to meet unknown persons and engage in sexual activity for which they would be paid. 

    According to the complaint, Garcia De La Cadena instructed them to enter the United States through different pedestrian lanes at the port of entry to avoid suspicion. 

    Garcia De La Cadena had allegedly facilitated a similar trip to Houston for one of the women on a previous occasion. 

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell is prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Phone Scammers Falsely Claiming to be from U.S. Attorney’s Office

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is alerting the public of imposter scams involving individuals claiming to represent the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    During these calls, scammers may provide false badge numbers and claim to have found your phone number in the contacts list of a rescued human trafficking victim. The scammers are known to request funds through a mobile payment app.

    Scammers use many tactics to sound and appear credible. They sometimes provide information like actual names of federal prosecutors and federal office addresses. They also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller IDs as if they are calling from a government agency such as the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    Remember that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will never ask you to purchase a gift card or give out a credit card number.

    If you are a victim of one of these scam calls, please report the incident via https://www.ic3.gov/.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Cuban Nationals Plead Guilty to Alien Smuggling Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – Two Cuban nationals have been adjudicated guilty on alien smuggling charges by a federal district judge in Miami.  

    According to court documents and statements made in court hearings, on Oct. 24, 2024, Yordany Capote-Leon, 31 and Yuniel Cabrera Piloto 44, departed from the United States to Bahamian waters on a cuddy cabin style boat. While in Bahamian waters, Capote-Leon and Piloto loaded 18 individuals onto the boat and proceeded back toward the United States. The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Manowar observed the suspicious activity and followed the boat back to the United States. 

    Once the boat crossed back into United States waters, off the coast of Key Largo, Florida, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers onboard a CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) vessel approached the go-fast boat and ordered the drivers to stop. Capote-Leon and Piloto ignored the orders and kept going. The boat finally stopped after warning shots were deployed.  All the individuals encountered aboard the boat were transferred to the USCG Cutter Manowar.  Once aboard the cutter, law enforcement determined that the 18 individuals onboard, besides Capote-Leon and Piloto, were Ecuadorian nationals who did not have authorization to enter the United States. Law enforcement also determined that three of the illegal aliens encountered, Jorge Fabian Albarrasin Cabrera, Marcelo Patricio Pesantez-Merchan and Juan Carlos Villa Arpi, had been previously removed from the United States.

    Capote-Leon, Piloto, Cabrera, Merchan and Arpi were transferred ashore to face charges. All defendants have pleaded guilty. The rest of the aliens were repatriated to the Bahamas. 

    On March 4, U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore sentenced Capote-Leon to 37 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

    On March 6, Piloto entered a guilty plea before magistrate judge Ellen F. D’Angelo, who issued a report recommending that the plea be accepted. On April 4, U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore adopted the report and recommendations and adjudicated defendant guilty.

    Piloto is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8 at 2:00 p.m. in Miami. He faces up to 10 years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

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

    HSI Miami investigated the case with assistance from CBP and USCG, 7th Coast Guard District. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner Stiehl is prosecuting the case.

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

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-10027.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Individuals Charged with Illegal Re-Entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Two individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury in separate cases this week for illegally re-entering the United States after they were previously deported.

    Mexican National Indicted for Illegal Reentry

    According to an indictment returned this week, Fernando Herrera-Cruz, who was previously removed from the United States on March 30, 2022, was charged with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien.  He has never applied to the Attorney General of the United States and/or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for permission to reenter the United States.  On March 18, 2025, he was found voluntarily back in the United States in Camden County, Missouri, when he was arrest for driving without a valid driver’s license following a single vehicle accident.

    El Salvadoran National Charged in Indictment

    In addition, Guadalupe De Jesus Aldana Sandoval a/k/a “Edgar Navarro Melendez”, who was previously removed from the United States on November 13. 2009, was charged with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. He has never applied to the Attorney General of the United States and/or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for permission to reenter the United States.  On March 25, 2025, he was found voluntarily back in the United States when he was located in Pettis County, Missouri.

    The charges contained in these indictments are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

    These cases were investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations.

