NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orange, Texas, Man Guilty of Federal Violation in Investment Scheme

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

    BEAUMONT, Texas – An Orange, Texas man has pleaded guilty to a federal violation related to a fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Bradley Morgan Holts, 54, pleaded guilty on March 31, 2025, to wire fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.

    According to information presented in court, Holts, a financial advisor and stockbroker, was previously a financial advisor at Capital One Bank and World Capital Brokerage. In 2021, Holts opened a bank account in the name “Bradley Morgan Holts dba Invesco Investment Texas” (ITT).  Using this account, Holts deceived investors intending to make investments in Invesco, Ltd., a global investment firm, and used the client funds for his own personal use.

    Holts faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing.  The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here only for informational purposes. The ultimate sentence will be determined by the court, based on advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

    This case is being investigated by FBI’s Beaumont Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Jackson and Reynaldo P. Morin.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP investigates vehicle crash, driver found in possession of opioids and cash

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Forty-four-year-old Darryl Dyson was arrested by Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP on March 28, 2025, for possession of opioids after crashing a vehicle in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

    At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Friday, police on patrol came upon a single-vehicle crash on Cabot Crescent. Dyson, who was operating a vehicle while suspended, was found in possession of a quantity of suspected morphine pills and nearly $3000.00 cash.

    He attended court on March 31, 2025, and was released on a number of conditions. Dyson is charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Possession of a controlled substance
    • Failure to comply with a release order
    • Operating a vehicle with a suspended licence

    The investigation is continuing with other charges possible. Dyson’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 15, 2025.

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Contractor agrees to pay $750,000 to settle False Claims Act allegations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Stephen McLeod d/b/a A&S Contracting, of Hayes, Virginia, agreed to pay $750,000 to settle False Claims Act allegations that he engaged in a pattern of inflating costs and concealing use of subcontractors on work orders conducted for the United States Postal Service (USPS).

    McLeod, a sole proprietor doing business as A&S Contracting, performed repair and maintenance service projects at U.S. postal facilities throughout Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia.

    The government alleged that some thirty work orders contained false information and resulted in overcharges to the USPS.

    In one example, McLeod agreed to perform electrical work at a USPS post office in Norton, Virginia, even though McLeod did not have the appropriate license to perform electrical work. He nonetheless billed $9,570 for performance of the work order, including labor he did not perform and materials he did not provide. McLeod impermissibly subcontracted the work to another company and falsely certified in an invoice and associated documentation submitted to USPS that A&S performed the work.

    In another instance, McLeod, acting as A&S Contracting, agreed to patch potholes in a USPS post office parking lot in Wise, Virginia. The proposal submitted by McLeod falsely stated that A&S would perform the work, and did not reveal that he intended to retain a subcontractor for the job. The proposal also included charges for material and equipment not provided by McLeod, nor by McLeod acting as A&S. McLeod subcontracted the work to another company that performed all the pothole patching work at the USPS post office parking lot. The subcontractor charged McLeod $12,500 for its work and, in turn, McLeod, acting as A&S, charged USPS $20,385 for the work order.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the USPS Office of Inspector General.

    The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Kim and USPS Office of Inspector General Special Agent Darrin Dixon.

    A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

    The civil claims settled are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: José Adolfo “Fito” Macías Villamar, Leader of Los Choneros Transnational Criminal Organization, Indicted in Brooklyn Federal Court on International Drug and Gun Charges

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

    A seven-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging José Adolfo Macías Villamar, also known as “Fito,” with international cocaine distribution conspiracy; international cocaine distribution; using firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; smuggling firearms from the United States; and straw purchasing of firearms conspiracy.  Since at least 2020, he has been the leader of Los Choneros, one of Ecuador’s most violent drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations.  The defendant is not in U.S. custody.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Derek Maltz, Acting Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); L.C. Cheeks, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Newark Field Division, Atlantic City Satellite Office (ATF); and Jonathan Carson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office (OEE), announced the charges.

    “As alleged, the defendant was a ruthless leader and prolific drug trafficker for a violent transnational criminal organization.  By leading the Los Choneros’ network of assassins and drug and weapon traffickers and importing potentially lethal quantities of cocaine into the United States, the defendant has caused great harm to his own country and the United States, which was the destination for the vast majority of Los Choneros’ cocaine shipments,” stated United States Attorney Durham.

    Mr. Durham praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Andean Region – Quito, Country Office, Special Operations Division-Bilateral Investigations Unit and Latin America/Caribbean Section, Joint Interagency Task Force South; U.S. Southern Command; the Government of Ecuador; the New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau; and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Atlantic City.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance in this matter.

    “The indictment of José Adolfo Macías Villamar marks a significant strike against the violent networks that flood our communities with dangerous drugs like cocaine — a clear message that no one fueling this deadly trade is beyond the reach of justice. This case highlights the tireless efforts of DEA, alongside our partners in the United States and Ecuador,” stated DEA Administrator Maltz.  “We will continue to work across borders to dismantle the supply chain of violent, criminal networks, which underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and cartel violence.”

    “This investigation and charges are a testament to the combined efforts of law enforcement and underscores the resolve of ATF and our federal, state, and local partners. Drug trafficking and the heinous crimes associated with violent criminal organizations have an insidious impact on the public and tear apart the fabric of our communities. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal, across the U.S. and around the globe, to combat violence, drug distribution, and the illegal sale and possession of firearms to safeguard the safety and well-being of all,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Cheeks.

    “This indictment alleges the defendant and Los Choneros illegally smuggled firearms from the United States in furtherance of their violent drug trafficking operations,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office.  “The Office of Export Enforcement will continue its efforts alongside its law enforcement partners to pursue those who violate export laws, wherever they may be, worldwide.”

    As alleged in the indictment, from at least 2020 to 2025, Macías Villamar was the principal leader of Los Choneros, one of the most violent and powerful transnational criminal organizations in Ecuador.  Los Choneros, in partnership with the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, controlled key cocaine trafficking routes through Ecuador and operated a large-scale network responsible for the shipment and distribution of multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America through Central America and Mexico to the United States and elsewhere.  The vast majority of drugs trafficked by Los Choneros were imported into the United States.

    As the principal leader of Los Choneros, Macías Villamar employed members of the organization to carry out serious acts of violence on the organization’s behalf.  At Macías Villamar’s direction, Los Choneros committed violent acts towards law enforcement, Ecuadorian politicians, attorneys, prosecutors and civilians. Los Choneros obtained many of their firearms and weapons by illegally trafficking and exporting them from the United States.  As alleged, the defendant specifically employed individuals who purchased firearms, firearms components and ammunitions on Los Choneros’ behalf in the United States and then illegally smuggled them to Ecuador.

    Moreover, in furtherance of their drug trafficking operation, Los Choneros relied on “sicarios,” or hitmen, as well as corruption and bribe payments, to ensure protection and loyalty to Los Choneros. These “sicarios” regularly used military-grade weapons, like machine guns, AK-47 assault rifles and grenades to perpetrate violence, including murder, torture and kidnapping.  Macías Villamar and the Los Choneros organization have also been sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

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

    The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section, and as part of the work of the Office’s Transnational Criminal Organizations Strike Force.  Assistant United States Attorneys Chand Edwards-Balfour and Lorena Michelen are in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendant:

    JOSÉ ADOLFO MACÍAS VILLAMAR (also known as “Fito”)
    Age: 45
    Ecuador

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 25-CR-114 (FB)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Farmington Couple Pleads Guilty in Violent Assault Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington man has pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury, while his wife has pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting in connection with a violent assault in 2023.

    According to court records, on July 28, 2023, during an argument, Renauldo Sandoval, 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, slammed Jane Doe into a wall and strangled her, causing her to fall to the ground. Lisa Sandoval, 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, then pinned Jane Doe to the ground.

    At sentencing, Renauldo and Lisa both face up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrinand Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Media Advisory: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Events

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C – In commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar is announcing NCVRW observances planned in the Eastern District of North Carolina for the week of April 6-12, 2025. Members of the public and media are invited to attend.

    • On Monday, April 7th, a Pinwheel Event will be held in Wilmington to honor and support crime victims and their families.

      • 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Community Justice Center (410 Princess Street, Wilmington, NC 28401).

        This event will feature a message of hope and inspiration from caretakers in a child exploitation case and is being held in partnership with A Safe Place.

    • On Tuesday, 8th the National Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony will be held in Raleigh.

      • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the North Carolina State Bar Association (217 E. Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27601)

      • Registration is required for this event.

        This event is sponsored by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts and the Interagency Council.

    For additional information about this year’s NCVRW and how to assist victims in your own community, please visit the United States Attorney’s Office website.  For more ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.ojp.gov.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Medical group agrees to pay $2.8M to settle False Claims Act allegations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Fairfax Radiological Consultants, PLLC formerly known as Fairfax Radiological Consultants, P.C. (FRC), of Fairfax, agreed to pay $2,881,260 to settle False Claims Act allegations that it falsely reported its payroll costs to receive full forgiveness of a $6.7 million Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.

    The PPP offered loans to eligible small businesses for economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP borrowers were required to provide their income and supporting documents to qualify for the loan amount and for later loan forgiveness.

    In 2019, FRC employed over 500 individuals. Using its 2019 employee payroll, FRC was able to apply for a $6.8 million PPP loan in April 2020. At the time of its April 2020 PPP loan application, FRC employed less than 100 people.

    In April 2021, FRC applied for forgiveness of the loan. The United States alleged that FRC falsely represented its eligible payroll costs for 98 employees in its loan forgiveness application, which enabled FRC to receive full forgiveness of the $6.8 million loan. The United States alleged that, in actuality, FRC was only entitled to loan forgiveness of $4,945,860.

    The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Kim and auditor Peter Melaragni.

    A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

    The civil claims settled are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Macon Man Sentenced to Prison for Robbing Credit Unions

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident who brandished a firearm during two bank robberies and an attempted bank robbery in 2022—causing victims to suffer panic attacks and stealing a total of $38,274—was sentenced to prison this week.

    Felix Cordes, 58, was sentenced to serve 97 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $38,274 by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on April 2. Cordes previously pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery on Jan. 2. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Criminal offenders who instill fear in our community by conducting bank robberies will face consequences for their actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Our office is committed to working with law enforcement to bring the most dangerous criminals to justice.”

    “Cordes terrified innocent employees and customers at three businesses throughout his crime spree,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We are extremely grateful that no one was physically hurt or killed during these violent robberies and thankful that Cordes is off our streets receiving the sentencing he deserves.”

    “Felix Cordes was a ruthless and relentless criminal who possibly could have killed innocent bank employees had he not been stopped by the diligent work of investigators,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis. “We are grateful that justice is served, and he will be held accountable for spreading mayhem in our community.”

