NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cocaine Delivery Service Driver Is Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON — Dusan Dimic, 41, of Reston, Virginia., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 41 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking operation that used Zipcars, rental cars, and privately owned vehicles to deliver cocaine to customers throughout the Northwest.

               The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., DEA Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

               Dimic pleaded guilty on November 12, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. In addition to the 41-month prison term, U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton ordered Dimic to serve three years of supervised release.

               According to court documents, in August 2022, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) began an investigation into individuals operating a narcotics delivery service, operating primarily in Northwest Washington, D.C. using rental vehicles and rideshare services.

               Undercover law enforcement agents conducted 14 controlled purchases of illegal narcotics from Dimic’s co-conspirator. Dimic served as either the driver for the co-conspirator or arranged for a driver to drive the co-conspirator to distribute narcotics. During the undercover controlled purchases, Dimic frequently sat in the driver’s seat, the co-conspirator always sat in the front passenger’s seat, and the undercover agent (as the customer) sat in the rear passenger’s seat. The drug transactions took place immediately next to Dimic while he remained in the driver’s seat.

               Dimic typically conducted drug transactions on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Dimic typically began his route by driving to a supermarket on the 2200 block of I Street NW, to meet his co-conspirator. The two men then proceeded to pick up various individuals, meeting with them for a brief period to engage in narcotics sales.

               Zipcar records show Dimic’s name listed on the account and Dimic’s credit card on file as the form of payment for the vehicles used during the conspiracy. On certain days, when Dimic was not the driver, he would provide transportation and drivers for his co-conspirator. 

               At approximately 5:24 p.m. on September 21, 2023, law enforcement arrested Dimic and his co-defendant. From Dimic, law enforcement recovered 90 grams of cocaine located on the front driver’s side floorboard, a small blue bag with Dimic’s identification cards, his cell phone, and $2,304.51 in cash. From the co-defendant, law enforcement recovered $4,454.74 in cash, a blue bookbag containing multiple eyeglass containers with 483 grams of cocaine, and a medicine bottle containing 90 grams of methamphetamine pills located on the front passenger floorboard.

               During the course of the conspiracy, Dimic and his co-conspirators sold an average of 56 grams of cocaine per day from August 2022 to August 2023. 

               This case was investigated by the DEA and the MPD. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Iris McCranie and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Rasalam with valuable assistance from Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary Crosby and Lauren Randall.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jamaican National Indicted For Unlawfully Possessing A Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging Romario Whyte (28, Brooksville) with possession of a firearm by an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States. If convicted, Whyte faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. 

    According to court documents, Whyte accompanied an individual who was under investigation for straw purchasing of firearms to a gun store. After the individual purchased a firearm, Whyte and the individual drove to Whyte’s apartment. Whyte was observed by law enforcement making several trips from the car to his apartment carrying various bags. A search of the apartment revealed the same firearm that had been purchased at the gun store.

    Whyte was determined to be a citizen of Jamaica and illegally or unlawfully in the United States at the time he was in possession of the firearm.

    An indictment 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 was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brooke M. Padgett.       

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Arrested And Charged With Possession Of Fraudulent Green Card And Illegal Re-Entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging Mario Antonio Mejia-Calderon (34, Honduras) with possession of a fraudulent permanent resident card – or “green card” – and illegal re-entry by a previously deported alien. If convicted on both counts, Mejia-Calderon faces a maximum penalty of 12 years in federal prison. Mejia-Calderon was arrested and ordered detained while awaiting trial.

    According to the indictment, on January 24, 2025, Mejia-Calderon was found unlawfully present in the United States after having been deported on June 11, 2013. On that same day, he also possessed a counterfeit green card. 

    An indictment 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 was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Indicted For Unlawful Transportation Of Aliens And Illegal Re-Entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging Timoteo Son-Gonzalez (40), a Guatemalan national, with unlawful transportation of an illegal alien for the purpose of financial gain and illegal re-entry by a previously deported alien. If convicted on all counts, Son-Gonzalez faces a maximum penalty of 12 years in federal prison. 

    According to the indictment, in February 2025, Son-Gonzalez transported an alien for financial gain, knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that the alien had come to, entered, and remained in the United States in violation of the law. The indictment also alleges that Son-Gonzalez was found to be unlawfully present in the U.S. after having been removed in June 2024.

    An indictment 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 was investigated by the United States Customs and Border Patrol. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Houstonian receives prison time for filing over $500,000 in fraudulent disaster relief loans

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A 27-year-old woman has been sentenced for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Khalia Douglas pleaded guilty June 13, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Douglas to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. She must also pay $318,361.11 in restitution. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described her criminal history and how her fraudulent scheme lasted 15 months. The court also heard how Douglas submitted applications for approximately 100 different individuals, and that without her, they would not have been possible. In handing down the sentence, the court noted her fraudulent scheme took advantage of programs that were designed to help those in need during a troubling time for the entire country.

    From March 2020 until June 2021, Douglas conspired with others to submit false and fraudulent applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Small Business Administration (SBA), the U.S. government and a bank for financial assistance.

    At the time of her plea, Douglas admitting to using her Instagram account “GoGettaKaee” to post multiple stories advertising her involvement in filing fraudulent SBA COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications. Such posts include “SBA is back open. $350 for method. Yes im doing applications $100 upfront & $2k when your money hit. You’ll need a real bank account.”

    Douglas accepted payment for her services via CashApp where her clients would make payments to her and send a screenshot of the completed payment as proof.

    She also submitted false EIDL applications for herself and false Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications for another.