    Operation Take Back America

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Members of a Sureños-affiliated Transnational Criminal Organization Charged in Narcotics Trafficking Conspiracy Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – A federal grand jury recently returned a nine-count indictment against five members of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) affiliated with the Sureños, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, the defendants intentionally conspired with each other to acquire and distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Lead and organized by Erick Emilio Diaz-Aguilar, the “Diaz-Aguilar DTO” has been operating and distributing controlled substances throughout Minnesota since at least 2024. During a multi-month investigation, law enforcement seized large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl from various individuals associated with the Diaz-Aguilar-DTO. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that the Diaz-Aguilar DTO is associated with and supplied by one or more transnational criminal organizations trafficking narcotics from Mexico.

    The following individuals have been indicted for the following crimes:

    Erick Emilio Diaz-Aguilar, 32, a Mexican national residing in New Prague, Minnesota, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, four counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    Juan Martin Elvira, Jr., 36, of Rochester, Minnesota, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

    Edward Gonzalez, 29, of Hastings, Minnesota, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    Eric Anthony Rodriguez, 46, of St. Paul, Minnesota, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, four counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    One other member of the conspiracy remains at large and is pending arrest.

    “The Sureños and other drug cartels are dangerous criminal organizations that are fueling the drug crisis in America,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “Cartel-backed drug dealers are on notice.  Do not bring your poison to Minnesota.  If you do, you will see federal charges and federal prison time.”

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It 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.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael B. Coburn is prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican citizen and felon imprisoned for smuggling illegal aliens

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – A 32-year-old Mexican man who illegally resided in Roma has been ordered to federal prison for human smuggling, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Allan Eduardo Mar-Uballe pleaded guilty Dec. 12, 2024. 

    U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Mar-Uballe to serve 37 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by 3 years of supervised release. Not a U.S. citizen, Mar-Uballe is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence. Mar-Uballe has prior convictions for illegal reentry into the United States, assault on a federal officer and possession of a controlled substance. 

    “Mr. Mar-Uballe’s prior convictions obviously did not dissuade him from engaging in dangerous criminal activity,” said Ganjei. “His actions put the lives of law enforcement, innocent motorists, and every person in his vehicle at risk that day. Hopefully his new stay in federal prison will give him time to learn the lessons his earlier convictions didn’t teach him.”

    On Oct. 22, 2024, Mar-Uballe was driving a Ford Expedition with the back seats and seatbelts removed near Roma. Inside the vehicle were 18 illegal aliens, including two unaccompanied minors. 

    Authorities attempted to stop the vehicle, but Mar-Uballe evaded at a high rate of speed and drove erratically through the streets of Roma, disregarding stop signs and other vehicles, before crashing into a ditch. Several inside the vehicle sustained injuries. 

    Mar-Uballe and the others were all determined to be in the United States illegally and from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic. 

    Mar-Uballe will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Sufficient Uranium Resources Exist, However Investments Needed to Sustain High Nuclear Energy Growth

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Sufficient uranium resources exist to support both the continued use of nuclear power and its significant growth through 2050 and beyond. However, timely investments in new exploration, mining operations and processing techniques will be essential to ensure that uranium becomes available to the market when needed.

    These are among the main findings of the latest edition of Uranium – Resources, Production and Demand 2024, commonly known as the “Red Book”, an essential global reference prepared jointly every two years by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    The 2024 edition of the Red Book provides the latest comprehensive review of uranium market fundamentals, based on official government data, and delivers a detailed statistical profile of the global uranium industry. Covering the calendar years 2021 and 2022, it features data on uranium exploration, resources, and production . The report also includes 62 country profiles, offering in-depth insights into mine development plans, the environmental and social dimensions of uranium mining, and national regulations and policies.

    The Red Book indicates that global identified recoverable uranium resources amounted to 7 934 500 tonnes as of 1 January 2023. These represent all reasonably assured and inferred uranium resources that could be recovered at market prices ranging from $40 to $260 USD/KgU (equivalent to $15 to $100 USD/lb U3O8). Compared to the total reported in the 2022 edition, this represents an increase of less than 0.5%. Additions to the uranium resource base could however arise from undiscovered or unconventional sources, driven by the sharp rise in uranium spot prices since mid-2021 and the commitment first announced during COP28 and now signed by 31 countries to triple their nuclear energy capacity by 2050.

    Worldwide domestic exploration and mine development expenditures have increased dramatically after a period of decline due to poor market conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Annual expenditures reached USD 800 million in 2022 and preliminary data for 2023 suggest a further increase to USD 840 million.

    The Red Book also provides projections for nuclear power installed capacity and uranium requirements through 2050, outlining both low-growth and high-growth scenarios, alongside an assessment of uranium supply and demand adequacy under each scenario. According to these projections, the uranium resource base is sufficient to meet the needs of a high-growth nuclear capacity through 2050 and beyond. However, this will require essential investments in new exploration, improved processing techniques and new production centres to replenish reserves.

    Production increased 4% between 2020 and 2022 and the report suggests the increase will likely continue in coming years. The establishment of new production centres is anticipated to encounter significant lead times due to today’s risk-averse investment climate, and complex and lengthy regulatory processes in many uranium mining jurisdictions. Geopolitical challenges and technical difficulties related to developing new mines and milling facilities may further compound the situation. As a result, efforts must begin immediately to ensure adequate uranium supplies are available in the medium term.

    Notes to editors

    The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is an intergovernmental agency which operates within the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It facilitates co-operation among countries with advanced nuclear technology infrastructures to seek excellence in nuclear safety, technology, science, related environmental and economic matters and law.

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the world’s central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical co-operation in the nuclear field. It works for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, contributing to international peace and security and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

    The Joint NEA/IAEA Group on Uranium (UG) contributes to the preparation of each edition of Uranium – Resources, Production and Demand. The Group also co-ordinates the preparation of periodic assessments of the world’s supply of natural uranium, examines the relationship of these supplies to demand projections and recommends actions that might be taken to ensure adequate long-term supply of uranium for nuclear power development.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorneys for Southwestern Border Districts Charge More than 900 Illegal Aliens with Immigration-Related Crimes During the First week in April as part of Operation Take Back America.

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Since the inauguration of President Trump, the Department of Justice is playing a critical role in Operation Take back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Last week, the U.S. Attorneys for Arizona, Central California, Southern California, New Mexico, Southern Texas, and Western Texas charged more than 900 defendants with criminal violations of U.S. immigration laws.

    The Southern District of Texas filed 225 cases in relation to immigration and border security. Of those cases, 70 face allegations of illegally reentering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, violent and/or sexual crimes and prior immigration offenses, among others. A total of 144 people face charges of illegally entering the country, nine cases involve various instances of human smuggling with others relating to firearms and assault of a federal officer.

    The Western District of Texas filed 259 immigration and immigration-related criminal cases.  Among the new cases, Mexican national Miguel Angel Torres-Segura resided illegally in San Antonio and was arrested March 28 for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. A criminal complaint alleges that Torres-Segura participated in a human smuggling organization (HSO) that transported illegal aliens using tractor trailers, carrying out at least 19 human smuggling events and leading to the apprehension of more than 900 aliens between May 2021 and June 2022. Torres-Segura allegedly communicated with high-level leaders and organizers and assisted the HSO by transporting aliens and preparing tractor trailers for transport. Torres-Segura has multiple convictions, including two illegal entries in 2009 and 2010 and an illegal re-entry in 2011. He was convicted again for illegal re-entry on March 26 following an October 2024 arrest and has now been charged with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens.

    The District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 204 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 83 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 107 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States also filed 13 cases against 14 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. Among those convicted was Ivan Mauricio Hernandez-Mosqueda, a Mexican national, who was sentenced to 46 months in prison after smuggling more 100 illegal aliens to the United States. Many of the illegal aliens were coached by Hernandez-Mosqueda to illegally enter the United States and claim asylum under false pretenses.

    The Southern District of California filed 97 border-related cases last week, including charges of transportation of illegal aliens, bringing in aliens for financial gain, receipt of bribes by public official, reentering the U.S. after deportation, deported alien found in the United States, and importation of controlled substances. Among those charged was Francisco Anguiano Rios, a Mexican national, who was arrested and charged with importation of a controlled substance after Customs and Border Protection officers found 209 packages containing 547 pounds of cocaine concealed in the fuel tank of the tractor trailer Rios was driving as it attempted to cross the border at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.

