NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Little Rock Man Sentenced to 15 Years In Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

          LITTLE ROCK—Bryant Cordell Hart, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Thursday, October 24, 2024, by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.

          On August 8, 2022, Hart, 38, of North Little Rock, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Hart to four years supervised release. Hart was indicted on December 8, 2021, on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

          An investigation revealed that on June 7, 2021, officers from the Little Rock Police Department conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, officers located a Glock, model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol wedged between the driver’s seat and the center console of the vehicle Hart was driving. Additionally, officers located marijuana, two digital scales, and a glass pipe in the center console. During a search of the vehicle’s trunk, officers recovered an extended Glock magazine loaded with ammunition that functioned with the firearm found in Hart’s possession.

          Hart is classified as an armed career criminal offender due to his criminal history that includes multiple convictions for attempted delivery of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of cocaine. There is no parole in the federal system.

          The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Little Rock Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Fields.

    # # #

    Additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    X (formerly known as Twitter):

    @USAO_EDAR 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Parker honors community, law enforcement efforts in third annual awards ceremony

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CINCINNATI – Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, presented the 2024 Law Enforcement and Community Awards, honoring individuals and groups for their work to reduce gun violence and provide comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and exploitation.

    “The recipients of this year’s awards embody the spirit and dedication of what it means to come together and work hard for the greater good,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “These fine individuals exemplify being part of a positive community every day. They deserve our recognition and gratitude.”

    The awards include:

    Kaia Grant Badge of Bravery and Sacrifice Award

    Springboro Police Officer Christopher Heath Martin

    Officer Heath Martin, a 20-year veteran of the Springboro Police Department, was first to the scene of a fire inside a home in June 2023. Officer Martin rescued a 36-year-old man, who uses a wheelchair, from a back bedroom of the home. The victim’s battery-operated wheelchair is believed to be the cause of the fire and had exploded. The officer’s body worn camera captured his life-saving actions of finding the victim and bringing him to safety.

    Law Enforcement Excellence Award

    FBI Special Agent Robert Buzzard

    Special Agent Buzzard serves as the lead agent on the FBI’s Southern Ohio Safe Streets Task Force (SOSSTF) and is known throughout the Miami Valley for his law enforcement excellence and expertise. The depth of his drug trafficking investigations often leads to the sources of supply outside of the United States. Examples of cases in which he was the lead agent include U.S. v. Walton et al – in which the United States successfully dismantled a sophisticated long-running drug trafficking organization led by two brothers – and U.S. v. Goddard et al – a case involving two Dayton men who were convicted on all counts for crimes related to the 2019 death of Dayton Detective and DEA Task Force Officer Jorge DelRio. The defendants were each sentenced to life in prison.

    Project Safe Neighborhood’s Guardian Award

    ATF Special Agent Derek Graham

    Special Agent Graham has effectively and creatively investigated a significant number of firearms-related crimes in the Southern District of Ohio. He has developed a special expertise in investigating straw purchasing cases. In recent months, Special Agent Graham has investigated and solved cases involving more than 20 defendants and approximately 100 firearms. One case involved a murder and five armed robberies across jurisdictions. The shooter and getaway driver have since been sentenced to 40 years and 23 years in prison respectively. In 2024 alone, Special Agent Graham has also either completed or assisted with 57 call detail records, 61 pen registers, 92 ping orders, 69 location mappings and 21 forensic extractions for agents and task force officers, as well as local police departments.

    The Project Safe Childhood Shield of Innocence Award

    HSI Special Agent Sara Sellers

    Since joining Homeland Security Investigations Columbus in December 2020, Special Agent Sellers has initiated more than 80 criminal investigations. Special Agent Sellers joined the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force in July 2023 and has developed the reputation as an extremely hardworking and diligent investigator. An example of her unwavering commitment to the investigation and prosecution of child predators around the world occurred in December 2023, when Special Agent Sellers was called after hours with an investigative referral from Australia regarding a potential minor victim currently being sexually abused in Ohio. Special Agent Sellers left the restaurant at which she was dining to begin the task of locating the victim and perpetrator immediately. Within 24 hours, Special Agent Sellers had confirmed the identity of the suspect, located her and the minor victim and secured warrants to arrest the suspect and execute a search warrant to obtain additional evidence in this investigation that also spawned new leads. Special Agent Sellers continues to dedicate her efforts to protect minor victims and is helping lead an investigation abroad into an international ring of exploiters who create and distribute child sexual abuse material.

    Polaris Community Service Award

    Department of Veteran Affairs’ Mobile Evaluation Team, Columbus Division of Police Mobile Crisis Response Team & Columbus Public Health

    The partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Police, Veterans Evaluation Team, and the Columbus Division of Police’s Mobile Crisis Response Team exemplifies exceptional innovation, collaboration, and dedication in community service. U.S. Attorney Parker recognized VMET’s Clinical Director Dr. Heather Robinson, Investigator Jesse King, Benjamin Stark and Alexandra Woodruff, Columbus Police Lt. Michael Voorhis, Sgt. John Cheatham and Officers Francis Scalfani, Veronica Poehler, Robert Heinzman and Anthony Roberts, and Columbus Public Health Supervisor Kerith Palletti and Social Workers Kierstin Dettmers, Kevin Kincaid, Zach Simmons and Jason Cole for the collaboration that has created a vital connection between law enforcement and the Veteran community, addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans in crisis.

    By merging the specialized expertise of the VA Police Veterans Response Team with the crisis intervention skills of the Columbus Division of Police Mobile Crisis Response Team, they have established a comprehensive support system that is both empathetic and effective. Together, these teams have introduced innovative crisis intervention strategies. Through joint protocols and training sessions, they have ensured both teams are well-prepared to handle the complexities of veteran-specific mental health crises. This partnership has pioneered the integration of mental health professionals into crisis response scenarios, leading to more informed and compassionate interactions with veterans in distress.

    Serve Thy Neighbor Award (Columbus)

    Center for Family Safety & Healing and the Columbus Division of Police’s ACT-DV program

    U.S. Attorney Parker recognized Center for Family Safety & Healing’s Interim Director Nancy Cunningham, President Melissa Graves, Justice System In-Research Supervisor Amber Howell and Sheronda Paramore, as well as Columbus Police Assistant Chief Greg Bodker and Commander Joseph Curmode for their work developing bridges to effectively link justice, advocacy and health systems and to build trust between residents and law enforcement.

    Through ACT-DV, trained victim advocates respond with police officers at the scene of domestic violence crimes. This important public safety and victim services partnership increases access to support resources by offering safety planning, shelter and linkage to health/ mental health services immediately after a traumatic incident. Advocates also prepare victims for what to expect through the criminal prosecution process. Having advocates and officers work side by side supports the victims’ best interest and builds trust between community and law enforcement. This effort also helps police officers develop a deeper understanding of domestic violence and the complexity, power and danger that far too often keeps women in abusive homes.