    According to the court documents and statements referenced in court, Cordes robbed MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union in Macon on April 2, 2022. Cordes attempted to disguise himself in overalls, a bandana and sunglasses. He approached the bank tellers on staff and brandished a handgun, ordering the tellers to “take the money out.” He went behind the counter, pulled cash out of two drawers, placed the money in a bag and left the scene. Some tellers experienced panic attacks from intimidation caused by Cordes. Cordes used some of the stolen money to purchase two cell phones at a Boost Mobile store.

    With the aid of an accomplice, Cordes robbed the Central Georgia Regional Credit Union in Macon on May 2, 2022. Wearing blue latex gloves and brandishing a firearm, he stole cash from the bank. He attempted to commit a third robbery on May 24, 2022, at another MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union location in Macon. This attempt was unsuccessful because bank staff saw Cordes and an accomplice–both wearing masks–approach the bank with a silver handgun drawn. The staff was able to lock down the bank and thwart the robbery attempt; no money was stolen. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence used by Cordes on April 6, 2022, and found a bandana matching the one seen on video during the first MidSouth Bank robbery video, blue latex gloves like those worn by Cordes during the second robbery, boxes corresponding to the cellphones purchased from Boost Mobile with the stolen money and a box of 9-millimeter ammunition. Cordes stole a total of $38,274 from the two credit unions.

    This case was investigated by FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom prosecuted the case for the Government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun and Oxycodone Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EVANSVILLE— Marquell T. Lockridge, 26, of Evansville, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to illegal possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.

    According to court documents, on November 1, 2024, at approximately 3:51 a.m., officers with the Evansville Police Department were dispatched to a Circle K gas station on a report of a disturbance in the parking lot. When officers arrived on scene, a woman in the parking lot claimed that Marquell Lockridge had pulled out a gun and pointed it at her. 

    Lockridge saw the officers walk toward him to investigate and jumped into his vehicle to flee the scene. However, he was unable to shift the car into drive. Officers commanded Lockridge to step out of the car. He eventually exited the vehicle, but then began running on foot and was quickly tased and arrested. 

    While officers were applying the handcuffs, Lockridge admitted that he had a loaded gun inside the front of his underwear. During a search of his person, officers located a plastic corner bag containing Oxycodone pills and approximately $20,227 in cash.

    Lockridge has been previously convicted of multiple crimes, including misdemeanor domestic battery in 2019, felony pointing a firearm at another in 2019, and felony theft of a firearm in 2022. These prior felony convictions prohibit him from ever legally possessing a firearm again.

    “Illegally armed felons are a preventable source of the gun violence that threatens our neighborhoods and takes far too many lives,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “A successful return to the community from prison requires compliance with the law, including never again possessing a gun. I commend the ATF and Evansville Police Department for keeping the community safe by getting this felon off the streets.”

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nashville Man Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm After Allegedly Pointing a Stolen Rifle at Police

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NASHVILLE – Isaiah Taivon Newsom a/k/a Isaiah Taivon Porterfield, 25, of Nashville, has been charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.

    “Dangerous felons who possess firearms and put police officers at risk will face swift justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “We will not tolerate potential violence against first responders and will seek full accountability for those putting our first responders in danger.”

    According to court documents, on March 25, 2025, detectives with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department were conducting covert surveillance near an address on Nashboro Boulevard. Detectives were parked in their unmarked police vehicles in several different areas of the apartment complex. One detective observed three people walk out of the breezeway near unit B, with one, later identified as Newsom, carrying what appeared to be a rifle.

    As they walked through the apartment complex, Newsom walked about fifteen feet away from another detective’s unmarked vehicle, stood near a tree, raised the rifle to his shoulder and pointed it at the detective, who was still in his vehicle. As the detective relayed Newsom’s actions to the other detectives in the area and they discussed a plan of action over the radio, Newsom walked past the front of the detective’s vehicle towards the passenger side and again pointed the rifle at the detective.

    As other detectives arrived in the area, Newsom moved towards the front of the detective’s vehicle and pointed the rifle directly at the detective. Although he was in an unmarked car, the detective was wearing a tactical vest with patches indicating he was a law enforcement officer, and he was equipped with a body worn camera. The detective activated his blue lights and a short burst of the siren, as he exited the vehicle and announced himself as a police officer. Newsom and the other two people then ran from the area. Detectives pursued Newsom on foot as he ran across a field and entered the wood line. Detectives set up a perimeter and, with the assistance of a K9 unit and the Metro Nashville Police Department aviation unit, took Newsom into custody.

    Detectives searched Newsom’s flight path and located a Windham Weaponry, WW-15, .223/5.56 caliber rifle which was later found to have been reported stolen from a Williamson County Sheriff’s Office marked patrol vehicle. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Newsom admitted to detectives that he had possessed the rifle.

    Newsom had previously been convicted of two counts of aggravated robbery and two counts of felony theft in Shelby County, Tennessee. Newsom served more than seven years in the Tennessee Department of Correction for his felony convictions.

    If convicted, Newsom faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

    This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens is 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 violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    # # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: José Adolfo “Fito” Macías Villamar, Leader of Los Choneros Transnational Criminal Organization, Indicted in Brooklyn Federal Court on International Drug and Gun Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A seven-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging José Adolfo Macías Villamar, also known as “Fito,” with international cocaine distribution conspiracy; international cocaine distribution; using firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; smuggling firearms from the United States; and straw purchasing of firearms conspiracy.  Since at least 2020, he has been the leader of Los Choneros, one of Ecuador’s most violent drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations.  The defendant is not in U.S. custody.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Derek Maltz, Acting Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); L.C. Cheeks, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Newark Field Division, Atlantic City Satellite Office (ATF); and Jonathan Carson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office (OEE), announced the charges.