    The Central District of California filed criminal charges against 24 defendants who allegedly were found in the U.S. following removal, the Justice Department announced today. Among these defendants included criminals who previously were convicted of felonies prior to their removal from the United States, including one previously convicted of narcotics crimes involving methamphetamine and cocaine. The crime of being found in the United States following removal carries a base sentence of up to two years in federal prison. Defendants who were removed after being convicted of a felony face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and defendants removed after being convicted of an aggravated felony face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

    The District of New Mexico brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico: 56 individuals were charged with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326), 11 individuals were charged with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324), and 32 individuals were charged with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325). Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions, with some of those convictions being for aggravated felonies, including convictions for solicitation of a child to engage in sexual conduct, leaving the scene of an accident with fatality, and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    We are grateful for the hard work of our border prosecutors in bringing these cases and helping to make our border safe again. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Charges, Convictions Against MS-13 Gang Members in Broward County, Florida

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    “These indictments are a warning to all criminals. We don’t care how long ago you committed the crime. We don’t care where you go. We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

    -Attorney General Pamela Bondi

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas Doctor Admits Accepting Kickbacks to Commit Health Care Fraud

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

    ST. LOUIS – A medical doctor from the Kansas City, Kansas area on Friday admitted accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks to order medically unnecessary health care for thousands of patients.

    Dr. Scott Taggart Roethle, 47, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of health care fraud. He admitted that from 2017 until 2020, he conspired with health care companies and others to order medically unnecessary durable medical equipment, pain creams and genetic tests for thousands of patients in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks.

    Dr. Roethle contracted with multiple health care companies as a telemedicine doctor. Using electronic portals to review patient information and documents, Dr. Roethle ordered health care services for patients without evaluating them or their actual medical needs. He did not have a prior doctor-patient relationship with the telemedicine patients and admitted providing no follow-up care after ordering the health care services.

    Dr. Roethle was typically paid about $30 for each of his fraudulent orders. He admitted receiving payments of $674,000 from five companies. He also admitted that Medicare paid out at least $1.5 million while relying on his fraudulent orders. At the time of Dr. Roethle’s sentencing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will argue that the total loss due to the health care fraud is between $7 million and $9.5 million.

    Dr. Roethle was licensed to practice in 22 states during the time of his crime and worked primarily as an anesthesiologist.

    The trial of Dr. Roethle, of Leawood, was scheduled to begin Monday. His sentencing is set for July 17.

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman and Justin Ladendorf are prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Deer Lake — Deer Lake RCMP arrests two people for impaired driving

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Over the weekend, Deer Lake RCMP stopped two drivers, a 40-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman for impaired driving violations.

    On Saturday, April 5, 2025, at approximately 3:00pm, Deer Lake RCMP responded to a report of a suspected impaired driver. Officers located the described vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, a 40-year-old man, showed signs of impairment and was driving while prohibited, stemming from a recent court conviction for impaired driving. The man was arrested and transported to the Deer Lake RCMP detachment where he provided breath samples that were above the legal limit. He is set to appear in court at a later date to answer to charges of impaired operation and driving while prohibited. His vehicle was impounded.

    Later that day, at around 4:15 p.m., Deer Lake RCMP responded to a report of a collision between two vehicles on the Trans-Canada Highway near Pynn’s Brook. Police attended the scene and spoke with a female driver, who displayed signs of drug impairment. She was subsequently arrested and a demand was made for blood samples. Police are awaiting lab results from these samples to determine whether charges of impaired operation are appropriate. The investigation is continuing.

    Impaired operation of any motor vehicle is a choice that unnecessarily places the driver and all others who share the roadway at an increased level of risk. If you suspect an individual is driving while impaired, please immediately call your local police or 911 to make a report.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. Navy Invites Former Sailors to Apply for Reentry under Executive Order 14184

    Source: United States Navy

    The United States Navy is inviting former Sailors who voluntarily left the service or allowed their service to lapse, rather than comply with the COVID-19 vaccination mandate, the opportunity to apply for reinstatement, in accordance with Executive Order 14184, “Reinstating Service Members Discharged Under the Military’s COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate.”

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