NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Slave Lake — Slave Lake RCMP lay firearms charges

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Jan. 29, 2025, Slave Lake RCMP attended a home in the area of 1 Avenue SW, Slave Lake, and located a firearm in the possession of a 31-year-old individual, a resident of Slave Lake.

    A search warrant was granted after members witnessed a firearm inside the residence, as the individual was bound by conditions of not to possess any weapons or firearms and was charged with 22 offenses, including: failure to comply with release order conditions x13, unauthorized possession of a firearm x4, possession of firearm when knowing it is unauthorized x4, and careless use of a firearm.

    The individual was brought before a justice of the peace, where he was remanded with a court date of Feb. 3, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in High Prairie, Alta.

    Slave Lake RCMP seized several firearms and ammunition from the residence.

    The Peace Regional RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the location of, or sightings of crimes in the area and anyone with information is asked to please contact the Slave Lake RCMP at 780-849-3045 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Albert — St. Albert RCMP search warrant leads to drug seizure

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Feb. 6, 2025, the St. Albert RCMP Drug Unit, with assistance from the St. Albert RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, executed a search warrant on a vehicle and a residence in the Carlisle neighbourhood in Edmonton. As a result of the investigation and search warrants, police located and seized the following items:

    • Over 2.4 kilograms of cocaine
    • 895 grams of methamphetamine
    • 855 grams of buffing agent
    • Canadian currency
    • Drug paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking
    • Three handguns, all of which were loaded at the time of their seizure, two of which had defaced serial numbers, and one was reported stolen
    • Multiple prohibited magazines
    • Approximately 400 rounds of ammunition

    A 33-year-old individual, a resident of Edmonton, has been charged with the following offences:

    • Trafficking in a controlled substance (x3)
    • Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine
    • Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
    • Possession of proceeds of crime under $5000 (x3)
    • Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000
    • Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x6)
    • Careless use of a firearm (x2)
    • Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
    • Carrying a concealed weapon
    • Tampering with a firearm serial number (x2)
    • Resist arrest

    The individual was taken before a justice of the peace and was remanded into custody with a next court date set for Feb. 14, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Edmonton.

    St. Albert RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Redwater —  Alberta RCMP along with Alberta Sheriffs & County Enforcement Services partner for Traffic Enforcement

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    With the positive change in temperatures and melting snow, Redwater RCMP in partnership with RCMP Traffic Services, Alberta Sheriffs, enforcement officers from Sturgeon and Thorhild County, are reminding everyone to do their part to keep the roadways safe for drivers.

    On Friday February 21, 2025, Redwater RCMP conducted a pro active Joint Force Operation (JFO) with partner agencies concentrating enforcement attention on intersection and excessive speed violators. Operations occurred along Highway 28, and along Highway 63 in the jurisdiction of the Redwater RCMP Detachment. A total of 53 violation tickets were issued, including:

    • 15 Stop Sign Violations
    • 33 Speeding Violations
    • 2 Unregistered Motor Vehicle Violations
    • 2 Failure to produce Violations
    • 1 Expired Driver’s License Violations

    “During the last fiscal year, the Redwater RCMP has responded to 52 injury collisions and two fatal collisions”, says Cpl. Dillon Vahey – Operations NCO Redwater Detachment. These proactive efforts by Alberta’s RCMP demonstrate our commitment to rural road safety and traffic enforcement.

    Motorists are reminded that highway speeds decrease as drivers approach rural communities and secondary highways throughout Redwater, Sturgeon County and Thorhild County. Road safety is a shared responsibility. Redwater RCMP asks that drivers do their part to make sure that area roadways are travelled in a safe manner this year.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland Man Indicted for Passport Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, a federal grand jury indicted Beautiful Life Allah, aka Tezelle Miller, aka Tezell Miller, 65, of Gwynn Oak, Maryland, charging him with passport fraud, aggravated identity theft, false statements, and false representation of a social security number. 

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with David M. Richeson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) –Washington Field Office, and Colleen Lawlor, Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG) – Philadelphia Field Division.

    According to the indictment, Allah used someone else’s social security number to submit a passport application; submitted a fraudulent custody order to apply for a passport for his minor child; and made false statements on passport applications from August 2022 through February 2023. 

    If convicted, Allah faces up to 10 years for passport fraud, a mandatory minimum sentence of two years for aggravated identity theft, up to five years for false statements, and up to five years for false representation of a social security number. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  

    A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended DSS and SSA-OIG for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who is prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts Ohio Man of Armed Cocaine Trafficking and Illegal Firearm Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COVINGTON, Ky. – A Cincinnati, Ohio, man was convicted on Thursday by a federal jury in Covington for armed cocaine trafficking and illegal firearm possession. 

    After slightly under three hours of deliberation, following a three-day trial, the jury convicted 33-year-old Anthony Wynn of one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

    According to testimony at trial, in August 2020, law enforcement stopped a vehicle being driven by Wynn to investigate a possible DUI. During the stop, officers located two bags of crack cocaine and a bag of marijuana on Wynn’s person. Officers also found a loaded firearm in the glove box and a digital scale in the center console. An additional loaded firearm was found in the trunk. Wynn possessed the firearms to protect himself, drugs, and drug proceeds from robbery. Also, Wynn was aware at the time of his arrest that he had prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    Wynn was previously convicted of facilitation of robbery and first degree trafficking in a controlled substance in Campbell County Circuit Court in 2010; and first degree trafficking in a controlled substance, cocaine, and two counts of first degree trafficking in a controlled substance, heroin, in Kenton County Circuit Court in 2015.

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Brian Valenti, Covington Police Department, jointly announced the conviction.

    The investigation was conducted by ATF and Covington Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tony Bracke and Joel King.

    Wynn will appear for sentencing on July 16, 2025. He faces a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of life in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence.

    This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities.  It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts.  In the Eastern District of Kentucky, Acting U.S. Attorney McCaffrey coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Woman Sentenced for Investment Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Diana Mae Fernandez, age 38, of Bergenfield, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison for an investment scheme in which victims from West Virginia and elsewhere lost more than $300,000.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Fernandez, also known as “Diana Fernandez Koporan,” “Dana Fernandez,” and “Dajana Ko,” operated purported investment firms known as “The Self Made Success” and “Diana Mae K., LLC.” She used social media to advertise her services as “no risk” or offering “guaranteed” profit returns. Multiple victims, including an individual from Marion County, West Virginia, were defrauded of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Fernandez used the money she stole for her own benefit.

    Fernandez was ordered to pay $330,144.00 in restitution to the victims. She will serve three years of supervised release following her prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The FBI investigated the case.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Indicted for Passport and Visa Fraud After Assuming the Identify of a United States Citizen Over 40 Years Ago

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Enrrique Ricardo Diaz Vazquez, 60, a Mexican national living in Arizona, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Phoenix on Tuesday with Passport and Visa Fraud.

    According to the criminal complaint in this case, an individual purporting to be Gene Edward Katzorke (“Katzorke”), first applied for and received a U.S. passport in 1986, submitting an Arizona license and U.S. birth certificate as supporting documentation. In subsequent years, the same individual filed multiple passport renewal applications, using his previously issued passport to support his identity claim. In 2022, Katzorke’s application was flagged for investigation after agents discovered an obituary from the 1960s for a Gene Edward Katzorke.

    During the investigation, United States Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agents learned that Gene Edward Katzorke had died in 1966, at the age of 2 years old. They also learned that Katzorke’s name was linked in criminal databases to Enrrique Ricardo Diaz Vazquez, a Mexican national.

    On March 7, 2025, Diaz Vazquez, purporting to be Gene Edward Katzorke, arrived at the Western Passport Center for a regularly scheduled appointment regarding his most recent passport applications. After confirming that he had applied for the renewal under Katzorke’s name, Diaz Vazquez was arrested for Passport and Visa Fraud.

    During a post-arrest interview, Diaz Vazquez admitted his real name to be Enrrique Ricardo Diaz Vasquez and his place of birth as Guadalajara, Mexico. Diaz Vazquez told law enforcement agents that he wanted to join the U.S. military and picked the name Gene Edward Katzorke as his alias after visiting a cemetery. Diaz Vazquez successfully joined the military under Katzorke’s name, but then fled to Mexico after facing criminal charges for a homicide involving a nine-month-old infant in Tucson, Arizona. Diaz Vazquez was eventually deported from Mexico to the United States under the belief that he was a U.S. Citizen, and he has been living under Katzorke’s name since that time. 

    Passport and Visa Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

    An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The Diplomatic Security Service Tucson Resident Office and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Sydney Yew, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-25-00469-PHX-SPL
    RELEASE NUMBER:     2025-042_Diaz Vazquez

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    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Federal Drug Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Brian Ellis Jones, 44, of Freeport, New York, was sentenced today to 18 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, from March 15, 2023 through June 24, 2023, Jones sent 11 packages containing methamphetamine from New York to co-defendant Jason Todd Painter in Clendenin, West Virginia. Jones admitted that the packages contained a total of at least 33 pounds of methamphetamine. Painter kept some of the methamphetamine for himself and held the rest for Jones to pick up. Jones occasionally directed Painter to deliver methamphetamine to other individuals in the Kanawha County area.

    On July 15, 2023, Jones shipped a package through the United States Postal Service from New York to Clendenin. Law enforcement intercepted the package and discovered methamphetamine inside. On July 18, 2023, law enforcement officers arrested Jones and found $1,133 on his person. Jones admitted that he possessed the money and that it was a portion of his drug proceeds.

    Painter, 40, of Clendenin, was sentenced on November 13, 2024 to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.

    Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-182.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard inspection team reveals hazardous cargo threatening safety, security of Puerto Nuevo Terminals port facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    03/27/2025 03:45 PM EDT

    A Coast Guard Sector San Juan inspections team discovered an Anhydrous Ammonia  hazardous cargo  shipment threatening the safety and security of the Puerto Nuevo Terminals (PNT) port facility, Wednesday.  A Coast Guard investigation into the situation is ongoing. A team of three Coast Guard Marine Science Technicians conducting a routine examination at the facility identified three tank-containers, one of which was deemed to be unlawful, with more than 5,000 gallons of Anhydrous Ammonia, a hazardous, highly toxic and corrosive gas or colorless liquid which is flammable in high concentrations. The product is used for various industrial applications including detergents, pesticides and fertilizers, among others. 

    For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Three District Men Indicted Following Firearms Arrest During Early Morning Traffic Stop in Logan Circle

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Wesley Hilliard, 32, and Sequan Collier, 27, and Naseer Green, 19, all of Washington D.C., were indicted today on federal gun charges in the latest case to be federally adopted as part of the “Make D.C. Safe Again” initiative, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Hilliard and Collier are both charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; Green is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of a machine gun. The charges follow their March 16th arrests in the Logan Circle Neighborhood.

                According to court documents, at approximately 2:00 a.m. on March 16, 2025, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a running vehicle parked illegally near a fire hydrant on 7th Street NW in the Logan Circle neighborhood.

                Court documents allege that the vehicle was occupied by three individuals: driver Sequan Collier, front-seat passenger Naseer Green, and rear-seat passenger Wesley Hilliard. Officers allegedly observed open containers of alcohol in the vehicle and detected the presence of firearms. All three individuals were then detained by police.

                It is alleged that a handgun was recovered from the seat where Hilliard had been sitting. Hilliard, also a convicted felon, is currently on supervised release for a federal narcotics offense.

                It is further alleged that a loaded firearm was recovered from Collier’s waistband. A records check confirmed Collier is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms.

                Green was also allegedly found with a loaded firearm, modified with a device that converts it to fully automatic fire. The firearm was reported stolen from the state of Georgia. Green does not possess a valid license to carry a firearm in the District.

                All recovered firearms were allegedly loaded with rounds chambered. Due to the absence of firearms manufacturing in the District, the weapons are presumed to have traveled in interstate commerce.

                The investigation is ongoing.

                The ATF and MPD are investigating this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Dreher.

                This case is part of Make DC Safe Again, a public safety initiative led by U.S. Attorney Martin that is surging resources to reduce violent crime in the District. This initiative was created to address gun violence in the District, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenders, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 282 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team has this week been observing operational tests of diesel generators at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) as part of ongoing efforts to help prevent a nuclear accident during the military conflict in Ukraine, where the off-site power situation remains challenging, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

    The ZNPP has repeatedly lost all access to external electricity during the conflict, forcing it to temporarily rely on diesel generators for the power it needs to cool its reactors and for other essential nuclear safety and security functions. The tests carried out in recent days were designed to confirm that they are fully operational.  

    “As the off-site power situation at ZNPP is still highly precarious, it is very important that these diesel generators can immediately start up without any issues. Our experts were this week able to confirm that the diesel generators that were tested can fulfil their function if the plant once again were to lose its external connections. Continued vigilance in this respect is necessary,” Director General Grossi said.

    The plant has 20 emergency diesel generators (EDGs) for its six reactors. Six mobile diesel generators (MDGs) were installed by Ukraine as part of the safety measures introduced in light of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident – four of which are connected to reactor units and two of which are being used outside of the ZNPP site. Last year, the ZNPP procured three new MDGs that are located adjacent to the turbine buildings of three of the reactor units, but have yet to be connected. This week, the IAEA team based at the site witnessed the testing of one EDG and one of the new MDGs.

    Separately, the IAEA is aware of a report of a purported spillage of fuel held in storage for the ZNPP’s diesel generators. When asked about the report, the ZNPP told the IAEA team that it was “fake” and that no such leaks had been detected from the site’s fuel tanks. In addition, the plant said it has enough fuel in storage for a minimum of ten days of operation of its diesel generators. The IAEA has requested access to the fuel tanks to independently assess the situation there first-hand.

    Over the past week, the IAEA team has also continued to monitor maintenance of some of the ZNPP’s safety systems and discussed emergency preparedness and response arrangements with the site. Team members conducted a walkdown of the site’s waterworks facilities, and of the reactor building of unit 4, where the team observed traces of dried boric acid in some rooms as well as a defective seal on a pump.

    The IAEA team was informed by the site that the 330 kilovolt (kV) switchyard of the nearby Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP) was reconnected to the ZNPP’s 750 kV switchyard last Friday, about a month and a half after the connection was cut as a result of damage to the ZTPP switchyard, which can now once again function as an alternative way of providing back-up power to the ZNPP.

    Throughout the week, the IAEA team reported hearing military activities at varying distances away from the ZNPP.

    The IAEA teams stationed at the other nuclear sites in Ukraine continued to monitor the status of the respective facilities – the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl site.

    At the Khmelnytskyy site, one 750 kV line was disconnected at the request of the grid operator on 21 March and was reconnected that same evening, while refuelling activities at one of the reactor units continues. At the Rivne NPP, one reactor unit has been shut down for planned refuelling. The IAEA team at the South Ukraine NPP was informed that the site has repaired a leaking pump and that unit 1 has since returned to nominal full power.

    At the Chornobyl site, a fire caused an emergency outage of one 330 kV line that provides off-site power to the plant. It was switched back on after the Ukrainian State Emergency Service extinguished the fire.

    The teams at all four sites reported hearing air raids over the past week. At Chornobyl, the IAEA team was informed that a drone was detected 3 km from the site in the evening of 21 March. At around the same time, the team heard a loud explosion and also witnessed a flying drone.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Sixth and Final Defendant Sentenced to 39 Years in Federal Prison in Louisville Case Involving String of Violent Crimes, Drug and Gun Offenses, and Money Laundering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY – The final defendant was sentenced this week to 39 years in federal prison for his role in numerous felony offenses, including kidnapping, robbery, drug trafficking, and firearm offenses. Several other defendants were previously sentenced on the charges.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department, Sheriff Walt Sholar of the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff John E. Aubrey of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.

    “This case is an example of the benefit of the strong working relationships that exist between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the Western District of Kentucky,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “As a result of excellent collaboration and tireless work by our law enforcement agencies and federal prosecutors, violent offenders have been removed from our streets making our community safer for all who live, work, and visit here.”  

    “John E. Lohden, Jr. and his associates used law enforcement impersonation tactics to terrorize innocent individuals, ultimately undermining the public’s trust in legitimate police officers and creating a climate of fear and anxiety in our neighborhoods,” said Special Agent in Charge Stansbury. “Lohden, Jr.’s sentence of decades behind bars should serve as a clear message to violent offenders walking our streets. The FBI, working alongside our partners at all levels, will find you and ensure you face the full weight of the law.”

    According to court documents, John E. Lohden, Jr., 35, of Louisville, was sentenced on March 25, 2025, to 39 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for two counts of kidnapping, two counts of impersonator making arrest or search, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, robbery, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. John E. Lohden, Jr. was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On November 16, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, John E. Lohden, Jr. was convicted of receiving stolen property under $10,000.

    On November 28, 2007, in Jefferson Circuit Court, John E. Lohden, Jr. was convicted of tampering with physical evidence, escape in the second degree, and complicity to wanton endangerment in the first degree (3 counts).

    Dayton Peterson, 24, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 22, 2024, to 30 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for kidnapping, impersonator making arrest or search, robbery, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and engaging in monetary transactions derived from a specified unlawful activity.

    Joshua Lohden, 26, of Louisville was sentenced on July 24, 2024, to 22 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for kidnapping, impersonator making arrest or search, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and robbery.

    David Langdon, 39, of Louisville was sentenced on September 11, 2024, to 11 years and 5 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for kidnapping, impersonator making arrest or search, robbery, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Langdon was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On October 14, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Langdon was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree.

    On October 15, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Langdon was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree greater than 2 grams of heroin.

    J. Louis Nance, 34, of Louisville was sentenced on July 24, 2024, to 6 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for kidnapping and impersonator making arrest or search.

    Samantha Trummer, 30, of Louisville was sentenced on July 22, 2024, to 4 years of probation for engaging in monetary transactions derived from a specified unlawful activity.

    Defendants Dayton Peterson, John E. Lohden, Jr., and Samantha Trummer were found guilty after a 10-day jury trial in March of 2024. The remaining defendants pleaded guilty prior to trial.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    The FBI, LMPD, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, with assistance from the ATF, IRS, DEA, and Kentucky State Police.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia P. Gomez and Frank E. Dahl III prosecuted the case, with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.

    Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Operation Take Back America is 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: Security News: Justice Department Announces Arrest of MS-13 Leader

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert announced the arrest of an MS-13 gang leader.  They were joined by Governor for the Commonwealth of Virginia Glenn Youngkin. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Marrero Bookkeeper Sentenced for Fraud and Tax Charges

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

    NEW ORLEANS, LA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that MARY B. KATICICH (“KATICICH”), age 64, of Marrero, La., was sentenced on March 25, 2025, for wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and for making and subscribing a false tax return, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1).

    According to court documents, KATICICH used her position as bookkeeper for a Belle Chasse, Louisiana-based company, to fraudulently divert funds for her own benefit, from the company’s bank accounts.  KATICICH also purchased personal items using company funds.  Further, KATICICH willfully filed a tax return for tax year 2016, that she did not believe to be true and correct, because it failed to report approximately $120,190.58 of income.

    United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced KATICICH to one year and one day in prison to be followed by (3) three years of supervised release.  KATICICH was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $439,650.51 to the owner of the company and $28,612.45 to the Internal Revenue Service.  Judge Morgan also imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Arrest of MS-13 Leader

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert announced the arrest of an MS-13 gang leader.  They were joined by Governor for the Commonwealth of Virginia Glenn Youngkin. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Rocky View County — Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit and Calgary Police Service arrest and charge three for multiple break and enters

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    In February of 2025, Alberta RCMP and Calgary Police Service investigated a series of break and enters within the city of Calgary and six RCMP jurisdictions, where multiple offenders broke into dealerships and autobody shops stealing vehicle keys and vehicles. A total of 18 vehicles were stolen during the crime series and 15 have been recovered. A male was identified as the prime suspect.

    On Feb. 4, 2025, the RCMP Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, Olds RCMP, and Airdrie RCMP, with assistance from the Calgary Police Service, conducted a search warrant on a rural property in NE Calgary. Three vehicles, as well as two semi trailers, were recovered, all of which had been reported stolen out of Southern Alberta and British Columbia.

    On Feb. 13, 2025, a stolen Ford F150 from rural High River, Alta., was located at a residence in NW Calgary, and a search warrant was executed by members of the RCMP Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, Airdrie RCMP, and Calgary Police Service Tactical Unit. Two stolen vehicles were recovered by police, in addition to numerous identity documents believed to have been stolen or fraudulently produced.

    A 33-year-old individual, a resident of Calgary, was located in NW Calgary by the Airdrie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit and was arrested with the assistance of Calgary Police Service. The individual has been charged with the following offences:

    • Robbery;
    • Break, enter and theft (x5);
    • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 (x2);
    • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000;
    • Theft of motor vehicle;
    • Criminal flight from police;
    • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
    • Assault with a weapon;
    • Fail to comply with a probation order (x2);
    • Fail to comply with a release order (x2).

    Calgary Police Service have also laid the following charges against the individual:

    • Break and Enter and Theft (x5);
    • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
    • Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle;
    • Possession of Break in Instruments (x2);
    • Fail to Comply with Probation (x16);
    • Fail to Comply with Release Order (x4);
    • As well as several provincial driving offences.

    Further charges are pending from other RCMP jurisdictions in Southern Alberta.

    The 33-year-old individual has been remanded into custody with a next scheduled court appearance for March 4, 2025, in Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary.

    Two other individuals were arrested as a result of the search warrant.

    A 43-year-old individual, a resident of Calgary, was arrested on outstanding warrants and has been remanded into custody with a next scheduled court appearance for Feb. 19, 2025.

    A 31-year-old individual, a resident of Winnipeg, was arrested and charged with:

    • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000;
    • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000;
    • Fraudulent Concealment;
    • Fail to Comply with Release Order (x2);
    • As well as several provincial driving offences.

    The 31-year-old individual has been remanded into custody with his next scheduled court appearance for Feb. 19, 2025, in Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kehewin — Bonnyville RCMP arrest individual following home invasion with firearm – Update

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Bonnyville RCMP have arrested a 28-year-old individual, a resident of Kehewin, in connection to the home invasion that took place on Feb. 16, 2025. They have been charged with the following offences:

    • Theft under $5000 x4
    • Break and enter with intent x2
    • Mischief under $5000 x2
    • Unauthorized possession of firearm x5
    • Possession of firearm contrary to prohibition order x4
    • Resist peace officer
    • Discharge firearm with intent
    • Flight from peace officer
    • Theft of motor vehicle
    • Failure to comply with a probation order x5
    • Careless use of a firearm
    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
    • Possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized
    • Occupy motor vehicle with firearm x3
    • Operation while prohibited
    • Possession of property obtained by crime x5
    • Trespass at night

    The individual was taken before a justice of the peace and was remanded into custody with a last court appearance was on Feb. 18, 2025 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Bonnyville, Alta.

    Background:

    Feb. 18, 2025

    Bonnyville RCMP arrest individual following home invasion with firearm

    On Feb. 16, 2025, at approximately 6:49 p.m., Bonnyville RCMP responded to a home invasion, with a firearm, that occurred at a residence located in Kehewin.

    Officers from Bonnyville RCMP and St. Paul RCMP attended the location and learned that the suspect had fled the area on foot. The victim was not harmed. Containment was established and the Emergency Response Team was notified. Following additional investigation, it was discovered that the suspect had fled in a stolen an SUV. The vehicle was later located with the assistance of Elk Point RCMP, occupied, on Road 2 in Kehewin.

    The Emergency Response Team attended and successfully apprehended the suspect, a 28-year-old resident of Kehewin. They have been charged with the following offences:

    • Break and enter with intent – Residence x2
    • Discharge firearm while being reckless
    • Fail to comply with probation order x5
    • Numerous additional charges.

    The suspect is currently awaiting a judicial interim hearing, as such no additional information is available at this time. An update is expected upon completion with the suspects name, court date and additional charges.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — RCMP Labrador District GIS arrests two individuals for drug offences, thanks public for providing information

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Thanks to information received from the public, two individuals, 42-year-old Nachelle Nuna and 35-year-old Brent Diamond, were arrested on March 21, 2025, for possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine at a traffic stop by RCMP Labrador District General Investigation Section (GIS).

    Last Friday evening, with the support of Sheshatshiu RCMP, a traffic stop was conducted by Labrador District GIS in Sheshatshiu. Nuna and Diamond were arrested. Inside the vehicle, officers located and seized a quantity of suspected crack cocaine, cash, and other items consistent with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

    The pair were released from custody and are set to appear in court at a later date, each to face charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and possession of cocaine.

    The investigation is continuing.

    RCMP Labrador District GIS is dedicated to the enforcement of drug related crimes throughout the Labrador region of the province.

    If you are a resident of the Labrador region of the province and suspect drug trafficking in your community, Labrador District GIS wants to talk to you. You can remain anonymous by calling the Happy Valley-Goose Bay detachment directly at 709-896-3383 and requesting to speak to a police officer with Labrador District GIS.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: $10,000 Reward for Two Murder Suspects in Moses Lake Drive-By Shooting

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Spokane, WA – The U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is working closely with the Moses Lake Police Department; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Washington State Department of Corrections; U.S. Border Patrol, and FBI to locate and apprehend two fugitives wanted in the March 21 drive-by shooting in Moses Lake that claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy and left four others—three juveniles and one adult critically injured.

    A reward of up to $10,000 ($5,000 per fugitive) is available for information leading directly to the arrest of Jose Beltran, 20, and Matthew Valdez, 18. Beltran is listed at approximately 5’7”, 200lbs and Valdez is listed at approximately 5’8”, 130lbs.

    Arrest warrants issued March 25 charge both men with murder in the first degree, five counts of assault in the first degree, drive-by shooting, and felon in possession of a firearm.

    Both suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.

    Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or at USMS Tips.

    Jose Beltran

    Matthew Valdez

    The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is a U.S. Marshals-led partnership comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. The task force’s primary mission is to locate, arrest and return to the justice system the most violent and egregious federal and state fugitives.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for 2023 Crime Spree

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

    strong>ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple robbery and firearms charges for a crime spree in the summer of 2023.

    According to court records, between July 11, 2023, to September 16, 2023, Demetrius Antonnie Bailey, 41, engaged in a series of armed robberies targeting retail stores in Albuquerque. Bailey and his accomplice conspired to commit robberies at Harbor Freight Tools, multiple Metro by T-Mobile locations, a T-Mobile store, a Verizon store, and a JC Penney. During these robberies, they threatened and overpowered store employees and security to steal merchandise and cash. In each robbery, a replica firearm or a real handgun was brandished to intimidate store employees and security personnel. The stolen items included electronics, cellular phones, cash, and clothing valued at tens of thousands of dollars.

    Bailey pleaded guilty to 10 counts, including interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. His offenses also included knowingly participating in violent retail thefts. At sentencing, if the district court accepts the plea agreement, Bailey faces not less than ten years and up to twenty-two years in prison followed by five 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 FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Natasha Moghadam are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Manning — Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit investigates homicide in Manning

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On March 16, 2025, at 2:25 p.m., Manning RCMP responded to a report that a deceased individual, later identified as Nathan Loonskin, a 38-year-old Paddle Prairie, Alta. resident, was located within a vehicle on Range Road 224, in Carcajou, Alta. The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit was deployed and has taken carriage of the investigation.

    The deceased has been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Edmonton and the death has been deemed as a homicide. Although early in the investigation, RCMP believes this was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing risk to the public.

    Alberta RMCP Major Crimes is requesting assistance from the public. Anyone with dash cam footage, or reports of suspicious persons or activity, in the area of Highway 35, between Manning and Paddle Prairie, between March 15, 2025 around 8:00 p.m. and Mar. 16, 2025 around 2:00 p.m., is asked to please come forth. Furthermore, anyone who has knowledge of the whereabouts of Nathan Loonskin leading up to March 16, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. is asked to please do the same.

    Anyone with information can contact the Manning RCMP at 780-836-3007 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www. P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chinese National in Custody and Indicted After Allegedly Checking a Bag with a Firearm at Provo Airport

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Chinese national was indicted by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City for a firearm crime after she allegedly possessed an undeclared pistol in her checked luggage and ammunition in her carry-on bag at the Provo Airport.

    Xuemei Zhao, 53, of People’s Republic of China, was initially charged by complaint on March 20, 2025. 

    According to court documents, on March 20, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) discovered a black Rossi Braztech Int’l .357 revolver pistol in Zhao’s checked luggage, which was destined for Dallas – Ft. Worth via American Airlines flight 6189. Prior to delivering the suitcase to American Airlines, Zhao did not disclose the presence of the handgun to TSA or American Airlines. In addition to the firearm, Zhao had 9 rounds of .357 ammunition in her carry-on luggage. Zhao was taken into custody and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was contacted and confirmed Zhao arrived on a tourist visa, and had a currently pending asylum application, and was not a lawful permanent resident of the United States (she did not have a “green card”).

    Zhao is charged with possession of a firearm by a restricted person (alien). Her initial appearance on the indictment is March 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

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

    The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Provo Resident Agency. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

    Assistant United States Attorney Michael Kennedy of the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (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).

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Former VA Employees Plead Guilty To Conspiracy To Commit Honest Services Wire Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On March 26, 2024, Monika D. Schorer, 59, of Jonesborough, Tennessee, and Teresa Schorer, 59, of Jonesborough, Tennessee, entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud before the Honorable Clifton L. Corker, United States District Judge in the United States District Court at Greeneville.                  

    Each defendant faces a term of up to 20 years in Federal prison, $250,000 in fines, and supervised release of three years.  Under their written plea agreements, each defendant has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $213,154.50 for a combined total of $426,309.  Sentencing for Monika Schorer has been set for July 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and sentencing for Teresa Schorer’s has been set for July 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., both before Judge Corker in the United States District Court at Greeneville.

    According to their plea agreements, which have been filed with the court, each woman worked for the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tennessee, and each accepted cash bribe payments from individuals who worked as a surgical sales representative for an independent distributor of a nationwide orthopedic company that manufactured replacement joints and products used during surgeries in which those joints were implanted.  The sales representatives routinely sold products to the VA Medical Center where the women worked.  According to the filed plea agreements, the sales representatives (who have previously entered guilty pleas) formed a separate company in June 2018 and began selling their own acquired inventory to the VA at inflated prices or when not medically necessary, resulting in losses to the VA.  By their written plea agreements, each defendant agreed that they conspired and accepted cash bribe payments from the sales representatives of $9,900 each in September 2018 and $7,000 each in October 2018 for their agreement to commit, collude, and aid in the fraud against the VA.   

    U.S. Attorney Francis M. “Trey” Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee; Nate Landkammer, Special Agent-in-Charge, Mid Atlantic Field Office, VA Office of the Inspector General; Elisa Pellegrini, Special Agent-in-Charge, General Services Administration (GSA) Office of the Inspector General, Mid-Atlantic Division; and Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.

    This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the VA Office of the Inspector General, GSA Office of the Inspector General, and the IRS.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Mac D. Heavener, III, and Ryan Blackwell, represent the United States.

                                                                                                                   ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Files Civil Forfeiture Complaint for $47 Million in Proceeds From the Sale of Iranian Oil

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

               WASHINGTON – A civil forfeiture complaint was filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia alleging that $47 million in proceeds from the sale of nearly one million barrels of Iranian petroleum is forfeitable as property of, or affording a person a source of influence over, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or its Qods Force (IRGC-QF), designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO).

               The forfeiture was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, FBI Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston, Sr. of the Minneapolis Field Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso of the New York Office.

               The forfeiture complaint alleges a scheme between 2022 and 2024 to facilitate the shipment, storage, and sale of Iranian petroleum product for the benefit of the IRGC and IRGC-QF. The facilitators used deceptive practices to masquerade the Iranian oil as Malaysian, including by manipulating the tanker’s automatic identification system (AIS) to conceal that it onboarded the oil from a port in Iran. The facilitators presented falsified documents to the Croatian storage facility and port authority, claiming that the oil was Malaysian. The facilitators paid for storage fees associated with the oil’s storage at the Croatian facility in U.S. dollars, transactions that were conducted through U.S. financial institutions that would have refused the transactions had they known they were associated with Iranian oil. The petroleum product was sold in 2024, and the United States seized $47 million in proceeds from that sale.

               The civil forfeiture complaint further alleges that the petroleum product constitutes the property of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), which has perpetuated a federal crime of terrorism by providing material support to the IRGC and IRGC-QF. As alleged, profits from petroleum product sales support the IRGC’s full range of malign activities, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, support for terrorism, and both domestic and international human rights abuses.

               “We will aggressively enforce U.S. sanctions against Iran, in furtherance of President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign,” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “With the continued seizures of Iranian oil and U.S. dollar profits, we are sending a clear message to Iran that bypassing the sanctions put in place by the U.S. Government is not as easy as playing a shell game with tankers filled with oil. We remain committed to thwarting Iran’s devious attempts, and to deprive its terrorists of the funding they desire.”

               “The FBI will not allow hostile regimes to evade U.S. sanctions or exploit our financial systems to fund designated terrorist organizations,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Winston. “The FBI, alongside our partners, will relentlessly enforce U.S. sanctions against Iran and safeguard U.S. national security by disrupting illicit networks that seek to profit from sanctioned oil sales.”

               “Through the work of HSI’s Counterproliferation Investigations group, alongside the FBI, the U.S. government has seized $47 million worth of funds allegedly meant for terrorist groups intent on causing catastrophic harm,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso. “The expertise of HSI personnel, coupled with federal law enforcement’s whole-of-government approach, ensures the wellbeing of the United States and our innocent foreign counterparts, alike. We are relentlessly utilizing every tool at our disposal in pursuit of any and all security threats.”

               Funds successfully forfeited with a connection to a state sponsor of terrorism may in whole or in part be directed to the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund.

               FBI Minneapolis Field Office and Homeland Security Investigations New York are investigating the case.

               Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen P. Seifert, Maeghan O. Mikorski, and Brian Hudak for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Adam Small of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are litigating the case. They received assistance from former Paralegal Specialist Brian Rickers and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

               A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation.  The burden to prove forfeitability in a civil forfeiture proceeding is upon the government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Violent Crime Consortium Keeps Public Safety at Forefront

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

    CLEVELAND – The Northern Ohio Violent Crime Consortium (NOVCC) recently brought together more than 100 regional law enforcement participants, representing more than 20 agencies, to take part in a region-wide initiative to discuss public safety. The annual event is hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio. The District covers the 40 northern-most counties in the state of Ohio, which is home to more than 5.7 million people.

    The violent crime consortium was established in 2007 through a Department of Justice grant to specifically address violent crime issues in eight Northern Ohio cities: Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Elyria, Lorain, Mansfield, Toledo, and Youngstown.

    As the current top federal law enforcement officer for the District, Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik provided welcoming remarks on the importance of the consortium’s work to keep crime off the streets.

    “The Consortium’s purpose is to prevent and reduce violent crime through the use of data-driven and evidence-based technologies,” said Skutnik. “NOVCC enhances our member agencies through skills training on accepted best practices and emerging technologies.”

    Subject-matter experts addressed several key topics at this year’s gathering including the importance of inter-agency data sharing and information to combat crime, promising law enforcement practices, and modern policing in the digital age.

    The USAO would like to acknowledge and thank the following for attending and participating in this year’s event:

    Event speakers representing

    • Fordham University
    • Johns Hopkins University Center for Gun Violence Solutions
    • Blacksburg, Virginia Police Department
    • Brookhaven, Georgia Police Department
    • Research Innovations, Inc.

    Law enforcement agencies represented

    • Akron Police Department
    • Avon Police Department
    • The University of Akron Police Department
    • Barberton Police Department
    • Berea Police Department
    • Canton Police Department
    • Cleveland Division of Police
    • Cuyahoga County Sheriff
    • Elyria Police Department
    • Lorain Police Department
    • Mansfield Police Department
    • Maple Heights Police Department
    • North Royalton Police Department
    • Put-in-Bay Police Department
    • Sandusky Police Department
    • Toledo Police Department
    • Warren Police Department
    • Westlake Police Department
    • Youngstown Police Department

    State agencies

    • Ohio Adult Parole Authority
    • Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
    • Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services

    Nonprofit agency

    • Partnership for a Safer Cleveland

    Federal agencies

    • ATF-Cleveland
    • FBI-Cleveland
    • U.S. Marshals Service-Cleveland
    • U.S. Department of Justice-Office of Legal Policy

    For more information about the consortium, contact Thomas McCartney at 216-622-3955.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Irvine Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Federal Prison for Stealing and Reselling High-End Violins and for Robbing Bank in O.C. Last Year

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

    SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County man was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison for orchestrating a scheme to steal high-value violins and robbing a bank in Irvine.

    Mark Meng, 58, of Irvine, was sentenced by United States District Judge David O. Carter, who scheduled a restitution hearing for June 24 in this case.

    Meng pleaded guilty in September 2024 to one count of wire fraud and one count of bank robbery. He has been in federal custody since May 2024.

    From August 2020 to April 2023, Meng schemed to steal valuable violins and keep or resell them for his personal gain. Meng – posing as a collector of musical instruments – contacted violin shops across the country to express interest in receiving the violins on loan for a trial period to determine if he wished to buy them. In some cases, he purchased violin bows before asking for the violins on a trial-period basis.

    After receiving each violin, Meng negotiated a purchase price for it, kept the instrument beyond the trial period, then provided the violin shops with a check or set of checks for the violin, knowing the whole time the checks he wrote to the violin shops would be rejected due to insufficient funds.

    When a violin-shop representative contacted Meng to inform him that the shop’s bank had rejected his checks, he sent a new series of checks, which also later were rejected due to insufficient funds. Sometimes, Meng lied to the violin shops by falsely telling them he had mailed the violin back to them, but that they had been lost in the mail. Eventually, Meng stopped communicating with the violin shops.

    After fraudulently obtaining the violins, Meng re-sold them to a buyer – often during the trial periods from the violin shops. For example, on February 1, 2023, a victim loaned Meng a Guilio Degani violin – valued at $175,000 – pursuant to a trial-period contract, which required Meng to return or purchase the violin by February 10, 2023. However, Meng attempted to sell this violin to a buyer – who was unaware of the violin’s stolen origin.

    According to court documents, Meng also stole the following:

    • one Lorenzo Ventapane violin, dated 1823, and valued at $175,000;
    • one Guilio Degani violin, dated 1903, and valued at $55,000;
    • one Caressa & Francais violin, dated 1913, and valued at $40,000;
    • one Francais Lott violin bow, stamped “Lupot,” and valued at $7,500;
    • one Gand & Bernardel violin, dated 1870, and valued at $60,000;
    • one French, Charles J.B. Colin Mezin violin, valued at $6,500; and
    • one German, E.H. Roth Guarneri violin, valued at $6,500.

    Despite knowing that he did not own these violins and violin bows, Meng sold three of these stolen violins and a violin bow to a victim for a total of $44,700.

    In January 2023, Meng emailed one violin shop in Alexandria, Virginia, to express an interest in obtaining the Ventapane violin and the Degani violin on a trial basis, all the while intending to fraudulently obtain then re-sell them.

    On April 2, 2024, Meng entered a bank branch in Irvine, wearing a hat, sunglasses, a bandana covering his face, and blue latex gloves. Meng gave the bank teller a note stating “$18,000. Withdraw. Please. Stay Cool. No harm. Thx.” When the teller told Meng she did not have access to the money he demanded, Meng responded, “Give me whatever you have.” The teller, fearing harm to herself and her co-workers, handed Meng $446.

    The FBI’s Art Crime Team investigated this matter, with assistance from the Irvine Police Department and the Glendale Police Department.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Laura A. Alexander and Mark A. Williams, both of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section, prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stamford Man Indicted for Defrauding Mars, Inc. out of Millions of Dollars

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

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Harry Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, and Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a nine-count indictment charging PAUL R. STEED, 58, of Stamford, with fraud and tax offenses stemming from his alleged commission of multiple frauds against his former employer Mars, Inc.

    The indictment was returned yesterday, and Steed was arrested this morning.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport, pleaded not guilty, and is currently detained.

    The indictment alleges that, between approximately 2011 and 2023, Steed was employed by Mars Wrigley, a subsidiary of Mars. Inc. (“Mars”), working remotely from his home in Stamford.  Steed served as Global Price Risk Manager for Mars Wrigley’s Global Cocoa Enterprise.  As part of his employment, Steed was responsible for managing Mars Wrigley’s participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Sugar-Containing Products Re-Export Program.  In approximately 2016, Steed created a company, MCNA LLC, to mimic an actual Mars entity, Mars Chocolate North America.  He then diverted millions of dollars in Mars assets to a bank account he set up in MCNA’s name by directing sugar refineries purchasing Mars’s re-export credits, obtained through the USDA program, to pay MCNA LLC as if it were a legitimate Mars entity.

    The indictment also alleges that Mars had an ownership interest in Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (“ICE”), a financial services company that operated financial exchanges and clearing houses, and received quarterly dividends in connection with that ownership.  In 2017, Steed directed Computershare Limited (“Computershare”), a company that ICE utilized for stock-related services, to pay MCNA LLC for Mars’s dividends from its ownership shares in ICE.  As a result, more than $700,000 in dividend payments were diverted to the MCNA LLC account.  In 2023, after Steed had used a fraudulent letter purportedly from the Mars Treasurer authorizing him to trade ICE shares, Steed directed Computershare to sell Mars’s ICE shares entirely.  Computershare issued a check in the amount of more than $11.3 million, which Steed deposited into the MCNA LLC account.

    The indictment further alleges that, from 2013 through 2020, Steed used a company he owned called Ibera LLC to invoice Mars for services Mars did not receive.  Mars paid Ibera LLC approximately $580,000 through this scheme.

    The indictment charges Steed with seven counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment on each count.  Steed is also charged with two counts of tax evasion, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count, for failing to report and pay taxes on his stolen income, as alleged.

    According to statements made in court, Steed is alleged to have stolen more than $28 million from Mars and through his schemes.  More than $18 million was seized today for forfeiture, and the government is seeking to forfeit a Greenwich home that Steed is alleged to have purchased with nearly $2.3 million in stolen funds.  It is alleged that another $2 million was sent by Steed to Argentina, where he is a dual citizen, has family ties, and owns a ranch.

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

    This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Choppa City Crew Members Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Roles in Three Brinks Armored Car Robberies

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

    WASHINGTON – William Brock, 33, and Anthony Antwon McNair, Jr., 36, both of Washington, D.C., were sentenced today to 657 months (54.75 years) months and 378 months (31.5 years) in prison respectively for their roles in a series of armed robberies of Brink’s armored cars in Washington, D.C., that resulted in the loss of more than $1.2 million. 

               The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

               Brock and McNair were found guilty by a federal jury on September 9, 2024, of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, interference with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery), bank robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The jury also found co-defendant Erin Sheffey guilty the same day of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery. Sheffey was sentenced January 15, 2025, to 18 years in prison.

               In addition to the prison terms, U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth ordered Brock and McNair to each serve three years of supervised release and pay $1.2 million in restitution.

              The three Brink’s truck robberies occurred on October 6, 2021, December 8, 2021, and March 2, 2022. In those robberies, the defendants used firearms to assault the drivers of Brink’s armored cars and steal money. In total, the defendants stole over $1.2 million. 

                According to court documents and the evidence at trial, the three defendants were members of the Choppa City street crew. Brock, McNair, and Sheffey conspired together and with others to plan and carry out the robberies, brandishing firearms on busy District streets while doing so. 

               Each robbery occurred on a Wednesday at about 9 a.m., and two occurred on busy city throughfares, causing a significant risk to the public. Testimony in the case revealed that the conspirators used assault rifles to carry out their robberies. 

              Brock planned the robberies for months, learning the routes and arrival times of the Brink’s drivers, to ensure the robbery team was in place. As the Brink’s driver exited his armored car vehicle to deliver money to a business, the robbers ambushed him. In two cases, the defendants assaulted one of the Brink’s drivers, even after he had complied to their demands and had turned over his courier bag.

              Members of the crew used social media to show off large sums of money they stole during the robberies and photographed themselves making high-end luxury purchases. For example, within two days of the robberies, Brock purchased vehicles in cash totaling over $36,000. 

               Leading up to trial, all three men attempted to intimidate witnesses in the case. These attempts, among other things, were cited as bases for their decades-long sentences.

              This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Tepfer and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Schneider. Valuable assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josh Gold, Meredith Mayer-Dempsey, and Thomas Strong.

    An AR-15 used by the defendants during the armed robberies

    Brock (right) and McNair (left) robbing a Brinks armored car employee with a firearm on December 8, 2021. Brock and McNair assaulted the driver by beating him with their pistols even after he turned over the delivery bag.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Clarenville — Clarenville RCMP investigates theft at Shoppers Drug Mart, seeks assistance identifying woman

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Clarenville RCMP is investigating a theft at Shoppers Drug Mart in Clarenville that occurred on March 25, 2025. A significant quantity of cosmetic products was stolen.

    On Tuesday, Clarenville RCMP received the report of the theft. An unknown woman entered the store and departed without paying for various cosmetic items. The items are valued between $2000.00-$3000.00.

    Clarenville RCMP is seeking assistance from the public in identifying the woman, who was captured on the store’s surveillance. An image is attached.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Anyone who can identify the woman or who has information about this crime or the current location of the stolen property is asked to contact Clarenville RCMP at 709-466-3211. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Corrections Officer Convicted of Committing Perjury After Making False Statements During an Investigation into Use of Excessive Force at Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – Richard Wargo, a former Sergeant at Pender Correctional Institution, pled guilty today to committing perjury before a federal grand jury in a civil rights investigation. Wargo, 37, faces up to 60 months in prison when sentenced later this year.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began an investigation in 2022 into Pender Correctional Institution (PCI), in Burgaw, after receiving multiple allegations of officers using excessive force against inmates in the prior year.  During one incident, which occurred on November 17, 2021, PCI officers removed an inmate from a dorm room due to apparent intoxication and took him to a separate shipping and receiving building with no surveillance cameras.  The inmate was handcuffed and struck with a baton multiple times, resulting in lacerations on his legs and scarring.   

    Wargo was working the night shift when the November 17, 2021, incident occurred and was tasked with preparing the incident report regarding the use of force.  In his report, Wargo omitted that he was present during or involved in the use of force. It was the prison’s policy that no one involved in the incident should prepare the incident report.

    The FBI interviewed Wargo in August 2023.  When asked about the November 17, 2021, incident, Wargo described being the investigating officer but said he otherwise was in no way involved and was not even present for the use of force.  He appeared before a federal grand jury on August 22, 2023, and while under oath, gave the same account.  However, grand jury testimony from other officers and witnesses established that Wargo was present in the shipping and receiving building during the assault. Two officers testified that Wargo participated in the assault, striking the inmate with a baton, while another officer testified that he saw Wargo standing over the inmate.     

    Wargo agreed to a second, audio recorded interview on February 26, 2024.  He again denied being present for or participating in the November 17, 2021, use of force incident.  But when confronted with evidence to the contrary, Wargo admitted that he had entered the shipping and receiving building during an ongoing use of force incident.  He further admitted that he had drawn his baton and witnessed other officers strike the inmate with batons.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the plea. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting the case.

    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. 7:24-cr-0043-BO.

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