    Further investigation revealed Douglas filed eight FEMA disaster assistance applications related to Hurricane Laura.

    Additionally, Douglas committed several other fraudulent acts like filing false unemployment benefits in Kansas, using another person’s name to rent her apartment and using another person’s bank account to deposit counterfeit checks.

    Authorities discovered her phone and computer contained a multitude of various documents and discussions of fraud in text messages, emails relating to fraudulent applications, false tax documents, images of counterfeit government identification documents and more.

    Due to her actions, the EIDL, PPP and the bank lost a total of $318,361.11 with an attempted loss amount of $514,415.

    Douglas received approximately $23,775 for her services.

    She was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The Department of Homeland Security-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rodolfo Ramirez and Elizabeth Wyman prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Waterbury Man Admits Role in Violent Carjacking in 2023

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MICHAEL McCANN-ORTIZ, also known as “Bando,” 24, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a carjacking offense.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of June 18, 2023, two all-terrain vehicles (“ATVs”) were stolen from a Waterbury residence.  After the theft, McCann-Ortiz and others identified an individual (“Victim 1”) who they believed was involved in the theft.  Later that night, Victim 1’s friend, (“Victim 2”), picked up Victim 1 from work and drove him home.  As they arrived at Victim 1’s residence, three vehicles followed them and surrounded the victims.  McCann-Ortiz and his associates, one of whom carried an assault-style rifle, exited the vehicles and approached the victims.  McCann-Ortiz and his associates demanded the return of the stolen ATVs, threatened both victims, and physically assaulted them.

    Specifically, McCann-Ortiz repeatedly threatened to kill the victims, and punched and kicked one victim, causing serious bodily injury.

    McCann-Ortiz and his associates then stole Victim 2’s vehicle, which was owned by Victim 2’s relative, and other items and cash belonging to the victims.

    There is no indication that Victim 1 was, in fact, involved in the theft of the ATVs.

    McCann-Ortiz pleaded guilty to carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for May 22.

    McCann-Ortiz has been detained since his arrest on unrelated state charges on July 10, 2023.

    This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force with the assistance of the Waterbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan J. Guevremont and David T. Huang.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bradenton Man Pleads Guilty To Operating A Helicopter Without Required Licensing

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Ernesto Cordero (54, Bradenton) has pleaded guilty to operating as an airman without the required airman certificate. Cordero faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, Cordero obtained a student pilot’s license. That license allowed him to operate his personal helicopter with an instructor in the passenger seat or fly the helicopter alone in certain circumstances. The license did not authorize Cordero to fly with passengers. To fly with passengers, Cordero would need to get a full pilot’s license. He never did. Instead, Cordero frequently flew his helicopter with passengers onboard, despite the restrictions on his license.

    In June 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received a complaint when Cordero landed his helicopter at Egmont Key State Park off the coast of Tampa. When he landed, a passenger left and then returned to the helicopter. The following month, the FAA received another complaint that Cordero was flying others in his helicopter from a dock behind a home in Marathon. After these incidents, the FAA learned that Cordero’s helicopter was landing at Tampa Executive Airport. Once the helicopter landed, Cordero admitted that he was again flying the helicopter and that he had a passenger onboard.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Aviation Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Plea in 2022 Murder Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Navajo man pleaded guilty in federal court to second degree murder and firearms charges stemming from a fatal shooting in 2022.

    According to court documents, on July 26, 2022, officers from the Navajo Nation Police Department responded to reports of a shooting near Ojo Encino. Upon arrival, officers discovered John Doe deceased at the scene with a gunshot wound to his chest and right arm. Witnesses identified Jason Lee Martinez, 51, a member of the Navajo Nation, as the shooter, who fled immediately after the incident.

    Investigators recovered seven .40 caliber bullet casings from the scene, and the autopsy confirmed fatal gunshot wounds consistent with a single bullet that traveled through John Doe’s chest, heart, lung, and liver.

    On August 26, 2022, FBI agents interviewed Martinez, who admitted to shooting John Doe.

    According to the plea agreement, Martinez faces between 17 and 28 years in prison at sentencing followed by three years of supervised release.

    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 FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kissimmee Woman Pleads Guilty To Receipt, Distribution, And Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Jessica Corin Mangano (34, St. Cloud) has pleaded guilty to receipt, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material. Mangano faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison for the distribution and receipt offenses and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the possession offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, Mangano distributed and received multiple videos that contained child sexual abuse material. Additionally, Mangano possessed hundreds of videos of child sexual abuse material that involved young children.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Myers Man Pleads Guilty To Robbing Convenience Stores At Gunpoint

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Fort Myers, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Kevoun Najae Watts (22, Fort Myers) has pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Watts faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the robbery offense and a minimum of 7 years, up to life, consecutive to the robbery count for the firearm offense. He has also agreed to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he used to commit the offenses. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, Watts admitted to robbing both two convenience stores at gunpoint in Fort Myers on July 31, 2024. 

    This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

    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. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Individuals Charged in Quincy-Area Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Six individuals were arrested this month for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Quincy, Illinois, area and illegally using a communication facility. A list of the defendants follows.

    Marcus T.  Bush, 41, of Alton, Illinois, was arrested on February 21, 2025, and had an initial appearance before United States District Judge Colleen R. Lawless that same day. At a detention hearing on February 25, 2025, the judge ordered that Bush be detained pending trial. Bush remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.

    If convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Bush faces statutory penalties ranging from 15 years up to a life term of imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least a ten-year term of supervised release. If convicted of illegal use of communication facility, Bush faces a maximum of four years’ imprisonment, not more than a $30,000 fine, and up to a three-year term of supervised release.

    Lasha B. Lewis, 40, of St. Louis, Missouri, was arrested on February 21, 2025, and had an initial appearance before Judge Lawless that same day. At a detention hearing on February 25, 2025, the judge ordered that Lewis be released on bond.

    Aamina R. Dorsey, 36, of St. Louis, Missouri, was arrested on February 21, 2025, and had an initial appearance before Judge Lawless that same day. At a detention hearing on February 26, 2025, the judge ordered that Dorsey be released on bond.

    Nicholas A. Strieker, 27, of Quincy, Illinois, was arrested on February 21, 2025, and had an initial appearance before Judge Lawless that same day. At a detention hearing on February 26, 2025, the judge ordered that Strieker be detained pending trial. Strieker remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.

    Bruce L. Pinnick, 49, of Quincy, Illinois, was arrested on February 21, 2025, and had an initial appearance before Judge Lawless that same day. At a detention hearing on February 27, 2025, the judge ordered that Pinnick be detained pending trial. Pinnick remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.

    Michael A. Bloodson, 42, of Chicago, Illinois, was arrested on February 27, 2025, and had an initial appearance before Judge Lawless on February 28, 2025. The judge ordered Bloodson temporarily detained pending a detention hearing set for March 6, 2025, at 1 p.m.

    If convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, these defendants face statutory penalties ranging from 10 years up to a life term of imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least a five-year term of supervised release. If convicted of illegal use of communication facility, the five face a maximum of four years’ imprisonment, not more than a $30,000 fine, and up to a three-year term of supervised release.

    A federal grand jury previously returned indictments against each of the defendants on February 4, 2025.

    The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Springfield Field Office, and the Illinois State Police West Central Illinois Task Force, with significant assistance from the Quincy Police Department and Adams County Sheriff’s Office. Additional support was also provided by the Adams County State’s Attorney’s Office; the Drug Enforcement Administration, St. Louis Field Office and Springfield Residence Office; the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois; the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri; the Alton Police Department, and the Chicago Heights Police Department.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger.

    Members of the public are reminded that the charges in a complaint are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Sentencing in To’Hajiilee Manslaughter Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A To’Hajiilee man was sentenced to 72 months in prisonfor voluntary manslaughter in connection with the death of John Doe in May 2022.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on May 27, 2022, Cole Ray Shorty, 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, went to John Doe’s residence bringing other people with him including a juvenile. Upon arrival, Shorty found John Doe sitting in his car outside his residence.

    Shorty approached Doe’s car and opened the back door. In response, Doe exited the vehicle with a bat and a struggle ensued. Doe was taken to the ground and was disarmed of the bat. Instead of leaving the scene, Shorty struck Doe in the head with the bat, leaving him injured and unconscious at the scene.

    John Doe died from their injuries at the University of New Mexico Hospital on May 30, 2022. The Office of the Medical Inspector confirmed that the cause of death was blunt head trauma and classified it as a homicide.

    Upon his release from prison, Shorty will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    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 FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee, Zachary Jones, Mark Probasco, and Meg Tomlinson prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder investigation launched in Islington

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police were called to Seven Sisters Road, N7 at around 23:35hrs on Thursday, 27 February.

    Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service colleagues. A 75-year-old man was taken to hospital where, very sadly, he died on Friday, 28 February.

    The man’s family have been informed. The victim is thought to have been a Bolivian national – formal identification and a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course.

    Three teenagers – girls aged 14, 16 and 17 – were arrested on suspicion of GBH prior to the man’s death. This is now being reviewed. They remain in custody and enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

    Superintendent Annmarie Cowley, one of the senior officers responsible for policing Islington, said: “I know this death will cause shock and very real concern in Holloway and the wider Islington area. I share those concerns, and I want to assure local people that a thorough police investigation is under way.

    “There are additional police patrols in the local area. I urge local people to speak with these officers if you have any information or any concerns. The officers are there to support you, and they will be in and around Holloway throughout the weekend.”

    DCI Paul Waller, Specialist Crime, is leading the murder investigation. He said: “Three people are in custody and specialists from across the Met have been working at pace since last night to establish exactly what happened. Every possible line of inquiry is being followed, and this includes forensic work and ongoing enquiries to identify all available CCTV.

    “I am grateful to those members of the public who have contacted police already. I urge anyone who saw the incident but has yet to contact police to please get in touch and share what they know.”

    Anyone who has information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or contact @MetCC on X, quoting reference 8184/27feb. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Tammany Parish Man Guilty Of Fentanyl Distribution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KENNETH FLOCKE (“FLOCKE”), age 24, a resident of St. Tammany Parish, pled guilty on February 26, 2025, before United States District Judge Sarah Vance, to three counts of distributing fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

    For each count FLOCKE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for each count.

    According to court documents, on April 17, May 16, and June 13, 2024, FLOCKE distributed large quantities of fentanyl pills, 1,000 pills (141.93 grams), 1,000 pills (146.01 grams) and 1,000 pills (141.81 grams), respectively, in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Conviction of Two Former Jal Police Officers for Civil Rights Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A federal jury has convicted two former Jal Police Department officers of violating the civil rights of an individual, identified as John Doe in the indictment, during a July 2021 incident, after which John Doe died. The verdict came after a seven-day trial and approximately 13 hours of deliberation.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on July 31, 2021, former Jal Police Officer Corey Patrick Saffell, 35, stopped John Doe for driving without headlights at the Pilot Gas Station in Jal, NM. Former Jal Police Officers Ceasar Enrique Mendoza, 28, and Robert Edward Embly, 43, arrived shortly thereafter.

    The situation quickly escalated when Saffell accused John Doe of presenting false identification. John Doe was subsequently handcuffed and forced into a small cage in Saffell’s K9 unit, where an aggressive dog was barking. When John Doe struggled to enter the small space, Mendoza deployed his taser on John Doe 13 times while Saffell yelled at him to keep tasing John Doe. The men then moved John Doe to Embly’s patrol car with a full backseat, where he was tased a 14th time.

    At no point during the incident did John Doe, who was handcuffed throughout the entire encounter, attempt to flee, make threats or aggressive statements, or act combatively to Saffell, Mendoza, or Embly.  After placing John Doe in the back of Embly’s unit, none of the officers checked on John Doe or monitored him, as they were trained to do after deploying their taser on him.

    At the jail, the men dragged John Doe’s limp, unconscious body into a cell and laid him on his stomach while still handcuffed. Despite John Doe’s deteriorating condition, including appearing unconscious and having urinated on himself, the men did not seek medical attention. The first time any of the officers requested medical attention for John Doe was only after it was determined John Doe stopped breathing and had no pulse, at which time the officers finally commenced life-saving measures. John Doe was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m. on July 31, 2021.

    Mendoza and Embly were convicted on three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law each, specifically use of unreasonable force, failure to intervene, and deliberate indifference to John Doe’s serious medical need.

    Following the verdict, the Court ordered that Mendoza and Embly remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Mendoza and Embly each face up to 10 years in prison per count of conviction.

    On September 10, 2024, Saffell pled guilty to three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, specifically unlawful arrest, failure to intervene, and deliberate indifference to serious medical needs. At sentencing, Saffell faces up to 10 years in prison per count of conviction. Saffell remains on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been set.

    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 Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Hobbs Police Department, Carlsbad Police Department, Lea County Sheriff’s Office, Jal Police Department, and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Marisa A. Ong are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montgomery Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Bring Cocaine into Alabama from Texas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                Montgomery, Ala. – On February 27, 2025, a federal judge sentenced 46-year-old Vanshun Traywick, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, to 288 months in prison following his conviction on drug conspiracy charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. 

               According to court records and evidence presented during Traywick’s trial, in 2020, law enforcement began an investigation related to a suspected drug-trafficking operation bringing cocaine from Texas to Montgomery. The investigation revealed that Traywick ordered kilogram quantities of cocaine from a co-conspirator, 45-year-old Michael Golden, from Houston, Texas. The cocaine would be delivered to Montgomery by another co-conspirator, Rufus Flanagan, 57, also from Houston. On October 20, 2020, law enforcement in Montgomery conducted a traffic stop of a semi-truck driven by Flanagan. Upon searching the vehicle, officers found a bag with approximately one kilogram of cocaine inside.

                In addition to arranging for the purchase of large quantities of cocaine from Golden, the investigation also revealed that, on October 13, 2020, Traywick purchased two ounces of cocaine from another co-conspirator, 51-year-old Deneco Nettles, also from Montgomery. The jury found Traywick guilty on two counts of conspiracy to distribute cocaine after a trial that concluded on September 25, 2024.

                Last year, Golden, Flanagan, and Nettles all pleaded guilty to federal drug conspiracy charges. On June 18, 2024, Nettles received a sentence of 18 months in prison. In December of 2024, Flanagan received a 27-month sentence. Golden’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 8, 2025.

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

                The Drug Enforcement Administration, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Wilson, Mark E. Andreu, and Justin L. Jones prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Clewiston Man Pleads Guilty To Drug And Firearm Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Fort Myers, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Antowan Jabaar Cain (45, Clewiston) has pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Cain faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. For the firearm offense, Cain faces a minimum of 5 years, up to life imprisonment, consecutive to the sentence imposed for the distribution offense. He has also agreed to forfeit the firearm used in the offense.

    According to the plea agreement, on December 12, 2024, Cain sold a firearm and methamphetamine in Hendry County.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

    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. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men Plead Guilty To Conspiring To Ship Firearms From Orlando To Puerto Rico

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

    Orlando, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Joseph Alfredo Bonano Aviles (25, San Juan, Puerto Rico) and Jose Javier Corchado Montanez (34, Kissimmee) have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transfer firearms out of state. Each faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreements, between at least September and continuing through at least November 2021, Montanez, while located in the Middle District of Florida, conspired and shipped multiple firearms to Aviles in Puerto Rico. Neither Montanez nor Aviles was a licensed importer, manufacturer, collector, or dealer of firearms.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Daniels.

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mississauga — CBSA and RCMP joint investigation leads to criminal charges and the seizure of synthetic opioids more potent than fentanyl

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are committed to intercepting and investigating smuggling attempts at our border and disrupting organized crime.

    The CBSA and RCMP announced today that an arrest has been made in Mississauga, Ontario for possession and trafficking of narcotics, including Nitazenes. Nitazenes are a class of synthetic opioid which can be up to 20 times more potent than Fentanyl. They are used to “cut” street drugs in Canada, and their high potency can increase the risk of overdose, particularly when mixed with other substances.

    CBSA border services officers at the international mail and cargo processing facilities in Mississauga, ON, and Vancouver, BC, seized multiple shipments of synthetic opioids arriving from China and destined to an address in Mississauga. Officers also intercepted additional shipments intended for international export. Using various investigative techniques, the CBSA’s Greater Toronto Area Region’s Intelligence section provided the RCMP with the evidence required to obtain a search and arrest warrant.

    On January 3, 2025, the RCMP’s Transnational Serious & Organized Crime seized over 5 kg of narcotics, drug paraphernalia, more than $120,000 CAD in cash and other proceeds of crime—including luxury watches and precious metals—from the accused’s residence in Mississauga.

    As a result, the RCMP arrested Matthew Phan (36 years-old) of Mississauga, and charged him with:

    • Trafficking a Schedule I controlled substance to wit: Etonitazene, its salts, derivatives, isomers and analogues and salts of derivatives, isomers and analogues contrary to Section5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
    • Trafficking a Schedule 4 controlled substance to wit: Fencamfamine, its salts, derivatives, isomers and analogues and salts of derivatives, isomers and analogues contrary to Section5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
    • Possession of a Schedule I controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking to wit: Etonitazene, its salts, derivatives, isomers and analogues and salts of derivatives, isomers and analogues contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
    • Possession of a Schedule I controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking to wit: MDMA, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
    • Possession of a Schedule I controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking to wit: methamphetamine, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
    • Possession of a Schedule 4 controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking to wit: Fencamfamine, its salts, derivatives, isomers and analogues and salts of derivatives, isomers and analogues contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
    • Unlawful attempt to export a Schedule 1 controlled substance to wit: Etonitazene, its salts, derivatives, isomers and analogues and salts of derivatives, isomers and analogues contrary to Section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
    • Unlawful attempt to export a Schedule 4 controlled substance to wit: Fencamfamine, its salts, derivatives, isomers and analogues and salts of derivatives, isomers and analogues contrary to Section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
    • Unlawful possession property obtained by crime, contrary to Section 354(1) of the Criminal Code.

    Phan has not received bail and remains in custody.

    Quotes

    “This opioid seizure is yet another example of the effective partnership between the CBSA and the RCMP in stopping cross-border drug trafficking. Nitazenes pose a significant threat to public health, and these joint investigations and resulting enforcement actions keep our communities safe, both in Canada and abroad.”
    – The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety

    “Nitazenes are a lethal substance that pose a significant risk to the safety of Canadians, and the CBSA is committed to securing Canada’s border from drug threats like this one. In collaboration with the RCMP, our officers and investigators work diligently to keep these synthetic opioids off our streets. The CBSA executed over 3,000 narcotic seizures in the Greater Toronto Area in 2024, keeping over 10,000 kg of drugs out of our communities.” – Lisa Janes, Regional Director General, Greater Toronto Area Region, Canada Border Services Agency

    “This collaboration between RCMP Federal Police and the CBSA has resulted in a rapid response to protect the safety of our communities. We are very concerned that synthetic opioids are making their way onto our streets. This extremely toxic substance severely amplifies the risk of accidental overdose for all drug users. The RCMP is committed to battling transnational organized crime at all levels in Ontario, Canada and abroad.”
    – Inspector Nicole Noonan, Officer in charge of Federal Policing – Integrated Response & Organized Crime, Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Quick facts

    • Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. Information available on the Border Plan is available here: The Government of Canada’s Border Plan: significant investments to strengthen border security and our immigration system – Canada.ca
    • As part of Canada’s Border Plan, the CBSA has launched Operation Blizzard, a targeted, cross-country initiative aimed at intercepting illegal contraband arriving and leaving Canada, with a focus on fentanyl and other synthetic narcotics.
    • From December 9, 2024 to January 18, 2025, the Canadian Integrated Response to Organized Crime (CIROC) Committee composed of Federal, Provincial and Municipal law enforcement agencies, conducted a national sprint aimed at disrupting illegal fentanyl production and distribution in Canada.
    • The RCMP and the CBSA work closely in an investigative capacity, along with other domestic and international law enforcement partners, to combat the impact that cross border criminal activity is having on our communities.
    • The CBSA screens goods, including international mail and courier items, coming into Canada and examines more closely those that may pose a threat to the safety of Canadians.
    • The RCMP works with the CBSA to protect Canada from inbound and outbound criminal threats through criminal investigations and prosecutions related to narcotic smuggling.
    • Organized crime affects the daily lives of Canadians in many ways that you may not be aware of. It can affect the taxes you pay (tax revenue losses from contraband tobacco and alcohol); your car insurance premiums (higher auto insurance due to car thefts by organized crime rings); your banking fees (banks recovering fraud costs); even your safety and health (drug-related violence, faulty counterfeit goods and currency). In terms of economic-related crimes (e.g. credit and debit card fraud), it is estimated that organized crime costs Canadians $5 billion every year.
    • For the latest CBSA enforcement statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.
    • If you have any information related to smuggling, drug importation, trafficking, or possession, or wish to report other criminality, you can contact:
      • The RCMP Toronto West Detachment at 1-905-876-9500
      • Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020
      • Anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time.
    • To report suspicious cross border activities, you can contact the CBSA by using the confidential Border Watch Line online or toll free at 1888 502 9060

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Career Criminal Pleads Guilty To Possessing A Loaded Firearm As A Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Fort Myers, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Mickey Colangelo, Jr. (45, Fort Myers) has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Colangelo faces a minimum of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. Colangelo has also agreed to forfeit the firearm used in the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, on October 30, 2024, Colangelo was stopped by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as a wanted suspect for a felony offense. Deputies recovered a loaded pistol from his backpack. At the time, Colangelo had multiple prior felony convictions which prohibit him from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Colangelo has at least three prior felony convictions that qualify under federal law as “violent felonies” subjecting him to enhanced punishment as an Armed Career Criminal.

    This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

    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. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Around the Air Force: Bomber Task Force 25, Minuteman III Test Launch, Weapons and Tactics Conference

    Source: United States Air Force

    In this week’s look Around the Air Force, Bomber Task Force missions over Europe and the Middle East demonstrate force projected capabilities, an unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test launch ensures a credible and effective deterrent, and the Weapons and Tactics Conference, gives experts the opportunity to develop, refine and validate tactics, techniques and procedures for Air Combat Operations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: LA Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for $2.3 Million COVID Loan Scheme and Falsely Seeking Nearly $1.3 Million in Pandemic Tax Credits

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A woman from the Mid-City area of Los Angeles was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining more than $2 million in COVID-19 government loans and to submitting false claims in an unsuccessful effort to secure from the IRS nearly $1.3 million in pandemic-related tax credits, the Justice Department announced today.

    Casie Hynes, 39, was sentenced late Thursday afternoon by United States District Judge Hernán D. Vera, who also ordered her to pay $2,376,168 in restitution.

    In April 2024, Hynes pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of false claims.

    “The defendant exploited a crisis to line her own pockets, diverting vital relief funds from businesses that needed the money,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “The sentence imposed today sends a message to others that you will be held accountable if you steal government relief funds.”

    From June 2020 to December 2021, Hynes submitted more than 80 fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from banks and the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) in the names of approximately 20 companies. Congress designed these programs to provide government relief to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Hynes submitted the bogus applications in the names of both existing and newly created companies, including Nasty Womxn Project and She Suite Collective and others purportedly owned by Hynes or her friends and family members. On those applications, Hynes often used the personal information and signatures of other people without their authorization and even though those people were not involved with the companies. Hynes also provided false information on the applications, including as to the number of purported employees at the companies, the companies’ average monthly payroll, and who purportedly owned and controlled these sham businesses. Hynes also submitted fabricated tax documents and bank statements in support of the fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications.

    In reliance on Hynes’ fraudulent loan applications, banks and the SBA approved PPP and EIDL loans for the various companies she created and then disbursed the COVID-19 relief funds into bank accounts she controlled and used to pay for her own personal expenses.

    Hynes admitted that she intended to cause approximately $3,174,323 in losses and she received approximately $2,255,244 in fraudulent proceeds from this scheme.

    In a related scheme, Hynes used some of the same companies named in her PPP and EIDL fraud to submit bogus tax forms to the IRS, requesting refunds. Following COVID-19’s outbreak, Congress enacted laws authorizing the IRS to reduce the employment tax burdens of small businesses and reimburse those businesses for wages paid to employees who were on sick or family leave and could not work because of the pandemic. During the tax years 2020 and 2021, the IRS offered the Employee Retention Credit and paid sick and family leave credit to businesses that were significantly impacted by COVID-19.

    From May 2021 to April 2022, Hynes caused to be submitted 12 tax forms that sought refunds based on false statements on behalf of Nasty Womxn Project LLC, She Suite Ventures, and Casie Hynes Consulting. Hynes knew these companies had little to no business operations, did not have the number of employees she claimed, and did not pay the quarterly wages she claimed in the tax forms.

    Hynes fraudulently sought approximately $1,255,703 in COVID-19 tax credits and tax refunds through these false claims, none of which the IRS paid.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kristen A. Williams of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across the federal government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international actors committing civil and criminal fraud and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Tips and complains from all sources about potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by visiting the webpage of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, which can be found here. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can also report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint From at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guilty Verdict in Athens-Clarke Armed Fentanyl Trafficking Trial

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ATHENS, Ga. – A Georgia man with a lengthy criminal history in the Athens-Clarke County community was found guilty this week at trial of armed fentanyl trafficking.

    Dwan Maurice Hewlett, aka “LA,” 41, of Hull, Georgia, was found guilty of all six counts charged in the indictment: one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine; one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hewlett is a federal career offender and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison.

    The trial began on Feb. 24 and concluded on the evening of Feb. 26. U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III presided over the trial. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Career offenders arming themselves and pushing fentanyl into our communities will find their criminal cases in federal court,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “I applaud local and federal law enforcement for their tireless efforts to track down repeat criminals and bring them to justice.”

    “Cases like these exemplify the value of partnerships between local, state and federal agencies. This armed career criminal will no longer be selling the dangerous drug fentanyl in our community,” said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters. “I am incredibly proud of the ACCPD Officers and Detectives who worked with partnering agencies on this case. We will continue to prioritize keeping violent criminals out of our community. I would like to thank our partners for their continuous efforts in keeping our community safe.”

    “The FBI works tirelessly to get dangerous criminals like Dwan Hewlett and the drugs he sold off the streets of Georgia,” said FBI Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Ozden. “Hewlett will now have decades in prison to consider his past actions.”

    “Drug traffickers exploit vulnerable members of our community to generate profits,” said Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Atlanta Division. “The success of this investigation is proof that those destroying our communities with drugs and violence will be held accountable.”

    According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) detectives had a confidential informant place a phone call to Hewlett to purchase fentanyl. Hewlett agreed to meet the informant at an Athens gas station on Danielsville Road. When Hewlett arrived at the gas station, ACCPD officers boxed his vehicle in and exited their undercover vehicles wearing “POLICE” marked body armor. Officers gave loud commands for Hewlett to get out of his car. Hewlett looked up, saw the police and immediately began making furtive movements reaching under the seat. He then exited his vehicle, ignored the verbal commands and started running toward Danielsville Road at the intersection of Freeman Drive. Hewlett was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.

    Officers searched his vehicle and found a .380 pistol under the driver’s seat where Hewlett was seen reaching and numerous tied corner baggies containing fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine for distribution. In all, officers found 133.51 grams of fentanyl, 58.31 grams of methamphetamine, 9.783 grams of cocaine and 16 grams of cocaine base. A search of Hewlett’s cell phones located in the car contained many drug-related messages and photos. Hewlett has a lengthy prior criminal history, which includes three prior convictions in the Clarke County Superior Court for serious drug offenses and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

    This case was investigated by the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, with assistance from the FBI Athens Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, DEA and ATF.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Pleads Guilty To Use Of Passport Secured By False Statement And Passport Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Juan Arturo Martinez (62, Mexico) has pleaded guilty to use of passport secured by false statement and passport fraud. Martinez faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to court documents, Martinez is Mexican citizen and does not currently have permission to be in the United States. In 2002, Martinez submitted a U.S. passport application on which he put his place of birth as Mission, Texas. In 2012, Martinez submitted a U.S. passport renewal application on which he put his place of birth as Mission, Texas. On September 11, 2021, Martinez used the passport that he had secured by reason of a false statement to gain entry in the U.S. at the Port Canaveral Seaport. On April 12, 2022, Martinez submitted a U.S. passport renewal application and fraudulently stated that his place of birth was Mission, TX.

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ten-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced To More Than Six Years In Federal Prison For Possessing A Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Loranzia Outin, III (48, Jacksonville) to six years and five months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Outin entered a guilty plea on December 12, 2024. 

    According to court records, in February and March 2024, confidential informants made two purchases of controlled substances from Outin. On March 22, 2024, in connection with the drug investigation, deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and their SWAT team executed a search warrant at Outin’s residence. During a search of Outin’s room, law enforcement officers located a 9mm pistol, a .22 caliber revolver, and two bags of methamphetamine. At the time, Outin had 10 prior felony convictions, including selling methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, and possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, Outin is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

    This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta.

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Raleigh Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Illegally Export Sensitive Technology to China

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – David C. Bohmerwald, the owner of a Raleigh-based electronics resale business called Components Cooper, Inc., pled guilty to attempting to export accelerometer technology with military applications to China without a license, in violation of the Export Control Reform Act (“ECRA”), and faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced.  The case is the result of the district’s Disruptive Technology Strike Force (DTSF) cell.  

    “North Carolina is home to cutting-edge technologies that fuel our economy, improve our lives, and are vital to national security.  But our status as a major tech hub also makes us a target, as America’s foreign adversaries seek to acquire sensitive tech to advance their military might and interests around the world,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel Bubar, “We’ve launched a multi-agency Disruptive Technology Strike Force cell to shut down international schemes that smuggle sensitive technology and IP to America’s adversaries. This case is just one example, exposing a scheme to evade U.S. export laws by shipping nearly $20,000 worth of accelerometers with missile applications from North Carolina to the People’s Republic of China.”

    “Consistent application and administration of our export controls is crucial for national security and economic stability,” said Jeffrey Levine, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Office of Export Enforcement Special Agent in Charge. “The Disruptive Technology Strike Force is another example of how those agencies with enforcement responsibilities work together to help prevent the proliferation of sensitive technologies and materials that could be used for military or terrorist purposes, ensuring that critical goods do not fall into the wrong hands.”

    “The disruption of this scheme to illegally export sensitive technology means that accelerometers and other items will not be used by unauthorized individuals or for adversarial purposes,” said Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant, who supervises Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Charlotte that covers North and South Carolina. “HSI is a proud member of the Disruptive Technology Strike Force and cases like this demonstrate HSI’s commitment to keeping military-grade equipment out of the hands of our adversaries. HSI will aggressively investigate, disrupt, and hold accountable criminals that supply sensitive technology to unauthorized users.”

    According to court documents, and information presented in court, Bohmerwald, age 63, purchased 100 accelerometers from a U.S.-based electronics company, and then attempted to export the devices to a company in China. These accelerometers have a wide array of applications ranging from research and development of products to defense uses. When used for military applications, accelerometers are crucial to structural testing, monitoring, flight control, and navigation systems. The technology can help missiles fly more accurately and measure the precise effect munitions have on structures. A license is required to export the accelerometers to China.

    The U.S. based electronics company notified law enforcement due to Bohmerwald’s suspicious and unusual purchase request. Among other things, when Bohmerwald purchased the accelerometers, he claimed that they were for an end user in Missouri. In fact, when federal agents contacted the Missouri company, they denied having an order pending with Bohmerwald and his business, Components Cooper.

    After Bohmerwald received the accelerometers, he dropped two parcels at a local FedEx shipping store. One of the packages was addressed to a business in China. An agent with the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, detained the package and found it contained 100 accelerometers. The agent confirmed that there were no relevant licenses on file to support the export of the items. In addition, Bohmerwald falsely listed the value of the package at $100, when the true value was nearly $20,000. When interviewed by agents, Bohmerwald admitted to acquiring the technology on behalf of a Chinese-based company, knowing that the technology was export-controlled, and knowing export of the items required a license.

    This case was coordinated through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation-states. The Strike Force leverages tools and authorities across the U.S. government to enhance the criminal and administrative enforcement of export control laws.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina and Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the plea. BIS, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Logan Liles and Trial Attorney Brendan Geary of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-00302-BO.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbus man pleads guilty to sextorting minor females through social media, possessing child pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jacob M. Rager, 21, of Columbus, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to sextorting at least two female victims and possessing child pornography. 

    According to court documents, in April 2023, one of Rager’s victims contacted the FBI National Threat Operations Center to report the distribution of nude photos of her at age 17. The female had communicated with Rager on Instagram and sent nude photos of herself to Rager on two occasions in February and November 2022, including once for a $15 payment.

    In March 2023, Rager told the victim to send another nude photo of herself or he would send the prior photos of her to her friends. The victim did not comply, and Rager sent the nude images to a high school friend of the victim.

    In October 2023, Rager sent messages to the victim via a TikTok account saying, “I have your nudes still. Reply unless you want me to expose you to everyone you know…”

    During the course of their investigation, FBI agents became aware of a second victim whose nude images were also distributed to various individuals by Rager.

    Rager sent the second victim a link on her Instagram account in October 2023 that connected to a mega site containing 70 folders. The folders were named after girls who attended Ohio University, including a folder of the victim. The images of videos of the females appeared to have been saved from the Snapchat account of each person.

    Further, Rager created an Instagram account titled with the full name of the second victim and ending with the word “destruction.” He messaged the victim from this account saying, “i have your nudes still. unless you want me to show your friends, family and both your brothers i suggest you reply. im gonna make an example out of you if you don’t reply.”

    Even after being contacted by the FBI and learning of the federal investigation pending against him, Rager continued to contact the second victim from various accounts on TikTok and Instagram.

    When agents searched his cell phone, they discovered Rager possessed other child pornography of females ages approximately 10 to 15 years old. The images included minor females inserting objects like bottles and brushes into their vaginas.

    Possessing child pornography is a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison and using interstate communications to extort carries a potential maximum sentence of up to two years in prison. Congress sets minimum and maximum statutory sentences. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, and other members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Illegally Export Sensitive Technology to China

    Source: United States Attorneys General 10

    David C. Bohmerwald, 63, the owner of a Raleigh-based electronics resale business called Components Cooper Inc., pleaded guilty to attempting to export accelerometer technology with military applications to China without a license, in violation of the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA), and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced.

    According to court documents and information presented in court, Bohmerwald purchased 100 accelerometers from a U.S.-based electronics company and then attempted to export the devices to a company in China. These accelerometers have a wide array of applications ranging from research and development of products to defense uses. When used for military applications, accelerometers are crucial to structural testing, monitoring, flight control, and navigation systems. The technology can help missiles fly better and measure the precise effect munitions have on structures. A license is required to export the accelerometers to China.

    The U.S.-based electronics company notified law enforcement due to Bohmerwald’s suspicious and unusual purchase request. Among other things, when Bohmerwald purchased the accelerometers, he claimed that they were for an end user in Missouri. In fact, when federal agents contacted the Missouri company, they denied having an order pending with Bohmerwald and his business, Components Cooper.

    After Bohmerwald received the accelerometers, he dropped two parcels at a local FedEx shipping store. One of the packages was addressed to a business in China. An agent with the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), detained the package and found it contained 100 accelerometers. The agent confirmed that there were no relevant licenses on file to support the export of the items. In addition, Bohmerwald falsely listed the value of the package at $100, when the true value was nearly $20,000. When interviewed by agents, Bohmerwald admitted to acquiring the technology on behalf of a Chinese-based company, knowing that the technology was export-controlled, and knowing export of the items required a license.

    Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, John Sonderman, performing the non-exclusive duties of the Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement.

    The BIS, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Logan Liles for the Eastern District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Brendan Geary of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

    This case was coordinated through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation-states. Under the leadership of the Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement, the Strike Force leverages tools and authorities across the U.S. government to enhance the criminal and administrative enforcement of export control laws.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Strathcona County — Strathcona County RCMP arrest male for several robberies

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Between Oct. 24, 2024, and Jan. 8, 2025, Strathcona County RCMP responded to a series of five robbery incidents involving a masked suspect. The robberies occurred at the 7-Eleven locations on Clover Bar Road and Wye Road, and the Circle K convenience store on Ridgemont Way in Sherwood Park. In December 2024, two additional robberies occurred at 7-Eleven locations in Edmonton and were initially investigated by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS).

    Through strong co-operation and information sharing between the RCMP and EPS Robbery Unit, these incidents were determined to be connected. In each case, the suspect stole cigarettes before fleeing either on foot or in a vehicle. Fortunately, no employees were physically harmed during the robberies and a suspect was identified.

    On Jan. 24, 2025, Strathcona County RCMP GIS, Strathcona County RCMP Crime Reduction Unit and RCMP Police Dog Service executed a residential search warrant in rural Strathcona County and arrested the suspect.

    A 26-year-old individual, a resident of Sherwood Park, is facing the following charges:

    • Robbery (x5)
    • Disguise with intent (x2)
    • Fail to comply (x2)

    Following a judicial interim release hearing, the individual was remanded into custody to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Sherwood Park on Jan. 29, 2025.

    RCMP is committed to enhancing public safety through strong collaboration with various law enforcement agencies. These collaborations enable sharing of intelligence, resources, and specialized expertise, allowing for a more coordinated response to crime. If you have information regarding this event or any other suspicious or illegal activity please contact Strathcona County RCMP at 780-467-7741. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Slave Lake — Slave Lake RCMP arrest individual for weapon offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Jan. 6, 2025, Slave Lake RCMP were made aware of a video that was being circulated in the community, which depicted an individual holding a firearm up to another person.

    Following a thorough investigation, Slave Lake RCMP were able to identify the individuals in the video and on Jan. 30, 2025, an arrest was made.

    A 56-year-old individual, a resident of Camrose, Alta., has been charged with the following offences:

    • Assault with a weapon
    • Pointing a firearm
    • Uttering threats
    • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
    • Unauthorized possession of firearm
    • Possession of firearm in motor vehicle

    The individual was taken before a justice of the peace and was released on a release order with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 26, 2025 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Slave Lake.

    MIL Security OSI –