    Serve Thy Neighbor Award (Dayton)

    Ms. Lisa Lucchesi, CareSource Health Plan

    Ms. Lucchesi serves as the National Human Trafficking Project Manager for CareSource Health Plan, and her passion is to advocate for children who are being trafficked or at high risk of trafficking. She coordinated with local law enforcement agencies and service providers to organize a highly successful CareSource Human Trafficking Awareness Summit in Dayton. Ms. Lucchesi continues to host meetings with local and national stakeholders to focus on the crime of the sexual trafficking of minors, how to identify the victims, what resources are available for them and how to help these minor victims to improve their lives.  Thanks to Ms. Lucchesi, the Dayton Police Department, Montgomery County Childrens Services and Montgomery County Juvenile Court have improved their processes in looking below the surface in identifying youth victims of sex trafficking who sadly sometimes don’t see themselves as victims.

    Serve Thy Neighbor Award (Cincinnati)

    John McConnaughey, Cincinnati Citizens Police Association

    Mr. McConnaughey’s service to his community has included serving on the Board of Directors for the FBI Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association, as an Associate Member of the Hamilton County Police Association and as the President of the Cincinnati Citizens’ Police Association (CCPA), which provides support to the Cincinnati law enforcement community. He was one of the founders of the Gang Initiative Project and the Southern Ohio Chapter of the Midwest Gang Investigators Association. Both organizations work with the Cincinnati public schools to combat gang activity. Mr. McConnaughey is a dedicated advocate for reducing crime and violence amongst youth.

    Mitch Morris, Cincinnati Works

    Mr. Morris is a dedicated community servant leader, working to end gun violence in the community. He connects at-risk youth with mentors and helps them find work through Cincinnati Works. Cincinnati Works partners with people in poverty to assist them in advancing economic self-sufficiency. Mr. Morris oversees the organization’s Phoenix Program Outreach & Mentoring. His dedication to ending poverty and gun violence is unwavering.

    For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s annual law enforcement awards, please contact Law Enforcement Coordinator Mitchell Seckman at 614-469-5715.

    # # # 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Guilty of Violating Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LYNDELL MIMS (“MIMS”), age 34, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on October 25, 2024, before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to violating the Federal Gun Control and the Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

    According to court records, New Orleans Police Department officers stopped MIMS while he was in a vehicle, detected a strong odor of marijuana and got a search warrant.  During the search of the vehicle, the officers found a Diamondback Firearms Model DB15, 5.56-millimeter pistol, bearing serial number DB2907140, a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber pistol, bearing serial number CML528, as well as a third gun in his female passenger’s purse.  MIMS was a convicted felon and was not allowed to possess firearms.

    Officers also found several types of drugs and three digital scales.  The drugs, included 21.08 grams of methamphetamine; 30 grams of a mixture of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl; 2.22 grams of methamphetamine; 4.46 grams of cocaine; 1.55 grams of cocaine; 10.66 grams of psilocyn; approximately 300 grams of marijuana in over 100 smaller bags; 31 Tramadol pills; 75 packets of Buprenorphine/suboxone; 175 Tapentadol pills; 1.52 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture; 2.21 grams of fentanyl; several oxycodone pills; several pills that tested positive for fentanyl; 50.64 grams of methamphetamine; and additional miscellaneous pills.       

    The federal indictment against MIMS states that he possessed the various drugs found during the search with the intent to distribute them, possessed the firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and was a felon in possession of firearms.

    Judge Barbier set sentencing for January 30, 2025.  On the drug count, MIMS faces a maximum term of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.  On the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking count, MIMS faces a mandatory minimum of five years up to life, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release.  On the felon in possession of a firearm count, MIMS faces a maximum term of fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.  As to each count, MIMS also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

    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.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, who is Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Longtime Indian Country Special Agent Reflects on Essential FBI Mission

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News

    For Davenport, arriving in the wooded highlands of Arizona 16 years ago was like a dream come true. He grew up in nearby Holcomb; in high school, he played football and wrestled with Native American classmates. He went to Mesa Community College in Phoenix and then Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, where he studied law.

    After a few years as a lawyer, he yearned for more adventure and joined the FBI in 1999. His first assignment was in the Dallas Field Office, where he worked on civil rights and public corruption cases when he wasn’t deployed on SWAT operations. He was then assigned to the resident agency in Pinetop-Lakeside where he was, for a brief period, the only special agent.

    Davenport, who is retiring later this year, actively recruits others to experience working on Indian country cases. For many agents, it’s as close as you can get to frontline law enforcement—responding to active crime scenes, interviewing witness and victims and working closely with partners from other law enforcement agencies to build cases. Actively working those cases, Davenport says, helps illuminate why Indian country is as deserving of resources as anywhere else.

    “Why should the reservation be overlooked simply because they’re a reservation, or because they don’t have all the amenities that Chicago or L.A. have?” Davenport said. “They’re still people, and they still deserve that same justice that everybody else does.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Waterbury Man Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking Ring

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESUS MALDONADO, also known as “Zeus,” 34, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics.  

    According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force and other law enforcement agencies investigated two drug trafficking organizations based in the city of Waterbury.  One organization operated in the area of William Street and the other operated in the area of Maple Avenue.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, video surveillance, GPS tracking of vehicles, and numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that the two organizations distributed cocaine, crack, and fentanyl through a network of sellers.  The organizations shared sources of supply and worked together to further their operations.

    During the investigation, Maldonado, who was involved in the William Street organization, was intercepted multiple times over a wiretap discussing the distribution of narcotics.  On November 16, 2023, he was captured on video engaging in a 500-gram cocaine transaction.

    Seventeen individuals were charged with federal offenses as a result of the investigation.  Maldonado and several codefendants were arrested on November 29, 2023.  In association with the arrests, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized approximately 700 grams of crack cocaine, more than 900 vials (“caps”) of crack, approximately 200 grams of loose fentanyl, more than 1,600 dose bags of fentanyl/heroin, two stolen firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, and more than $39,000 in cash.

    Maldonado has been detained since his arrest.  On June 24, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

    The FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task includes members from the FBI, the Waterbury Police Department, the Naugatuck Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Connecticut State Police, Wolcott Police Department, and Meriden Police Department have assisted the investigation.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Shan Patel through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Waterbury State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Joint Statement by FBI and CISA on People’s Republic of China Activity Targeting Telecommunications

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

    The U.S. government is investigating the unauthorized access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China.

    After the FBI identified specific malicious activity targeting the sector, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) immediately notified affected companies, rendered technical assistance, and rapidly shared information to assist other potential victims. The investigation is ongoing, and we encourage any organization that believes it might be a victim to engage its local FBI field office or CISA. 

    Agencies across the U.S. government are collaborating to aggressively mitigate this threat and are coordinating with our industry partners to strengthen cyber defenses across the commercial communications sector.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Joint Statement by FBI and CISA on PRC Activity Targeting Telecommunications

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON: The U.S. Government is investigating the unauthorized access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China. 

     After the FBI identified specific malicious activity targeting the sector, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) immediately notified affected companies, rendered technical assistance, and rapidly shared information to assist other potential victims. The investigation is ongoing, and we encourage any organization that believes it might be a victim to engage its local FBI field office or CISA. 

     Agencies across the U.S. Government are collaborating to aggressively mitigate this threat and are coordinating with our industry partners to strengthen cyber defenses across the commercial communications sector.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Greenfield — Update: Missing man located deceased

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    October 25, 2024, Greenfield, Nova Scotia… The 78-year-old man who was reported missing from Port Hawkesbury on October 3, 2023, has been located deceased.

    His remains were found by a hunter in a wooded area in Greenfield, close to where his abandoned vehicle was parked.

    The death is not believed to be suspicious in nature; however, the investigation is ongoing.

    Our thoughts are with the man’s loved ones at this difficult time.

    File #: 2023-1472245

    -30-

    Contact:

    Sgt. Deepak PRASAD

    Public Information Officer
    Nova Scotia RCMP
    rcmpns-grcne@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colorado man convicted of attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Gabriel Estrada, 30, of Denver, Colorado, was convicted by a federal jury for attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. The four-day trial was held before U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson.

    According to trial evidence, Estrada used a chat app to meet up with a 13-year-old persona for sexual intercourse. An undercover agent posed as a 13-year-old female, living in Laramie, Wyoming. Estrada messaged the 13-year-old persona asking if she would have sex with him. He went on to ask the 13-year-old persona if she had any friends that would like to join them in the sexual encounter and asked about her sexual experience. Estrada then drove the two hours from his home to Laramie after confirming the minor would engage in other sexual acts with him. Estrada arrived at the location, along with other physical evidence indicative of his intent to engage in sexual acts with the minor and an iPhone. The iPhone contained the text messages to the 13-year-old persona. Estrada testified that he made the decision to drive from his apartment in Denver to Laramie, even after the minor told him her age. Estrada said he did not believe she was actually 13.

    Sentencing has been set for Jan. 13, 2025. Estrada faces 10 years to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, five years to life supervised release and a $100 special assessment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors in both cases.

    This crime was investigated by the Laramie Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold.

    Case No. CR-24-00033

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing of Mescalero Man for Stabbing Assault

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for the repeated stabbing of a woman on the Mescalero Apache reservation.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on May 18, 2023, Lestat Cree Valdez, 21, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache tribe, straddled Jane Doe and stabbed her repeatedly in the head, face, and chest with a knife, with the intent to cause bodily harm. As a result of the assault, Jane Doe suffered serious bodily injury.

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

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

    This case was investigated by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Joni Autrey Stahl is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twelve Defendants Charged in Alleged Methamphetamine Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MACON, Ga. – A newly unsealed federal indictment charges a dozen defendants with allegedly participating in a methamphetamine production and trafficking conspiracy operating out of a ten-acre Walton County property.

    According to the indictment unsealed on Oct. 23, and the search warrant, as well as statements made public in court, on Aug. 13, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at 2370 Mountain Creek Church Road, Monroe, Georgia, as part of a joint law enforcement operation, where agents seized a total of 4,346 grams of “finished” crystal methamphetamine, 22 gallons of liquid methamphetamine (approximately equivalent to 377 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine) and $5,401. A federal search warrant was also executed on a Chevrolet Traverse occupied by Yuretzi Gomez, Yirla Gomez, Rafael Gomez and Uriel Garcia where agents recovered 1,046 grams of methamphetamine and $4,350 in cash. In addition, agents seized 4,523 grams of methamphetamine inside a Camaro occupied by Jared Calhoun and Ebony Jones-Tate.

    The following defendant charged by indictment will have his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle on Nov. 4:

    James Len Ramey, 52, of Comer, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

    The following defendants charged by indictment have had their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Weigle:

    Christopher Hyatt, 44, of LaGrange, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Kendell Cawthon, 59, of Baldwin, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Bonterris Turner, 44, of Athens, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Demetrius Appling, 36, of Crawford, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Andrea Robinson, 44, of Cleveland, Georgia; is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine;

    Yuretzi Adame Gomez, 39, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Yirla Adame Gomez, 24, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Rafael Gomez Flores, 21, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Uriel Garcia, 32, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Jared Calhoun, 32, of Birmingham, Alabama, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine; and

    Ebony Jones-Tate, 32, of Birmingham, Alabama, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).

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

    An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MACON, Ga. – A newly unsealed federal indictment charges a dozen defendants with allegedly participating in a methamphetamine production and trafficking conspiracy operating out of a ten-acre Walton County property.

    According to the indictment unsealed on Oct. 23, and the search warrant, as well as statements made public in court, on Aug. 13, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at 2370 Mountain Creek Church Road, Monroe, Georgia, as part of a joint law enforcement operation, where agents seized a total of 4,346 grams of “finished” crystal methamphetamine, 22 gallons of liquid methamphetamine (approximately equivalent to 377 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine) and $5,401. A federal search warrant was also executed on a Chevrolet Traverse occupied by Yuretzi Gomez, Yirla Gomez, Rafael Gomez and Uriel Garcia where agents recovered 1,046 grams of methamphetamine and $4,350 in cash. In addition, agents seized 4,523 grams of methamphetamine inside a Camaro occupied by Jared Calhoun and Ebony Jones-Tate.

    The following defendant charged by indictment will have his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle on Nov. 4:

    James Len Ramey, 52, of Comer, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

    The following defendants charged by indictment have had their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Weigle:

    Christopher Hyatt, 44, of LaGrange, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Kendell Cawthon, 59, of Baldwin, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Bonterris Turner, 44, of Athens, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Demetrius Appling, 36, of Crawford, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Andrea Robinson, 44, of Cleveland, Georgia; is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine;

    Yuretzi Adame Gomez, 39, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Yirla Adame Gomez, 24, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Rafael Gomez Flores, 21, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Uriel Garcia, 32, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Jared Calhoun, 32, of Birmingham, Alabama, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine; and

    Ebony Jones-Tate, 32, of Birmingham, Alabama, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).

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

    An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Man Charged For Multi-Year, Multi-Million Dollar Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); Thomas Fattorusso, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”); and Francis J. Russo, the Director of the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”),  announced today the arrest of ARSEN LUSHER, who orchestrated a scheme to defraud more than 20 investors of more than $5 million between 2017 and 2021.  LUSHER was arrested earlier today and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Stein.

    U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, the defendant allegedly solicited investors’ funds by representing that he had a hugely profitable trucking business.  That wasn’t true, and the defendant instead allegedly used the funds to run a classic Ponzi scheme, enriching himself along the way.  When luck ran out, the victims sustained millions of dollars in losses.  Today’s arrest serves as a stark reminder that the illusion of success built on fraud and deceit will inevitably fail.”

    FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy said: “For four years, Arsen Lusher allegedly defrauded numerous victims of more than $5 million by cycling their investments to conceal the business’s inability to produce its promised returns, and altered official tax documents to reflect inflated balances in furtherance of this ploy.  The alleged empty assurances allowed the defendant to wrongfully haul in funding from investors and selfishly benefit from their losses.  The FBI will continue to disrupt and hit the brakes on any investment scheme rooted in deceit.”

    IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso said: “It’s alleged Lusher acted with impunity for years, deceiving over 20 investors out of more than five million dollars.  He created a ‘get-rich-quick’ scheme, then sold his victims a dream of high-returns on their investment.  Instead of a profit, investors were left with a loss of money and of trust.  Today’s arrest ensures that Lusher can now be held accountable for his alleged fraud.”

    CBP Director Francis J. Russo said: “U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proud to have played an important role in this investigation that resulted in the takedown of an elaborate conspiracy to defraud the United States.  This case serves as a great example of how collaborative law enforcement efforts can dismantle nefarious enterprises that cause economic harm to their competitors.”

    According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

    Between 2017 and 2021, LUSHER engaged in a scheme to defraud more than 20 victims of more than $5 million.  LUSHER and a small group of trusted lieutenants acting at LUSHER’s direction solicited investments from the victims, usually by representing that LUSHER had a profitable trucking business that enjoyed delivery and installation contracts with multiple large retailers.  LUSHER and his lieutenants typically represented that the victims’ investments would fund the purchase of trucks, each truck costing around $45,000.  Through written and signed investment agreements, LUSHER and his lieutenants normally guaranteed the victims that their investments would generate high rates of return over a fixed period—typically between 30 and 40 percent over one or two years.  In that way, LUSHER succeeded in raising more than $40 million.

    In fact, though, LUSHER did not have a large trucking business.  Instead, LUSHER had a small trucking business that performed a small amount of work—less than $300,000—for just one large retailer.  The amount that LUSHER earned from his legitimate trucking business could not have compensated the victims and produced the promised returns.

    Indeed, LUSHER did not use the victims’ funds to purchase trucks or to grow his trucking business.  Instead, for years, LUSHER engaged in a Ponzi scheme: LUSHER paid earlier victims with later victims’ funds.  LUSHER also used the victims’ funds to enrich himself, such as by gambling or shopping for high-end goods.  In that way, LUSHER was able to sustain his scheme for a number of years.  But in early 2021, the scheme collapsed, leaving numerous victims with losses totaling more than $5 million. 

    LUSHER used fake documents to carry out his scheme.  For example, in December 2020, LUSHER caused to be sent to a particular victim an apparent U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation for one of the companies that LUSHER controlled and used to perpetrate his scheme.  That alleged tax return was falsified:  the accountant listed as having prepared the return did not, in fact, prepare it.  And in February 2021, LUSHER altered account balances on an email sent by a bank employee to make it appear that LUSHER’s companies had healthy account balances when, in fact, they did not.  Specifically, while the bank employee wrote that LUSHER’s companies had account balances of $8,767.26 and $320.76, LUSHER altered the bank employee’s email before forwarding it to state that his companies had account balances of $1,228,767.26 and $987,320.76 (italics and bold added).  In other words, LUSHER altered the bank employee’s email such that the account balances for his companies were approximately 140 times and 3,078 times greater than they actually were.  LUSHER then caused that falsified email to be sent to a particular victim.

    If you believe you or your family has been a victim of LUSHER’s fraud, please contact XtremeHDtips@fbi.gov.

    *                *                *

    LUSHER, 49, of Millstone, New Jersey, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison.

    The statutory maximum penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

    Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the IRS, the CBP, and the New York City Police Department. 

    This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Rosenberg is in charge of the prosecution.

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Individual On Parole For Robbery In New Jersey Indicted For Two More Robberies In Florida

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Jose Rodriguez (65, New Jersey) with robbery, attempted robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. 

    According to court documents, on August 4, 2024, Rodriguez entered a pizza restaurant located in a shopping plaza in Tampa and attempted to rob the restaurant at gunpoint. The clerks fled in fear, and Rodriguez ultimately left empty handed.

    Approximately one month later, on September 11, 2024, Rodriguez returned to the same plaza. This time, he walked into a cellphone store and attempted to rob it at gunpoint. During the robbery, Rodriguez directed an employee to the business’s safe in a back room while stating, “Don’t move or I’ll shoot you.”

    Two days later, ATF special agents and deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office found the vehicle used during the two incidents. Surveillance of that vehicle identified Rodriguez, and a subsequent search warrant of his residence revealed a pistol—which he is prohibited from possessing due to his status as a convicted felon. That pistol had been reported stolen by an elderly man in New Jersey whom Rodriguez had previously cared for. At the time of these incidents, Rodriguez was on parole in New Jersey for robbery.

    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, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense Official Statement on AUKUS Pillar 2 and Exercise Maritime Big Play

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    The following statement can be attributed to Ms. Madeline Mortelmans who is currently performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities. Her office is lead for both pillars of AUKUS within the department and is in close partnership with all of the DOD stakeholders.

    “Secretary Austin has said several times in the past that our alliances and partnerships are our greatest global strategic advantage. Specifically, AUKUS presents a unique opportunity for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States to foster a more capable, more combined force of the future. And in so doing, we will strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

    Through AUKUS, we are working across the full spectrum of capability development, generating requirements, co-developing new systems, deepening industrial based collaboration and ultimately delivering advanced capabilities to our forces. AUKUS Pillar 1 focuses these co-development efforts on delivering an advanced nuclear power submarine capability through the optimal pathway.

    Pillar 2 focuses on the development and delivery of emerging technology. AUKUS Pillar 2 is designed to harness the combined industrial and innovation bases of the tri-lateral partners to ensure that our forces are equipped with cutting edge interoperable military capabilities and prepared to face down aggression in whatever form it may take.

    In Pillar 2, we’re building a more capable combined joint force for the future, working across the full spectrum of capability development and we’re already delivering. This year, we’re advancing our undersea warfare capabilities by expanding our ability to launch and recover uncrewed underwater systems from torpedo tubes on current classes of British and US submarines, that will increase the range and capability of our undersea forces.

    We’re integrating the Stingray lightweight torpedo into the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, which will support our forces in being more interchangeable while providing resilience to munitions stockpiles across AUKUS nations. At the same time, we’re also implementing a fundamental shift to more closely integrate our systems and break down barriers to collaboration at every stage and in every part of our systems.

    We’ve welcomed collaboration with the International Joint Requirements Oversight Council or I-JROC, a critical collaborative forum to identify and validate joint and combined requirements. The I-JROC will ensure that we have prioritized combined and joint solutions from the very start and that the capabilities we develop under Pillar 2 address some of the most pressing challenges our forces face.

    A cornerstone of AUKUS Pillar 2 remains the opportunity to leverage the best of our defense industrial bases in combined innovation communities. This year we executed the first office innovation challenge focused on electronic warfare. We announced the winners last month and our teams are working to develop a robust two-year plan to increase the collaboration between and among our innovation centers of excellence.

    By the end of the year, we’ll have convened meetings with the Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum in each country. Engagements provide an opportunity for representatives across government and industry to exchange ideas and deepen industrial based collaboration.

    This week we’re here in Jervis Bay to observe the Maritime Big Play, which is an important demonstration of AUKUS in action. The Maritime Big Play is a series of integrated trilateral experiments and exercises aimed at enhancing capability development, improving interoperability and increasing the sophistication and scale of autonomous systems in the maritime domain. These experiments address the need to expand the reach, capability and capacity of our forces in the maritime environment through the use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.

    Over the past several weeks, we’ve been testing and refining the ability to jointly operate uncrewed maritime systems, to share and process maritime data from all three nations, and to provide real time maritime domain awareness to support decision making. The Maritime Big Play allows AUKUS partners to practice fielding and maintaining thousands of uncrewed systems, gaining valuable experience operating in coalitions to solve realistic operational problems such as improving undersea situational awareness.

    Our work will inform AUKUS partners’ understanding of how crewed and uncrewed capabilities can be integrated to get an operational advantage, and where we can achieve cost savings and improved efficiencies in acquisition, maintenance and sustainment activities.

    Maritime Big Play isn’t just a demonstration for demonstration’s sake. It’s our goal to transition cutting edge technologies into capabilities that give our forces decisive advantage as quickly as we can. This year, Japan joined the Maritime Big Play as an observer. We look forward to deepening their participation in the coming years. All of this together underpins a more strategic approach to ensure that AUKUS and like-minded partners can operate new autonomous uncrewed systems more effectively as a coalition force from the start.

    This is only the first in our series of experiments and demonstrations. Over time, Maritime Big Play will grow and evolve to reflect the emerging technologies, new systems and new operational requirements. I want to emphasize that AUKUS is dynamic. It will grow, it will evolve as the world changes around us, and as we break down the old barriers to cooperation and inevitably discover new ones.

    AUKUS is building a foundation for deep defense industrial cooperation and delivering advanced capabilities that can and will ensure our defense forces succeed in enhancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific alongside UK and Australia partners both now and in the years ahead. Thank you.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Slingstone 24-4: 734th AMS performs disaggregated operations

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    YIGO, Guam  –  

    On Oct. 23, 2024, the 734th Air Mobility Squadron performed disaggregated operations at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of Slingstone 24-4.

    For this specific operation, the 734th AMS simulated a bombing scenario that rendered their main headquarters unavailable. Their teams then had to perform their duties in a different location. This exercise allowed Airmen to test how capable they are at completing their mission in a different environment.

    “Typically, when it comes to these disaggregated ops, you are essentially practicing a scenario where your current building has been affected in some sort of fashion, it can be a chemical attack, munitions attack, something from the enemy or even a natural disaster,” said Master Sgt. Joshua L. Spierer, 734th AMS passenger services section chief. “Our role here is to have a setup base, we have our internet, our communication tools and everything needed to do our job because in this scenario we have no other area to work.”

    During the operation, the 734th AMS Airmen also made the most of the opportunity to teach their Airmen in different career fields. The team consisted of Airmen who work in aircraft maintenance, communications, aerial ports and more. Staff Sgt. Jarom Johnston, 734th AMS aircraft electrical systems craftsman, has been guiding these Airmen on how to marshal a C-17 Globemaster.

    Despite the challenges of working in a different location and continuing to be multi-capable, the 734th AMS Airmen were able to adapt and persevere.

    “Flexibility is key,” said 2nd Lt. Constance Lamkin, 734th AMS officer in charge of special planning. “Even though things haven’t gone exactly as planned, we’ve communicated across the board, perform our duties and were able to get a spot at a different location.”

    Slingstone 24-4 test the capabilities of the Airmen in the 36th Wing. For the 734th AMS, it trains them in being multi-capable while also being ready for the unexpected.

    “There’s definitely a lot of good that comes from this exercise,” Lamkin said. “When Typhoon Mawarr happened last year, we couldn’t work in the original pax terminal building because of the storm damage, but we were able to figure out what to do during that situation, and exercises such as this further prepare us for what may come.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: US, Australian Naval Forces Conduct Bilateral Operations

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    STRAIT OF MALACCA  –  

    The U.S. Navy (USN) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) conducted bilateral operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific in the Strait of Malacca, Oct. 20-23.

    Participating ships included the USN Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) and the RAN Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart (FFH 153). The two ships took part in exercise Malabar 2024 earlier in October.

    “This exercise further builds on our existing interoperability and combined readiness we have with the Royal Australian Navy,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “Every time we operate together, we strengthen our capabilities and shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

    Over four days, the ships engaged in a formation sailing exercise, an air defense exercise, maritime communications training, personnel cross-decks and visit, board, search and seizure drills.

    “Conducting a joint sail with USS Dewey has been of great value, with multiple different activities conducted between the ships, including personnel exchange, boarding practices, manoeuvring in close company, and warfare drills,” said Cmdr. Warren Bechly, commanding officer, HMAS Stuart. “Whether it is large scale exercises, or ships in transit between the same ports, working with our allies and partners is always a valuable opportunity to build closer ties and enhance interoperability.”

    The U.S. Navy regularly operates alongside our allies in the Indo-Pacific region as a demonstration of our shared commitment to the rules-based international order.

    Bilateral operations such as this one provide valuable opportunities to train, exercise and develop tactical interoperability across allied navies in the Indo-Pacific.

    Dewey 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: ‘Maritime Big Play’ in Pacific Demonstrates AUKUS Partner Compatibility

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    This month Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. — all members of the AUKUS trilateral partnership — participated in “Maritime Big Play,” a series of integrated experiments and exercises held in the Indo-Pacific region, meant to enhance capability development and improve interoperability between the partners. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Guilty plea following Enfield murder investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has appeared in court where he pleaded guilty to the murder of Bledi Petraj, who died following a fight on an Enfield street.

    Kozma Papa, 22 (23.09.02) of Fairview Road, Cheltenham, appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 24 October where he pleaded guilty to murder.

    He was remanded in custody to appear for sentencing at the same court on Friday, 6 December.

    Police and London Ambulance Service (LAS) were called at 14:04hrs on Sunday, 4 February to reports of a stabbing at Queen Elizabeth’s Drive in Enfield.

    Officers and LAS attended. At the scene 37-year-old Bledi Petraj, who was from Westcliff-on-Sea in Essex, was found with knife injuries.

    Despite the efforts of medics at the scene and in hospital, he sadly died that afternoon. His family were notified and were supported by specialist officers.

    Papa was arrested by Met officers in a car that was stopped in Hertfordshire that same day. He was charged the following day with murder.

    Detective Sergeant Matthew Goode said: “We know that on the day of the murder the victim pulled over in his car on Queen Elizabeth’s Drive. Papa pulled in behind him and both men got out of their cars and immediately started to fight. A fight that ended in a senseless loss of life.

    “It has never been established why they fought, but whatever the reason for the confrontation, I know it wouldn’t justify the loss felt by Bledi’s family and the years that Papa will now spend in prison.

    “I am pleased that this guilty plea will spare Bledi’s family the experience of a criminal trial – my thoughts are with them today.”

    A 30-year-old man, who was also arrested as part of the investigation, was released without further action.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: National Armaments Directors meet to enhance Allied defence planning and production and strengthen their engagement with partners

    Source: NATO

    As NATO works to enhance defence production and ensure better defence planning, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke to the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) on the urgency of the task ahead. “Defence industrial issues are at the core of my agenda,” Mr Rutte explained. “NATO has made significant progress in kick-starting defence production, supporting Ukraine with munitions, and rebuilding stockpiles, but there is more to do, together.”

    The meeting on 23 and 24 October brought representatives from Allied and Interoperability Partner nations together at NATO Headquarters for their 2024 Autumn Plenary Session. Delegates discussed the most pressing challenges for the armaments community across the Alliance and beyond. They addressed defence planning and production, joint procurement, and standardization. They also spoke about how to strengthen engagement with partners, in particular on supply chain security and defence industrial cooperation.

    The CNAD plays an essential role in delivering the interoperable capabilities needed for the Alliance’s deterrence and defence. The Secretary General commended their work, highlighting the important part that Armaments Directors play in “turning political priorities and decisions into action.” This is vital not only among Allies but also with Partners. The recently appointed Assistance Secretary General for Defence Investment and CNAD’s Permanent Chair, Tarja Jaakkola, underscored the value of the of “ensuring that the CNAD contributes to bringing on board partners in NATO discussions to the fullest extent possible.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Key Figures of Notorious Serbian Clan Arrested in Barcelona

    Source: Europol

    The clan leader was apprehended in Barcelona on 18 October, followed by the arrest of his lieutenant on 22 October. Both were wanted for charges including murder, attempted murder and kidnapping of rival gang members in Serbia, Austria, Germany and Spain.The clan leader was considered one of Europe’s most wanted and dangerous fugitives.The ” VračarClan”, a sub-clan of the “Kavač”…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Possession of stolen firearm sends Reed Point man to prison for more than eight years

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

    GREAT FALLS — A Reed Point man who admitted to possessing a stolen firearm found in a stolen vehicle that crashed near Helena following a pursuit was sentenced today to eight years and eight months years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

    The defendant, Jarred Lane Saunders, 26, pleaded guilty in June to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $18,252.98 restitution.

    “Stolen firearms and drugs are a dangerous combination. Here, Saunders likely stole 23 guns from a vehicle parked at a Billings hotel, then was arrested in Helena after a pursuit and found in possession of fentanyl and one of the stolen guns. Saunders’ criminal conduct posed a serious threat to public safety, and we remain united with our law enforcement partners in getting these offenders off our streets,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

    The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 12, 2022, Billings police officers responded to a report of 23 firearms that had been stolen from a vehicle parked in a hotel parking lot. Saunders likely stole the 23 firearms because his fingerprints were found at the scene and then brought stolen firearms and fentanyl in a stolen car to Helena. On Oct. 15, 2022, the Montana Highway Patrol pursued a stolen Mercedes, which had been taken in Billings on Oct. 11, 2022. The Mercedes eventually crashed in a private driveway, and Saunders was arrested by Helena police officers. At his arrest, Saunders complained that he ingested 15 to 20 fentanyl pills. A search warrant was executed on the Mercedes, and officers found approximately 300 fentanyl pills, a small amount of methamphetamine and a .22-caliber pistol that had been stolen from the vehicle in Billings. A witness told Billings police of seeing Saunders with three duffle bags full of guns. That person received three of the firearms knowing they were stolen. At the time Saunders possessed the firearms, he was an unlawful user of controlled substances.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Helena Police Department conducted the investigation.

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

    XXX

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  • MIL-OSI Security: California man pleads guilty to sex trafficking and illegal firearms possession

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Defendant chased victim, firing shots, as she tried to escape from him on Aurora Avenue

    Seattle – A California man pleaded guilty today to two federal felonies related to his sex trafficking of adult female victims, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Winston Cornell Burt aka “Dice Capone,” 32 of Hemet, California, was arrested November 6, 2022, after he allegedly brutally assaulted a 20-year-old woman and engaged in a rolling gun battle as she fled in a van driven by a man who picked her up from the roadway. Burt pleaded guilty to Sex Trafficking through Force, Fraud, and Coercion and Unlawful Possession of Firearms. Burt is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge John H. Chun on February 3, 2025.

    According to records filed in the case, Burt self-identifies as a “pimp” who led a sex trafficking enterprise through California, Arizona, and Washington. The young women in the case were required to provide all the money they earned in prostitution to Burt. Three women had his name tattooed on their faces – an apparent sign of “ownership.”

    On November 2, 2022, Burt assaulted the 20-year-old victim in this case by kicking her, punching her, and pistol whipping her after she indicated she wanted to stop working for Burt. The assault occurred at an Airbnb in south Seattle. Three days later, on November 5, 2022, Burt assaulted the victim again and forced her to strip to her underwear. The victim tried to escape from the rental home by jumping out a third story window. The defendant and two women working for him forced her into a car and drove towards a motel on north Aurora Avenue. Burt was armed with a gun, but the victim was able to get out of the car and ran into traffic on Aurora wearing only her underwear. Burt and his female assistants tried to force the victim back into their car, but the victim stayed in the middle of the roadway until finally picked up by a driver who saw her in distress.

    Even after the victim was driven away in a van, Burt gave chase on Aurora Avenue and fired shots at the van with the victim inside. The driver was eventually able to evade Burt and called the Washington State Patrol for assistance.

    Ultimately law enforcement responded to the scene and got the victim to Harborview Medical Center for treatment.

    Burt was arrested on November 6, 2022, as he was attempting to leave the Airbnb in south Seattle.

    As part of the plea agreement, Burt also agrees to plead guilty to charges in King County Superior Court: three counts of Assault 2; Drive-by Shooting; Unlawful Imprisonment; and Assault-3

    The plea agreement calls for the forfeiture of both firearms and more than $72,000 in cash.

    Sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion is punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to life in prison and illegal possession of a firearm is punishable by ten years in prison. Both the prosecution and defense have agreed to recommend 15 years in prison to run concurrent with any sentence imposed in state court.  

    The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and the FBI with assistance from the Washington State Patrol (WSP).

    Senior Deputy King County Prosecutor Alexandra Voorhees worked closely with the FBI, Seattle Police Department and Assistant United States Attorney Kate Crisham on this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Met sets out policing plans ahead of Saturday protests

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    There will be an increased police presence in Westminster on Saturday with a number of demonstrations expected to take place.

    Officers from the Met and the British Transport police will be supported by a limited number of officers from other UK forces.

    A protest organised on behalf of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Robinson) under the name Uniting the Kingdom, will march from Victoria Station to the southern end of Whitehall, while a counter protest organised by Stand Up To Racism will march from Regent Street St James’s to the north end of Whitehall. Static rallies will take place at the end of both protest marches.

    There will be a significant policing presence ensuring that the two opposing groups are kept apart and pre-emptive conditions have been imposed under the Public Order Act to prevent serious disruption or disorder.

    A separate protest, organised by the United Friends and Families Campaign, will take place in Trafalgar Square from around midday.

    Deputy Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams, who is leading the policing operation this weekend, said: “We are well prepared for what is set to be a busy day in the centre of London.

    “Our role is to ensure that those attending the various events can do so safely and that they can exercise their right to lawful protest. We will have significant resources in place to respond to any incidents, to deal decisively with any offences, and to keep disruption to other members of the public and businesses to a minimum.

    “We know that when groups with opposing views come together it can lead to conflict and disorder and a key part of our role is ensuring that does not happen. We have used Public Order Act conditions to ensure that those involved stick to routes and assembly areas that are sufficiently far apart. Officers will be monitoring closely to ensure that conditions are adhered to.

    “The impact of frequent significant protest in central London is considerable, not least on the officers deployed to police them. Many would be working in other frontline roles if they weren’t required for these events. We’re grateful for the assistance of colleagues from other forces whose contribution means we are able to police protests while also keeping local communities across London safe.”

    Details of conditions

    Uniting the Kingdom

    Participants in the Uniting the Kingdom protest must form up in the red shaded area in the map below:

    They may not set off until 13:00hrs and they must not then deviate from the route shown on the map below:

    On arrival at the end of the march, they must only assemble in the area marked in blue on the map below:

    All those in attendance must disperse by 18:00hrs.

    Stand Up To Racism

    Similar conditions are in place for the Stand Up To Racism counter protest.

    Anyone taking part must form up in the area shaded in red on the map below:

    They may not set off until 13:00hrs and they must not then deviate from the route shown on the map below:

    On arrival at the end of the march, they must only assemble in the area marked in blue on the map below:

    All those in attendance must disperse by 18:00hrs.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Criminal network that manufactured narco-boats to smuggle drugs dismantled

    Source: Eurojust

    The criminal group set up several warehouses in Spain and Portugal where boats that are illegal in Spain were manufactured in Portugal. The boats were then sold to other criminal groups, who used them to transport drugs such as heroin and marijuana into Spain. The criminal group also used its own boats and crews to transport drugs to Spain.

    The authorities began investigating the criminal organisation at the end of 2022, when they learned of the group’s production and sale of narco-boats. As the group was active in Portugal and Spain, an international operation was required to stop the criminals in their tracks. A joint investigation team (JIT) was set up at Eurojust, to enable Portuguese and Spanish authorities to investigate the organisation together.

    The JIT allowed the authorities to exchange information and evidence directly and quickly, to cooperate in real time and to jointly carry out operations. Due to this cooperation, coordinated by Eurojust, all the members of the group were identified and enough evidence was gathered to launch an international operation that dismantled the criminal group.

    During the action day in Portugal and Spain, the authorities intercepted two boats with drugs before they could depart. The operation that deployed 200 agents led to the arrest of 28 suspects in Spain. Authorities seized 23 kilos of heroin, two marijuana plantations, four narco-boats and more than EUR 150 000 in cash.

    The following authorities were involved in the operations:

    • Portugal: PPO Viana do Castelo; Policia Judiciária
    • Spain: Juzgado de Instruccion num. 2 of Cambados, Galicia; PP Antudrug Pontevedra; EDOA Group of Guardia Civil

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives arrest two men in the Ahmed Deen-Jah 2017 murder investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the murder of Ahmed Deen-Jah who was stabbed to death in east London in 2017 have made two arrests.

    Ahmed, who was 24 years old, died after being stabbed in the heart during an unprovoked attack in a convenience store in Custom House on the afternoon of 2 April 2017.

    On Friday, 25 October, detectives rearrested two men [D and E] who are both aged 26 on suspicion of murder. They remain in custody.

    Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, who is leading the investigation, said: “It has been more than seven years since Ahmed was murdered but my team remains determined to identify those responsible in order to place them before a court.

    “We remain in contact with Ahmed’s family and will keep them updated on this morning’s development.

    “I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who has information but has not yet spoken with police to come forward. Please do the right thing.”

    At 15:20hrs on 2 April 2017, Ahmed had gone into a shop on Freemasons Road where he bought a cigarette lighter. He left the shop but returned around 30 seconds later and was being followed by a person wearing dark clothing, a balaclava and gloves.

    The suspect chased Ahmed around the shop before attacking him. He was stabbed in the heart and also suffered a number of slash injuries to one of his hands. Police were called and attended along with London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance.

    Ahmed was given emergency first aid, but despite the best efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene a short time later.

    A post-mortem examination held at East Ham Mortuary on 4 April 2017 gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

    Six people [A – F] were initially arrested as part of the investigation, although at this time, no one has been charged.

    Anyone with information that could help police is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 1570. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Allies and experts discuss intensifying hybrid campaigns against the Alliance in Prague

    Source: NATO

    More than 100 Allied experts and representatives met at the NATO Hybrid Symposium in Prague, Czechia on 24-25 October to address the challenges posed by adversarial use of hybrid tactics. Participants discussed the worsening threat environment and how to strengthen NATO`s approach to countering hybrid threats and deter these threats more effectively.

    Opening the conference alongside the Czech hosts, James Appathurai, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid and Cyber, said: “This meeting comes at an important time. Russia in  particular is stepping up hybrid attacks against NATO Allies. Our partners are also experience increased hostile grey zone activities by various actors. This meeting will help us improve our assessment of the threats, and step up our resilience, defence and deterrence against hybrid threats’’.  

    The Symposium also had sessions with representatives from private sector and academia as well as from NATO partners such as the European Union, Ukraine and Japan to explore their experience in countering hybrid interference. The annual event offers an opportunity for the Allied hybrid community to foster cooperation among experts and exchange views and best practices. The event was co-organised with the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.  

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: FY26 Advanced Education Voucher Program Offers Chiefs Mess Path to Master’s Degree

    Source: United States Navy

    The AEV program provides financial assistance to selected senior enlisted personnel to complete post-secondary, Navy-relevant degrees through off-duty education.

    “The AEV program supports the continued educational development of senior enlisted leaders as part of the Navy’s seasoned team of naval warriors,” said Albert Sharlow, NETC AEV program manager. “The program provides the Navy’s chief, senior chief and master chief petty officers a platform to pursue higher education that makes them more effective leaders with varied sets of knowledge, skills and experiences to operate, sustain and maintain an edge in today’s rapidly changing security environment.”

    Who is eligible?

    Applicants must be top performing active-duty senior enlisted personnel (E-7 to E-9) who are transferring to or currently on shore duty with sufficient time ashore to complete a master’s degree program. Applicants on sea duty may apply provided they submit an education plan that shows the ability to complete the degree program as specified above.

    For FY24, applicants must have already earned a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher learning accredited by an agency recognized by the Department of Education.

    How many quotas are available?

    The AEV program has seven quotas for master’s degrees available for FY26.

    What Navy-relevant degrees are included in the AEV program?

    Degrees considered for the master’s program include, but not limited to the below examples:
    • Emergency and Disaster Management
    • Human Resources
    • Project Management
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Systems Analysis
    • Information Technology
    • Homeland Defense and Security
    • Leadership and Management
    • Business Administration
    • Education and Training Management

    The NETC AEV program manager must validate degree programs other than those listed above as a Navy-relevant degree.

    How much funding does the Navy provide?
    For FY26, AEV Program participants will receive funds for tuition, books, and related fees for completion of their master’s degree with funding limits set at a maximum of $20,000 per fiscal year for up to 24 months from the date of signing a letter of acceptance, not to exceed $40,000 total program cost.

    When does the program begin?

    Applicants should be available to commence their studies in the 2025 fall term (after Oct. 1, 2025).

    Is there a service obligation?

    Participants shall agree to remain on active duty for a period equal to three times the number of months of education completed or three years, whichever is less.

    What is the submission deadline?

    Applications should be e-mailed to the program manager by May 5, 2025.

    Where can I get additional information on the program?

    • Visit the AEV information page on the Navy College Program’s website at https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/sailors/additional-funding-and-programs
    • Contact Albert Sharlow, NETC N525, (850) 452-7271 or DSN 459-7271
    albert.r.sharlow.civ@us.navy.mil

    NETC recruits, trains and delivers those who serve our nation, taking them from “street to fleet,” by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat-ready warfighters.

    For more information about NETC, visit the command’s website at https://www.netc.navy.mil/ and follow the command’s social media: Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NETCHQ, Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/netc_hq, X at https://twitter.com/NETC_HQ and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/netchq/.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: SUBASE holds Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting establishing a Micro-grid on the base

    Source: United States Navy

    Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont; U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT); U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (2nd-CT); Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and the Environment Meredith Berger; and, Commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Rear Admiral Carl Lahti, participated in the event near the base’s Power Plant on the SUBASE waterfront.

    “For the Navy, and all military services, October is Energy Action Month, and SUBASE could not be prouder of our ‘energy actions’ today,” said Captain Kenneth M. Curtin Jr., 53rd Commanding Officer of Naval Submarine Base New London, who served as Master of Ceremonies. “Our micro-grid at SUBASE is the first of its kind in the entire Navy to support such a complex electrical infrastructure. And in the parlance of the fall sports season, it’s a ‘game-changer.’”
    Curtin noted that while the base’s award winning Galley fuels the Sailors at the base, energy fuels everything else, from the high-tech trainers and their associated computer systems at the Naval Submarine School on the base, to the Submarines moored at the base’s waterfront, dependent on shore power when in port.
    The SUBASE Micro-grid enhances the base’s power diversification and transforms its electrical infrastructure into a more intelligent, flexible, and robust system. SUBASE benefits not only from automated data gathering and precise peak demand control, but also from the ability to seamlessly disconnect from the public utility grid during an interruption or loss in power, and efficiently dispatch on-site power generation to mission critical loads.
    The State of Connecticut; the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC); FuelCell Energy Incorporated, headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut; NORESCO, headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts; Groton Utilities; and, a number of area and local contractors and subcontractors have been crucial contributors ensuring SUBASE reached this milestone.
    “We are playing a small role in making this base a little more resilient,” said Lamont. “This is what it’s all about. Whether it is a weather event or a bad actor, the lights will stay on at our Navy base.”
    Assistant Secretary of the Navy Berger thanked the State and partners, who through community and commercial partnerships, brought SUBASE’s energy resiliency to fruition.
    “What we are charged with under Secretary [of the Navy] Del Toro’s leadership is to strengthen our maritime dominance, strengthen our people, and to strengthen our partnerships; and what we do here today does all three,” said Berger.
    The completion of the comprehensive Micro-grid project reflects more than $235M invested in assuring the energy reliability, security, and resiliency of SUBASE.
    Lahti, as the then 50th Commanding Officer of SUBASE, was “the architect moving the initiative from the kernel of an idea, to the growth of the foundational concept, and the development of long range plans and milestones,” said Curtin.
    Pulling them from a folder, Lahti showed the audience the nearly decade old, proof of concept and long range plans. He noted that he had carried those initial documents about the “dream” of a micro-grid at SUBASE to each of his successive commands, and he was proud that the dream had finally become reality.
    “We invest in the base to create the most combat ready Submarines that we can and to train the Submarine Force,” said Lahti, outlining that utilities are part of the foundation that supports combat forces.
    Energy expenses are the single largest cost for Navy installations. Utilities costs are some 38 percent of the Navy’s shore budget. Cost savings created ashore free up dollars that can be used in the Fleet to support operations and improve the tactical performance of forces.
    Energy Reduction and Resiliency Projects under Lahti and his successors at the base, not only resulted in annual operating cost savings of nearly $1.2 million a year, but also laid the foundation for the ultimate micro-grid completion and success.
    CMEEC’s and FuelCell Energy’s Fuel Cell Park, on leased land at the base, provides energy to the public grid in normal operations, but provides SUBASE with the first right to its 7.4MW of on-site power generation during an interruption or loss in power at the base. The State and NORESCO’s efforts established 10.75MW of power generation in the base’s Power Plant thru a Combined Heat & Power system supported by two new generators and high efficiency boilers. All these elements, connected thru NORESCO’s installation of cyber secure controls, fast load shedding, and ‘islanding’ capabilities within the base Power Plant, assure SUBASE’s micro-grid energy resiliency.
    “The First and Finest Submarine Base will not rest on its laurels. We are excited by a grant from the DOD Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation in the amount of $939K in Installation Resilience funding. These funds should allow for our partners to design updated power, water and gas feeds for SUBASE. So, SUBASE’s energy future looks very bright indeed!” concluded Curtin.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Plant City Woman Pleads Guilty To Embezzling Funds From A University And Charitable Organization

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Christina Lynn Morris (46, Plant City) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Morris has also agreed to forfeit $293,202, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense.

    According to court documents, Morris worked as a Fiscal and Business Analyst for a public research university (University) with multiple campuses in the Middle District of Florida. She also served as President for a charitable organization (Association) based in the Middle District of Florida. From July 2021 through July 2023, Morris used her positions with the University and the Association to embezzle more than $290,000. Specifically, Morris used her University credit card as well as credit cards issued to other University employees, and the Association’s business bank accounts to conduct unapproved, non-business transactions at various companies, including for the repeated bulk purchase of gift cards.

    Further, Morris used the Association’s tax-exempt status to avoid paying sales tax for items purchased with the gift cards and embezzled funds. To make the unapproved, non-business transactions appear legitimate and to prevent her fraud scheme from being discovered, Morris created and submitted falsified documents and made false attestations to the University, and withheld material information from the Association. During the scheme, Morris conducted hundreds of transactions in the manner described above, causing losses of $261,632.17 to the University and $31,569.87 to the Association.

    This investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: California Resident Sentenced To 30 Years In Federal Prison For Producing Sexual Abuse Photo Of 3-Year-Old Child In Florida

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Henry Obdulio Cordon (39, Antioch, California) to 30 years in federal prison for producing a photo of a 3-year-old child being sexually abused by Cordon. He was also ordered to serve a life term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Cordon was arrested at his residence on May 16, 2019, and has been in custody since that time. He pleaded guilty to the offense on June 14, 2024.

    According to court documents, this investigation began in April 2019 when an internet service provider sent a series of CyberTipline reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). These reports related to the discovery of child sexual abuse photos detected within an email account that geolocated to Contra Costa County in California. Law enforcement officers obtained search warrants and discovered that this email account and telephone number were associated with Cordon. The email account contained several photos depicting children being sexually abused. 

    Further investigation reveal that another email account used by Cordon contained a photo that depicted a young child being sexually abused by an adult male. The metadata associated with this photo indicated that it had been produced on July 11, 2011, using a Blackberry device. Search warrants revealed that this email account was used during April and May 2019, at Cordon’s apartment in California.

    On May 16, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cordon’s residence. During an interview, Cordon admitted that he had searched the internet for “nude teen pictures.” When asked if he ever had a Blackberry device, Cordon said he had one years before when he lived in Florida. He was asked about a particular photo depicting the sexual abuse of a child that was recovered from his email account. Cordon eventually admitted that he knew the child in the photo and that the child was “maybe” under four years of age. Cordon claimed that his sexual abuse of this child only happened one time, and that he remembered emailing this photo to himself to save it. Cordon admitted taking this photo with his Blackberry in the child’s residence in Florida. 

    Further investigation confirmed that Cordon took the photo depicting his sexual abuse of the child in Florida and later emailed the photo to his own email account. This same photo was also recovered from his iPhone device that he possessed in California on May 16, 2019. Law enforcement authorities in Florida were able to confirm the identity and age of this child, as well as the residence in Florida where Cordon had taken the photo depicting him sexually abusing this child. 

    This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force of Contra Costa County (California), the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

    This case was 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 victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

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