NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Naval Forces Participate in Republic of Korea Multi-National Mine Warfare Exercise

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    BUSAN, Republic of Korea  –  

    Naval forces from the U.S., the Republic of Korea (ROK) and 17 partner and allied nations concluded Multi-National Mine Warfare Exercise (MNMIWEX) 24 in Busan, ROK, Oct. 25, 2024.

    Part of an annual series of exercises hosted by the ROK Navy, MNMIWEX 24 increased proficiency in mine countermeasures (MCM) operations within a multi-national naval force.

    This year’s iteration had 19 nations and approximately 100 personnel participating, making MNMIWEX 24 the largest of the series to be held.

    “I was grateful for the opportunity to work with our hosts, the ROK Navy, and our partner nations and allies,” said Capt. Antonio Hyde, commodore of Mine Counter Measures Squadron (MCMRON) Seven, which belongs to Task Force 76, U.S. 7th Fleet’s expeditionary warfare force. “This multi-national training refines how we operate in a complex maritime environment to maintain open sea-lanes and freedom of navigation for all countries in the region.”

    MCM forces from the U.S., Australia, Canada and New Zealand embarked the tank landing ship ROKS Cheon Wang Bong (LST 686), which teamed with the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) to conduct mine hunting operations during the eight-day at-sea phase.

    A multinational watch floor directed MNMIWEX operations ashore. This facilitated a command structure that promoted interchangeability and helped build the capacity of multinational MCM forces to operate effectively as a team.

    “Through this exercise, we improve our abilities to carry out multinational mine operations to protect major ports and sea lines of communication from the complex threats of enemy in case of emergency,” said Capt. Lee Taek-sun, commander of ROK Navy Mine Squadron 52. “We will continue to develop the combat capabilities necessary for mine warfare and further improve mine operation abilities and procedures with multinational forces.”

    MNIMIWEX 24 featured participants from the United States, Republic of Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of the Philippines, Italy, Greece, Türkiye, Thailand, Belgium, Malaysia, Oman, Colombia, United Arab Emirates, Chile and the Netherlands.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Strengthening Ties: 51st MXG hosts ROKAF Immersion Tour

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  –  

    For the first time in six years, the 51st Maintenance Group hosted a maintenance immersion tour with Republic of Korea Air Force Airmen to showcase Osan’s maintenance and logistics capabilities at Osan Air Base, ROK, Oct. 21-23, 2024.

    ROKAF officers assigned to multiple bases across the peninsula were given the opportunity to tour various facilities such as the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron, the 731st Air Mobility Squadron, as well as the 25th and 36th Fighter Generation Squadrons.

    “This tour provides insights into various career fields and their operational status,” said Capt. Michael Shin, 36th Fighter Generation Squadron sortie generation flight commander. “But it also fosters personal connection among the participants and our Airmen.”

    Throughout the tour, ROKAF Airmen engaged in demonstrations and discussions with Osan AB personnel, gaining critical knowledge about aircraft maintenance, procedures and logistical operations.

    “The systems we were able to see were more similar than I had assumed,” said Capt. Eugene Koo, 15th Special Missions Wing operations support plan officer, “I learned a lot of new things and corrected some misconceptions I originally had.”

    The tour also emphasized the importance of building relationships between the two forces. Informal networking sessions allowed ROKAF and U.S. Air Force members to share experiences and strategies, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that is crucial for joint operations.

    “I enjoyed seeing the differences between our two cultures in a work environment,” said Capt. Yunseok Yang, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Group component maintenance squad leader. “I think it’s important for us to continue to work together and learn from each other.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Investigation under way following stabbing in Dagenham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    An investigation continues following a stabbing in Dagenham.

    Police were called at approximately 17:35hrs on Friday, 25 October to reports of three people injured in First Avenue, Dagenham.

    Officers, London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended.

    A woman, believed to be aged in her 30s, and two children, a girl believed aged eight and a boy believed aged two, were found suffering stab injuries – they were all taken to hospital for treatment where they remain.

    None of their injuries are thought to be life threatening.

    A man, aged in his 40s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. He was also taken to hospital after being taken unwell. After being assessed he has been discharged into police custody.

    Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, responsible for policing in Barking and Dagenham, said:

    “This is a truly shocking attack and I want to thank local residents for their assistance and patience while we deal with this incident.

    “At this early stage, we believe those involved were known to each other and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

    “A crime scene will remain in place for some time while our officers carry out vital work and you will see an increased policing presence in the area over the coming days. If you have any concerns or information that could assist police then please speak to an officer or call police on 101.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD5931/25Oct. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Worth Couple Tied to Two Overdose Deaths Sentenced to Combined 51 Years in Prison

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

    A Fort Worth couple linked to at least two overdose deaths was sentenced today to a combined 51 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

    Edward Taylor, 42, Tierrah “TT” Andrews, 29, were charged in March. Both pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. On Friday, Mr. Taylor was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman to 27 years in federal prison; Ms. Andrews was sentenced to just over 24 years in federal prison.

    “These drug traffickers callously disregarded the risks of the drugs they were selling, and as a result, two people died,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “Traffickers know that fentanyl does not discriminate. It takes the lives of first-time users and long-term addicts alike. These round blue pills are fueling a crisis that is ripping apart families across America. The Justice Department—including this U.S. Attorney’s Office—will not relent until we see each and every fentanyl trafficker held accountable for the lives they destroyed.”

    “Although today’s sentencings will provide little solace to the families of those lost to the fentanyl scourge, it is a promising triumph in law enforcement’s fight against its vile spread. As we witness in this case, while investigating Federal firearms violations, ATF will occasionally uncover other illicit acts, such as the sale of illegal narcotics. Unbeknownst to the bad guys, law enforcement communicates better than they do. Making these crimes sentenced here today even more monstrous is the fact that Ms. Andrews was carrying a firearm to protect her venture while dealing her filth.  Together with our local partners and the DEA, we are committed to putting the bad actors poisoning our streets with fentanyl and carrying firearms in prison through any means necessary,” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.   

    According to court documents, Mr. Taylor and Ms. Andrews admitted to trafficking cocaine and fentanyl pills out of a motel room and an apartment in Fort Worth’s Las Vegas Trail neighborhood.

    On Nov. 2, 2023, a 45-year-old man identified by the initials T.M. took a rideshare to the motel to purchase drugs from Mr. Taylor. Surveillance video showed the man briefly enter and exit Mr. Taylor’s room. Hours later, the victim’s mother found his body in his bedroom next to a crushed M-30 pill containing fentanyl.  Four additional M-30 pills were found in a nicotine box inside the victim’s room.

    Less than three months later, on Jan. 26, 2024, a 21-year-old man identified by the initials K.S. texted Ms. Andrews requesting “rocks n blues” (slag for crack cocaine and fentanyl pills). Cell phone data showed he took a rideshare to a gas station near her apartment, walked to her place, and paid her $77 via CashApp. Later that day, his sister found his body, where blue M-30 pills containing fentanyl, white powder, and a glass pipe were later found.

    That same month, a source of information reported to police he had purchased crack cocaine and fentanyl pills from a couple trafficking out of Fort Worth. He provided Ms. Andrews’ phone number and Mr. Taylor’s CashApp account. Another source of information confirmed that he too had purchased crack cocaine and “percs” (another slang term for pills) from Mr. Taylor and Ms. Andrews for several months. He reported that the couple generally had a “k-pack” of 1,000 blue M-30 pills in plain view.

    On Jan. 27,  law enforcement executed a search warrant at Ms. Andrews’ apartment,  where they found 270 blue M-30 pills, 2.8 grams of cocaine, 6.6 grams of methamphetamine, a drug ledger (also known as a “pay owe” book), and 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition. On Ms. Andrews’ person, agents found a privately manufactured firearm, or “ghost gun,” loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. She explained to officers that she dealt drugs provided by Mr. Taylor and carried the pistol ”so no one does anything to me.”

    On Feb. 29, 2024, an ATF undercover agent and a confidential informant purchased approximately 6.28 grams of blue M-30 pills containing fentanyl from Ms. Andrews at her apartment for $275. They observed Mr. Taylor asking Ms. Andrews about the transaction while she bagged up the blue M-30 pills inside the apartment. The transaction was completed outside, in the undercover agent’s vehicle. The defendants were arrested a week later in possession of additional blue M-30 pills and firearms, despite both being convicted felons prohibited from possessing firearms.

    When confronted with photos of the victims, Mr. Taylor admitted to selling to T.M. and Ms. Andrews admitted to selling to K.S. Autopsies later confirmed both men suffered fatal drug overdoses.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives Dallas Field Division – Fort Worth Resident Agency conducted the investigation as part of a Fort Worth Violent Crime Initiative, with the assistance of the Fort Worth Police Department and the Parker County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Capture Memphis Murder Suspect in Minneapolis

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Memphis, TN – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in the Western District of Tennessee and the District of Minnesota coordinated to capture a fugitive, Jaylon Remus, 25, of Memphis. Remus was wanted for first degree murder, aggravated assault, especially aggravated robbery, and reckless endangerment out of Shelby County, Tennessee.

    On September 4, 2024, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Remus out of Shelby County. The USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) in Memphis adopted the case the same day. The TRVFTF developed information that Remus had fled to the Minneapolis area and requested the USMS in Minnesota for help in locating him.

    On October 21st, deputy marshals from the North Star Fugitive Task Force in Minneapolis tracked Remus to a family member’s house in the City of Medina outside the Minneapolis area. Remus surrendered to deputies at the front door of the residence and is pending extradition back to Tennessee.

    The U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, the Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 2,600 violent offenders and sexual predators.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dundurn — Saskatoon RCMP: woman charged after fatal collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 19, 2024 at approximately 9:45 p.m., Saskatoon RCMP received a report of a collision on Highway #11, one kilometre north of Dundurn.

    Officers immediately responded. Investigation determined a truck and an SUV collided in the southbound lanes. The truck was driving northbound in the southbound lanes.

    The driver and passenger of the SUV were declared deceased by EMS at the scene. They have been identified as a 50-year-old female and 20-year-old female from Lake Isle, AB. Their families have been notified.

    Two occupants of the truck, both children, were taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature.

    The adult female driver of the truck did not report injuries to police. She was arrested at the scene of the collision.

    As a result of continued investigation, 32-year-old Brittany Barry from the RM of Blucher is charged with:

    • two counts, operate a conveyance while impaired over 80 mg causing death, Section 320.14(3), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, Section 320.13(3), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, operate a conveyance while impaired over 80 mg causing bodily harm, Section 320.14(s), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm, Section 320.13(3), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, criminal negligence causing death, Section 220(b), Criminal Code; and
    • two counts, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, Section 221, Criminal Code.

    Brittany Barry is scheduled to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court on October 21, 2024.

    The highway was closed for approximately six hours during initial investigation.

    The investigation continues. Saskatoon RCMP believes there are witnesses to this collision who they have not spoken to. If you witnessed the collision or stopped at the scene and have not yet spoken with police, contact Saskatoon RCMP by dialling 310-RCMP.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Violent Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Involving Drug and Firearms Trafficking

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

    BOSTON – A Boston area man pleaded guilty today to his role in Cameron Street, a violent Boston gang.

    Jose Afonseca, 32, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and dealing in firearms without a license. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Jan. 30, 2025.   

    During the investigation, Afonseca was identified as member of the Cameron Street gang, who worked with other Cameron Street members to distribute hundreds of grams of cocaine and cocaine base, more commonly referred to as “crack” cocaine, from a stash house in Somerville. Afonseca was recorded discussing his ability to acquire illegal firearms and was recorded selling two firearms and over 30 rounds of ammunition to a cooperating witness. On Aril 15, 2022, agents executed a series of arrest and search warrants in this case. Three hundred ninety-eight grams of cocaine, along with packaging materials, two hydraulic presses, a digital scale, a cell phone, and $14,986 in U.S. currency were seized from the stash house.

    According to court documents, Cameron Street, a violent gang based largely in the Dorchester section of Boston that uses violence and threats of violence to preserve, protect, and expand its territory, promote a climate of fear, and enhance its reputation.

    The charge of RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by force or violence each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 40 years, a $5 million fine, and a minimum four years supervised release up to life. The charge of dealing in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

    The remaining defendants named in the indictment are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage man charged with firearm crime connected to September encounter with Anchorage Police

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

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging an Anchorage man with being a felon in possession of a firearm during an encounter with the police.

    According to court documents and a press release from the Anchorage Police Department (APD), on Sept. 23, 2024, Jalen Baker, 23, possessed a firearm during an encounter with police.

    The release alleges APD officers responded to a shooting in Anchorage where two victims were shot. Officers located the shooting suspect in a nearby trailer home park. The suspect fired at responding officers, striking one in the lower body, and barricaded himself inside a trailer home.

    The investigation identified the suspect as Baker and he was taken into custody at the scene. At the time of the event, Baker had a prior felony conviction for assault in the State of Alaska in 2022.

    Baker is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm at a school zone. The defendant will make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge from the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais and Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case made the announcement.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Anchorage Police Department, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers, are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody Tirpak is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wetzel County Man Admits to Firearms Charge

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

    WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Talon D. Feucht, age 30, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, pled guilty to the unlawful possession of a firearm.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Moundsville Police arrested Feucht on an outstanding warrant on an entering without breaking charge in Marshall County. During the arrest, Feucht admitted to having a firearm in his bag. A search of the bag resulted in the seizure of a .38 caliber firearm and ammunition. Feucht is prohibited from having firearms because of two prior felony theft convictions.

    Feucht faces up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Moundsville Police Department investigated.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Laredo resident sent to prison for second felon in possession of firearm conviction

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

    HOUSTON – A 41-year-old man has been sentenced for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

    Fernando Perez pleaded guilty July 9. 

    U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered Perez to serve 71 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. 

    The case began June 12, 2019, when authorities conducted an investigation into illegal firearms trafficking in Webb County.

    Law enforcement identified Perez as the individual who was illegally selling semi-automatic rifles on the streets of Laredo. The investigation revealed Perez illegally sold a Stag Arms, model Stag 15, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle for $2,000 in broad daylight. 

    At the time of the illegal sale, Perez already had a prior 2012 felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

    He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with assistance from the Laredo Police Department and Webb County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Rodriguez and Andrew Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Springfield, Vermont Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge

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

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Ernest Lamphere, 44, of Springfield, Vermont, pleaded guilty today to a gun possession charge before U.S. District Court Judge William K. Sessions III.

    According to court records including the stipulated facts in the plea agreement between the parties, in late February 2024, Lamphere was subject to a State of Vermont relief from abuse order, which was sought by his family members and prohibited his possession of firearms. When law enforcement served the relief from abuse order on Lamphere on February 27 at his home, he turned over four firearms and also admitted opiate use. Two days later Lamphere was located alone in his vehicle, blocking the drive-thru lane at the McDonald’s in Springfield, Vermont and nodding off from illegal drug use. Lamphere had opiates in his system at the time. Along with significant quantities of illegal drugs located in his vehicle and on his person, Lamphere was also in possession of two AR-style rifles, a silencer, and assorted ammunition.

    Lamphere pleaded guilty today to being a drug user in possession of a firearm, a charge which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years. The actual sentence will be determined by the District Court with reference to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors of the United States Code. If accepted by the court, the plea agreement signed by Lamphere and the government recommends (1) that sentencing be delayed for one year, and (2) that Lamphere receive a time-served sentence, to be followed by three years of supervised release, if he abides by the terms of the plea agreement during the intervening year.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Springfield, VT Police Department for their work on this case.

    U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest has handled the case for the government. Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth represents Ernest Lamphere.

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Saskatoon — Saskatoon RCMP seek public assistance locating missing 15-year-old male

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 18, 2024, Saskatoon RCMP received a report of a missing 15-year-old male, Landon Daniels.

    Landon was last seen on October 18, 2024 at approximately 3:15 p.m. in Allan, SK. Since he was reported missing, Saskatoon RCMP have been checking places Landon is known to visit and following up on information received. They are now asking members of the public to report information on Landon’s whereabouts.

    Landon is described as 5’8″ tall and 190 pounds. He has brown eyes and short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a light grey zip up hoodie with a Nike logo, light brown pants and brown shoes.

    If you have seen Landon or know where he is, contact Saskatoon RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or http://www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stowe Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Jail for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

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

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on October 21, 2024, Theodore Bland, 29, of Stowe, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 14 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a two-year term of supervised release. Bland previously pleaded guilty to possessing a Mossburg 12-gauge shotgun on March 17, 2023, while being an unlawful user of controlled substances and knowing that he was an unlawful user of controlled substances.

    According to court records, on March 17, 2023, Bland brandished a 12-gauge Mossburg Model 88 Maverick shotgun while threatening the driver of a vehicle in the parking lot of a South Burlington convenience store. The two female passengers that had been travelling with the threatened driver then got in Bland’s car. Bland and the two females then drove around for several hours, during which time Bland smoked cocaine base and continued to possess the shotgun. When Bland was stopped by the Vermont State Police, officers observed the Mossburg shotgun and various controlled substances located in the vehicle.

    After the sentencing hearing, Bland was arraigned on a separate, pending indictment, which charges drug and firearms crimes. The United States issued a press release on that matter on September 19, 2024. Bland pleaded not guilty to those charges and was detained pending trial.

    United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the South Burlington Police Department, the Vermont State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Stowe Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Morristown Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Turner and Paul Van de Graaf. Bland is represented by David Sleigh, Esq.

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Simpson County Sheriff’s Deputy Indicted for Using Excessive Force Against a Handcuffed Arrestee

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

    Jackson, Miss. – A Simpson County Sheriff’s Deputy appeared for an arraignment today following an Indictment filed in Jackson on criminal charges related to his use of excessive force against an arrestee.

    According to court documents, Adrian Durr, 43, of Magee, used excessive force against an arrestee in the custody of the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office. The Indictment alleges that while the arrestee was handcuffed to a bench that was bolted to the floor and shackled with leg irons on his ankles, Durr struck the arrestee in the head with the handgrip of his taser. After striking the arrestee with his taser, Durr kicked the arrestee in the head rendering him unconscious. At all times, the arrestee was handcuffed and hobbled with leg irons on his ankles. 

    “Law enforcement officers in Mississippi and throughout the nation are required to take care of the safety and welfare of the people they arrest,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee. “Unlawful physical assaults on arrestees are federal crimes that the Justice Department will prosecute.”

    “Our citizens deserve credible law enforcement to safeguard the community from crime,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff. “The actions of Mr. Durr significantly deprived the citizens of that protection and eroded the trust earned each day by honest law enforcement officers throughout the nation. The FBI is committed to aggressively investigating those who misuse their authority and violate individual’s rights in the execution of their sworn duties.”

    Durr is charged by Indictment with Deprivation of Civil Rights Under Color of Law. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Goff is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Statement from Met Commissioner following acquittal of Sgt Martyn Blake for murder

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A jury at the Old Bailey has cleared a Met firearms officer of murder following the police shooting of Chris Kaba in Lambeth in September 2022.   
       

    Sergeant Martyn Blake, 40, was acquitted unanimously following a trial which ended on Monday, 21 October.

    Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “The jury system is the cornerstone of British justice and today, after two weeks of evidence, 12 men and women have cleared Sgt Martyn Blake of murder.

    “Over the past two years Sgt Blake has paid a huge personal and professional sacrifice. This has been an incredibly difficult time for him and his family and he has acted with professionalism and dignity throughout.

    “This case has had an enormous impact on many. Chris Kaba’s family and friends continue to grieve the loss of a loved one and today will be tremendously difficult for them.

    “Today’s verdict is significant. No firearms officer sets out on duty intent on ending a life. Their sole purpose is the complete opposite – the protection and preservation of life.

    “Throughout the trial the jury heard significant detail about the scenes facing Sgt Blake that night. They were told the car Mr Kaba was driving had been linked to a reported shooting the night before, the suspects were still at large, and no gun had been recovered.

    “Armed officers bravely intervened not knowing the risks they were about to face. The court heard that Mr Kaba tried to evade police, ramming his vehicle into others around him.

    “Sgt Blake made a split-second decision on what he believed was necessary to protect his colleagues and to protect London. The jury decided that was an honestly held belief and the force used was reasonable.

    “Any fatal use of force understandably prompts huge concern among communities, particularly in Black communities where trust in policing is low. There remains much for us to do to strengthen confidence in our service, and we know incidents like this place further strain on already challenged relationships.

    “No police officer is above the law, but we have been clear the system holding police to account is broken. I worry about the lack of support officers face for doing their best, but most of all I worry for the public. The more we crush the spirit of good officers, the less they can fight crime. That risks London becoming less safe. 

    “Our armed officers respond to more than 4,000 incidents each year, but there are only one or two incidents where shots are fired by police. It is undeniable that they are the most professional, most accountable and most cautious in their use of lethal force in the world.

    “Their operations have prevented countless acts of violence across our city. Last year alone they removed more than 400 guns from our streets.

    “I remain humbled and deeply proud of officers who continue to protect London despite all the risks they face. They continue to have my full and my unwavering support.”

    Sgt Blake was suspended throughout this period. His suspension will now be immediately lifted.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orlando Middle School Employee Arrested For Possessing Child Sex Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Mitchell Regan (36, Leesburg) on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of child sex abuse material. If convicted, Regan faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.   

    According to the complaint, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at Regan’s residence on October 17, 2024. During a search of Regan’s cellphone, an HSI computer forensic agent located an image of child sex abuse material in his photo gallery. Regan admitted to agents that he had sent and received child sex abuse material using an online social media application. Regan also advised law enforcement that he is currently employed at a middle school and the Boys and Girls Club and that he teaches chess club and music lessons. 

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

    This case is investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Evansville Methamphetamine Ring Dismantled, Trio Sentenced to a Combined Thirty One Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

     

    EVANSVILLE—Michael Bravo, 27, of Conroe, Texas, George Hartley, 66, of Evansville, have each been sentenced to ten years in federal prison, and Patricia Latouche, 44, of Evansville, has all been sentenced to 140 months in federal prison after each of the defendants pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Each of the defendants will also serve five years of supervised release following their release from prison.

    According to court documents, between June and November of 2020, the group worked together to distribute over 30 pounds of methamphetamine into the Evansville area. Bravo trafficked methamphetamine from Texas to his Evansville-based co-conspirators. After obtaining the methamphetamine from Bravo, Hartley and another individual, who is now deceased, further distributed it to mid-level dealers within the drug trafficking organization, including Patricia Latouche.

    “Methamphetamine and other deadly controlled substances have devastating impacts on users, their loved ones, and our communities,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Drug traffickers like these defendants, responsible for pushing this poison from across the country into our neighborhoods must be held accountable for the suffering they cause in search of quick profits. This operation is an outstanding example of the impact we can have with the help of our state and local law enforcement partners. I commend the efforts of the DEA and Evansville Police Department to make our communities safer by getting meth and meth dealers off our streets.”

    The DEA and Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. 

    U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Wheatley, who prosecuted this case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 15th MEU H-1 Det Conducts Live-Fire Training from USS Miguel Keith in the Indo-Pacific

    Source: United States Navy Pacific Fleet 1

    PACIFIC OCEAN — UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper aircrew assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted a series of day and night close air support training missions with live ordnance Sept. 25 and Oct. 13, launching from the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) to a range west of Okinawa, Japan.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Coast Guard to host buoy tender event at Base Portsmouth

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    10/21/2024 12:27 PM EDT

    PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The media is invited to attend the Fifth Coast Guard District’s “Buoy Tender Olympics” on Wednesday. The Buoy Tender Olympics is part of the Buoy Tender Round-up (BTR), a week-long event that offers participants an opportunity to receive specialized training, engage in discussions to enhance operations, test their seamanship skills and build camaraderie between crews.

    For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemala Prioritizes Capacity Building, Palliative Care and Strengthening Cancer Registry Following Cancer Control Review

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    A laboratory technician analysing samples at the Totonicapan Hospital. (Photo: M. Nobile/IAEA) 

    Guatemala is setting new priorities for cancer control following a thorough review of its cancer care capacities and needs during an imPACT Review mission to the country. A team of nine international experts appointed by the IAEA, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) was on the ground in June 2024 to evaluate progress since the previous imPACT Review in 2010. The team also provided tailored and updated recommendations to the Ministry of Health on priority actions for cancer control.

    “The recent imPACT Review mission was an opportunity to thoroughly review and assess the quality of all cancer prevention and control services in the country,” said Silvia Palma, focal point for the imPACT Review at the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare of Guatemala. “By setting priorities for human resource capacity building, strengthening the cancer registry and financing palliative care, Guatemala is taking a targeted, evidence-driven approach for more impactful cancer control,” she added.

    Close to 18 000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in Guatemala, with numbers expected to substantially increase by 2045 (Globocan 2022). For women, cancers of the breast and cervix account for 40 per cent of all newly diagnosed cases. For this reason, prevention and early detection of these types of cancer in were high on the agenda during the visit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Placentia — Human remains recovered from ocean outside of Placentia Bay, investigation continuing

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Human remains were recovered from the ocean outside of Placentia Bay on October 19, 2024.

    The remains, which were found on Saturday morning by a commercial vessel that was working in the area, were recovered and transported to the Port of Argentia, where they were turned over to Placentia RCMP.

    The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is engaged and the investigation is continuing to determine the identity of the deceased.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met officers charge man with murder following death in Farringdon

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met officers have charged a man with murder following the death of a man who was found with stab injuries on Friday.

    Police were called to the scene at Back Hill, Farringdon, at 21:36hrs on Friday, 18 October, following reports of a moped colliding with a wall. Officers attended with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

    When medics were treating the 20-year-old man, they found he also had stab wound injuries.

    He was taken to hospital but sadly died of his injuries on Monday, 21 October. The man’s family are being supported by specialist officers – we await confirmation that family members have been informed before releasing the victim’s name.

    Oguzcan Dereli, 26 (08.04.1998) of Islington was arrested on Sunday, 20 October and was charged with murder the following day. He will appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court at 10:00hrs on Tuesday, 22 October.

    Superintendent Jack Rowlands, one of the senior officers responsible for policing Camden, said: “A young man has tragically died in this incident and our thoughts go out to the victim’s friends and family at this terribly sad time.

    “We made a quick arrest, and have been able to bring murder charges against the suspect as we accelerate this investigation following the untimely death of the victim.

    “We understand a close-knit community is in shock but we are determined to bring justice for the victim’s loved ones and continue to support the local neighbourhood as best as we can during this difficult time.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote reference CAD 8294/18Oct.

    Alternatively, you can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Tax Preparation Company Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Bank Fraud and $2.1 Million COVID Relief Fraud

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

    Defendant fled the United States after being indicted and remained a fugitive for 19 months

    BOSTON – A Lawrence woman was sentenced in federal court in Boston for using stolen identities of taxpayers and businesspeople to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a bank, and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

    Luz Paulino, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 54 months in prison, four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $37,056 in restitution to MetaBank and $456,300 to the Small Business Administration. In June 2024, Paulino pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud conspiracy, one count of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

    Paulino was arrested in December 2020 and indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2021. While on pretrial release, Paulino fled the United States and remained a fugitive for 19 months.  Panamanian authorities ultimately returned her to the United States, where she was arrested for a second time.

    Paulino owned and operated Agape Financial Services, a Lowell-based company that provided tax preparation and notary services. In 2019 and early 2020, Paulino filed false and fraudulent federal tax returns using the stolen identities, names and Social Security numbers of individual victims. The fraudulent tax returns reported false information regarding wages, employers and dependents, among other things, to claim tax refunds. To conceal her involvement, Paulino falsely represented to the IRS that the returns had been prepared by two former employees of Agape. Paulino then used the fraudulent returns to obtain Refund Advance Loans from a bank in the names of her victims.  Paulino and others she recruited then cashed the loan checks using false identification documents and forged signatures.  

    Paulino separately used stolen identities of businesspeople living in California, Michigan, Indiana and elsewhere to apply to the SBA for $2.1 million in COVID-19 Emergency Injury Disaster Loans. Between June 2020 and October 2021, Paulino’s false applications listed fictitious companies that purportedly lost revenue during the pandemic. She used the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds to wire more than $395,000 to the Dominican Republic and to buy a 2020 Cadillac for $86,000, among other purchases.
        
    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations; and Melix Bonilla, Acting Chief of the Lawrence Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

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

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Falmouth Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More Than $1.3 Million

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

    BOSTON – The former bookkeeper of a Falmouth flooring company pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $1.3 million from her employer.  

    Susan Figuerido, 73, of Falmouth, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and filing a false tax return. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Jan. 15, 2025.

    Between June 2015 and February 2023, Figuerido embezzled more than $1.3 million from her employer by writing checks to herself drawn on her employer’s bank account. To conceal her scheme, Figuerido did not record the checks that she wrote to herself in her employer’s accounting system. Figuerido did not report or include the funds that she embezzled on her federal income tax filings, resulting in a tax loss of approximately $353,000.  

    The charge of wire fraud provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Harry T. Chavis Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. The Falmouth Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Teva Pharmaceuticals Agrees to Pay $425 Million to Resolve Kickback Allegations

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

    Settlement resolves allegations that the company funneled kickbacks through co-pay assistance foundations

    BOSTON – Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and Teva Neuroscience, Inc. (collectively Teva) have agreed to pay $425 million to resolve allegations that Teva paid kickbacks via two co-pay assistance foundations in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and False Claims Act.

    The government’s complaint, filed in 2020, alleged that from 2006 to 2017, Teva manipulated the co-pay foundation assistance system by conspiring with multiple third parties, including a specialty pharmacy and two allegedly independent co-pay assistance foundations, to direct its supposed charitable payments specifically to patients taking its own multiple sclerosis drug, Copaxone. At the same time, Teva steadily raised Copaxone’s price by thousands of dollars. The United States alleges that this conduct violated the AKS and caused the submission of false claims to Medicare. The settlement was reached after the government’s review of Teva’s financial disclosures concerning its financial condition.

    This settlement is the latest in a string of enforcement actions against pharmaceutical companies that allegedly used third-party foundations as conduits to pay kickbacks. Since 2017, the United States Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts has collected over $1.4 billion from this enforcement initiative. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also settled with four of the third-party foundations that participated in this conduct and a specialty pharmacy.  Today’s resolution with Teva is the largest co-pay assistance settlement to date.

    When a Medicare beneficiary obtains a prescription drug covered by Medicare Part B or Part D, the beneficiary is often required to make a partial payment, which may take the form of a co-payment, co-insurance, or deductible (collectively “co-pays”). These co-pay obligations may be substantial for expensive medications. Congress included co-pay requirements in these programs, in part, to encourage market forces to serve as a check on health care costs, including the prices that pharmaceutical manufacturers can demand for their drugs. The AKS prohibits pharmaceutical companies from offering or paying, directly or indirectly, any remuneration – which includes money or any other thing of value – to induce Medicare patients to purchase the companies’ drugs.

    “For far too long, Teva gamed the charitable foundation process by paying kickbacks through two foundations, and with the aid of a specialty pharmacy. Those kickbacks undermined the purpose of the Medicare co-pay system and violated the Anti-Kickback Statute,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This Office has taken the leading role in cracking down on these highly lucrative schemes that drive up the cost of essential drugs by bringing multiple enforcement actions that have returned more than $1 billion to the Medicare system. We will continue to pursue these actions to ensure that all pharmaceutical companies play by the rules and to protect the American taxpayers.

    “Kickbacks designed to induce referrals or purchases of healthcare goods or services distort physician and patient decision-making, thwart competition and bypass controls put in place to protect federal health care programs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department is committed to pursuing those who engage in kickback violations, including drug manufacturers, to ensure that federal health care programs continue to serve the interests of taxpayers and program beneficiaries.”

    “Pharmaceutical companies that disguise kickbacks as charitable donations to subsidize co-pays for their own drugs undermine a critical safeguard against the excessive inflation of drug prices.  The costs of these schemes are ultimately passed on to consumers and taxpayers,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Such conduct cannot be tolerated within our health care system, and we will continue to vigorously pursue such allegations.”

    “Today’s record-breaking settlement with Teva Pharmaceuticals is a victory for the public and highlights the FBI’s commitment to safeguarding the financial integrity of the Medicare program,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Pharmaceutical companies that look to bolster their drug prices by paying illegal kickbacks – whether directly or indirectly – undermine taxpayer funded healthcare programs and compromise patient care. The FBI will continue to pursue these investigations until pharmaceutical companies stop engaging in this conduct.”

    Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, Principal Deputy AAG Boynton, HHS-OIG SAC Coviello and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abraham R. George, Chief of the Civil Division; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Diane Seol and Evan Panich of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts; and Trial Attorneys Douglas Rosenthal and Nelson Wagner of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

    The civil action in Massachusetts is captioned United States v. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., et al., No. 20-cv-11548 (D. Mass.). 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Magellan Diagnostics Sentenced for Concealing Malfunction in Lead Testing Devices

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

    Company failed to notify FDA about serious malfunction in lead testing devices that resulted in inaccurately low blood level results in children and adults

    BOSTON –Magellan Diagnostics, Inc., a medical device company headquartered in Billerica, Mass., was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for criminal charges related to the concealment of a device malfunction that produced inaccurately low lead test results for tens of thousands of children and other patients.

    Magellan has been ordered to pay a $21.8 million fine, $10.9 million in forfeiture and a minimum of $9.3 million to compensate patient victims. Magellan pleaded guilty to two counts of introducing a misbranded medical device into interstate commerce. Magellan was charged criminally on May 21, 2024

    “Keeping the people of Massachusetts safe takes a variety of forms. In the case of Magellan Diagnostics, it means protecting children who may have been exposed to dangerous levels of lead that can lead to serious health consequences. This company has admitted that it left lead blood level monitoring devices in pediatricians’ offices that it knew were providing inaccurately low readings, putting thousands of kids at risk of not having their elevated lead levels accurately diagnosed. In addition to holding the company accountable, this criminal sentence requires the company to undertake an extensive effort to identify and compensate victims.”

    “Medical device makers have an obligation to provide truthful information to protect patients. By deliberately concealing and consistently misleading consumers and the FDA about device malfunctions, Magellan acted with gross disregard for its responsibility to comply with FDA requirements and put patients at risk,” said Fernando McMillian, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office. “We will continue to thoroughly investigate those whose actions undermine the integrity of the FDA regulatory process which exists to protect consumer health.”

    “It’s absolutely appalling that Magellan Diagnostics was more concerned about its bottom line than it was about coming clean to their customers and the FDA about a serious malfunction in its lead testing devices that we believe unnecessarily endangered the health of incredibly vulnerable victims,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “When you’re not feeling well, and you’re trying to find out why, the last thing you should have to worry about is whether the diagnostic test you’re relying on lives up to its manufacturer’s claims. The FBI is grateful to see that the victims affected by Magellan’s actions in this case are one step closer to being compensated.”

    “Magellan concealed a serious flaw in its lead testing devices while ignoring the well-being of patients and knowingly providing inaccurate results of lead levels in the blood,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “This type of egregious conduct, which only sought to benefit the corporate bottom line, can erode the public’s trust in our nation’s health care system. Today’s sentencing should send a clear message that any company engaging in such dangerous activity will be held accountable.”

    Magellan’s LeadCare Ultra and LeadCare II devices detected lead levels and lead poisoning in the blood of children and adults using either venous (blood draws through the arm) or fingerstick samples. LeadCare II, which was predominantly used to test fingerstick samples, accounted for more than half of all blood lead tests conducted in the United States from 2013 through 2017. LeadCare Ultra was predominantly used to test venous samples.

    According to court documents, Magellan failed to timely notify the FDA about a serious malfunction that caused the company’s LeadCare devices to produce inaccurate blood lead level results when used to test venous blood samples. Magellan also changed the user instructions for the LeadCare devices without prior FDA notice or approval.

    Magellan first learned that a malfunction in its LeadCare Ultra device could cause inaccurate lead test results – specifically, lead test results that were falsely low – during the FDA clearance process in June 2013. Magellan, however, released LeadCare Ultra to the market in late 2013 without informing customers or the FDA of the malfunction. In August 2014, LeadCare Ultra customers independently discovered the malfunction and complained about inaccurate results. FDA regulations required the company to file a medical device report about the malfunction within 30 days, but Magellan did not do so.

    In November 2014, Magellan sent a letter to its LeadCare Ultra customers advising them of the malfunction and recommending that they wait 24 hours before running their tests. This contradicted the instructions for use approved by the FDA. Magellan did not, however, report the malfunction to the FDA or advise the FDA of its change to the instructions until April 2015, nearly 21 months after Magellan discovered the malfunction and almost 8 months after customers discovered the malfunction on their own. In August 2015, Magellan changed the label instructions for the LeadCare Ultra device to require users to wait 24 hours before using the device to test blood samples, rather than testing the samples immediately. FDA regulations required the company to provide advance notice of the label change and file necessary reports of device correction, but Magellan did neither.  

    Magellan’s testing in 2013 also indicated that the same malfunction affected the LeadCare II device when it was used to test venous samples. Magellan, however, did not notify the FDA about the LeadCare II malfunction until November 2016.

    The FDA ultimately found that the LeadCare devices could not accurately test venous samples, leading to a recall of all LeadCare devices using venous samples and a warning to the public not to use LeadCare Ultra, LeadCare II or LeadCare Plus for testing venous blood samples because of the malfunction and a recommendation that doctors retest certain patients.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no safe level of lead in the blood. Lead exposure may cause irreversible lifelong physical and mental health problems. Young children and pregnant women are most vulnerable to lead exposure, especially those from low-income households and those who live in housing built before 1978 because those homes are more likely to contain lead-based paint and have fixtures containing lead.

    As part of the criminal resolution, Magellan has agreed to compensate patients who were demonstrably harmed for the economic damages they suffered as a result of the malfunction in Magellan’s blood lead testing devices. If you or a family member believe you received an inaccurate blood lead test result from a LeadCare device between 2013–2017, please complete the questionnaire located on the FBI’s website at http://www.fbi.gov/MagellanCaseInquiry. Information about the status of the case is located on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/magellan-diagnostics-inc.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; FDA SAC McMillan; FBI SAC Cohen; and HHS-OIG SAC Coviello made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Herbert, Kelly Lawrence and Leslie Wright of the Health Care Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lynn Man Charged with Threatening an Elected Official

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

    BOSTON – A Lynn man was arrested and charged for allegedly making threats to an elected official.

    Justin David Gaglio, 50, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of transmitting interstate threats. Gaglio was arrested on Sept. 27, 2024 made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston later that day. The defendant remains in federal custody following a detention hearing held on Sept. 30, 2024, as the Court took the matter of detention under advisement.

    According to the charging document, beginning in or around January 2023, Gaglio began contacting the victim via online submissions through the victim’s website. Between January 2023 and September 2024, Gaglio allegedly submitted over 80 separate messages to the victim via the website – sometimes sending multiple messages within minutes of each other.  

    It is further alleged that, on or about Sept. 8, 2024, Gaglio submitted a contact request to the victim’s website in which he threatened to murder the victim and their family.

    The charge of transmitting interstate threats carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was  provided by the United States Capital Police, the Massachusetts State Police and the Lynn and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lewisporte — Man deceased following crash on TCH near Norris Arm, Lewisporte RCMP investigates

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 22-year-old man is deceased following a single-vehicle crash that occurred on the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) on October 18, 2024.

    Shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Lewisporte RCMP received the report of the crash. Upon arrival, officers determined that the vehicle departed the TCH and the driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected and died at the scene. An occupant of the vehicle was transported to hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.

    A Collision Reconstructionist with RCMP Traffic Services attended the scene and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was engaged. The investigation is continuing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Found Man Guilty of First-Degree Murder and Assault

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TULSA, Okla. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict on all four counts of an Indictment filed in March 2024. Cameron Lynn, 34, was convicted of First Degree Murder in Indian Country, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country.

    “Our community is a much safer place due to Cameron Lynn’s conviction,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I want to thank the Tulsa Police Department and the FBI for their hard work in solving this case and working collaboratively during this investigation.” 

    According to evidence presented at trial on February 24, 2024, Tulsa Police officers were dispatched around midnight to a call where someone was shot. The caller was in a heavily wooded area near railroad tracks, flagged down officers and led them to the encampment. Officers found two victims in their tents that were shot. Medical personnel arrived on the scene and rendered aid to both victims. One victim was shot in the abdomen and transported to a local hospital. The other victim, Alcides Monroig, died at the scene.

    The caller and surviving victim told officers that they were asleep when Lynn approached their encampment. They explained that Lynn started going through their belongings, stating he was trying to find his stuff. They told officers they shined a flashlight, trying to see Lynn, and asked him to leave. Lynn refused and shot several times at both tents before fleeing.

    Several witnesses testified that they saw Lynn heading towards the encampment. After they heard several shots fired, Lynn ran toward the witnesses, telling them that they needed to leave the area and that he shot in self-defense. Before being detained, Lynn attempted to alter his appearance to avoid detection by officers. When interviewed by Tulsa Police detectives, Lynn claimed that his brother was the shooter.

    Lynn is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He will remain in custody. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

    The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elmore and Stephen Flynn.

    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 PSN, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Spokane Dermatologist Indicted for Using Approximately $1.5 Million in COVID-19 Relief Funds to Buy Arizona Home, Sports Cars, and Other Properties

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced a federal grand jury has an indicted a Spokane dermatologist, and his associated businesses, for fraudulently obtaining and using approximately $1.5 million dollars in COVID-19 relief funds to purchase luxury sports cars, buy real estate, and pay off personal debt.

    On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One such program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic.  EIDL funds were to be used solely as working capital to alleviate economic injury to a business caused by the COVID-19 disaster, such as paying payroll, health insurance premiums, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments.  EIDL funds were not to be used for personal purposes or to obtain real property or to pay off debts that were not yet due and owing, such as paying more than a fixed monthly payment on a mortgage or other loan.

    The Indictment announced today charges William Philip Werschler, age 66, of Spokane, Washington, along with his businesses Spokane Dermatology Clinic, Premier Clinical Research L.L.C., and 3rd and Sherman Plaza L.L.C., with 23 counts of fraud in connection with how Werschler and his businesses allegedly spent EIDL loans.

    Beginning no later than April 2020 and continuing until at least July 2022, Werschler applied for EIDL loans for his businesses: Spokane Dermatology Clinic, Premier Clinical Research, and 3rd and Sherman Plaza L.L.C.  In total, Werschler and his businesses received more than $2.9 million in EIDL money.

    The Indictment alleges that Werschler used the EIDL funds for personal purchases including over half of the $575,000 purchase price of a house in Scottsdale, Arizona; the purchase of a 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 for $166,687; the purchase of a 1997 Porsche Carrera for $88,687; and $123,960 to pay off a loan for a storage unit at 6720 N. Pittsburg Street that was used to store automobiles, jet skis, and a boat. According to the indictment, Werschler also allegedly used EIDL money to pay off the balance of a loan for property on Grant Street in Spokane, Washington, for $286,792, and $550,000 to purchase two properties across from his Spokane Dermatology Clinic, both contrary to the proper use of EIDL funds.

    “Many small and local businesses struggled to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program was designed to provide those business owners an economic lifeline,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office has made it a priority to hold fraudsters accountable who used these critical funds to enrich themselves.”

    This case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigations, the FBI, and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley.

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

    MIL Security OSI –