NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orange County Man Pleads Guilty To Mail Theft And Firearm Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Ryan Anthony Aheran (28, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to mail theft and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Aheran faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison for the firearm offense and up to five years’ imprisonment for the mail theft offense. Ahearn has also agreed to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the commission of the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, on October 1, 2024, Aheran stole more than 1,000 pieces of mail from a U.S. Postal Service mailbox in Orlando. He was arrested on October 25, 2024, on a criminal complaint related to that mail theft incident. In connection with his arrest, Ahearn was observed carrying a black bag, in which law enforcement later located a loaded firearm, cash, mail addressed to others, and a debit card in Aheran’s name. At the time, Aheran had multiple prior felony convictions, including burglary of a conveyance, possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

    This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

    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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tampa Man Arrested For Robbing Gas Station With A Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Rafael Jimenez (30, Tampa) with one count of Hobbs Act robbery. If convicted, Jimenez faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

    According to the complaint, on March 8, 2025, Jimenez entered a gas station in Tampa and brandished a firearm while demanding money from the register. Shortly after making this demand, Jimenez fired a shot in the direction of the clerk, striking the ground directly behind the clerk.

    Jimenez stole more than $600 from the store as well as cigarettes. He was apprehended after surveillance footage from days before the robbery showed physical similarities between Jimenez and the robber, including a distinctive tattoo. Evidence found in Jimenez’s trash outside his home included a ski mask, gloves, and cigarettes of the same brand the robber had used. Surveillance video from nearby businesses showed a vehicle like Jimenez’s traveling on roads close to the scene of the robbery before and after it occurred.

    This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.

    A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.          

    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 Neighborhoods (PSN).

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Punxsutawney Woman Sentenced for Social Security Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to five years of probation on her conviction of theft of government funds, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Patty Merlo, 66.

    According to information presented to the Court, from in and around May 2016 to in and around January 2022, Merlo embezzled and converted for her own use approximately $91,300 in Social Security payments to which she knew she was not entitled.

    Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Merlo.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Sex Offender Sentenced To 15 Years For Distribution Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, FL – Chief United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Nicholes Scott Newman (42, Hilliard) to 15 years in federal prison for distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Newman was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and register as a sex offender.   

    According to court records, in June 2024, a detective acting in an undercover capacity was monitoring a social media messaging group chat where Newman was distributing CSAM images and videos to others in the group. The undercover detective communicated directly with Newman where Newman sent additional videos and images containing CSAM to the undercover detective.

    Newman was previously convicted in Pinellas County (2014) of 20 counts of possession of CSAM and was sentenced to Florida State Prison. He was released on February 6, 2019.

    “This predator’s prior conviction did not deter him from continuing to victimize children by distributing vile child sexual abuse material,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “The men and women of HSI and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle these networks and keep our communities safe.”

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.

    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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Forces Conduct Significant Series of Kinetic Strikes Targeting ISIS- Somalia

    Source: United States AFRICOM

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted multiple airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on March 25, 2025.

    The airstrikes occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, Somalia

    The command’s initial assessment is that multiple ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed and no civilians were harmed. 

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

    U.S. Africa Command, 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 the operation will not be released in order to ensure continued operations security.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Muncie Drug Trafficking Ring Dismantled, Six Sentenced to a Combined 87 Years in Federal Prison

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

    INDIANAPOLIS— Five defendants have been sentenced to a total of 70 years in federal prison for their roles in a large methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. The defendants plead guilty and were sentenced as follows:

    Defendant Charge(s) Sentence
    Jamarr Hill, 30, Muncie Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, money laundering,  and conspiracy to make a false statement in connection with purchasing a firearm 17 years’ imprisonment, 5 years supervised release.
    Terry Hill, 49, Muncie Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine 5 years’ imprisonment, time served, 5 years’ supervised release.
    Lance McGee, 32, Muncie Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances 15 years’ imprisonment, 5 years supervised release.
    Nakevius Shannon, 33, Muncie Making a false statement in connection with purchasing a firearm 3 years’ probation

    According to court documents, between May and November of 2022, Jamarr Hill, Lance McGee, Terry Hill, and others conspired together to distribute controlled substances including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.

    Jamarr Hill acted as the ringleader for the conspiracy, obtaining large quantities of drugs from Rodolfo Silva in San Diego, California for redistribution in Muncie. Terry Hill and Lance McGee served as distributors, dealing the drugs into communities in Muncie and elsewhere in central Indiana.

    On November 12, 2022, Nakevius Shannon purchased two firearms from Rural King, a federally licensed firearms dealer, completing an ATF Form 4473 in connection with the purchase. At the time Shannon completed the Form 4473, he falsely stated on the form that he was the intended transferee/buyer of handguns, when in fact, he purchased the firearms for Jamar Hill in order to further Hill’s drug trafficking conspiracy.

    In total, the defendants obtained and distributed no less than 2,004 grams of fentanyl, 10 kilograms of cocaine, and 203 pounds of methamphetamine.

    As part of the investigation, two other defendants were charged and have been sentenced. Joseph Haskins, of Muncie, Indiana, was charged in August 2021 with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. After a two-day trial in December 2023, Haskins was sentenced as a career offender to 33 years’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release. Rodolfo Silva was charged in 2024 in the Southern District of California with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Silva plead guilty and was sentenced to 17 years’ and 6 months’ imprisonment.

    “Drug traffickers like these defendants, responsible for pushing poison from across the country into our neighborhoods, must be held accountable for the suffering they cause in search of quick profits,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. This case is an outstanding example of the impact we can have with the help of our state and local law enforcement partners. I commend the efforts of the FBI, and the Muncie and Anderson Police Departments to make our communities safer by getting drugs and drug dealers off our streets.”

    “This is a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to target and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that send a flow of illegal drugs into our communities and threaten public safety,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure every available resource is used to disrupt these criminal enterprises and hold those responsible accountable.”

    The FBI, IRS, Muncie Police Department, Anderson Police Department, and Fishers Police Department investigated this case. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay Karwoski and Barry Glickman, who prosecuted this case.

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Crownpoint Man Faces Federal Charges for Assaulting Tribal Police Officer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Crownpoint man is facing charges in federal court for allegedly assaulting a Navajo Police Department officer and escaping twice before being recaptured.

    According to court documents, on March 18, 2025, two Navajo Police Department officers were dispatched to a domestic violence call. When the officers arrived on the scene, Jason Thompson, 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was already in handcuffs but he managed to escape and run away from the officers while still handcuffed.

    During the ensuing struggle to regain control, one officer deployed a department-issued taser on Thompson. Thompson then grabbed the taser and fired it at the officer, striking him in the chest. After Thompson was recaptured and placed in an NPD unit, he escaped again by removing the rear window bars and kicking out the window.

    Thompson was apprehended later that night by the NPD.

    Thompson is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Thompson faces up to 10 years in prison.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.

    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: Newcomb Man Sentenced for Role in Fatal Altercation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Newcomb man was sentenced to three years of probation for his role in the death of an individual who died from a fatal stab wound during a drunken altercation.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on June 2, 2021, Leighton Spencer, 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and two other individuals were at Spencer‘s home, consuming a mixture of Gatorade and hand sanitizer, followed by beers, when an altercation between the two other individuals occurred. After one person left to cool down and returned, they discovered the third individual deceased in the doorway, covered in blood. Spencer initially claimed the person was sleeping, but emergency services were called.

    The Office of the Medical Investigator ruled the death a homicide caused by a stab wound to the neck, which damaged major blood vessels and the right upper lung lobe. Spencer initially provided conflicting accounts of the incident, blaming others and fabricating causes of death before eventually admitting to the killing. Throughout the investigation, Spencer attempted to deflect responsibility and mislead law enforcement. Ultimately, Spencer admitted he lied and pleaded guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and 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 Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Monroe County Man Charged With Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eli Valentine Calero, age 43, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on a drug trafficking charge. 

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on March 12, 2025, in Monroe County, Calero possessed over 500 grams of methamphetamine and an amount of cocaine for distribution. 

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pocono Mountain Police Department and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts 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 Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Recovers Money Swindled from Kansas Bank’s Investors

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

    Indeed, it’s rare for fraud victims to recover their lost money, especially when scammers use cash or cryptocurrency, which can be hard to trace since the money can change hands quickly.

    In 2023, the Bureau’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received more than 69,000 complaints from the public regarding financial fraud involving the use of cryptocurrency. Estimated losses with a nexus to cryptocurrency totaled more than $5.6 billion. Investigators in the Kansas case were heartened when a federal judge last November informed the failed bank’s owners that all was not lost.

    “To be able to give them back their money is extremely powerful,” said Emilee Thompson, a forfeiture specialist for FBI Kansas City.

    The courtroom erupted when the judge told victims at a November 4 restitution hearing in Wichita that the FBI recovered most of their money.

    “There was cheering and clapping and crying because these people went from thinking they had lost $8.2 million to being made aware they were going to be made very near whole,” Special Agent Hemmert said.

    He said it was particularly impactful to help folks in rural Southwest Kansas, whose opinions of the FBI vary widely.

    “To live up to the reputation of the FBI and to show that we will do whatever we can—move heaven and earth if necessary—to do what we can to get their money back, that was cool,” he said. “To show these people and Elkhart that the FBI cares a great deal about victims and to do whatever we can to make them whole after they’ve been the victim of a crime.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Members of Violent NE Philadelphia Drug Trafficking Organization Convicted of All Charges at Trial

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendants Were Part of the Conspiracy That Led to the Killing of PPD Sgt. James O’Connor

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Kelvin Jimenez, aka “Nip,” 34, and Dominique Parker, aka “Dom,” 33, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were convicted late yesterday afternoon at trial of crimes arising from their membership in a violent drug trafficking organization known by several names, including “SG1700” and “L-Block,” which operated in the Frankford section of Northeast Philadelphia.

    As proven at trial, defendants Jimenez and Parker, as part of SG1700, sold large quantities of narcotics over a multi-year period, using violence and threats of violence to protect their reputation and drug territory. Both were convicted of all charges against them, including racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, maintaining a drug-involved premises, assaults in aid of racketeering, firearms offenses, and related crimes. Jimenez was also convicted of the murder of Kaseem Rogers, and Parker of the murder of Dontae Walker.

    Jimenez and Parker, along with Hassan Elliott, aka “Haz,” 26, and Khalif Sears, aka “Leaf” and “Lil Leaf,” 23, both also of Philadelphia, were charged in March 2023 by superseding indictment with conspiracy to engage in a racketeer influenced corrupt organization (RICO), violent crimes in aid of racketeering, to include murder, stemming from the killings of victims Rogers, Walker, Tyrone Tyree, and Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor, and numerous related offenses.

    On March 13, 2020, Elliott, Sears, and others previously indicted were inside a stash house on the 1600 block of Bridge Street, when Sergeant O’Connor and other members of the Philadelphia Police Department SWAT team arrived with an arrest warrant for Elliott for the March 2019 murder of Tyrone Tyree. As Sergeant O’Connor and his fellow officers ascended the staircase to the second floor of the residence and repeatedly announced their presence, Elliott fired a semiautomatic assault rifle 16 times, striking and killing Sergeant O’Connor.

    Elliott and Sears pleaded guilty this January to RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, causing the death of Sergeant O’Connor by firearm, and multiple drug, gun, and violent offenses. Elliott is scheduled to be sentenced on April 29 and Sears on April 30; both face maximum possible sentences of life in prison.

    Jimenez is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7 and Parker on July 9; both also face maximum possible sentences of life in prison.

    “Jimenez and Parker led the gang that killed Sergeant James O’Connor. These defendants also committed murder themselves,” U.S. Attorney Metcalf said. “Today, however, the Department of Justice put an end to SG1700 and their campaign of violence and destruction. We cannot bring back the lives that have been lost. But we have sent an unambiguous message that everyone involved in a criminal organization that attacks our brave law enforcement officers will be held accountable through federal prosecution.”

    “By direction of these gang-leaders, Philadelphia’s Frankford neighborhood was subjected to deadly shootouts targeting rivals,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “This conviction brings some justice for the murder of Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor, for his family and colleagues, and for the three others murdered and more than a dozen wounded by this brutal criminal enterprise. Through our ATF agents’ hard work in cooperation with the Philadelphia Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted this series of cases to take down this lethal enterprise and make Philadelphia’s streets safer.”

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Martin, Christopher Diviny, and Lauren Stram. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: York County Man Sentenced to 217 Months in Prison for Armed Robbery and Discharging a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Diaz-Garcia, age 24, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 217 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Keli M. Neary for three counts of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Diaz-Garcia previously pleaded guilty to these offenses, which involved Diaz-Garcia’s armed robberies of the Smoke and Chill convenience store, the Family Dollar store, and Rod’s Corner Store in December 2021, during a 5-day crime spree in York County.  During each of these robberies, Diaz-Garcia pointed a loaded handgun at employees and took money by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury. During the robbery at the Family Dollar on December 8, 2021, Diaz-Garcia discharged the firearm in the presence of store patrons and employees, and held the gun against an employee prior to robbing the store and fleeing to a nearby hotel.

    Judge Neary also ordered Diaz-Garcia to pay $4,601.58 in restitution to the businesses, and to serve 5 years of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence.

    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 Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the York City Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Christian Haugsby prosecuted the case.          

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Frankfort Company Pays More Than $3.8 Million to Resolve Improper Paycheck Protection Program Loan

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Frankfort-based steel wheel manufacturer, Topy America, Inc., agreed to pay the United States $3,840,188.19 to resolve allegations that it improperly obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for which it was not eligible.

    Congress created the PPP in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to small American businesses struggling to pay employees and other expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible small businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify that they were eligible for the requested loans and that the information they provided was true and accurate. Regulations provided various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including limitations on the number of employees.

    The settlement resolves allegations that Topy America falsely certified it was eligible to apply for and receive forgiveness of a second-draw PPP loan.  In January 2021, Topy America applied for a second-draw PPP loan for $2,000,000, representing that it had fewer than 300 employees. The government contends that, together with its foreign affiliates, Topy America had more than 300 employees and was therefore ineligible for that loan. Based on its false certification, Topy America received the loan and ultimately received forgiveness of the loan. Topy America cooperated with the United States’ investigation and agreed to compensate the United States for its error.

    “Our office is committed to holding accountable businesses and individuals who improperly obtained COVID-19 relief funds,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Paul McCaffrey. “Topy America quickly and responsibly addressed the concerns raised by the United States, and we expect that other PPP recipients who did not follow the applicable rules will do the same.”

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

    The settlement resolves lawsuits brought by private citizens under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act.  Under those provisions, a private party can file a civil action on behalf of the United States, thereby bringing allegations of fraud to the Government’s attention, and share in any financial recovery.  As part of this resolution, the individuals who filed the qui tam complaints are eligible to receive a portion of the settlement proceeds.  The civil cases are captioned United States ex rel. GNGH2 Inc. v. Topy America, Inc., Case No. 3:24-cv-0003-GFVT and United States ex rel. Blockquote, Inc. v. Topy America, Inc., Case No. 3:24-cv-0028.

    This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Stubblebine, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Houtzdale Man Sentenced to 10 Years In Prison For Attempted Enticement Of A Minor To Engage In Prostitution And Sexual Activity

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Walter Sitosky, age 67, of Houtzdale, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. Chief District Judge Matthew W. Brann after pleading guilty to attempted enticement of a minor charge. 

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Sitosky arranged to pay for sexual services from a 13-year-old child. Sitosky was arrested as part of an undercover operation after travelling to an establishment in Centre County to meet the child on November 10, 2023.

    The case was investigated by the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, Patton Township Police, the Centre County District Attorney’s Office, Williamsport Police, and the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ongoing appeal to locate mother following death of baby in Notting Hill

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Enquiries remain ongoing to locate the mother of a newborn baby boy, whose body was found in Notting Hill on Tuesday, 25 March.

    Superintendent Owen Renowden, who leads policing in Kensington and Chelsea said:

    “Local officers have worked through the night and continue enquiries this morning, to locate the mother of the baby.

    “We were called at 12:46pm to All Saints Church near Talbot Road, following the discovery of a newborn baby in a shopping bag. This was a black Marks and Spencer’s bag with pictures of avocados on the side. The bag was discovered by a council refuse worker who immediately contacted police.

    “Officers attended alongside colleagues from the London Ambulance Service but, very sadly, the baby was pronounced dead at the scene.

    “We can now confirm that the baby was a boy and we believe that he was a newborn when he died.

    “I want to praise the professionalism in particular of the local refuse worker and also the responding emergency services who I know will have been deeply affected by this incident yesterday.

    “As shocking and tragic as this is, my priority remains the mother’s welfare and health.

    “We are really worried about her wellbeing as she will have recently given birth. I know she will likely be feeling very frightened and going through an extremely difficult time.

    “If you are the baby’s mother and see this today – I want to appeal directly to you to come forward to receive help and support. My priority is to help, and make sure you can receive medical assistance. You can do this at any time by attending any hospital, police station or by calling the emergency services.

    “I also want to appeal this morning to anyone who may have information that can assist us to make contact. In particular if you saw anyone in the area with the Marks and Spencer’s bag or saw anything that you felt was unusual.

    “I know the community here are concerned by what has happened and we will be continuing our close work with our partners to support local people. The neighbourhood policing teams will be remaining in this area over the coming days and we will also be available every Wednesday at our regular community drop-in at Thorpe Close.

    “I want to end this morning by repeating my plea to the baby’s mother to come forward and to reassure her that our main thoughts are with her wellbeing and getting her any help that she may need.”

    Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or at @MetCC quoting CAD1879 of 26 March.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Medicare Advantage Provider Seoul Medical Group and Related Parties to Pay Over $62M to Settle False Claims Act Suit

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Seoul Medical Group Inc. and its subsidiary Advanced Medical Management Inc., headquartered in California, have agreed to pay $58,740,000 and their former president and majority owner, Dr. Min Young Cha, has agreed to pay $1,760,000 for allegedly violating the False Claims Act by causing the submission of false diagnosis codes for two spinal conditions to increase payments from the Medicare Advantage program. Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates Inc., a California-based radiology group that worked with Seoul Medical, has also agreed to pay $2,350,000, for allegedly conspiring with Seoul Medical Group in connection with the false diagnoses for the two spinal conditions.

    Under Medicare Advantage, also known as the Medicare Part C program, Medicare beneficiaries have the option of enrolling in managed care insurance plans called Medicare Advantage Plans (MA Plans) and the MA Plans contract with healthcare providers, such as Seoul Medical Group, to provide the Medicare-covered benefits. MA Plans are paid a per-person amount to provide the care to their enrollees and, in turn, the MA Plans pay the providers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees the Medicare program, adjusts the payments to MA Plans based on demographic information and the health diagnoses of each plan beneficiary. The adjustments are commonly referred to as “risk scores.” In general, a beneficiary with diagnoses that are more expensive to treat will have a higher risk score, and CMS will make a larger risk-adjusted payment to the MA Plan for that beneficiary.

    Seoul Medical Group is a healthcare provider that started in 1993 in Los Angeles and has since expanded into at least six states and has employed at times 150 primary care providers and 1,000 specialists. Dr. Min Young Cha started Seoul Medical Group and until 2023 was president and majority owner.

    Allegedly, from 2015 to 2021, Seoul Medical Group and Dr. Cha submitted diagnoses for two severe spinal conditions, spinal enthesopathy and sacroiliitis, for patients who did not suffer from either of these conditions. When Seoul Medical Group was questioned by an MA Plan about its use of spinal enthesopathy, Seoul Medical Group enlisted the assistance of Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates to create radiology reports that appeared to support the spinal enthesopathy diagnosis. Both diagnoses resulted in an increase in payment from CMS to the MA Plan, and the MA Plan then passed along a portion of the increased payment to Seoul Medical Group.

    “Medicare Advantage is a vital program for our seniors and the government expects healthcare providers who participate in the program to provide truthful and accurate information,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s result sends a clear message to the Medicare Advantage community that the United States will zealously pursue appropriate action against those who knowingly submit false claims for taxpayer funds.”

    “My office is committed to ensuring that healthcare providers are held accountable for unlawful misrepresentations to Medicare and other healthcare programs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally for the Central District of California. “As this settlement makes clear, we will diligently pursue those who defraud government programs.”

    “Providers who game the Medicare program to increase profit undermine the foundation of care and diminish patient trust in the nation’s public health care system,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and rigorously probe false claims to the fullest extent possible.”

    The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Paul Pew, the former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Advanced Medical Management. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery.  The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Pew v. Seoul Medical Group, Inc., et al., No. 2:20-cv-05156 (C.D. Cal.). The relator’s share of the settlement has not yet been determined.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from the Department of HHS-OIG.

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The matter was investigated by Fraud Section Attorneys J. Jennifer Koh and Robbin O. Lee and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Paik for the Central District of California.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man to appear in court following investigation into homemade weapons

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man is due to appear in court after being charged with 29 offences relating to possession of firearms and explosive substances.

    Sakhile Ntsele 18, (10.01.07) of Wandsworth Road, SW8 is due to appear at Inner London Crown Court on Friday, 28 March. His first appearance was at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 29 October 2024. He has since been charged with 26 further offences.

    Ntsele was first charged on Saturday, 29 October 2024 with one charge of threatening a person with an offensive weapon and one charge of threats to kill.

    The charges relate to an investigation which was prompted by an incident at Ntsele’s home address on Sunday, 27 October 2024 which officers attended. He was arrested at the scene after a variety of homemade weapons were allegedly found.

    As part of the investigation, led by Trident Officers within Specialist Crime South, Ntsele was further charged with manufacture of a weapon on Friday, 8 November 2024.

    On Thursday, 13 March 2025, Ntsele was charged with 26 further offences – eight charges of possession of explosive substances with intent to endanger life, eight of making explosive substances for an unlawful purpose, five of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and five of possessing a firearm without a certificate.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with murder following assault in Beckenham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been charged with murder following the assault of Andrew Clark in Beckenham.

    Demiesh Williams, 29 (10.06.1995) of Fir Tree Gardens, Croydon was charged with murder on Tuesday, 25 March.

    He appeared before the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 25 March and was remanded into custody.

    The charge follows an assault that took place on Upper Elmers End Road, Bromley at 20:24hrs on Sunday, 16 March.

    Police attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service who treated Andrew Clark for head injuries.

    Sadly, despite the efforts of the emergency services Andrew died on Wednesday, 19 March.

    Williams will next appear on Tuesday, 10 June at the Old Bailey.

    Andrew’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Met arrest two further suspects in Stockwell shooting investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Met have arrested two further suspects in connection with the fatal shooting of Lathaniel Burrell in Stockwell.

    Lathaniel, aged 16, died at the scene after sustaining gunshot wounds in Paradise Road, SW4 on Tuesday, 4 March.

    His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    A 17-year-old boy from Peckham and a 30-year-old man from Lambeth were arrested on Tuesday, 26 March on suspicion of murder.

    They remain in police custody at this time.

    Another 17-year-old boy was previously charged with murder on Tuesday, 11 March. The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Bromley Youth Court on Wednesday, 12 March.

    He is due to next appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 29 May.

    Omar Prempeh, aged 32, of Sunderland Road, Forest Hill, was also charged with murder on Saturday, 8 March in relation to the investigation.

    He appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 12 March and is due to appear before the Old Bailey on Thursday, 29 May.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: 12 members of an Irish high-risk criminal network arrested

    Source: Europol

    Criminals haunted by their chatsThis high-risk criminal network coordinated the drug trade using these sophisticated communication channels, relying on both encryption and multi-platform distribution. The sophistication of their communications was in stark contrast to the simplicity of their modus operandi; it consisted of smuggling cocaine and marijuana across the continent in vehicles equipped with custom-made secret compartments and cloned number…

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Wolf Pack sprints through Freedom Shield 25

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea — The 8th Fighter Wing continues to sharpen its warfighting edge during Freedom Shield 25, reaffirming its ability to generate airpower simultaneously from multiple locations in support of air component objectives March 10-21, 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New anti-racism commitment for policing published

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    A new anti-racism commitment for policing has been published in a major update from the Police Race Action Plan.

    Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson is among several senior leaders to renew their commitment to tackling racial disparities in policing and the wider criminal justice system in a plan update report published today (Wednesday).

    At the heart of the update is a new anti-racism commitment for policing.

    The commitment aims to set out the goals of an anti-racist police service, describes anti-racism in a policing context, and the action required to achieve it.

    Views from policing, partners in the criminal justice system, civil society groups and communities have shaped the commitment, as well as other published statements of anti-racism.

    The update also outlines proposals for a new maturity matrix being developed by the plan, a set of performance standards to help assess delivery of the plan and efforts to address racial disparities.

    The maturity matrix is a cornerstone of the vision for long term scrutiny and accountability for the plan’s delivery, further details of which are included in the update.

    The document contains contributions from 12 different organisations outlining their views on the Police Race Action Plan (PRAP) and its progress, as well as wider efforts to tackle discrimination and address racial disparities.

    This includes contributions from the policing minister, senior police officers, agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service as well as representatives from civil society groups and the National Black Police Association.

    The PRAP has also published an update on its progress in delivering actions in the original plan, as well as bringing together examples of work being delivered in local forces in support of the PRAP’s objectives.

    T/Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dr Alison Heydari, programme director for the plan, said: “This update marks another milestone in our efforts to embed our ambition of delivering an anti-racist police service into the DNA of policing.

    “The reason I joined the plan was to shape its future and lead the changes we need to deliver. It remains the case that people from Black communities have the lowest levels of confidence in the police, are underrepresented in our workforce and are more likely to experience police powers such as stop and search or use of force.

    “Black communities need to see and, crucially, feel change in policing. While we have a long way to go, this update outlines the work that is happening to deliver significant cultural change and improvements for the longer term.

    “Explaining or reforming race disparities and addressing mistrust with Black communities will mean we are more effective at fighting crime and protecting all communities.”

    The update is the second major report published by the plan in nine months, following publication of its first ever progress report in August.

    Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing, said: “This is an important benchmark for police forces to show they are serious about becoming fairer, stronger, and, crucially, better equipped to tackle crime and keep their communities safe.

    “We are committed to supporting police forces to stamp out racism wherever they see it so that the public are served by a modern and effective service.

    “Cutting crime is a priority and one of the ways policing does this is by increasing trust with all communities which can lead to better cooperation with police appeals, more effective crime reporting, and a greater sense of safety among the public.”

    For more information about the plan visit the plan’s webpages.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Native of Guatemala arrested, charged with making a false statement

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gendry Amilcar Niz-Niz, 25, a native of Guatemala, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with making a false statement, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Henning and Sasha Mascarenhas, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, at approximately 4:30 p.m. on March 16, 2025, Niz-Niz was pulled over on Main Street in the City of Lockport for numerous vehicle and traffic violations. The Lockport Police Department requested assistance from U.S. Border Patrol personnel after  Niz-Niz provided a foreign identification document. He presented an identification card appearing to have originated from the Republic of Guatemala Department of Transportation, bearing the name Juan Martinez-Chavez. When asked his name and country of citizenship by a U.S. Border Patrol agent, Niz-Niz responded “Juan Martinez.” The photo on the identification card matched the defendant. An immigration check utilizing the name and date of birth listed on the identification card did not show any documentation of a legal entry into the United States. In addition, Niz-Niz admitted to entering the U.S. illegally and stated that this was the first time he had been encountered or arrested by immigration authorities. Niz-Niz was then taken into custody. Further investigation determined that Niz-Niz had previously been arrested under the name Gendry Amilcar Niz-Niz in Tucson, Arizona in November 2021.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Steven Abbott and U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Martin B. Coombs.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsford father and son facing multiple fraud and ID theft charges in Rochester area credit card scam

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Talib Hussain, 74, and Mirza Khan, 46, both of Pittsford, NY, were charged by criminal complaint with bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, since January 2015, JP Morgan Chase, Discover Financial Services, Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Bank of America, Barclay Bank, US Bank, Capital One and American Express have identified fraudulent credit card activity in the Rochester area. A high number of newly issued credit cards were charged to their maximum credit limit and almost all the cards had no valid payments applied to the accounts.

    The investigation determined that several of the credit cards were connected. The credit cards were applied for using an actual social security number but a fabricated name and date of birth to create a new, or “synthetic” identity, which was then used to acquire lines-of-credit used by the creator and/or his co-conspirators to make fraudulent purchases until the credit limit was reached. Some of them were used to pay property taxes to the City of Rochester and the Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation bills for properties in Rochester, including Lucky Beverage on Norton Street, Chili Express on Chili Avenue, and Easy (EZ) Food Market on Plymouth Avenue. A total of 32 different fraudulent credit cards were used to make periodic online property tax payments for the three properties between 2016 and 2022, totaling approximately $163,000. Further investigation determined that Lucky Beverage and Chili Express are owned by Mirza Khan, while Easy Food Market is owned by Khan’s father and co-defendant Talib Hussain.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation New York, under the direction of Harry Chavis, Acting Executive Special Agent in Charge, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Amy Connelly.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    # # # # 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Rensselaer County Man Admits to Distributing Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Justin Zimmer, age 45, of Wynantskill, New York, pled guilty today to distributing methamphetamine.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

    Zimmer admitted to distributing over 5 grams of pure methamphetamine in Albany County, on or about January 14, 2022.  Zimmer is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on July 28, 2025.  He faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    ATF investigated the case with the assistance of the New York Police Department High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Group, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Troy Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitehorse — Whitehorse RCMP seek public assistance in locating Reuben Huebschwerlen

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP is seeking public assistance in locating 32-year-old Reuben Huebschwerlen who was last seen approximately 1 pm on Friday, March 21, 2025. His photo is attached to this news release.

    Police are concerned for Mr. Huebschwerlen’s well being. He was last seen wearing a Chicago Blackhawks or Bulls Jersey.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr. Huebschwerlen is asked to contact the Whitehorse RCMP immediately at 867-667-5555.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Court Sentences Felons for Illegally Possessing Firearms and Ammunition in Project Safe Neighborhoods Cases

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence. At the core of PSN is setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place. Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announces the following PSN prosecutions that resulted in sentences in the beginning of 2025.

    Arturo Talamantes, 31, of Fresno, was sentenced today to four years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Dec. 16, 2023, police responded to a 911 call from a crowded bar in Fresno reporting a man with a gun. When officers arrived, Talamantes had a loaded black Kahr P40 handgun that he carried through the crowded bar, ignoring officer commands to stop. Once inside, he hid the gun in a hallway storage area where officers found and seized it. Talamantes is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions for manufacturing a short-barreled rifle and inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    ****

    David Diaz, 48, of Bakersfield, was sentenced on March 3, 2025, to eight years and eight months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to court documents, on Sept. 20, 2023, Diaz and co-defendant Jesus Alejandro Lopez, 47, of Bakersfield, drove to Fresno after agreeing to sell 35 pounds of methamphetamine. Both men were armed when they arrived. Shortly after arriving, police arrested the men and seized a stolen Rock Island Armory .45 caliber handgun loaded with seven rounds from Diaz. Diaz is prohibited from possessing ammunition due to three prior felony convictions involving possession and transportation of a controlled substance and inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant.

    On March 10, 2025, Lopez pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on June 23, 2025. Lopez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    ****

    Tionte Beard, 25, of Fresno, was sentenced on March 3, 2025, to three years and 10 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. According to court documents, on Oct. 28, 2023, police conducted a probation compliance check at Beard’s apartment after Beard posted pictures of guns on his social media. Police seized an Anderson Manufacturing model AM-15 .223-caliber rifle, a Sig Saur model P320 9 mm handgun, and several rounds of ammunition hidden in a laundry basket in a closet. Beard is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions for carjacking, illegally possessing a firearm, and inflicting corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant. This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    ****

    Amed Taylor Muhammad, 24, of Fresno, was sentenced on Jan. 13, 2025, to two years and six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Sept. 26, 2023, police responded to reports of a shooting in southwest Fresno near a high school and middle school. Officers stopped Muhammad near the location of the shooting after eyewitnesses spotted him from the location with others while holding something in his waistband. After a brief struggle, officers detained Muhammad and seized a loaded black Taurus PT140 G2, .40 caliber pistol from his front waistband. Muhammad is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions for assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, vehicular theft, and illegally possessing a firearm. This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.

    The above cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple.

    ****

    Felix Alejandro, 38, of Delano, was sentenced on Jan. 6, 2025, to four years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to court documents, on Aug. 2, 2023, police pulled Alejandro over for violating traffic laws. Alejandro consented to a search of his car and police found a 0.40 caliber semi-automatic Polymer 80 pistol wedged between the driver’s seat and center console. The handgun was loaded with 10 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. Alejandro was on federal supervised release for a prior drug trafficking felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. This case was the product of an investigation by the Delano Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cody S. Chapple and Jeffrey A. Spivak prosecuted the case.

    These cases are 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Missoula man sentenced to ten years in prison for trafficking meth and fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MISSOULA — A Missoula man who trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl was sentenced today to 120 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Andrew David Ambler, 27, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

    U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that on May 24, 2024, Ambler was arrested by members of the Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force on a parole violation for suspected drug trafficking and firearm-related offenses. Prior to being taken into custody, Ambler attempted to flee on foot while trying to get to his vehicle and discarded a backpack and a bag that were on his person.  The backpack and bag contained a loaded .22 caliber pistol, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.  A search of Ambler’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 5,000 fentanyl pills, which he admitted he intended to distribute.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.  The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation.

    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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Missoula woman sentenced to thirteen years in prison for trafficking meth and fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MISSOULA — A Missoula woman who trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl was sentenced today to 156 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Emily Svoboda, 31, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

    U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that on November 23, 2022, a confidential source purchased 100 fentanyl pills from Svoboda for $600. The source asked Svoboda if she had any “clear” – a slang term for meth – and Svoboda said she did not currently but likely would be resupplying later in the evening.  The confidential source asked for a “roll” of fentanyl pills (100), and Svoboda said she could provide that.  Svoboda had a bag of approximately 200 pills but was not willing to sell all of them.  Five days later, on November 28, 2022, the confidential source purchased 26.5 grams of methamphetamine and 50 fentanyl pills from Svoboda for $1,000.  And on December 9, 2022, Svoboda sold the source 53.7 grams of methamphetamine and 100 fentanyl pills for $1,400.  A review of Svoboda’s Facebook pages revealed messages related to drug transactions and she admitted to law enforcement she sold drugs. She said she received between two and four ounces of methamphetamine from a co-conspirator every two to four weeks from roughly September to December 2022.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.  The ATF, Missoula Police Department, and Missoula HIDTA conducted the investigation.

    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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

    XXX

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Smyrna Detective Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Coercion/Enticement of a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILMINGTON, Del. – Shannon T. Hanson, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Michael Kealty, of Magnolia, Delaware, was sentenced today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware to 10 years in federal prison for his crime of coercing and enticing a minor into sexual activity. The Honorable U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews issued the sentence.

    According to Court documents, Mr. Kealty met a 16-year-old girl online and groomed her for six months into producing sexually explicit images and videos of herself. At one point Mr. Kealty threatened to expose the girl’s images to the public if she did not continue to perform for him. Mr. Kealty’s online accounts also showed his attempted exploitation of additional, unidentified minor girls, including a 13-year-old.

    Mr. Kealty—a former detective with the Smyrna Police Department—was charged in October 2023 with Distribution and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. On October 15, 2024, Mr. Kealty pleaded guilty to an enhanced charge of Coercion/Enticement of a Minor, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Hanson stated, “Mr. Kealty betrayed his oath, his badge, and his community by exploiting the most vulnerable members of our community, our children. Today’s sentence sends a message that no one is above the law. I commend the FBI for their diligent pursuit of justice in this case and for ensuring that child predators like Mr. Kealty are brought to justice.”

    “There is absolutely no tolerance for any actions that hurt a child. Kealty’s crimes are especially egregious considering he swore to protect our communities and children,” says Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. “Delaware is safer with him locked up where can no longer victimize or abuse anyone else.”

    This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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