    “As alleged, the defendant was a ruthless leader and prolific drug trafficker for a violent transnational criminal organization.  By leading the Los Choneros’ network of assassins and drug and weapon traffickers and importing potentially lethal quantities of cocaine into the United States, the defendant has caused great harm to his own country and the United States, which was the destination for the vast majority of Los Choneros’ cocaine shipments,” stated United States Attorney Durham.

    Mr. Durham praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Andean Region – Quito, Country Office, Special Operations Division-Bilateral Investigations Unit and Latin America/Caribbean Section, Joint Interagency Task Force South; U.S. Southern Command; the Government of Ecuador; the New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau; and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Atlantic City.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance in this matter.

    “The indictment of José Adolfo Macías Villamar marks a significant strike against the violent networks that flood our communities with dangerous drugs like cocaine — a clear message that no one fueling this deadly trade is beyond the reach of justice. This case highlights the tireless efforts of DEA, alongside our partners in the United States and Ecuador,” stated DEA Administrator Maltz.  “We will continue to work across borders to dismantle the supply chain of violent, criminal networks, which underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and cartel violence.”

    “This investigation and charges are a testament to the combined efforts of law enforcement and underscores the resolve of ATF and our federal, state, and local partners. Drug trafficking and the heinous crimes associated with violent criminal organizations have an insidious impact on the public and tear apart the fabric of our communities. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal, across the U.S. and around the globe, to combat violence, drug distribution, and the illegal sale and possession of firearms to safeguard the safety and well-being of all,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Cheeks.

    “This indictment alleges the defendant and Los Choneros illegally smuggled firearms from the United States in furtherance of their violent drug trafficking operations,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office.  “The Office of Export Enforcement will continue its efforts alongside its law enforcement partners to pursue those who violate export laws, wherever they may be, worldwide.”

    As alleged in the indictment, from at least 2020 to 2025, Macías Villamar was the principal leader of Los Choneros, one of the most violent and powerful transnational criminal organizations in Ecuador.  Los Choneros, in partnership with the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, controlled key cocaine trafficking routes through Ecuador and operated a large-scale network responsible for the shipment and distribution of multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America through Central America and Mexico to the United States and elsewhere.  The vast majority of drugs trafficked by Los Choneros were imported into the United States.

    As the principal leader of Los Choneros, Macías Villamar employed members of the organization to carry out serious acts of violence on the organization’s behalf.  At Macías Villamar’s direction, Los Choneros committed violent acts towards law enforcement, Ecuadorian politicians, attorneys, prosecutors and civilians. Los Choneros obtained many of their firearms and weapons by illegally trafficking and exporting them from the United States.  As alleged, the defendant specifically employed individuals who purchased firearms, firearms components and ammunitions on Los Choneros’ behalf in the United States and then illegally smuggled them to Ecuador.

    Moreover, in furtherance of their drug trafficking operation, Los Choneros relied on “sicarios,” or hitmen, as well as corruption and bribe payments, to ensure protection and loyalty to Los Choneros. These “sicarios” regularly used military-grade weapons, like machine guns, AK-47 assault rifles and grenades to perpetrate violence, including murder, torture and kidnapping.  Macías Villamar and the Los Choneros organization have also been sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

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

    The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section, and as part of the work of the Office’s Transnational Criminal Organizations Strike Force.  Assistant United States Attorneys Chand Edwards-Balfour and Lorena Michelen are in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendant:

    JOSÉ ADOLFO MACÍAS VILLAMAR (also known as “Fito”)
    Age: 45
    Ecuador

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 25-CR-114 (FB)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pharr resident charged with production of child sexual abuse material after attempting to exit U.S. into Mexico with minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – A 26-year-old Pharr resident has been charged with producing child pornography involving a 16-year-old minor, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Carlo Ivan Hurtado is expected to appear for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker at 11:15 a.m.

    The criminal complaint, filed March 28, alleges Hurtado arrived at the Hidalgo Port of Entry with a 16-year-old female passenger attempting to exit the United States. She had allegedly left home without her parent’s permission.

    Upon questioning, the minor reported she and Hurtado had stayed in a hotel room the night before in McAllen, according to the charges. She allegedly claimed she and Hurtado had sexual intercourse and recorded it using the minor female’s Snapchat account.

    The complaint alleges law enforcement conducted a search of her phone and discovered sexually explicit images and videos of her and Hurtado.

    If convicted, Hurtado faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible fine of up to $250,000.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Alexis Garcia is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Placer County Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Offenses

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

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Randy Anger, 57, of Carnelian Bay, was sentenced today to five years in prison and ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution and $10,200 in special assessments for distribution and receipt of child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, in May 2021, Anger distributed and received child sexual abuse material on the Kik Messenger app while communicating with Brent Hooton. Hooton was separately charged and convicted in the Eastern District of California with production and distribution of child pornography and was sentenced to 27 years in prison. In November 2021, Anger also received several images of child sexual abuse material on the Wickr app.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance by Homeland Security Investigations and the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Defence College Field Studies Visit to NATO HQ on 19 March

    Source: NATO

    On 19 March, the NATO Defense College (NDC) conducted a Field Studies visit to NATO HQ, International Military Staff, providing a unique learning opportunity for the Senior Course (SC) and NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC) participants. This visit, which is an integral part of the NDC curriculum, allows course members to engage with national, regional, and global decision-makers while gaining firsthand insights into security policies, armed forces, and cultural values.

    The visit was attended by 121 participants, with 75 from “SC-146”, 36 from “NRCC-36”, and the remaining attendees from NDC staff. The program included a diverse and comprehensive schedule. The opening session featured a welcome address, keynote, and Q&A with Lt Gen Janusz Adamczak, Director General of the International Military Staff (IMS).

    This was followed by a panel discussion on the theme “NATO’s Deterrence and Defence: Strategic Imperatives for the Alliance”, with contributions from Mr. Angus Lapsley (Assistant Secretary General, Defence Planning Policy), Major General Ulf Haeussler (Director, Operations and Planning Division, IMS), Mr. Thijs van der Plas (Dutch Permanent Representative to NATO), and Lieutenant General Jérôme Goisque (French Military Representative to NATO).

    The group was briefed on NATO’s approach to defence and industry’s role in building capabilities from senior experts across the NATO structure. Further sessions also included “NATO Cooperation Security and Military Cooperation” and “NATO’s Assessment of the Terrorist Threat”.

    This visit was a valuable opportunity for NDC participants to gain a deeper understanding of NATO’s strategic direction and key areas of defense and security cooperation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cold Lake — Cold Lake RCMP seize drugs and guns after successful operation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Cold Lake RCMP General Investigations Section (GIS) have concluded a long-term drug trafficking investigation in Cold Lake and surrounding area dubbed Project K-NANOSECOND. With the assistance of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) in Lloydminster and Edmonton, Cold Lake GIS embarked on an investigation into a group of individuals trafficking cocaine which has resulted in one of the largest drug seizures ever made in Cold Lake and surrounding area.

    On Feb. 25, 2025, with the assistance of Lloydminster ALERT, Edmonton ALERT, the RCMP Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, the RCMP Community Response Team in Edmonton, Bonnyville GIS, Police Dog Services, and members of the Cold Lake RCMP, Cold Lake GIS executed six separate search warrants in various locations. Three residences, as well as a commercial property in Cold Lake, were searched along with a residence in the hamlet of Ardmore, Alta. and a dwelling unit in the city of Edmonton.

    As a result of this investigation, the following has been seized:

    • Approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine;
    • Approximately one kilogram of suspected fentanyl;
    • Approximately five kilograms of a suspected cocaine cutting agent, benzocaine;
    • Approximately $68,000.00 in Canadian currency;
    • 23 Firearms, including 4 restricted handguns;
    • A Range Rover SUV and a Ford F350 Super duty Truck.

    As a result of this investigation, three individuals have been charged:

    A 31-year-old individual, a resident of Cold Lake, has been charged with the following offences:

    • Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking;
    • Possession of Proceeds of Crime;
    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
    • Possession of a prohibited weapon.

    A 62-year-old individual, a resident of Cold Lake, has been charged with the following offences:

    • Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking;
    • Possession of Proceeds of Crime;
    • Careless Use of a Firearm;
    • Possession of a Prohibited Device.

    A 33-year-old individual, a resident of Ardmore Alta., has been charged with the following offences with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance.

    All individuals were held for a judicial interim hearing and released with conditions to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Cold Lake on March 19, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbia Man Sentenced to More than 12 Years Federal Prison for Federal Firearm Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — Everette Kale Wanamaker, 37, of Orangeburg, has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

    Evidence presented to the court showed that on multiple occasions between November 2022 and February 2023, Wanamaker sold 15 firearms, including firearms with high-capacity magazines and obliterated serial numbers to undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Wanamaker also sold approximately 30 grams of fentanyl and 55 grams of counterfeit heroin to undercover agents. On Feb. 13, 2023, Wanamaker was arrested with three additional firearms, including one that was stolen and 28 grams of fentanyl.

    Wanamaker is a felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. Wanamaker has prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, domestic violence 2nd degree, financial identity fraud, possession of heroin and possession of methamphetamine.

    United States District Mary Geiger-Lewis sentenced Wanamaker to 151 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, West Columbia Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four South Carolina Defendants Sentenced for Civil Rights Crimes Targeting Hispanics

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON — Three South Carolina men and one woman have been sentenced for violent crimes targeting Hispanics in Columbia, South Carolina. Charles Antonio Clippard, 27, was sentenced to 420 months in prison; Michael Joseph Knox, 29, was sentenced to 303 months in prison; Gabriel Brunson, 21, was sentenced to 100 months in prison; and Sierra Fletcher, 34, was sentenced to 200 months in prison.

    All four defendants previously pleaded guilty to carjacking, conspiracy, firearms, and criminal civil rights charges in connection with the string of armed robberies. According to court documents, beginning in January 2021 and continuing through February 2021, the four defendants conspired to target Hispanic victims for armed robberies. The group would wait for their victims at gas stations and grocery stores and then follow them to their homes or other locations to rob their victims at gunpoint. All four defendants admitted their involvement in a Jan. 30, 2021, armed robbery and carjacking targeting a Hispanic victim after following him from a gas station to his home. In another series of robberies on Jan. 30, 2021, three members of the group carjacked one victim, and invaded the home of another group of victims. The group stole cash, cellphones, driver’s licenses, and credit cards from multiple victims.

    “The defendants hunted victims based on their ethnicity and terrorized an entire community. Their acts of bias-motivated violence have no place in South Carolina,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “These four defendants will spend a total of 85 years in federal prison as a result of law enforcement coordination at the federal, state, and local level. We are all committed to making sure the Palmetto State remains a safe place for everyone.”

