NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of International Drug Gang Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine While Incarcerated

    Source: US FBI

    BOSTON – An influential leader of a large-scale international gang based in Southern Arizona was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for attempting to facilitate the trafficking of narcotics into Massachusetts via inmate phone calls while serving four concurrent life sentences.

    Noel Haro, 50, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 188 months in prison, to be served concurrent to the life sentences he is currently serving at the Massachusetts Department of Correction. The court also imposed five years of supervised release. On March 11, 2025, Haro pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl; two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; aiding and abetting; and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; aiding and abetting. He was indicted in April 2023 along with his brother Marcos Haro.

    “Even behind bars, Noel Haro continued to direct the operations of an international drug trafficking network and peddle poison into our communities. This level of audacity is precisely why we remain vigilant and aggressive in dismantling drug trafficking networks at every level,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Our office and our agency partners will not allow prison cells to serve as command centers for criminal activity. We will pursue every lead, intercept every coded message, and hold every conspirator accountable.”

    “While locked up for life, Noel Haro thought he had nothing more to lose so he used his ‘Get out of Jail Free’ card to solicit help in trafficking deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine across the country, but today’s lengthy prison sentence shows he could not have been more wrong,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “This case should make it crystal clear to anyone who thinks they can flagrantly violate the law and manage a drug trafficking organization while behind bars. It’s only a matter of time before you will get caught.”

    “The DOC remains steadfast in advancing the policies, safety measures, and technology that support our ability to detect and deter illegal activity,” said Shawn Jenkins, Commissioner of the Department of Correction. “This case underscores our commitment to rooting out criminal activity within our facilities and holding accountable those who attempt to undermine the safety and integrity of our institutions. I’m grateful to the DOC staff for their dedication and vigilance and commend our state and federal law enforcement partners for their invaluable support.”  

    Noel Haro is a member and influential leader of the “Border Brothers” gang – a large-scale international gang known to be heavily involved in drug, weapon and human trafficking in Southern Arizona with a presence in Nogales, Mexico and the Arizona prison system. Noel Haro is currently serving a life sentence at a Massachusetts Department of Correction facility in connection with convictions in Arizona for drug distribution, conspiracy and money laundering. He was previously serving his sentence at a facility in Arizona but was transferred to serve his sentence in Massachusetts upon being deemed a security concern due to his alleged influence over other inmates and repeated introduction of cell phones and narcotics into Arizona facilities.

    Beginning in or about April 2019, and investigation began into Noel Haro’s attempts to facilitate the trafficking of narcotics to Massachusetts during his inmate phone calls. Specifically, during his inmate calls, Noel Haro worked to recruit friends and family members to continue his drug trafficking business while he was incarcerated and to transport narcotics from Arizona to Massachusetts on his behalf.

    In April 2022, the Massachusetts Department of Correction intercepted a letter that Noel Haro had sent to co-conspirator Denise Guyette, whom he had recruited and connected with his drug suppliers in Arizona. Inside the envelope, a “Get out of Jail Free” card from the board game Monopoly was found with a handwritten “key” on the back – which was to be used to discuss drug trafficking in code. For example, the number “736” was written above the word “coke,” the number “747” was written above the word “meth,” the number “766” was written above the word “fety,” and the number “746” was written above the word “heroin.” After sending Guyette this key card, the defendant instructed her to travel to Arizona to meet with his drug suppliers and send drugs back to Massachusetts for further distribution.

    The defendant also worked with his brother, Marcos Haro, to arrange drug deals outside of prison. In June 2022, Marcos Haro agreed to supply an individual with samples of multiple narcotics – including fentanyl and methamphetamine. Marcos Haro later mailed the narcotics to the individual concealed in a purple teddy bear inside a postal package. On July 13, 2022, the package was retrieved and found to contain fentanyl, five fentanyl pills, methamphetamine and approximately three grams of black tar heroin. On July 25, 2022, during a recorded inmate call, Noel Haro and his brother discussed selling one pound of methamphetamine to the same individual and agreed on a sale price of $5,000. On July 27, 2022, a package sent from Marcos Haro was retrieved and found to contain approximately 446.6 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine.

    During a recorded inmate call on Aug. 10, 2022, Noel Haro directed his brother to arrange the sale of five pounds of methamphetamine to the individual. Later, on Sept. 12, 2022, two packages sent from Marcos Haro were retrieved and each found to contain approximately 892.3 grams of 86% pure methamphetamine and approximately 1,320.2 grams of 95% pure methamphetamine.

    Guyette was charged in a separate indictment and, in April 2025, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after previously pleading guilty to drug trafficking offenses. Marcos Haro pleaded guilty on March 19, 2025 and is currently scheduled to be sentenced on July 17, 2025. 

    U.S. Attorney Foley, FBI SAC Docks and MADOC Commissioner Jenkins made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea E. Porter and Charles Dell’Anno of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Forces Conduct Additional Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

    Source: United States AFRICOM

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on July 13, 2025.

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Forces Conduct Additional Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

    Source: United States AFRICOM

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on July 13, 2025.

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Forces Conduct Additional Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

    Source: United States AFRICOM

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on July 13, 2025.

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Forces Conduct Additional Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

    Source: United States AFRICOM

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on July 13, 2025.

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tritium Level Far Below Japan’s Operational Limit in 13th Batch of ALPS-Treated Water, IAEA Confirms

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Independent sampling and analysis conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 13th batch of ALPS-treated water, which Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began discharging today from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), is far below Japan’s operational limit.

    As part of its ongoing safety review, the IAEA collected and analyzed samples onsite of the diluted water that was being prepared for discharge as part of this latest batch. The results confirmed that the tritium concentration is far below the operational limit of 1,500 becquerels per litre and is in line with international safety standards.

    Japan is releasing the ALPS-treated water in a series of batches over the next decades, following the start of the discharge in August 2023. The treated water is diluted with seawater prior to discharge. Of the 93.500 cubic meters of water already released in the first 12 batches, the IAEA confirmed that the tritium concentrations were far below the international safety standards and operational limits.

    In a comprehensive report issued on 4 July 2023 before the discharge began, the IAEA’s safety review found that Japan’s plan for handling the treated water was consistent with international safety standards and that the release as planned would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment.

    Reports on sampling, independent analysis, data evaluation, as well as timeline, are available on the IAEA website.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tritium Level Far Below Japan’s Operational Limit in 13th Batch of ALPS-Treated Water, IAEA Confirms

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Independent sampling and analysis conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 13th batch of ALPS-treated water, which Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began discharging today from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), is far below Japan’s operational limit.

    As part of its ongoing safety review, the IAEA collected and analyzed samples onsite of the diluted water that was being prepared for discharge as part of this latest batch. The results confirmed that the tritium concentration is far below the operational limit of 1,500 becquerels per litre and is in line with international safety standards.

    Japan is releasing the ALPS-treated water in a series of batches over the next decades, following the start of the discharge in August 2023. The treated water is diluted with seawater prior to discharge. Of the 93.500 cubic meters of water already released in the first 12 batches, the IAEA confirmed that the tritium concentrations were far below the international safety standards and operational limits.

    In a comprehensive report issued on 4 July 2023 before the discharge began, the IAEA’s safety review found that Japan’s plan for handling the treated water was consistent with international safety standards and that the release as planned would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment.

    Reports on sampling, independent analysis, data evaluation, as well as timeline, are available on the IAEA website.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eighth Former Correctional Officer Sentenced on Federal Civil Rights Charges in Connection with Death of Inmate at West Virginia Jail

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A former correctional officer from the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia, was sentenced today for his role in an assault that resulted in the death of an inmate, identified by the initials Q.B., on March 1, 2022. Andrew Fleshman, 22, was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison.

    According to his plea agreement, Fleshman responded to a call for officer assistance after Q.B. tried to push past another correctional officer and leave his assigned pod. When Correctional Officer Fleshman arrived at the pod, Q.B. was on the floor as force was being used against him. The officers restrained and handcuffed Q.B. Officer Fleshman and other members of the conspiracy then escorted Q.B. to an interview room, where, aided and abetted by each other, they struck and injured Q.B. while he was restrained, handcuffed and posed no threat to anyone. Fleshman admitted that he and the members of the conspiracy struck and injured Q.B. to punish him for attempting to leave his assigned pod.

    Fleshman pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank W. Volk on Nov. 2, 2023. That same day, former correctional officer Steven Nicholas Wimmer also pleaded guilty to conspiring to use unreasonable force against Q.B. On May 8, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank W. Volk sentenced Wimmer to nine years in prison.

    On Nov. 29, 2023, a federal grand jury indicted six other defendants in connection with the death of Q.B. In November 2024, Mark Holdren, Corey Snyder, and Johnathan Walters each pleaded guilty in connection with the use of unreasonable force against Q.B., resulting in his death. On July 9, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph R. Goodwin sentenced Holdren to 20 years in prison and Walters was sentenced to 21 years in prison. On July 10, Judge Goodwin sentenced Snyder to 19 years and seven months in prison.

    In August 2024, Ashley Toney and Jacob Boothe each pleaded guilty to failing to intervene to protect Q.B. from the officers’ assault. On June 9, Judge Goodwin sentenced Toney to six and a half years in prison. On July 10, Judge Goodwin sentenced Boothe to three years in prison.

    On Jan. 27, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict at trial for the sixth indicted defendant, Chad Lester, a former Lieutenant at the Southern Regional Jail, finding him guilty on three obstruction of justice charges for his role in conspiring to cover up the death of Q.B. On May 15, Judge Goodwin sentenced Lester to 17 and a half years in prison.

    Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston for the Southern District of West Virginia made the announcement.

    The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, Charleston Resident Agency, investigated the case.

    Deputy Chief Christine M. Siscaretti and Trial Attorney Tenette Smith of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Foreign Nationals Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United States After Deportation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that two men convicted of illegally reentering the United States after prior deportations have been sentenced.

    Hugo Henry Hernandez-Bonilla, 49, a Salvadoran national, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Mia Roberts Perez to time served, approximately four months, for illegal reentry. Having completed his prison sentence, he again will be removed from the country.

    Hernandez-Bonilla had been previously removed from the United States in September 2011.

    Following his removal, the defendant illegally reentered the United States and was arrested in July 2024 by the Lancaster City (Pa.) Bureau of Police on a charge of driving under the influence.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned of Hernandez-Bonilla’s arrest and took him into custody in February of this year. In March, he was charged by federal indictment with illegal reentry, and he pleaded guilty in May.

    Noel Velasquez-Basurto, 33, a Mexican national, was sentenced by United States District Judge Paul S. Diamond last week to time served, approximately four months, for illegal reentry. Having completed his prison sentence, he again will be removed from the country.

    Velasquez-Basurto had previously been removed from the U.S. in October 2013, after being encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol near Nogales, Arizona. Later that month, after authorities again found him in Arizona, he was charged by criminal complaint with illegal entry, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 60 days’ imprisonment. Velasquez-Basurto was deported in January 2014, after completing his term.

    In February of this year, ICE encountered the defendant in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, determined that he was in the country illegally, and took him into custody.

    In April, Velasquez-Basurto was charged by indictment with illegal reentry, and he pleaded guilty this month.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

    The cases were investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda McCool, Brittany Jones, and Lindsey Mills.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bakersfield Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty for His Role in $25 Million Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Victor Cruz, 40, who was a tax return preparer in Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to helping Miguel Martinez, a Mexican national who was in the United States illegally, submit fraudulent individual federal income tax returns that claimed $25 million in refunds, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court records, from November 2019 through June 2023, Martinez led a scheme to file thousands of fraudulent tax returns that claimed millions of dollars in refunds and Cruz helped him carry out the scheme. Martinez used stolen identities to create fake businesses and report phony wage and withholding information for the businesses to the IRS. Martinez then submitted hundreds of individual income tax returns to the IRS in the names of individuals whose identities he had stolen, claiming that those individuals worked for the fake businesses and were owed tax refunds based on the phony wage and withholding information that had been reported. Cruz prepared and filed more than 500 of the fraudulent tax returns, which claimed more than $3 million in refunds. Cruz received thousands of dollars in fees from Martinez in exchange for his services.

    The IRS actually paid out $2.3 million of the $25 million in refunds that was claimed by the fraudulent tax returns.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.

    Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 17, 2025. He faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 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.

    Martinez pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in federal prison.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: West Linn Man Faces Federal Charges for Unlawfully Possessing Machine Guns, Unregistered Firearms, and Silencers

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.—A West Linn, Oregon man has been charged with illegally possessing machine guns, unregistered short-barreled rifles, and firearm silencers.

    Lucas Christopher Perillo, 41, has been charged by criminal complaint with unlawful possession of a machinegun and unlawful possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle or silencer.

    According to court documents, on June 17, 2025, FBI agents executed federal search warrants on Perillo, his residence, and his vehicle. Agents located and seized 36 firearms, including three firearms converted with machine gun switches and 13 unregistered short-barreled rifles, firearm silencers, and other firearm parts. 

    Machine gun conversion devices, sometimes referred to as switches, are small attachments used to convert firearms from semi-automatic to fully-automatic.

    On July 11, 2025, Perillo was arrested in West Linn. He made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

    This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Parakram Singh, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 354th AEW provides combat airpower to REFORPAC 25

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — The 354th Air Expeditionary Wing is participating in exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 25, to test its ability to quickly and effectively command and control air assets throughout the Pacific, July 10 – August 8, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Talisman Sabre 2025 Begins with Record Participation and Enduring Purpose

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    Sydney, Australia — Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 formally commenced today from the flight deck of HMAS Adelaide in Sydney Harbor, launching military activities involving 19 nations and over 30,000 service members across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. This marks the largest bilateral military training event between the United States and Australia to date.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS America arrives in Brisbane

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    BRISBANE, Australia – The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and embarked U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Brisbane, Australia, for a scheduled port visit July 9 while conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS America arrives in Brisbane

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    BRISBANE, Australia – The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and embarked U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Brisbane, Australia, for a scheduled port visit July 9 while conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The Tri-Ship America Amphibious Ready Group Visits Brisbane

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    BRISBANE, Australia – The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), and embarked elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Brisbane for a scheduled port visit July 10 while conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: From TAGRS to Tigers: Bilateral refueling operation marks new milestone for MRF-D

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    DARWIN, Australia – In a first-of-its-kind operation, U.S. Marines with the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) used the Tactical Air-Ground Refueling System (TAGRS) to refuel an Australian ARH Tiger helicopter for the first time, showcasing the expanding interoperability between allied forces in the Indo-Pacific.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: From TAGRS to Tigers: Bilateral refueling operation marks new milestone for MRF-D

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    DARWIN, Australia – In a first-of-its-kind operation, U.S. Marines with the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) used the Tactical Air-Ground Refueling System (TAGRS) to refuel an Australian ARH Tiger helicopter for the first time, showcasing the expanding interoperability between allied forces in the Indo-Pacific.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: From TAGRS to Tigers: Bilateral refueling operation marks new milestone for MRF-D

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    DARWIN, Australia – In a first-of-its-kind operation, U.S. Marines with the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) used the Tactical Air-Ground Refueling System (TAGRS) to refuel an Australian ARH Tiger helicopter for the first time, showcasing the expanding interoperability between allied forces in the Indo-Pacific.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CORRECTION: Coast Guard assists 11 people aboard flooding catamaran off Dana Point, Calif.

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/14/2025 10:45 PM EDT

     

    07/14/2025 10:22 AM EDT

    Corrections:  Coast Guard assisted 11 people aboard the charter catamaran. The previous published release stated the people were saved.  The Coast Guard cutter’s small boat crew assisted in using dewatering pumps to remove water from the vessel.   The 11 passengers were transferred to another charter vessel operated by the same company and no injuries were reported  DANA POINT, Calif. — U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies assist 11 people aboard a charter catamaran taking on water approximately 7 miles south of Dana Point Harbor, Saturday evening. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach watchstanders received a distress call at approximately 6:20 p.m. from the operator of the 50-foot catamaran Manute’a, reporting flooding while still making way toward Dana Point Harbor.  The Dana Point Harbor Patrol and Orange County Sheriff’s Department were monitoring Channel 16 and immediately responded to assist. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach assumed command of the search and rescue mission, issued an urgent marine information broadcast, and launched a response boat from Coast Guard Station Los Angeles-Long Beach while diverting the Coast Guard Cutter David Duren. The cutter’s small boat crew, along with partner agency vessels, arrived on scene, and assisted with using dewatering pumps to remove water from the vessel.  The 11 passengers were transferred to another charter vessel, operated by the same company. The charter catamaran operator was able to safely transit back to port under the vessel’s own power with no other assistance needed.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CORRECTION: Coast Guard assists 11 people aboard flooding catamaran off Dana Point, Calif.

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/14/2025 10:45 PM EDT

     

    07/14/2025 10:22 AM EDT

    Corrections:  Coast Guard assisted 11 people aboard the charter catamaran. The previous published release stated the people were saved.  The Coast Guard cutter’s small boat crew assisted in using dewatering pumps to remove water from the vessel.   The 11 passengers were transferred to another charter vessel operated by the same company and no injuries were reported  DANA POINT, Calif. — U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies assist 11 people aboard a charter catamaran taking on water approximately 7 miles south of Dana Point Harbor, Saturday evening. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach watchstanders received a distress call at approximately 6:20 p.m. from the operator of the 50-foot catamaran Manute’a, reporting flooding while still making way toward Dana Point Harbor.  The Dana Point Harbor Patrol and Orange County Sheriff’s Department were monitoring Channel 16 and immediately responded to assist. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach assumed command of the search and rescue mission, issued an urgent marine information broadcast, and launched a response boat from Coast Guard Station Los Angeles-Long Beach while diverting the Coast Guard Cutter David Duren. The cutter’s small boat crew, along with partner agency vessels, arrived on scene, and assisted with using dewatering pumps to remove water from the vessel.  The 11 passengers were transferred to another charter vessel, operated by the same company. The charter catamaran operator was able to safely transit back to port under the vessel’s own power with no other assistance needed.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CORRECTION: Coast Guard assists 11 people aboard flooding catamaran off Dana Point

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/14/2025 09:45 PM EDT

     

    07/13/2025 01:52 PM EDT

    DANA POINT, Calif. — U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies assists 11 people aboard a charter catamaran taking on water approximately 7 miles south of Dana Point Harbor, Saturday evening. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach watchstanders received a distress call at approximately 6:20 p.m. from the operator of the 50-foot catamaran Manute’a, reporting flooding while still making way toward Dana Point Harbor. The Dana Point Harbor Patrol and Orange County Sheriff’s Department were monitoring Channel 16 and immediately responded to assist.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CORRECTION: Coast Guard assists 11 people aboard flooding catamaran off Dana Point

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/14/2025 09:45 PM EDT

     

    07/13/2025 01:52 PM EDT

    DANA POINT, Calif. — U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies assists 11 people aboard a charter catamaran taking on water approximately 7 miles south of Dana Point Harbor, Saturday evening. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach watchstanders received a distress call at approximately 6:20 p.m. from the operator of the 50-foot catamaran Manute’a, reporting flooding while still making way toward Dana Point Harbor. The Dana Point Harbor Patrol and Orange County Sheriff’s Department were monitoring Channel 16 and immediately responded to assist.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard Deployable Specialized Forces unit holds change-of-command ceremony in San Diego

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/14/2025 07:15 PM EDT

     

    07/14/2025 06:52 PM EDT

    SAN DIEGO — Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team West hosted a change-of-command ceremony in San Diego, July 9, 2025. Coast Guard Capt. James J. Camp relieved Capt. Robert J. Berry as the commanding officer during the ceremony. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard Deployable Specialized Forces unit holds change-of-command ceremony in San Diego

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/14/2025 07:15 PM EDT

     

    07/14/2025 06:52 PM EDT

    SAN DIEGO — Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team West hosted a change-of-command ceremony in San Diego, July 9, 2025. Coast Guard Capt. James J. Camp relieved Capt. Robert J. Berry as the commanding officer during the ceremony. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Eighth Former Correctional Officer Sentenced on Federal Civil Rights Charges in Connection with Death of Inmate at West Virginia Jail

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    A former correctional officer from the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia, was sentenced today for his role in an assault that resulted in the death of an inmate, identified by the initials Q.B., on March 1, 2022. Andrew Fleshman, 22, was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison.

    According to his plea agreement, Fleshman responded to a call for officer assistance after Q.B. tried to push past another correctional officer and leave his assigned pod. When Correctional Officer Fleshman arrived at the pod, Q.B. was on the floor as force was being used against him. The officers restrained and handcuffed Q.B. Officer Fleshman and other members of the conspiracy then escorted Q.B. to an interview room, where, aided and abetted by each other, they struck and injured Q.B. while he was restrained, handcuffed and posed no threat to anyone. Fleshman admitted that he and the members of the conspiracy struck and injured Q.B. to punish him for attempting to leave his assigned pod.

    Fleshman pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank W. Volk on Nov. 2, 2023. That same day, former correctional officer Steven Nicholas Wimmer also pleaded guilty to conspiring to use unreasonable force against Q.B. On May 8, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank W. Volk sentenced Wimmer to nine years in prison.

    On Nov. 29, 2023, a federal grand jury indicted six other defendants in connection with the death of Q.B. In November 2024, Mark Holdren, Corey Snyder, and Johnathan Walters each pleaded guilty in connection with the use of unreasonable force against Q.B., resulting in his death. On July 9, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph R. Goodwin sentenced Holdren to 20 years in prison and Walters was sentenced to 21 years in prison. On July 10, Judge Goodwin sentenced Snyder to 19 years and seven months in prison.

    In August 2024, Ashley Toney and Jacob Boothe each pleaded guilty to failing to intervene to protect Q.B. from the officers’ assault. On June 9, Judge Goodwin sentenced Toney to six and a half years in prison. On July 10, Judge Goodwin sentenced Boothe to three years in prison.

    On Jan. 27, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict at trial for the sixth indicted defendant, Chad Lester, a former Lieutenant at the Southern Regional Jail, finding him guilty on three obstruction of justice charges for his role in conspiring to cover up the death of Q.B. On May 15, Judge Goodwin sentenced Lester to 17 and a half years in prison.

    Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston for the Southern District of West Virginia made the announcement.

    The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, Charleston Resident Agency, investigated the case.

    Deputy Chief Christine M. Siscaretti and Trial Attorney Tenette Smith of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Hegseth Thanks German Counterpart for Stepping Up to Defense Challenges

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Germany committed to a permanent brigade in Lithuania, a sizable purchase of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, an increase in defense spending and being a key nexus for providing support to Ukraine during a meeting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard interdicts 3 aliens off the coast of Imperial Beach, Calif.

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/14/2025 04:30 PM EDT

     

    07/14/2025 04:04 PM EDT

    SAN DIEGO — A San Fransico based Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team interdicts three aliens aboard a 20-foot vessel approximately six miles west of Imperial Beach, Saturday. At approximately 4 p.m., the MSST SF law enforcement team observed a vessel crossing the maritime boundary line with no indication of navigational lighting.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with $16M Hospice Fraud Scheme and Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A California man pleaded guilty today in connection with his role in defrauding Medicare of nearly $16 million through sham hospice companies and laundering the fraudulent proceeds.

    According to court documents, Juan Carlos Esparza, 33, of Valley Village, schemed with others, including co-defendants Petros Fichidzhyan and Karpis Srapyan, to bill Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and never provided.  From July 2019 until January 2023, the defendant and his co-defendants operated four sham hospices, one of which, House of Angels Hospice, was owned by Esparza. The defendants controlled the other three hospices, even though the listed owners were foreign nationals. Fichidzhyan, Esparza, and Srapyan concealed the scheme by using foreign nationals’ personal identifying information to open bank accounts, submit information to Medicare, and sign property leases. They also controlled and used cell phones in the names of the foreign nationals in furtherance of the scheme. In total, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million.

    Fichidzhyan, Esparza, and Srapyan worked with others, including their co-defendants Susanna Harutyunyan and Mihran Panosyan, to launder the fraudulent proceeds. As part of the money laundering scheme, Esparza and his co-defendants maintained fraudulent identification documents and other documents associated with the sham hospices at the House of Angels office, and bank documents, checkbooks, and credit and debit cards in the names of purported foreign owners in a pair of residential properties. After defrauding Medicare, Esparza and his co-defendants moved the funds between various assets and accounts, including bank accounts in the names of shell companies, to conceal the scheme. Esparza spent $90,000 in fraudulent proceeds to purchase a vehicle.

    Esparza pleaded guilty to health care fraud and transactional money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for healthcare fraud and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for transactional money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Co-defendant Petros Fichidzhyan previously pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. In May, Fichidzhyan was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Co-defendant Mihran Panosyan pleaded guilty to money laundering last month and is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 8. Co-defendant Karpis Srapyan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. Co-defendant Susanna Harutyunyan pleaded guilty to money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 17. Harutyunyan faces deportation.

    The guilty plea today is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Sarah E. Edwards, Allison L. McGuire, and Michael Bacharach of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara B. Vavere for the Central District of California is handling asset forfeiture.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with $16M Hospice Fraud Scheme and Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A California man pleaded guilty today in connection with his role in defrauding Medicare of nearly $16 million through sham hospice companies and laundering the fraudulent proceeds.

    According to court documents, Juan Carlos Esparza, 33, of Valley Village, schemed with others, including co-defendants Petros Fichidzhyan and Karpis Srapyan, to bill Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and never provided.  From July 2019 until January 2023, the defendant and his co-defendants operated four sham hospices, one of which, House of Angels Hospice, was owned by Esparza. The defendants controlled the other three hospices, even though the listed owners were foreign nationals. Fichidzhyan, Esparza, and Srapyan concealed the scheme by using foreign nationals’ personal identifying information to open bank accounts, submit information to Medicare, and sign property leases. They also controlled and used cell phones in the names of the foreign nationals in furtherance of the scheme. In total, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million.

    Fichidzhyan, Esparza, and Srapyan worked with others, including their co-defendants Susanna Harutyunyan and Mihran Panosyan, to launder the fraudulent proceeds. As part of the money laundering scheme, Esparza and his co-defendants maintained fraudulent identification documents and other documents associated with the sham hospices at the House of Angels office, and bank documents, checkbooks, and credit and debit cards in the names of purported foreign owners in a pair of residential properties. After defrauding Medicare, Esparza and his co-defendants moved the funds between various assets and accounts, including bank accounts in the names of shell companies, to conceal the scheme. Esparza spent $90,000 in fraudulent proceeds to purchase a vehicle.

    Esparza pleaded guilty to health care fraud and transactional money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for healthcare fraud and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for transactional money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Co-defendant Petros Fichidzhyan previously pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. In May, Fichidzhyan was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Co-defendant Mihran Panosyan pleaded guilty to money laundering last month and is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 8. Co-defendant Karpis Srapyan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. Co-defendant Susanna Harutyunyan pleaded guilty to money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 17. Harutyunyan faces deportation.

    The guilty plea today is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Sarah E. Edwards, Allison L. McGuire, and Michael Bacharach of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara B. Vavere for the Central District of California is handling asset forfeiture.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –