NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

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

    Source: United States AFRICOM

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia in Northeast Somalia on Feb. 16, 2025.

    The command’s initial assessment is that the strike killed two ISIS terrorists and no civilians were harmed.

    U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of this operation and provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

    Degrading ISIS and other terrorist organizations’ ability to plot and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our partners, and civilians remains central to U.S. Africa Command’s mission.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Harry S. Truman Conducts Emergent Repair Availability

    Source: United States Navy

    Damage assessed includes the exterior wall of two storage rooms and a maintenance space. External to the ship, damage assessed includes a line handling space, the fantail, and the platform above one of the storage spaces. Aircraft elevator number three sustained no damage and is fully operational. Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) will lead the pier side ERAV, including an assessment and follow-on repairs to damages sustained.

    “While the ship is fully mission capable and the ship conducted flight operations following the collision, pulling into port for emergent repairs will enable the ship to continue deployment as scheduled,” said Capt. Dave Snowden, Harry S. Truman’s commanding officer.

    An assessment team will conduct a full survey of damaged areas and develop a repair plan to be executed immediately following completion of the assessment. The assessment team includes structural engineers, naval architects, and other personnel from FDRMC and Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY). They will be supported by ship’s force personnel and local industry partners for the repair effort.

    “The Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center’s ability to mobilize resources within and outside the theater to conduct repairs underscores the warfighting capability of the world’s most powerful Navy,” said Vice Adm. J. T. Anderson, commander U.S. Sixth Fleet.

    Deployed U.S. Navy ships routinely undergo planned and emergent maintenance periods such as mid-deployment voyage repairs and ERAVs, allowing forward-deployed ships to sustain maximal operational readiness. The United States’ relationships with Allies and partners provides access to ports around the world, granting the U.S. Navy strategic pier availability and resources critical for operational flexibility.

    “The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) units remain operational across geographic regions in support of their component commanders,” said Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, commander of HSTCSG. “Our mission has not changed and we remain committed to responding to any challenge in this dynamic and global security environment.”

    The carrier strike group includes the flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, with eight embarked aviation squadrons; staffs from CSG-8, CVW-1, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64); and three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Stout (DDG 55), USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109).

    HSTCSG’s mission is to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea and maintain a forward presence through sea control and power projection capabilities. For more information, visit DVIDS at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN75.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Investigation following the death of a man in South Norwood

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    An investigation is underway following the death of a man in South Norwood.

    Officers were called to High Street, SE25 at 01:27hrs on Sunday, 16 February following reports that a child was being assaulted.

    After gaining entry to a property, officers encountered a 45-year-old man who was experiencing a medical emergency. He was very agitated and was actively resisting against officers. He was restrained and paramedics were called.

    When paramedics arrived, the man was transported to an ambulance where he became seriously unwell. He was taken to hospital where, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he later died.

    His next of kin have been informed.

    The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards is aware and a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

    A referral in these circumstances is not an indication that officers are believed to have done anything wrong. It is a mandatory step when anyone dies or suffers serious injury following contact with the police or while in their custody.

    T/Commander Andy Brittain, who is overseeing the response to this incident, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died. We will ensure they are fully supported.

    “I know the community in South Norwood will want to be reassured that the incident was handled appropriately. The IOPC is conducting an investigation to provide that independent scrutiny.

    “We must also acknowledge the impact that incidents like this have on the officers involved. In this case they were responding to an emergency call involving a child in danger and on arrival at the scene, were met with a very challenging situation.

    “No officer ever wants to be involved in an incident where someone loses their life and we will ensure they get all the support they need.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard detains illegal alien crewmember and captain of fishing vessel with outstanding felony warrant

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
    Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
    Office: 281-464-4810
    After Hours: 832-293-1293
    PA Detachment Texas online newsroom

     

    02/15/2025 07:21 PM EST

      PORT ISABEL, Texas — The Coast Guard detained an alien crewmember illegally present in the U.S.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gun Thief and Two Others Arrested Across State

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Concord, NH – Early this morning, members of the United States Marshals Service (USMS), District of New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force, in conjunction with the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office, and the Chiefs of Police from the Alexandria, Andover, and Hill Police Departments arrested a suspected weapons thief on Bunker Hill Road in Hill.  Justin Travis (43) was apprehended on a warrant from the 6th District Court – Concord, for burglary at night and theft of firearms.  These charges stem from the theft of firearms from a Canterberry home last year. 

    Travis was also arrested on a Grafton County Superior Court warrant for non-appearance in court. The original charges for Travis were failure to appear for forced entry, burglary, and felon in possession.  Travis was taken into custody without further incident and transported to Merrimack County Department of Corrections.  He will receive a bail hearing on February 18, 2025..

    Following the arrest of Justin Travis, the USMS Task Force and Rockingham County Sheriff’s Deputies developed information that two other wanted fugitives were in the Sea Coast area of the state.  Recent law enforcement reports claimed that Michael Rand (39) and Abdul Rodriguez (48) both had access to firearms and made credible claims to use them for the purpose of preventing apprehension.

    Rand was wanted for violating federal supervised release conditions stemming from a 2022 conviction for distribution of fentanyl in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire.  Rand was released in October 2022 and arrested the following December for violating federal supervision requirements.  Rand served two years in prison as a result. The current warrant was issued after multiple release condition violations were noted in an October 2024 report.  Also noted, Rand made statements to federal officials that he would not go back to jail willingly.  Rand was spotted leaving a hotel in western Portsmouth and subsequently taken into custody during a motor vehicle stop on the Spaulding Turnpike.

    Immediately following the arrest of Rand, the Task Force and Rockingham County Deputies responded to a house on Mill Street in Rochester to arrest Abdul Rodriguez. Upon approach to the house, Rodriguez was seen attempting to flee out a rear window. Rodriguez retreated to the basement of the dwelling, but he eventually surrendered to officers inside the home.  Rodriguez was also taken to Strafford County Department of Corrections (DOC) to answer for a state parole warrant.  According to his violation report, Rodriguez absconded from supervision ordered by the court in relation to multiple drug conviction in 2015.  Rodriguez has a significant criminal history that includes unlicensed concealed firearms, distribution of narcotics, resisting arrest and falsifying reports.  

    The USMS New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force was formed in fall of 2002 and is headquartered in the USMS office in Concord. The task force coordinates federal, state, county, and local resources to develop leads, gather intelligence, track and apprehend targeted fugitives. Rockingham, Strafford and Merrimack County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as the Nashua and Greenfield Police Departments provide invaluable support to USMS fugitive operations in New Hampshire.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitehorse — Whitehorse RCMP seek public assistance in locating a missing man

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP is seeking public assistance in locating Gordon Chambers who was last seen on February 13 at 2:50 pm when he left Whitehorse General Hospital on a city bus. Police are concerned for Mr. Chamber’s well being.

    Gordon Chambers is a First Nations male, 65-year-old, approximately 6 feet tall, 140 lbs, and has grey hair and brown eyes. He is known to walk with a shuffle.

    Mr. Chambers was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, black pants, and a black baseball hat.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Gordon Chambers is urged to contact their local police immediately or Whitehorse RCMP at 867-667-5555.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 276 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Ukrainian firefighters have been working around the clock in freezing weather to completely extinguish small fires that still smoulder after Friday’s drone strike on the building containing the remains of the reactor destroyed in the 1986 Chornobyl accident, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

    The IAEA team based at the site was granted unrestricted access to the site of the explosion and conducted an extensive walkdown to assess the damage to the New Safe Confinement (NSC), where the drone that struck early yesterday morning pierced a hole through the roof of the large arch-shaped structure built to prevent any radioactive release from the damaged reactor and protect it from external hazards.

    The IAEA experts saw smoke coming from the NSC roof and smelled burning plastic.

    The ongoing efforts to put out and prevent the spread of any remaining fires – apparently fuelled by inflammable material in the roof cladding – have delayed work to start repairing the damage to the NSC, which was completed in 2019 on top of the sarcophagus that was erected in the immediate aftermath of the accident nearly four decades ago.

    Despite significant damage caused by the drone impact, the IAEA team was informed that there had been no change in the radiation levels at the site. This was also confirmed by the team’s own measurements which showed normal dose rate values near the NSC compared to those that the IAEA has recorded since it established a continuous presence at the site just over two years ago.

    “This was clearly a very serious incident, with a drone hitting and damaging a large protective structure at a major nuclear site. As I have stated repeatedly during this devastating war, attacking a nuclear facility is an absolute no-go, it should never happen,” Director General Grossi said.

    “It is especially concerning as it comes as we are also seeing an increase in military activity in the area around the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. The IAEA remains committed to doing everything we can to help prevent a nuclear accident. Judging by recent events, nuclear safety remains very much under threat,” he said.

    During today’s walkdown at the NSC, the IAEA team members observed that a large area had been affected by the impact of the drone strike and the subsequent blaze. The team confirmed that both the outer and inner cladding of the NSC arch had been breached, causing a hole measuring approximately six metres in diameter and also damaging some equipment as well as electrical cables. However, the structural support beams did not appear to have suffered major damage.

    The IAEA team was also shown some of the drone debris remaining at the site, including parts of the wings. The damaged drone had been removed by Ukrainian specialists and taken away for further analysis.

    The team was informed that the plant plans to install additional sensors for measuring dose rates and aerosol concentrations near the area impacted by the drone. However, this task cannot be carried out until the remaining fires are totally eliminated to avoid damage to the sensors.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: TACP conduct Target Acquisition, Distributed C2 Operations during exercise Bamboo Eagle 25-1

    Source: United States Air Force

    U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Tactical Air Control Party teams from the 93d Air Ground Operations Wing enabled critical Command and Control and sensing capabilities for exercise Bamboo Eagle 25-1 across America and islands in the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 10-14, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dangerous sexual predator jailed for offences against children

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A meticulous Met Police investigation has today ensured that a dangerous sex offender has been given a 21-year sentence.

    Keith Edun, 47 (12. 11.1976) of Strathmore Road, Croydon appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 14 February, where he was jailed for encouraging the rape and sexual assault of a baby, distribution of indecent images of children, two counts of making indecent images of children and perverting the course of justice.

    Detective Constable Phill Govett, investigating officer for the case said:

    “Keith Edun has proven himself to be a dangerous sexual offender and a clear risk to children.

    “Edun went to great lengths to hide his offending, even deleting a messaging app from his phone before answering the front door to officers ready to search his address.

    “This complex investigation has consisted of meticulous enquiries and digital forensic examination of the disturbing material that Edun held on his phone. The fact that Edun will now be behind bars for a long time, means he cannot harm any more vulnerable children.”

    An investigation was launched by detectives specialising in tackling the sexual abuse and exploitation of children in 2021. Police were informed that indecent images of children had been posted on the social media app ‘Kik’.

    The account was linked to Edun’s address in Croydon and a warrant was executed in September 2021. Electrical devices were seized and officers downloaded data showing that Edun had been downloading and then deleting ‘Kik’ in an attempt to hide his online activity.

    A separate investigation by another force led to the conviction of a male for the rape of a baby which occurred in March 2020. Upon examination of that male’s devices the investigating officers located online communication with Edun’s Kik account during which Edun had encouraged the male to commit the rape.

    Edun was charged in October 2023 and was remanded into custody.

    He appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 14 February where he was sentenced to 13 years in custody with an extended licence period of eight years following his assessment as a dangerous offender. He was also issued with a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

    The judge said that the evidence shows a determined and committed sexual interest in children, especially babies, over an extended period and that Edun poses a significant risk of harm to children.

    DC Govett added “This investigation is an example of the dedication of the Met’s Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Command to keep vulnerable children safe across the UK. Despite Edun not being physically present at the rape, this sentencing shows that those who encourage such offences online are just as culpable for the harm caused.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 105 months in Federal Prison for Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that Jesse Fegurgur Belen, age 46, from Dededo, Guam was sentenced to serve 105 months imprisonment.  Belen pled guilty to Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Fifty or More Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).  The Court also ordered 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment, 50 hours of community service, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.  The Court also ordered the forfeiture of $1,636 in U.S. currency.  In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits.

    During November 2022, Belen attempted to possess a postal package containing one pound of 98% pure methamphetamine.  The drugs were mailed from Colton, California, and addressed to the Yigo Post Office.  Belen and co-defendant Lorina Fejeran received the package and drove to Wusstig Road in Dededo.  When law enforcement stopped their vehicle at a commercial building, Belen grabbed the methamphetamine and fled on foot.  Belen threw the methamphetamine into the yard of a nearby residence to conceal the drugs.  Law enforcement found him hiding 15 feet from the roadway.

    “We will continue to interdict drugs trafficked through our mail system in an effort to keep Guam safe,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “Belen’s significant criminal history also made him a worthy target for federal prosecution.  I applaud the work of our federal partners in bringing him to justice.”

    “One crucial aspect of HSI’s mission is to prevent deadly drugs from infiltrating our borders and endangering our communities. By leveraging our partnerships with law enforcement, we can hold individuals accountable for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “The arrest of Mr. Belen exemplifies our commitment to ensuring the safety of our community from the threat of deadly drugs.”

    “United States Postal Inspectors are dedicated to maintaining the sanctity of trust placed in the US Mail. We will aggressively pursue anyone who uses the US Mail to transport and distribute deadly drugs which impact the safety of our postal employees and customers.” said, Inspector in Charge Stephen Sherwood, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) San Francisco Division. “We thank our federal and local law enforcement partners, including Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and Guam Police Department, for working with us to combat these crimes in the effort to make our communities a safer place to live and work.”

    This investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Services.

    The case was prosecuted by Rosetta L. San Nicolas, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Korea Rotational Force announced

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    The 1-SBCT, 4-ID, “Raider Brigade” is based out of Fort Carson, Colorado, and will continue to offer the mobility and flexibility necessary to meet various contingency requirements as an expeditionary, combined arms force organized around mounted infantry. The brigade will arrive later this year.

    “This deployment reinforces our commitment to maintaining combat-ready forces capable of supporting U.S. strategic objectives and strengthening our alliance with the Republic of Korea,” said Col. Anthony Keller commander of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “Our Soldiers will train rigorously to ensure they remain lethal, adaptive, and ready to respond alongside our allies.”

    U.S. Army Pacific routinely schedules and deploys forces on a rotational basis to the Republic of Korea. These deployments support U.S. strategic commitments to the ROK, regional partners and U.S. security obligations. The purpose for these deployments is to maintain a rotational process that cultivates Eighth Army’s readiness, supports U.S. long-term strategic objectives in the ROK and the region, and assures tailored flexibility for the future force structure in Korea. Exposing different units to the Korean theater of operations increase familiarity with the region and builds upon the partnerships between the two forces.

    For more information, please contact the Eighth Army Public Affairs Office at usarmy.humphreys.8-army.mbx.public-affairs-office@army.mil.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Final two defendants of 76 indicted in Operation Ghost Busted sentenced to federal prison

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

    Brunswick, GA:  The last of 76 defendants in a major south Georgia drug trafficking operation have been sentenced to federal prison, wrapping up an investigation into a gang-coordinated conspiracy that operated inside and outside Georgia prisons.

    David D. Young, a/k/k “Khaos,” 44, of Hortense, Georgia, was sentenced to 235 months in prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Methamphetamine, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. A co-defendant, Blake K. Screen, 36, of Brunswick, was sentenced to 100 months in prison just five months after his conviction at trial on charges of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood also ordered each of the defendants to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of their prison terms.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Altogether as adults, the 76 defendants in Operation Ghost Busted have been convicted of more than 250 felonies – and more egregiously, this investigation linked their drug trafficking operation to multiple deaths from dozens of overdoses,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “Our community is demonstrably safer with these drug distributors off the streets, and we applaud our law enforcement partners for the outstanding investigative work to put these defendants behind bars and bring this case to a successful conclusion.”

    Young and Screen were among the 76 defendants indicted in December 2022 in USA v. Alvarez et al., dubbed Operation Ghost Busted. For more than two years, investigators from the FBI Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force, the Glynn County Police Department, the Brunswick Police Department, the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office, and the Camden County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with multiple federal, state, and local agencies to identify the sprawling drug trafficking network. Operating inside and outside Georgia prisons, the conspiracy was coordinated by members of the Ghost Face Gangsters working with affiliates of other criminal street gangs including the Aryan Brotherhood, Bloods, and Gangster Disciples.

    Both Young and Screen served as dealers and sources of supply to the operation. After the December 2022 indictment and subsequent sweep to bring the defendants into custody, Young was a fugitive for more than a year until he was identified through his extensive Ghost Face Gangsters facial tattoos and taken into custody in March 2024 in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, after being featured on “America’s Most Wanted.”

    In addition to long histories of arrests and felony convictions, all of the defendants in Operation Ghost Busted have a history of illegal drug use, including several who survived repeat overdoses. Fifty of the defendants are high school dropouts.

    Believed to be the largest drug trafficking prosecution in the history of the Southern District of Georgia, Operation Ghost Busted was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.

    Agencies involved in the investigation include the FBI Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; the Georgia Department of Corrections; the Georgia Department of Community Supervision; the Glynn County Police Department; the Brunswick Police Department; the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office; and sheriff’s offices from Pierce, Camden, Wayne, Treutlen, McIntosh, Toombs, Telfair, Dodge, and Ware counties. The case was prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer J. Kirkland and Criminal Division Deputy Chief E. Greg Gilluly Jr. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indiana man sentenced to prison for conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant’s company took in more than $4 Million remotely deleting pollution control software on diesel trucks

    Tacoma – A 44-year-old Columbia, Indiana man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to four months in prison and a $25,000 fine for conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act for his scheme to interfere with pollution control software on diesel trucks, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Jonathan Achtemeier pleaded guilty in November 2024, admitting that between 2019 and 2022, he tampered with the monitoring devices on hundreds of vehicles nationwide so those trucks would not detect that their owners removed pollution control hardware systems. Achtemeier advertised his services on the internet and was able to tamper with the monitoring devices in diesel trucks remotely. Between 2019 and 2021 Achtemeier’s company grossed $4.3 million. At sentencing U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright said, “This offense is characterized as a lack of respect for the law and a flaunting of the law…. The harm that comes from this type of offense is serious.”

    “From the comfort of his home, this defendant caused environmental damage across the country, tampering with pollution controls on diesel trucks so that they spewed 30 to 1200 times the pollutants of a legally configured truck,” said Acting U. S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. “His motivation was money – but the rest of us will pay the price with dirty air and contamination in our soil and waterways.”

    According to records filed in the case, Achtemeier conspired with mechanics in garages and operators of truck fleets to manipulate the monitoring software installed on diesel trucks. Coconspirators who wanted to disable their trucks’ pollution control hardware system—a process commonly known as “deleting”—sought Achtemeier’s help to trick the truck’s software into believing the emissions control systems were still functional, a process known as “tuning.” Monitoring devices on a deleted truck will detect that the pollution control hardware is not functioning and will prevent the truck from running. Achtemeier disabled the monitoring software on his client’s trucks by connecting to laptops he had provided to various coconspirators. Some of the coconspirators would pass the laptop on to others seeking to have the anti-pollution parameters disabled or modified on their trucks. Once the laptop was hooked up to the truck’s onboard computer, Achtemeier could access it from his computer and tune the computer designed to monitor the pollution control equipment.  Achtemeier could “tune” trucks remotely, which enabled him to maximize his environmental impact and personal profit.

    Removing the pollution control equipment and disabling the monitoring device results in trucks polluting at 30 to 1,200 times the level of a truck with pollution control systems.  Tampering with a monitoring device is a violation of the Clean Air Act.

    Achtemeier charged as much at $4,500 per truck for work that often took him two hours or less. Achtemeier advertised his services on social media nationwide using images of semi-trucks spewing black exhaust. His company operated under the name Voided Warranty Tuning (VWT) or Optimized Ag.

    In their request for an 18-month prison sentence and $100,000 fine, prosecutors wrote to the court, “Achtemeier spent years building a business dedicated to illegal tuning. He advertised his services on diesel-focused Facebook groups like West Coast Trucking where he had access to thousands of truck owners and enthusiasts.  He encouraged customers to pass along his name and even provided them computers so they could help friends and neighbors delete their vehicles and use Achtemeier for tuning. This enabled him to quickly grow his business into a multi-million-dollar enterprise.”

    The coconspirators in this case have service garages or truck fleets in various areas of Washington State. The trucks that were altered range from pick-ups such as a Dodge R3500 to Kenworth and Freightliner semi-trucks.

    The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID).

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Watts Staniar and Dane Westermeyer, with Special Assistant United States Attorney Karla Perrin.  Ms. Perrin is an attorney with the EPA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 3rd MLG to Support Multiple US/ROK Military Exercises

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    The exercises – Freedom Banner 25, Korean Marine Exchange Program (KMEP) 25.1, and Freedom Shield 25 – are designed to enhance interoperability between the two allies while strengthening regional security.

    3rd Marine Logistics Group, the logistics arm of III Marine Expeditionary Force, will begin the series of exercises with a movement of troops and equipment from ports in Japan to South Korea during Freedom Banner 25.

    “We are eager for this opportunity to train with our Republic of Korea allies,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin G. Collins, commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group. “I expect our presence and activities to demonstrate our shared commitment to the alliance and showcase warfighting excellence to both allies and adversaries.”

    Freedom Banner 25 is a Maritime Prepositioning Force offload that provides equipment and support to III MEF units for KMEP 25.1 and Freedom Shield 25. U.S. Marines and Sailors will conduct beach landing operations to test and validate the 3rd MLG’s ability to conduct integrated logistics operations in a complex and contested environment, enhancing the expeditious transport and distribution of supplies in a combat environment or lifesaving aid in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

    As Freedom Banner 25 concludes, the units will continue to KMEP 25.1, a biannual exercise where forces participate in bilateral events focused on achieving III MEF training and readiness objectives while supporting interoperability with the ROK Marine Corps as a regional expeditionary force. For 3rd MLG, this means an opportunity to enhance the capacity for sustainment, distribution, and forward-deployed logistics in support of combined/joint operations with allied forces.

    During KMEP 25.1, the Marines and Sailors of 3rd MLG will conduct a variety of bilateral training events such as counter mobility/mobility training, Military Operations in Urban Terrain, machine gun ranges, medical training, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive training. One subordinate element of 3rd MLG, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, will conduct provisional infantry operations and counter-mobility operations with their ROK Marine counterparts that will culminate with mobility operations while employing the ROK’s Armored Combat Earth-mover.

    “The ongoing training between the United States Marine Corps and ROK Marine Corps is a valuable opportunity to reinforce the strength of our alliance,” said Lt. Gen. Ju Il-seok, commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. “These types of exercises highlight the important role that Marines play in the broader ROK-U.S. Alliance.”

    In addition to the bilateral training, the Marines and Sailors of 3rd MLG will be conducting numerous unilateral training events as well. This training will include demolition ranges, a 40-millimeter grenade launcher range, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, a live-fire and movement range, and professional military education at the War Memorial of Korea.

    The training will finish with the command post exercise Freedom Shield 25. 3rd MLG will integrate with joint/combined forces and rehearse command and control of combined combat service support functions to refine regional contingency plans and increase III MEF interoperability within the Combined Forces Command.

    For more Freedom Banner, KMEP, and Freedom Shield news and products, visit the 3rd MLG DVIDS page at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/3MLG.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS Howard Conducts Port Visit in Otaru, Japan

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    The port visit highlights the strong relationship between the U.S. and its closest of allies, Japan, demonstrating their continued support of each other, and a shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.

    “We regularly operate alongside our allies in the Indo-Pacific region as a demonstration of our shared commitment in accordance with international law. The U.S. remains committed to protecting the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea, and the ability of all countries to exercise those rights,” said Cmdr. Eric Smitley, commanding officer, USS Howard. “Ports like Otaru allow us to refuel, gather supplies, and collect repair parts as needed, so that we can quickly return to sea and continue supporting and sailing alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), or any of our other partners and allies in the region.”

    While in Otaru, local government officials and media received a tour of the ship where they were given a brief history of Howard and learned what it takes to keep the ship operating in a safe manner.

    Otaru, located in the Hokkaido prefecture, offered a wide variety of sights, activities, and cuisine, providing an opportunity for the Howard crew to immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy the hospitality of Otaru before returning to sea.

    Many Sailors traveled to the nearby city of Sapporo where they were able to view more than 100 snow and ice sculptures on display during one of Japan’s most popular winter events, the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.

    “I’m so glad our visit to Otaru lined up with the snow festival in Sapporo,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Chris Eric Limos, from San Fernando, California. “It was really cold, and snowing pretty hard, but it was all worth it to see the sculptures. Some of them were enormous, and the amount of detail they had was unbelievable. The artistic ability of people amazes me. It reminds me of the Greek statues we see in museums.”

    The five-day visit culminated with a luncheon held on board Howard, and a dinner in Otaru hosted by Otaru’s Self-Defense Force Supporters Association (SDFSA).

    “On behalf of Howard and the U.S. Navy, I want to thank the city of Otaru, the SDFSA, and the people of Hokkaido for the warmest welcome,” said Smitley. “We appreciate your generosity and look forward to more opportunities to build upon our ever-growing friendship as we make port visits in Otaru a regular occurrence.”

    Howard is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

    U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: San Diego Woman Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin-Filled Bibles Addressed to California Prison Inmates

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – U.S. District Court Judge Todd Robinson sentenced Lucresia Stone-Rojas of San Diego today to 86 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm on November 12, 2023, and possession with intent to distribute heroin on December 27, 2023. Stone-Rojas previously pleaded guilty in federal court to these charges.

    According to court records, police stopped Stone-Rojas on November 12, 2023, after license plate readers identified a stolen Porsche near North Second Street and East Main Street in El Cajon. During the stop, police recovered a loaded 9mm Walther firearm and an additional ammunition magazine. Multiple prior felony convictions prohibit Stone-Rojas from possessing a firearm or ammunition. She was therefore charged with unlawful firearm possession, following investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

    Stone-Rojas was again arrested by federal investigators on December 27, 2023, for a second offense. This time, Stone-Rojas possessed sealed packages and envelopes addressed to multiple prison inmates in the California Department of Corrections. A search of the packages revealed two Bibles containing approximately 23 grams of heroin; the drugs were concealed in the spine of the Bibles and destined for delivery to two different California prisons.

    “Smuggling drugs into our prisons endangers both the inmates and the correctional staff. It will not be tolerated.” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden “Hopefully this case will serve as a warning to anyone who would be willing to abuse the tools of faith and rehabilitation to perpetuate addiction and despair.”

    “Multi-convicted felons who possess firearms will be held accountable as we work to keep our communities safe and firearms out of the hands of prohibited people,” said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kenneth R. Cooper. “ATF will continue to work with local and state law enforcement agencies to investigate the violent career criminals who illegally possess firearms.”

    “Drug distribution, no matter where it occurs, threatens the safety of our community and will not be tolerated,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark.
     

    DEFENDANT                                                                             Case Number 23CR2622 (TWR)

    Lucresia Stone-Rojas                                                 Age: 46                                                        San Diego, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Felon in Possession of a Firearm — Title 18 U.S.C., Section 922(g)(1)
    Maximum Penalty: 15 years in prison and $250,000 fine

    Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin – Title 21 U.S.C., Section 841(a)(1)
    Maximum Penalty: 20 years in prison and $1,000,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
    Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
    Drug Enforcement Administration
    El Cajon Police Department

    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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Phoenix Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 151 Months After Agents Seize Over 90 Pounds of Fentanyl and Over 40 Pounds of Cocaine from Stash House

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Miguel Angel Gaytan-Ramirez, 34, an undocumented Mexican National living in Phoenix, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 151 months, followed by three years supervised release. Gaytan-Ramirez pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl on November 5, 2024.

    According to court documents, on January 25, 2024, an undercover agent working for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agreed to purchase 150,000 fentanyl pills (approximately 15 kilograms) from a member of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in Mexico. The individual in Mexico instructed the undercover agent to travel to a parking lot in Phoenix to complete the transaction.

    At the parking lot, investigators identified a Dodge Ram pickup truck as the vehicle in which a DTO member was located. A man later identified as Gaytan-Ramirez called the undercover agent and said that he was occupying the Dodge Ram pickup. Thereafter, investigators moved in and detained Gaytan-Ramirez.

    After detaining Gaytan-Ramirez, investigators identified a nearby apartment used by Gaytan-Ramirez to store narcotics. Gaytan-Ramirez provided investigators consent to search the apartment. Inside a closet in the apartment investigators seized a black American Tactical Omni Hybrid 5.56 NATO caliber rifle with an AOMEKIE Scope, approximately 34 kilograms (74.9 pounds) of blue pills stamped M30 which contained fentanyl, 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) of fentanyl powder, and 19 kilograms (41.9 pounds) of cocaine. Authorities also seized over $18,000 in drug proceeds from Gaytan-Ramirez’s vehicle and the stash house.

    Drug Enforcement Administration, Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jospeh K. Nwoga and Stuart J. Zander, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-24-00257-PHX-DJH
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-017_Gaytan-Ramirez

    # # #

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Miami Federal Prosecutors Charge Two Foreign Nationals Headed for Florida Coast on Boat with 20 Alien Passengers

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – A Bahamian national and a Haitian national face federal charges in the Southern District of Florida after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stopped a go-fast boat heading towards South Florida, finding the two defendants at the helm accompanied by 20 other aliens – 12 from China, seven from Haiti, and one from Jamaica.

    A criminal complaint charges both Demetrius Luciano Kemp, 27, of the Bahamas, and Mikewendzly Nestar Norelus, 22, of Haiti, with failure to heave to, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2237(a)(1). In addition, it charges Kemp with unlawfully encouraging or inducing aliens to come to, enter, and reside in the United Sates, in violation of 8 U.S.C. §1324(a)(1)(A)(iv), and re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. §1326(a).

    According to the charging affidavit: On Feb. 9, a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) cutter spotted a 25-foot go-fast boat about three nautical miles west of Bimini, Bahamas. The cutter followed the boat as it traveled (in the dark and with its lights off) from Bahamian and through international waters. Once the boat entered U.S. territorial waters, a CBP Air and Maritime Operations vessel approached. Agents activated the CBP vessel’s lights and siren and commanded the go-fast boat drivers to stop. The boat kept going, despite these and further commands, as well as warning shots. CBP had to disable the go-fast boat to get it to stop.

    The affidavit also says that on boarding the boat, CBP agents found 22 aliens: Norelus at the helm and Kemp in the first mate seat, accompanied by 12 Chinese nationals, seven Haitian nationals, and one Jamaican national. Biometrics testing and other checks showed that no one on the go-fast boat had permission or authorization to enter the United States on the date of the interdiction. They also showed that Kemp had been previously removed from the United States in July 2024.

    Defendants were arrested, charged, and will remain in federal detention pending trial. The other 20 aliens were returned to the Bahamas, where the journey began.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

    HSI Miami is investigating the case. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), 7th Coast Guard District provided valuable assistance in this matter. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner Stiehl is prosecuting it.

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

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 22-cr-20255.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Killing Girlfriend Inside Apartment

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Koran Brown, 32, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today, to 21 years in prison for shooting Cynthia Barringer insider her apartment at 2312 Green Street, S.E., announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Brown pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed in November 2024, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.   

                According to the government’s evidence, Brown and Ms. Barringer argued around 3:45 pm on the day of the murder. During the argument, Brown shot Ms. Barringer one time in the head with a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. He then started a fire in the bedroom where the shooting occurred and fled the building. Brown was captured on surveillance video leaving the building and arriving shortly thereafter at the home of a family member, where he left his bloody t-shirt and the murder weapon. After that evidence was recovered during a search warrant, DNA testing linked the items to both the defendant and the victim.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Lead Paralegal Specialist Meridith McGarrity and Victim/Witness Advocate Latrice Washington Williams. Finally, they commended the work of former Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Rickard and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dana Joseph and Andrea Antonelli, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Unlawful Alien Found Guilty of Gun Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – A Martin County man was convicted this week by a Fort Pierce federal jury of being an unlawful alien in possession of a firearm.

    Adam Marc Twinley, 44, of Palm City, Florida, entered the United States lawfully from the United Kingdom in 2013 on a visa for internationally recognized athletes and supporting personnel. Twinley did not leave the United States upon the expiration of his visa at the end of 2013. In 2016, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began Twinley’s removal proceedings, which were ongoing when, in October 2023, Twinley was discovered at a local gun range in possession of several firearms.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, and Interim Field Office Director Juan Agudelo of ICE, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), made the announcement.

    ATF West Palm Beach Field Office and ICE ERO investigated the case.

    Federal law prohibits an unlawful alien of possessing a firearm in the United States.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-14012.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury convicts wife of murdering husband on military installation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal jury convicted a Kansas woman of murdering her husband who was a U.S. Army soldier assigned to Fort Riley, a federal military installation in Kansas. 

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Margaret E. Shafe, 31, was found guilty of murder in the second degree for shooting and killing her husband Greg Shafe in February 2024 at their home on Fort Riley.

    Shafe faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division, and Fort Riley Fire and Emergency Services are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Walton and Lindsey Debenham and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Graham are prosecuting the case.

    ###
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: USINDOPACOM commander addresses Honolulu Defense Forum

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

     Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, delivered the keynote address at the Honolulu Defense Forum in Waikiki, Hawaii, Feb. 13, 2025. 

    The forum provided an opportunity for senior government and military officials, academic experts and business leaders from across the Indo-Pacific and Europe to discuss operationalizing urgency for readiness and deterrence in the region. This year’s event focused on leveraging geography, public-private partnerships, and alliances to enhance resilience by building and sustaining defense capabilities, harnessing critical technologies at scale, and driving innovation and competitiveness in security initiatives. 

    Paparo underscored the critical importance of promoting regional security through warfighting readiness and lethality, highlighting numerous opportunities for defense collaboration. “We need cooperative production agreements that multiply our industrial output among our friends and allies. By coordinating our efforts, we can achieve the surge production that the environment demands,” he stated.

    USINDOPACOM’s primary mission is the protection and defense of the homeland of the U.S., its people and its interests, by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard cutter returns to Washington following law enforcement patrol

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 02/14/2025 06:30 PM EST

     

    02/14/2025 06:04 PM EST

    The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active (WMEC 618) returned home to Port Angeles, Friday following a 65-day law enforcement patrol off the coast of Southern California. As America’s maritime law enforcement agency, the Coast Guard is increasing presence in key areas to protect U.S. maritime borders, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Saint Vincents Catholic Medical Centers of New York Agrees to Pay $29M to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act Violations

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    SVCMC Inc., formerly known as Saint Vincents Catholic Medical Centers of New York (Saint Vincent), has agreed to pay $29 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly retaining erroneously inflated payments received from the Department of Defense for healthcare services provided to retired military members and their families.

    Saint Vincent is one of six health plans participating in the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP) program, which is a federal health insurance program funded by the Defense Health Agency (DHA), a component of the Department of Defense. Under the USFHP program, DHA pays Saint Vincent capitated rates to provide healthcare services to military personnel, retirees, and their families. The complaint alleged that, in 2012, Saint Vincent learned that errors had been made in the calculation of the capitated rates resulting in substantial overpayments to Saint Vincent and the other five USFHP plans over the preceding four years. According to the government’s complaint, instead of notifying the government of the overpayments or repaying the funds, Saint Vincent, along with the other five USFHP plans, took steps to conceal the existence of the overpayments from DHA, continued to submit invoices at the inflated payment rates, and conspired to avoid paying the money back. Today’s settlement resolves the government’s claims against Saint Vincent.

    “Those who receive public funds, including participants in government health care programs, must return funds to which they are not entitled,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Together with our partners across the federal government, we will hold accountable those who knowingly violate this obligation to the American taxpayers.”

    “I want to thank the Justice Department for resolving this case on behalf of TRICARE and the Defense Health Agency,” said Dr. David C. Krulak, Director, TRICARE Health Plan, DHA. “Providing excellent health care to our 9.5 million beneficiaries worldwide is essential to maintaining force readiness and keeping our promise to our family members and retirees, while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars at the same time.”

    The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Jane Rollinson and Daniel Gregorie in the District of Maine. From 2007 to 2015, Ms. Rollinson worked at Martin’s Point Health Care, one of the health plans participating in the USFHP program, including as its Interim Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Gregorie was a consultant to the CEO and Board of Martin’s Point Health Care and later served on its Board of Trustees. Under the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The United States may intervene and proceed with the case, as it did here. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Rollinson v. Martin’s Point Health Care, Inc., No. 2:16-cv-00447-NT (D. Me.). As part of today’s settlement, Ms. Rollinson and Mr. Gregorie will receive $5.655 million. The United States is continuing to pursue the remaining claims in this case.

    The resolution of this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, with assistance from the DHA.

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

    The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorneys Diana Cieslak and Evan Ballan and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Lizotte and Sheila Sawyer for the District of Maine.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Prison for Fentanyl and Heroin Trafficking and Illegal Weapons Possession Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Alberto Gonzalez Salgado, 45, of Sacramento, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to 13 years and one month in prison and ordered to forfeit $100,000 to the government for drug trafficking and firearms crimes, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, in 2019 and 2020, Salgado trafficked fentanyl pills, heroin, marijuana, and firearms. On multiple occasions Salgado sold heroin and fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills and illegal short-barreled rifles to a confidential source. Salgado also maintained a stash house in Sacramento where he grew over 100 marijuana plants and also kept a firearm to protect his drug trafficking operation. When law enforcement attempted to stop Salgado’s vehicle to arrest him on the way to a fentanyl pill deal in October 2020, Salgado fled, leading law enforcement on a high-speed vehicle chase on public roadways that lasted over an hour and a half and endangered law enforcement officers and the public.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Sacramento Area Intelligence/Narcotics Task Force, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer prosecuted the case.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Bernard Parish Man Guilty of Federal Gun and Drug Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ABE JYLES (“JYLES”), age 44, a resident of St. Bernard Parish, pled guilty on February 4, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter to Counts 1, 2, and 3 of a superseding bill of information that was filed against him.  Count 1 charged JYLES with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).  Count 2 charged him with possession, with the intent to distribute, a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, and cocaine, in violation of Title 21 USC § 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  Count 3 charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18 USC § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).  JYLES faces the following sentences as to each count:

    As to Count 1, JYLES faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 5 years  up to a maximum of life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. Any jail sentence imposed in connection with Count 1 must run consecutive to any other count.  He will also face up to five years of supervised release.  He will also face up to five years of supervised release.

    As to Count 2, JYLES faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine, and a term of supervised release of not less than three years up to life.

    As to Count 3, JYLES faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

    Additionally, as to each charged count, JYLES faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

    On February 29, 2024, JYLES was identified as the driver and sole occupant of a vehicle.   involved in a traffic stop by St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office personnel.  After law enforcement personnel noticed the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, they detained JYLES and searched the vehicle.  During the search, multiple illegal narcotics, a scale, drug paraphernalia, and four firearms were found inside the vehicle.

    At the time of his arrest, JYLES was on federal supervised release due to his 2008 federal drug trafficking conviction.

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

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Middle School Teacher Charged With Possession Of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the arrest of ROSS LANVIN for possession of child pornography.  LANVIN is charged with possessing hundreds of images and videos of child pornography that depict children ranging from approximately 3 to 4 years old to pre-pubescent children engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  LANVIN was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron in Manhattan federal court.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “As alleged, Ross Lanvin, who had close contact with students as a teacher at a public school in Manhattan, possessed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography.  Together with our partners at the NYPD and Office of the Special Commissioner of Investigations for the NYC School District, we will continue to work to root out those who possess child pornography, especially when those individuals work in positions that give them access to children—some of the most vulnerable members of our community.  Our investigation into Lanvin is ongoing, and we encourage anyone with information to contact Wendy Olsen-Clancy, the Victim Witness Coordinator at the United States Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York, at 866-874-8900 or wendy.olsen@usdoj.gov.”

    According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:[1]

    LANVIN is currently a math teacher at a public middle school located in Manhattan, New York (“School-1”).  He was employed by the New York City Department of Education from in or about 2006 through in or about 2013, and again beginning in or about 2016.

    From at least in or about September 2021 through in or about December 2024, LANVIN possessed hundreds of images and videos constituting child pornography on a Google account held under a fake name.  On or about December 20, 2024, Google terminated access to this account upon finding that it contained suspected child pornography.

    On February 13, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at LANVIN’s Manhattan apartment and found child pornography on at least one of LANVIN’s electronic devices.   

    *                *                *

    LANVIN, 41, of New York, New York, is charged with two counts of possession of child pornography, including images and videos of prepubescent minors and minors who had not attained 12 years of age, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  

    The statutory maximum sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department Special Investigations Unit, Computer Crimes Squad, the Office of the Special Commissioner of Investigations for the NYC School District, as well as the Task Force Officers and Investigative Analysts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Lauren E. Phillips is in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
     

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the texts of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Indictment Unsealed Charging Merced Man with Trafficking Hundreds of Kilograms of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin, and Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — An indictment was unsealed today charging Jesus Magana Mellin, aka “Compadre,” 34, of Merced, with possession with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, between October and November of 2022, Magana Mellin conspired with others to traffic substantial amounts of controlled substances in California and elsewhere. After a joint federal, state, and local investigation, law enforcement officers executed search warrants on two storage units connected to Magana Mellin’s drug trafficking ring. Inside the storage units, officers found 160 gallons of liquid methamphetamine, 158 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 14 kilograms of heroin, 7 kilograms of cocaine, and 40 grams of fentanyl pills. Three of Magana Mellin’s associates—Vanessa Arauza, Pedro Duarte Sanchez, and Luis Higuera Lopez—have been charged and convicted in the case.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET). Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.

    If convicted, Magana Mellin faces a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would 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. The charge is only an allegation; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This effort 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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Pedro Cerna Arias, 62, a Mexican national residing in Milpitas, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to five years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on April 9, 2020, Cerna Arias sold approximately 1 kilogram of methamphetamine to an undercover officer in Milpitas, in a deal that was initially negotiated between the undercover officer and a Mexico-based drug trafficker. On Oct. 8, 2021, law enforcement searched Cerna Arias’s residence and found about a kilogram of methamphetamine, a bucket with methamphetamine residue, drug ledgers, drug packaging material, and $6,165 in cash. Cerna Arias admitted to law enforcement that the methamphetamine was his and that he distributed methamphetamine in pound quantities.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), with assistance from Customs and Border Protection, the California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer prosecuted the case.

    Co-defendant Jose Moreno Albestrain was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Dec. 19, 2024, by Judge Calabretta for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. The Sacramento Strike Force is a co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the Sacramento Strike Force is to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) shipping narcotics, firearms, and money through the Eastern District of California, thereby reducing the flow of these criminal resources in California and the rest of the United States. The Sacramento Strike Force leads intelligence-driven investigations targeting the leadership and support elements of these DTOs and TCOs operating within the Eastern District of California, regardless of their geographic base of operations.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Arrest Georgia Fugitive in Omaha

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Omaha, NE – The U.S. Marshals Omaha Metro Fugitive Task Force has arrested a man wanted on multiple warrants issued in Georgia.

    Patrick Lamar Edwards, 26, was wanted in Rockdale County, Georgia, on outstanding warrants for aggravated assault with a firearm, terroristic threats, and entering a stolen vehicle. These charges stem from a shooting that occurred in Conyers, Georgia, on May 15, 2024.

    Acting on information provided by the Conyers Police Department and the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Marshals determined that Edwards had recently relocated to the Omaha area after evading authorities for several months. Investigators traced Edwards to a residence near the intersection of North 36th Street and Crown Point Avenue.

    As Task Force members moved in to execute the arrest, Edwards attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended at a neighboring property.

    Edwards was subsequently booked into Douglas County Corrections, where he will remain pending extradition to Georgia.

    MIL Security OSI –