    Deputy Assistant Attorney General Mac Warner of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Brook Andrews and Acting Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of the FBI Columbia Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Columbia Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Town of Lexington Police Department and Columbia Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Garner for the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorneys Katherine McCallister and Andrew Manns of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Own Every Dollar Gang Member Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison For 2019 Murder

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JERRIN PENA, a/k/a “Rooga,” a/k/a “Perry,” was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in prison for his participation in several acts of violence as a member of the Own Every Dollar (“OED”) gang, including the April 14, 2019, murder of Hector Cruz.  PENA previously pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon, Hobbs Act robbery, discharging a firearm in furtherance of Hobbs Act robbery, narcotics conspiracy, and firearms trafficking.  U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken imposed yesterday’s sentence.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Jerrin Pena, a leader of the violent OED gang, murdered an innocent bystander, Hector Cruz, while trying to shoot at a rival gang member on April 14, 2019.  Then, when in federal custody on these charges, Pena stabbed another inmate in an attempt to kill him. Yesterday’s lengthy prison sentence hopefully brings some measure of comfort to the family of Hector Cruz, and reinforces this Office’s commitment to ending gang violence throughout New York City.”

    As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings:

    PENA was a leader of the violent OED gang, a subset of the Trinitarios gang based in and around the Washington Heights area of Manhattan.  The indictments in this case charge 24 members and associates of OED with numerous violent crimes, including five murders and 15 attempted murders.

    On April 14, 2019, in the early evening, PENA and others drove to West 135th Street in Manhattan to shoot at members of a rival gang.  PENA exited the car and shot at a rival gang member on West 135th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. He missed the rival gang member, but struck bystander Hector Cruz—then age 57—in the liver. Cruz died of the gunshot wound approximately one month later.

    PENA also committed an attempted murder on February 28, 2023, when he and several other inmates stabbed another inmate in the Metropolitan Detention Center; committed a gunpoint robbery of a drug dealer on January 22, 2022, in the vicinity of Riverside Drive and West 145th Street in Manhattan; conspired to traffic more than four kilograms of fentanyl; and trafficked firearms from Pennsylvania to New York.

    16 other defendants have previously pled guilty in the case.

    *               *                *

    In addition to his prison term, PENA, 23, of New York, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah L. Kushner, Kevin Mead, Ashley C. Nicolas, and Alexandra Messiter are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four South Carolina Defendants Sentenced for Armed Robberies, Carjacking, and Civil Rights Crimes Targeting Hispanics

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Three South Carolina men and one woman were sentenced on Feb. 3, March 13, and April 1, for violent crimes targeting Hispanics in Columbia, South Carolina. Charles Antonio Clippard, 27, was sentenced to 420 months in prison; Michael Joseph Knox, 29, was sentenced to 303 months in prison; Gabriel Brunson, 21, was sentenced to 100 months in prison; and Sierra Fletcher, 34, was sentenced to 200 months in prison.

    All four defendants previously pleaded guilty to carjacking, conspiracy, firearms, and criminal civil rights charges in connection with the string of armed robberies. According to court documents, beginning in January 2021 and continuing through February 2021, the four defendants conspired to target Hispanic victims for armed robberies. The group would wait for their victims at gas stations and grocery stores and then follow them to their homes or other locations to rob their victims at gunpoint. All four defendants admitted their involvement in a Jan. 30, 2021, armed robbery and carjacking targeting a Hispanic victim after following him from a gas station to his home. In another series of robberies on Jan. 30, 2021, three members of the group carjacked one victim, and invaded the home of another group of victims. The group stole cash, cellphones, driver’s licenses, and credit cards from multiple victims.

    Deputy Assistant Attorney General Mac Warner of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Brook Andrews, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of the FBI Columbia Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Columbia Field Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Garner for the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorneys Katherine McCallister and Andrew Manns of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Global crackdown on Kidflix, a major child sexual exploitation platform with almost two million users

    Source: Europol

    A total of 1.8 million users worldwide logged on to the platform between April 2022 and March 2025. On 11 March 2025, the server, which contained around 72 000 videos at the time, was seized by German and Dutch authorities.The investigation resulted in the identification of almost 1 400 suspects worldwide. So far, 79 of these individuals have been arrested…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Forces conduct strike against ISIS-Somalia

    Source: United States AFRICOM

    At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on April 1, 2025.

    The airstrike occurred southeast of Bosaso, Puntland, in Northeastern Somalia.

    AFRICOM’s initial assessment is that multiple enemy combatants were killed and that no civilians were injured or killed.

    ISIS-Somalia has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. and partner forces. This group’s malicious efforts threaten U.S. national security interests.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland Man Sentenced for Fabricating Evidence in Federal Investigation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Austin Perkins, III, 45, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for lying to federal agents in the hopes of early parole from a sentence he was serving for another crime.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Perkins was serving time for a parole violation in Maryland when he devised a scheme to obtain early release. He made false claims to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and forged three letters in which he impersonated his former cellmate who had been indicted on firearms charges.  In the letters (and through his statements), the defendant perpetuated a hoax claiming his former cellmate planned to escape from prison and murder an ATF agent. The defendant engaged in this scheme to garner favor with federal agents and possibly obtain early release from prison. Perkins has prior convictions for theft, drug trafficking and battery.

    Perkins will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.   

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Marshals Service investigated.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nearly 3,000 top-venting blank firers handed during national gun amnesty

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    National gun amnesty took place in February across England and Wales.

    Police forces across England and Wales have seen 2,962 Turkish manufactured guns handed in as part of a national amnesty which took place in February.

    The top-venting blank firing (TVBF) guns have become popular with organised criminals in recent years due to the ease at which they are readily convertible into lethal firearms. Tests by the National Crime Agency and policing, funded by the Home Office, show models produced by four Turkish manufacturers are readily convertible and therefore illegal. TVBFs are legal to buy in the UK without a licence by over 18s unless they are readily convertible.

    Police forces across England and Wales held a four-week Firearms Amnesty for Turkish manufactured TVBFs namely models with the brand names ‘Retay’, ‘Ekol’, ‘Ceonic’ and ‘Blow’, in February.

    Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for the Criminal Use of Firearms, said: “This is a considerable step in making our streets safer and stopping these weapons from being used by criminals.

    “I would like to thank the public for their support during the amnesty and handing in these weapons which are now illegal to possess.

    “If you have any information about illegal firearms, such as the Turkish manufactured TVBF, I would ask you contact the police or Crimestoppers so that they can be taken off the streets.”

    The amnesty which took place between 3 February and 28 February 2025 saw 2,962 Turkish manufactured top-venting firers and was aimed at anyone in possession of a TVBF to hand their weapon in to avoid prosecution and up to 10 years imprisonment.

    In their original state TVBFs have a fully blocked barrel and are designed to discharge only blank cartridges. When discharged, combustion gases vent from the top of the weapon. TVBFs are sold with at least 50 per cent of their visible surface painted a bright colour however, criminals may paint them black so they look like an original lethal purpose (OLP) weapon as well as convert them to a lethal purpose firearm.

    Since 2021, UK law enforcement has recovered more than 1,000 converted TVBFs in criminal circumstances. Firearms legislation has not changed; the weapons are illegal to own under the Firearms Act 1968 as they can be readily converted using common household tools and without specialist skill on the part of the person carrying out the conversion. Testing completed by the NCA has demonstrated this.

    Charles Yates, National Crime Agency deputy director, said: “The amnesty results are excellent with very large numbers of surrenders of these easily converted firearms.

    “This work is a superb example of the public and the firearms trade coming together to help reduce the risk of the criminal use of these weapons.

    “Though firearms crime in the UK is relatively low compared with elsewhere in Europe and is among the lowest in the world, the NCA, policing and Border Force will continue to do everything possible to suppress the firearms threat and to protect the UK public.”

    Other unwanted, unlicensed firearms and ammunition may be surrendered to police at any time which will avoid the risk of them becoming involved in criminality and means that members of the community can dispose of firearms in a safe place.

    Anyone now found in possession of a Turkish manufactured TVBF will face prosecution for the illegal possession and face up to 10 years imprisonment.

    If you know of people involved in illegal firearms activity should call the Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Every call to Crimestoppers is anonymous and potentially vital to preventing or solving serious crimes; removing an illegally held firearm may just save someone’s life.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for murder of his daughter

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been jailed for life after the daughter he assaulted as a baby died of her injuries six years later.

    Kyle Kitchen 38, (04.08.1986), of no fixed address, was sentenced at the Old Bailey to a minimum of seven years and eight months behind bars for the murder of Primrose Kane, after assaulting her so violently that she would never learn to walk or talk.

    Kitchen was serving the 15-year sentence he was given at Blackfriars Crown Court in August 2016, having been convicted of two counts of grievous bodily harm in relation to the incident, when he was arrested for Primrose’s murder.

    In a trial which started on Monday, 10 February, the court heard Primrose’s mother and father contacted NHS 111 after she was found unresponsive at her home at Queens Crescent, Camden on Monday, 3 November 2014. She was just two months’ old.

    Doctors found Primrose suffered such severe injuries to her head, including a skull fracture and bleed on the brain, that she would grow, but remain with the mental capacity of a baby, with severe physical and developmental disabilities.

    In time, she developed cerebral palsy and scoliosis. She was unable to communicate, and suffered with chronic pain.

    While Primrose was being treated in hospital, the Met’s Child Abuse Command team launched a criminal investigation after deeming the injuries not to be accidental.

    Both her mother and father were arrested and later convicted.

    Primrose died aged six on Monday, 17 May 2021 at the home of her grandmother in Welling.

    Doctors concluded Primrose had died from pneumonia caused by profound neurological, physical and developmental disabilities.

    Homicide detectives were informed Primrose had died, and sought to determine whether the assault in 2014 contributed to her cause of death.

    The Met’s Specialist Crime Command launched an investigation, resulting in Kitchen being arrested and later charged with murder.

    He was convicted at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 12 March.

    Detective Inspector Laura Nelson, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Homicide Team, said: “Primrose was born a happy and healthy baby.

    “The reason why Kyle Kitchen lost his temper and shook his daughter remains unknown. However, his actions have resulted in Primrose’s short life being lived in pain.

    “No child should ever have to suffer in this way.

    “The fact that such serious injuries were caused by her father makes this case all the more shocking.

    “At no time, since 2014, has Kitchen shown any remorse for his actions. As a team, we have fought hard to bring justice for Primrose, whilst others close to her have been in denial about how the assault in 2014 occurred.

    “Today’s sentence will bring some closure to Primrose’s family, but this will never compensate for their loss.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The Ukraine Defence Contact Group to meet at NATO Headquarters

    Source: NATO

    On 11 April the United Kingdom and Germany will convene the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at NATO HQ.

    Media representatives with an annual accreditation to NATO for 2025 do not need to request accreditation for this event. All other media representatives wishing to cover the meeting should accredit via the NATO accreditation portal by 3 April 1300 CEST.

    Media opportunities will be set out in due course.
    For more details please contact:

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Deputy Secretary General to visit Poland

    Source: NATO

    From 2 to 3 April 2025, the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ms Radmila Shekerinska, will visit Warsaw, Poland, to attend the informal meeting of EU Ministers of Defence.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USCGC Frederick Hatch maximizes port call in Majuro, strengthens security interoperability with regional partners

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands — While en route to Honolulu for scheduled drydock maintenance, the USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) crew turned an unexpected weather delay into an opportunity to reinforce U.S. security commitment to Allies and Indo-Pacific partners during a port call in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), from March 18 to 22, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney’s Office and Task Force Honored for Dismantling Violent Criminal Enterprise

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

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Washington-Baltimore HIDTA has recognized two Assistant United States Attorneys from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia and members of the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force for an investigation that dismantled a tri-state drug trafficking operation.

    Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced that Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane received the Outstanding Community Impact Investigation award at the HIDTA ceremony in Baltimore, Maryland today for their work on a case which dismantled a violent criminal enterprise that was distributing large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The investigation led to the indictment of 82 co-conspirators and the seizure of nine kilograms of fentanyl/heroin, large amounts of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, $250,000 in cash and other assets.

    “I express my heartfelt thanks to HIDTA for honoring these Assistant United States Attorneys and members of the task force who work tirelessly to remove fentanyl and these other agents of death from our community,” stated Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard.  “The AUSAs and the task force members are on the front lines, days, nights, and weekends using their skills and the most advanced technology to serve the mission of eliminating these poisons and the organizations who distribute them from our country.”

    The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force is a HIDTA-funded initiative and consists of members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; the Martinsburg Police Department; the Ranson Police Department; and the Charles Town Police Department.

    Washington-Baltimore HIDTA (High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) provides support and guidance to reduce drug trafficking and misuse by improving interagency collaboration, promoting accurate and timely information and intelligence sharing, and specialized training and other resources to law enforcement, intelligence, treatment, and prevention initiatives. To learn more, go to https://www.hidta.org.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Joint Law Enforcement Operation leads to the Indictment of Nine Mississippi Men for Drug and Firearm Trafficking

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

    Gulfport, Miss. – A federal grand jury in Gulfport, Mississippi returned indictments charging nine men—Alvonta Demarcus McCray, Melvin McCray, Cameron Fairley, Christopher Chase Brown, Cleon Johnson, Roderick Victor Minter, Tracy Antoine McCall, Nathaniel Jackson, and Jeremy Young—for their involvement in narcotics and firearm trafficking.

    These indictments are the result of a joint investigation among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”); Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”); Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (“MBN”); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Stone County Sheriff’s Department. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted more than 30 operations that resulted in the seizure of 3.98 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 4,000 fentanyl pills, 18 grams of powder fentanyl, and over 20 firearms.

    According to the indictments, Alvonta Demarcus McCray was charged in a six-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute-methamphetamine and fentanyl, and five counts of possession with intent to distribute; he is facing up to life in prison. Melvin McCray was charged in a five-count indictment charging him with trafficking firearms, and four counts of possession of a firearm by convicted felon; he is facing up 15 years in prison. Cameron Fairley and Christopher Chase Brown were charged in a joint indictment charging them with trafficking firearms. Fairley is also charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Fairley is facing up to life in prison and Brown is facing up to 15 years in prison. Nathaniel Jackson is charged in a six-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and fentanyl analogue, he is facing up to 20 years in prison. Cleon Johnson is charged with possession of a short-barreled shotgun and is facing up to 10 years in prison. Roderick Victor Minter, and Tracy Antoine McCall are charged in a joint indictment charging them with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Minter and McCall are facing up to life in prison. Jeremy Young is charged in a two-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and is facing up to 20 years in prison.

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

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of ATF; Special Agent in Charge Eric P. DeLaune of HSI, Sean Tindell, Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety; and Todd Stewart, Sheriff of the Stone County Sheriff’s Department made the announcement.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter McCreight is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bank Fraud Ringleader, “Scamdaddy,” Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Utah Credit Unions

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant helped run a multi-state bank fraud ring that stole nearly half a million dollars from Utah-based credit unions

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Matthew Acquah, 24, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced today to 36 months’ imprisonment, a term of three years’ supervised release, and ordered by the court to pay $452,000 in restitution for his role defrauding Utah-based credit unions out of nearly half a million dollars.  

    The sentence, imposed by Chief District Judge Robert J. Shelby, comes after Acquah pleaded guilty in January 2025 to counts of bank fraud, bank fraud conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft.

    According to court documents and statements made at Acquah’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, Acquah admitted that he used fraudulent identification documents to open lines of credit on behalf of unwitting victims and then take out unauthorized cash advances. He also admitted helping plan and execute numerous bank fraud sprees in Utah involving out-of-state coconspirators. According to prosecutors, Acquah was referred to as “Scamdaddy” or “Playboy Prince” by his coconspirators. Acquah arranged airfare for coconspirators, booked hotel rooms, facilitated vehicles and drivers, trained new recruits, and performed other management functions for the bank fraud ring.  

    Between December 2023 and June 2024, Acquah admitted that his fraud ring managed to obtain over $450,000 in fraud proceeds from credit unions in Utah.  According to documents filed with the court, Acquah used his share to fund a lavish lifestyle, including an apartment in downtown Los Angeles and a vehicle. He was arrested with over $100,804 in U.S. currency split between his apartment and an offsite storage unit, which will be used to repay victims.

    The case was investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations and the Taylorsville City Police Department.

    Assistant United States Attorney Tanner Zumwalt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –