NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Press Release by U.S. Attorney Relating to November 2024 General Election

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

    KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Mac D. Heavener, III will lead the efforts of the Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, election. AUSA Heavener has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Tennessee, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the Office’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

    The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

    Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).   

    In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (865) 544-0751.

    “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III.  “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.  The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.  AUSA/DEO Mac Heavener will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (423) 823-5009 or (423) 218-6652.”

    Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

                                                                                                                     ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Makin Island Changes Command

    Source: United States Navy

    Slough assumed command of Makin Island in April 2023 after serving as the ship’s executive officer since 2021.

    As Makin Island’s commanding officer, her exemplary leadership spearheaded the successful completion of numerous training and certification events, enabling the deployment of a combat-ready ship following a 100-day Continuous Maintenance Availability and a truncated training cycle. Throughout her tour, she demonstrated a unique talent for innovation and interoperability in advanced warfighting concepts, successfully integrating with the thirteenth Marine Expeditionary Unit during workups and a highly productive seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific Region. She masterfully employed her forces, executing 11 individual exercises and operations involving 22 partner nations, and oversaw the first-ever deployment of a full squadron of 10 F-35B Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets aboard an Amphibious Assault Ship. With commitment to excellence, she guided Makin Island to earn the 2023 Battle Effectiveness Award, achieving a 100 percent first-pass qualification rate in every mission area and executing 3,000 individual training events.

    “Serving as the commanding officer of the USS Makin Island has been the most rewarding experience of my career.” said Slough, “The dedication and resilience of this crew, combined with the constant improvement of our capabilities on this ship, have made every challenge an opportunity for growth.

    Together, we’ve pushed boundaries, achieved mission success, and demonstrated the true strength of teamwork and innovation in the modern Navy.”

    Arana, a 1997 graduate of the University of Florida, was commissioned in 1999 through the Officer Candidate School program. He has served as the executive officer of Makin Island since April 2023. Prior to joining the Raider family, he completed squadron tours with HSC-26, 28 and was a plank owner of the HSC Weapons School Atlantic. He h also served as the Assistant Air Officer (MINIBOSS) aboard USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3), Operations and Maintenance Officer for the Tridents of HSC-9. Post Department Head, CAPT Arana served on the Joint Staff, Pentagon in the National Military Command Center as Operations Officer, National Joint Operations and Intelligence Center. He also served at the as Assistant Deputy Director for Operations, J-3, and as a Global Strike Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of Defense, and the President of the United States. CAPT Arana went on to serve at the 59th commanding officer of the World-Famous Golden Falcons, forward deployed in Atsugi Japan. His most recent tour was as Helicopter Assignments Officer and Deputy Director of the Aviation Distribution Office at the Bureau of Navy Personnel (PERS 43).

    ” I am both humbled and excited to lead the finest amphibious ship in the fleet. This ship and its crew have a legacy of excellence, innovation, and resilience.” Said Arana. “I look forward to continuing that tradition, guiding our team to new heights, and ensuring we are always mission-ready, wherever the call may take us.”

    Makin Island, homeported in San Diego, is currently in a selective restricted availability. The Wasp-class ship is crewed by more than 1,200 Sailors and can embark more than 1,600 Marines. Makin Island’s mission is to transport and land ashore troops, equipment, and supplies to support and sustain amphibious assault operations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Military Sealift Command Far East Participates in Sama Sama

    Source: United States Navy

    “MSC Far East makes sure every U.S. military ship in the Indo-Pacific region is able to get fuel, ammo, and supplies; this can include services to our allies and partners,” said U.S. Navy Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Andrew Werner, MSC Far East, out of Singapore. “Without a Combat Logistics Force (CFL) or refueling ships, our fleet of ships, and those of some allies, such as the Philippines, would not be able to refuel at sea.”

    Sama Sama 2024, which was held Oct. 7-18, was hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Navy, and featured participation from allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including personnel and assets from Australia, Canada, France and Japan.

    MSC Far East provided subject-matter-expert instruction for the refueling-at-sea familiarization training, along with members attached to Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, out of Singapore.

    “The purpose of the training was to get the PN familiar with underway replenishment gear on a ship, how to set it up, and how to conduct a safe underway-replenishment,” said Werner. “MSC Far East has Boatswain’s mates that are subject-matter-experts and can train the Philippine Sailors. We do the similar training with other allies and partners.”

    Underway replenishments of allied partners present a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships and exercise compatibility of logistics systems.

    “The training went over the fundamentals of refueling and replenishing at sea,” said U.S. Navy Chief Boatswain’s Mate Francisco Fuentes, DESRON 7. “We also conducted hands-on training and observed their on-station procedures for refueling-at-sea, and looked at their replenishment-at-sea stations forward of the ship.

    “It was important for us to do hands-on training because it helped them understand our safety procedures, maintenance requirements, and types of equipment we use and our station procedures. This helps with our interoperability.”

    According to Werner, he hopes that the training was beneficial to the PN, and they can mutually build upon interoperability.

    “Every Navy does evolutions a little different and we were able to show them how on our U.S. Navy conducts a safe refueling—just about every week—when underway on deployment,” added Werner. “They were excited and motivated to learn and I look forward to working with them again in the future.”

    Sama Sama 2024 is a multilateral engagement that includes a sea and shore phase that will incorporate medical, engineering, logistics and symposiums, while diving and explosive ordnance disposal teams, naval vessels and maritime surveillance aircraft conduct exercises focused on anti-submarine, surface and air warfare, and maritime domain awareness.

    MSC Far East supports the U.S. 7th Fleet and ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific Region are manned, trained, and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore.

    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.

    Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations, with a workforce that includes approximately 6,000 Civil Service Mariners and 1,100 contract mariners, supported by 1,500 shore staff and 1,400 active duty and Reserve military personnel.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Evansville Felon Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for 3D Printing Ghost Gun and Dozens of “Glock Switches”

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EVANSVILLE- Marquel D. Payne, 39, of Evansville, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a machinegun.

    According to court documents, on January 31, 2024, Evansville Police Department officers observed Payne in possession of a 3D printer while conducting surveillance near his residence. Investigators had received information that Payne was manufacturing machine gun parts using a 3D printer before the surveillance began.

    Investigators obtained search warrants for Payne’s residence and other locations he controlled. During the searches, investigators found approximately 60 plastic machine gun conversion devices, a 9mm personally made handgun, also known as a “ghost gun” due to its lack of any traceable serial numbering, an AR-15 rifle, a 3D printer, plastic printing filament, a 3D printed firearm silencer, and 9mm caliber ammunition.

    Machinegun conversion devices sometimes called “Glock switches” or “auto-sears” are devices that convert ordinary semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic machineguns. Machinegun conversion devices are themselves considered machineguns under federal law, even when not installed, and are illegal for individuals to produce, possess, or sell. The hand grip of the 9mm ghost gun was produced by Payne using a 3D printer. Other parts of the ghost gun were produced in Pennsylvania.

    At the time of his arrest, Payne had been previously convicted of numerous felonies, including escape, carrying a handgun without a license, and criminal recklessness while armed with a deadly weapon. These prior felony convictions prohibit Payne from ever again legally possessing a firearm.

    “Getting illegal machinegun conversion devices off our streets is a critical public safety priority. Fully automatic weapons and untraceable ‘ghost guns’ pose a serious danger to our communities, especially when they are in the hands of people who have no lawful business possessing any firearm,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This prosecution is the result of quick and impactful investigative work by our outstanding partners at the Evansville-Vanderburgh Crime Gun Intelligence Center. Together we are committed to saving lives and reducing gun violence by combining intelligence and resources to investigate and prosecute dangerous offenders.”

    “Unfortunately, these deadly conversion devices continue to show up in our communities,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “U.S. law has long recognized that automatic weapons pose a special risk to public safety, both through the sheer volume of bullets fired and the likelihood that innocent bystanders will be injured or killed. Combine that with an untraceable firearm and an unregistered silencer in the hands of a convicted felon, and it is clear that this individual is solely interested in feeding violence in southern Indiana. ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who use and distribute machine gun conversion devices.”

    “My office applied for and was awarded a $700,000 federal grant to form the crime gun intelligence center where our mission is clear: to work with our state and federal partners to combat the rising crime in Vanderburgh County. We are now seeing the fruits of our labor,” said Prosecutor Diana Moers. “My office and our state and federal partners will stop at nothing to identify and prosecute any who seek to commit violent crimes in our community – this case is a result of teamwork and, with our agencies working together, we expect more cases like this: we are ahead of criminal activity and not simply reacting. Anyone planning to break the law in Vanderburgh County should swiftly reconsider.”

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Evansville Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), the Evansville Police Department, and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.

    U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.

    In October 2023, the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, and Evansville Police Department secured a nearly $700,000 federal grant to establish a Crime Gun Intelligence Center. The goal of the Evansville-Vanderburgh Crime Gun Intelligence Center is to quickly identify and reduce the amount of gun crime in the Evansville-Vanderburgh County area by providing intelligence, analysis, and resources between agencies for the swift identification and apprehension of suspected armed criminals.

    The Department of Justice’s National Ghost Gun Initiative was launched in February 2022 in response to the proliferation of ghost guns in our communities, and the growing number of criminals who unlawfully use or possess these untraceable weapons. The Attorney General directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to train a national cadre of prosecutors as experts to lead investigations and prosecutions of crimes involving ghost guns. These ghost gun coordinators will also share investigation and prosecution tools with other prosecutors and law enforcement officers. As part of the initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana will focus its investigation and prosecution resources on combatting the illegal possession and use of ghost guns.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Providence Man Charged in Alleged Scheme to Obtain Veterans’ Health Care Benefits

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE, RI – A U.S. Army veteran, who allegedly made false claims of combat injuries in order to obtain veterans’ health care benefits that he was not entitled to receive, has been charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with making false statements relating to health care matters and making false statements to agents, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

    It is alleged in court documents that Nicholas Ash, 38, of Providence, fraudulently claimed to a Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center doctor that he was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as the result of a combat deployment to Iraq/Middle East where, he claimed, he experienced a blast from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Ash claimed that the IED blast caused him to suffer from seizures.

    As alleged in court documents, Defense Department records reflect that Ash served in the U.S. Army from July 2005 to September 2007. Following completion of basic training in Oklahoma, Ash was assigned to Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, where he served as a motor transport operator. While stationed in Hawaii, for an unrelated medical matter Ash was hospitalized and placed on non-deployable status, having been deemed not medically fit to deploy on any military operation. Defense Department records show no indication that Ash was ever deployed anywhere outside of the United States.

    When initially confronted with these facts by the VA doctor, and when interviewed later by a federal agent, Ash is alleged to have claimed to have been injured after he was discharged from the Army, as the result of an IED blast he experienced while employed overseas as a private military contractor.

    Court records reflect that investigators could find no record Ash ever worked for the private contractor.

    In support of his claim that he was injured in the Middle East and that he experienced an IED blast, Ash allegedly presented the physician with a letter written by a veteran who served in the Middle East, and claimed to know of Ash’s tour of duty in Iraq. The individual, an Army veteran, later told an investigator that he did not meet Ash until 2015 or 2017, and that he wrote the letter at Ash’s request.

    Ash made an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate on Thursday and was released on unsecured bond. A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.

    The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

    United States Attorney Cunha thanks the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police Service for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. Appoints Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Thornhill as Election Officer for the Middle District of Louisiana

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Jessica Thornhill will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.  AUSA Thornhill has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Louisiana, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

    United States Attorney Gathe said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.  Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.  The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

    The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.  The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

    Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).   

    United States Attorney Gathe further stated, “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.  In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Thornhill will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number:   225-389-0443.”

    In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 225-291-5159.

    Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

    United States Attorney Gathe said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate.  It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

    Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mafia Gang Leader Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing a Gun

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The founder of the Mafia criminal street gang who has a lengthy criminal history in the Middle Georgia community was sentenced to the maximum prison term allowed by law for illegally possessing a firearm.

    Alphonzo Clyde, 45, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Oct. 17. Clyde pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on April 10. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Alphonzo Clyde and the Mafia wreaked havoc in Macon and beyond for years,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This significant sentence should directly result in reduced violence, and it would not have been possible without our strong federal and local law enforcement connection.”

    “Despite a lengthy criminal history, Clyde continued to break the law,” said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to work thoroughly with our local and federal partners to investigate and remove the leaders of drug trafficking organizations from our streets by whatever means necessary.”

    “Alfonso Clyde is a notorious criminal whose career of mayhem has spanned nearly thirty years,” said Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis. “This investigative and prosecution result is a testament to the importance of local agencies working together with our federal partners. Macon and the entire Middle Georgia community is better off having this gangster off our streets for many years to come.”

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Clyde is the founder of the Macon Mafia, a criminal street gang operating in Middle Georgia and West Virginia. Clyde was wanted on an outstanding probation violation warrant when officers from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office took him into custody on Oct. 8, 2023. At the time of his arrest, officers spotted a digital scale with a white powdery substance located on the front passenger seat of the SUV that Clyde was driving. Officers also detected a marijuana odor emanating from his vehicle. Officers found a Taurus G2S 9-millimeter handgun inside the glovebox. Clyde has multiple prior felony convictions; it is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.

    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 of Justice 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 FBI, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom prosecuted the case for the Government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Readout of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin’s travel to Republic of Korea

    Source: United States Air Force

    During his visit, Allvin met with ROK air force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Young-su to discuss a range of shared interests and exchange views on the security environment on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man convicted after raping and killing a woman in Ealing

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been found guilty of manslaughter and rape of a woman in Southall following an extensive Met police investigation.

    Mohamed Noor Iidow, 35 (17.02.89) of St Paul’s Close, Hounslow was found guilty of rape and manslaughter on Friday, 18 October following a three-week trial at the Old Bailey.

    The body of Natalie Shotter, 37, was found by a member of the public on a bench in Southall Park on Friday, 16 July 2021.

    Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from Specialist Crime South who led the investigation, said: “Iidow’s predatory attack on Natalie was disturbing and shocking.

    “This man drove to the park that night and took advantage of a vulnerable woman who should have been safe.

    “Even after his arrest, Iidow attempted to claim that his actions were consensual.

    “This case has deeply affected those involved, due to its rarity and tragic details.

    “We needed to prove Natalie’s death was caused by being raped and that involved diligent work using experts in this field to charge and now convict Iidow.

    “I commend the strength of Natalie’s friends and family who have had to listen to these details throughout the trial. Iidow is now facing a long term of imprisonment.”

    An investigation was launched after Natalie’s body was found and enquiries revealed that Natalie had been socialising with friends in Southall before falling unconscious on a bench.

    When reviewing CCTV footage from the night of the attack, detectives discovered Iidow walking past Natalie multiple times before approaching her and raping her repeatedly. He then left her on the bench and drove home.

    At about 05:42hrs, a member of the public found Natalie unresponsive on the park bench and contacted the police. Officers and paramedics attended and she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

    Through CCTV examination, detectives were able to identify Iidow as a suspect and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of rape at his home in Hounslow on 4 August 2021.

    During the police interview, Iidow refused to answer most questions before he attempted to claim that the sexual activity was consensual.

    Following a complex investigation, in which detectives used a range of experts to prove that Natalie’s death was linked to the rape, Iidow was charged on 21 December 2021 with manslaughter and rape.

    Iidow will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 13 December.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Focus on Violent Fugitives During Operation Nazare Wave

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) announced the results of Operation Nazare Wave, which focused on violent crime in Washington, D.C., and the National Capital Region. This operation was spearheaded by the USMS’ Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) between April and September and resulted in the arrest of 826 fugitives (63 for homicide); recovery and seizure of 54 firearms; and seizure of 6.4 kg of narcotics and $1,115,365 in U.S. currency.

    “This successful operation reflects the collaborative approach the Justice Department has taken to turn the tide against violent crime,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “From April to September, the U.S. Marshals Service brought together more than 30 law enforcement agencies spanning the Washington, D.C. area to arrest 826 fugitives and seize significant quantities of firearms and narcotics. I am deeply grateful to every Deputy U.S. Marshal and law enforcement partner who took part in this operation.”

    “I wish to thank all of the Deputies, Task Force Officers, and participating agencies for their steadfast commitment and tremendous work,” said USMS Director Ronald L. Davis. “This operation coincided with Operation North Star FY2024 in 10 other metropolitan areas which demonstrates the commitment of the United States Marshals Service and the Department of Justice to work with local law-enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime.”

    Operation Nazare Wave focused on reducing violent crime in the NCR but resulted in arrests crossing 19 different districts across the United States and internationally. While some fugitives wanted in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) fled to other districts, in other instances fugitives wanted outside the DMV traveled into the DMV and were apprehended.

    Significant arrests include:

    • On July 31, based on information developed by CARFTF, the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force and Prince Georges County police assisted a special branch of the Guyana police in locating Rakeem Gilgeours, who fled the country following a July 4 shooting that resulted in the death of a 6-year-old boy and injuries to other community members who had gathered to celebrate the holiday at a Temple Hills, Maryland, park. CARFTF arrested Gilgeours in Miami after Guyana deported him.
    • On June 1, Emmanuel Sewell was arrested in Putnam County, West Virginia, by the Southern District of West Virginia Violent Offender Task Force, in collaboration with CARFTF. Sewell, a registered sex offender, was wanted in Montgomery County, Maryland, in connection with the May 31 death of Maryland Parole and Probation Officer David Martinez in his Chevy Chase home. Martinez was Sewell’s probation officer.
    • On April 29, CARFTF arrested a 16-year-old juvenile in Suitland, Maryland, for aggravated assault with a gun and attempted murder following an April 19 shooting at a Greenbelt park where a large group of youth had gathered for a senior skip day. A search warrant executed at the suspect’s mother’s house, where he’d been staying, yielded $246,780 in currency, 40.5 grams of crack cocaine, and two handguns.

    Agencies participating in Operation Nazare Wave include: Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; Metro Transit Police Department; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; Immigrations and Customs Enforcement; Diplomatic Security Service; Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; D.C. Department of Corrections; Bowie Police Department; Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office; Bladensburg Police Department; Prince George’s County Police Department; Montgomery County Police Department; Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office; Maryland State Police; Charles County Sheriff’s Office; Hyattsville Police Department; Maryland Department of Public Safety; Howard County Police Department; Forest Heights Police Department; Fairfax County Police Department; City of Fairfax Police Department; Prince William County Police Department; Alexandria Police Department; Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff’s Office; Virginia State Police; and City of Dumfries Police Department.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Peruvian National Sentenced in Transnational Scheme to Defraud Spanish-Speaking United States Consumers

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Peruvian national was sentenced yesterday to 98 months in prison and to pay nearly $700,000 in restitution to his more than 1,100 victims for his role overseeing a transnational fraud conspiracy that targeted recent immigrants to the United States.

    According to court documents, Jose Alejandro Zuñiga Cano, 40, of Lima, was the operator of a Peruvian call center that defrauded and extorted Spanish-speaking United States residents by falsely threatening them with arrest, court proceedings and immigration consequences. Zuñiga was extradited from Peru in March to face charges related to the scheme and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in July.

    In pleading guilty, Zuñiga admitted that he owned and operated a call center in Lima, that placed unsolicited calls to Spanish-speaking consumers in the United States and falsely claimed that they had won or qualified for free products, including computer tablets and English language courses. On later calls, Zuñiga and his co-conspirators falsely claimed that victims were contractually obligated to pay large sums to receive the products. Zuñiga and his co-conspirators impersonated lawyers, court officials, police officers and representatives of a supposed “minor crimes court” to intimidate victims and force them to send payments. Zuñiga and his co-conspirators queried potential victims about their country of origin and threatened victims with court proceedings, arrest and immigration consequences if they did not pay.

    Many victims who made payments following these lies and threats were frequently re-victimized by Zuñiga and his co-conspirators with a related restitution scheme. The defendant and his co-conspirators placed additional calls to victims who had already paid and, while posing as lawyers for a U.S. court, falsely represented that victims were entitled to restitution payments and would receive their money back if they paid additional fees. In reality, there was no lawyer, no restitution order and no funds returned to the victims who made those additional payments. Instead, Zuñiga kept those additional victim payments for himself.

    “The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch is dedicated to protecting vulnerable U.S. consumers from fraudsters no matter where those fraudsters reside,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that individuals who defraud our immigrant communities will be held accountable in U.S. courts. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that individuals who impersonate government and court officials are brough to justice.”

    “The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations, to include the elderly and recent immigrants,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “We will not allow transnational criminals to use fear tactics and intimidation to steal money from the public we serve. Individuals who defraud American consumers will be brought to justice, no matter where they are located.”

    “Today’s sentencing of Jose Alejandro Zuñiga Cano is proof of the dedication between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to stop at nothing to bring those suspects who victimize our citizens to justice,” said Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Miami Division.

    With today’s sentencing in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, 12 defendants have now been convicted and sentenced in connection with a $15 million transnational fraud scheme that defrauded and threatened Spanish-speaking U.S. consumers, claiming they would suffer legal consequences if they did not pay for English-language learning products they never requested. Collectively, the scheme was responsible for defrauding more than 30,000 Spanish-speaking residents of the United States. Many of the victims were recent immigrants who had merely expressed interest in learning English.

    The 12 defendants include eight Peruvian call center owner-operators and four distribution center owner-operators who processed payments, distributed products and facilitated the fraud in the United States. Many of the defendants shared strategies on how to defraud Spanish-speaking residents of the United States.

    Zuñiga is the eighth defendant to be extradited from Peru and plead guilty in federal court to fraud charges related to Peruvian call centers involved in the English language learning scam. In 2021 and 2022, U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola, Jr., sentenced Henrry Milla, Carlos Espinoza, Jerson Renteria, Fernan Huerta, Omar Cuzcano, Evelyng Milla and Josmell Espinoza to sentences ranging from 88 months to 110 months in prison.

    USPIS and the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch investigated the case.

    Senior Trial Attorney and Transnational Criminal Litigation Coordinator Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorney Carolyn Rice of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Annika Miranda for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Peruvian National Prosecutor General’s Office and Peruvian National Police provided critical assistance.

    The Justice Department continues to investigate and bring charges in other similar matters involving threats against Spanish-speaking residents of the United States.

    If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.

    More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints can be filed with the FTC at http://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at http://www.ovc.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pair Face Charges In Overdose Death of Northern Virginia Teen

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Bessy Jimenez Mejia and Liam Conway Distributed Fentanyl that Killed Cayden Foster in 2023

    CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A pair of individuals responsible for distributing the fatal dose of fentanyl that killed an 18-year-old high school student in 2023 have been criminally charged with the teen’s death.

    In separate court proceedings, the United States Attorney’s Office charged two people for the January 2023 overdose death of Cayden David Foster, a resident of Centreville, Virginia.

    On August 28, 2024, a grand jury sitting in Charlottesville, returned a one-count Indictment charging Bessy Jimenez Mejia, 26, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, with distribution of fentanyl resulting in the death of Foster. If convicted, Mejia faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

    The following day, Liam Conaway, 22, of Harrisonburg, Virginia pled guilty to a one-count Information charging him with distribution of fentanyl.

    Mejia was arrested this week and made her initial court appearance.

    According to court documents, in January 2023, Foster was an 18-year-old high school student living in Northern Virginia. Foster contacted Conaway, who was then a student at James Madison University (JMU), to purchase fentanyl pills. Conaway and Foster had previously consumed pills together during Conaway’s recent academic winter break from JMU.

    On January 27, 2023, Foster sent Conaway $105 through Venmo to pay for the drugs. Conaway purchased approximately ten pills from his supplier, Jimenez, in Harrisonburg. The pills Conaway purchased from Jimenez were designed to appear as though they were 30 mg Percocet pills but were in fact counterfeit and contained fentanyl.

    Two days later, a friend of Foster’s delivered three pills, sourced from Jimenez through Conaway in Harrisonburg to Foster in Northern Virginia.

    On January 30, 2023, Foster consumed a portion of one of the pills purchased from Conaway. That night, Foster died from fentanyl poisoning. 

    First responders arrived at Foster’s home the next morning and pronounced Foster dead on arrival.

    United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Washington Division made the announcement today.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Fairfax County Police Department investigated the case.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Sally J. Sullivan and Melanie A. Smith are prosecuting the case for the United States.

    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: Jacksonville Man Sentenced To More Than Six Years In Federal Prison For Distribution Of Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Mark Dennison, (45, Jacksonville) to six years and three months in federal prison for distribution of five grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Dennison entered a guilty plea on June 11, 2024. 

    According to court documents, Dennison sold two ounces of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on October 10, 2023. The methamphetamine was tested by a Drug Enforcement Administration chemist who determined that it was 95% pure. Dennison was arrested on October 24, 2023, when he arrived at a gas station in Macclenny to sell fentanyl to the confidential informant. Dennison has been detained since his arrest last year.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney Chris Kavanaugh Appoints Dedicated Officials to Answer Western District of Virginia Election Complaints

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys Lena Busscher and Ronald Huber will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.  AUSAs Busscher and Huber have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEO) for the Western District of Virginia, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

    “The right to vote is the cornerstone of our Republic,” United States Attorney Kavanaugh said today. “The Department of Justice will always work to protect the integrity of the election process and to ensure that every citizen has the ability to vote without interference or discrimination. In addition, election officials, staff, and others working to ensure a free and fair election is carried out will be protected from unlawful threats of violence this and every election season.”

    The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

    Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying, and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).   

    In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEOs Busscher and Huber will be on duty in the Western District while the polls are open.  AUSA Busscher can be reached at 276-739-2954. AUSA Huber can be reached at 434-296-3912.

    In addition, the FBI will have special agents available throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at tips.fbi.gov.

    Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

    “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” United States Attorney Kavanagh added. “It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

    Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner Of Majestic Seals & Stripes, Inc. Sentenced To Federal Prison For Payroll Tax Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Linda Davis to four years in federal prison for willfully failing to pay to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employment taxes that were withheld from employees’ paychecks. Davis was also ordered to pay $719,049.62 in restitution. Davis entered a guilty plea on November 9, 2023. 

    According to court documents, Davis owned and operated a pavement maintenance company, known as Majestic Seals & Stripes, Inc. (Majestic), in Clearwater. As the owner of Majestic, Davis was responsible for withholding employment taxes from the Majestic employees’ paychecks and paying the taxes owed. Instead of paying these amounts to the IRS, Davis diverted the funds for her own personal use. Davis also failed to pay to the IRS the employer’s portion of the payroll taxes. Specifically, between June 2016 and December 2021, Davis failed to pay $557,249.62 in payroll taxes. 

    Further, in February 2021, Davis applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan on behalf of Majestic. In support of the loan application, Davis submitted a false IRS Form. As a result of the application package, the PPP loan was approved and funded in the amount of $161,800.

    “When you work somewhere, you trust that your employer will do the right thing,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Tampa Field Office. “For an employer to take advantage of their employees for their own personal gain in such a blatantly criminal way is downright shameful. My hope is that this sentencing will urge others to always do right by their employees.”

    This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Musquodoboit Harbour — RCMP welcomes new Musquodoboit Harbour Detachment Commander

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Nova Scotia RCMP has appointed Sergeant Christopher Attewell as Detachment Commander for the Musquodoboit Harbour Detachment.

    “I have a passion for community policing,” says Sgt. Attewell. “It’s about building partnerships with residents and businesses so that together we can make our communities safer. I’ve worked in Musquodoboit Harbour since 2021, and I’m looking forward to serving the area in this new role.”

    Originally from Seeley’s Cove, New Brunswick, Sgt. Attewell graduated from RCMP Depot in 2009. After graduation, he was posted to RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, where he worked in Lower Sackville and Cole Harbour.

    In 2014, Sgt. Attewell transferred to Hopedale, Newfoundland, and then to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, before being promoted to a position in Sanikuluaq, Nunavut.

    In 2021, Sgt. Attewell returned to Nova Scotia. He’s served the province in a variety of roles. He has worked in the Emergency Operations Centre, assisting with critical incidents, and as an Incident Commander for ground search and rescue.

    Outside of policing, Sgt. Attewell volunteers with Scouts Canada and coaches youth sports.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Threats to Shoot Auto Shop Workers Gets Man Prison Sentence

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Rashaud Williams, 30, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced yesterday to 80 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and other related firearm charges, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced Williams on October 17, 2024, to 60 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and 60 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, to run concurrently. Judge Arthur also sentenced him to 20 months in prison for threatening to injure or kidnap a person, to run consecutively.

                Williams was found guilty by a Superior Court jury on May 3, 2024.

                According to the government’s evidence, on August 1, 2023, Williams brought his car into a Petworth area auto shop for repairs. Later in the day, the shop owner called the defendant’s mother to tell her that the car would not be ready until the next day, after they obtained a needed part. Shortly after that call, Williams went to the auto shop and made threats to “shoot up” the entire establishment. The repairman’s girlfriend was there and tried to calm Williams down. Williams then turned the gun on her and threatened to shoot her, then pointed the gun at the owner before leaving.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emmanuel Hampton, Erica Rudolf, and Kathryn Bartz, who prosecuted the case.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hispanic Heritage Month: Capt. Guillermo Pimentel’s Story of Cultural Pride and Military Service

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    As we close out Hispanic Heritage Month across the country through food, family and culture, Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC) reflects on stories of the Hispanic Americans who have shaped our country through service and dedication.

    One such story comes from the director for NMRC’s Biological Defense Research Directorate (BDRD), Capt. Guillermo Pimentel.

    Pimentel, born in Manhattan and raised in Puerto Rico, began his career in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a hospital corpsman in 1988.

    “We lived in the Guánica, the poorest town in Puerto Rico. It is the friendliest town, and a beach-lovers paradise,” Pimentel recalled. “During my senior year of high school, I was approached by a Navy recruiter. I ‘failed’ the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery by 2 points.”

    Nevertheless, that same recruiter went on to explain the benefits of joining the Navy.

    “It was very appealing, since I come from a low-income family, and I would be fully independent, so I joined the Navy at 17.”

    Following his time as a reservist in the Gulf War, Pimentel left the service to earn a bachelor’s degree in industrial microbiology and a master’s degree in biology from the University of Puerto Rico.

    Pimentel then braved the cold climate of Pullman, Washington to earn a doctoral degree in plant pathology from Washington State University (WSU), focusing on mycology and population genetics. Following his graduation from WSU, Pimentel, now a lieutenant, became head of the microbiology department at the U.S. Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia.

    From 2003 to 2010, Pimentel served multiple leadership positions at the Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) 3 (now NAMRU EURAFCENT), then located in Cairo. In these roles, he managed research projects with the mission of implementing and strengthening laboratory-based disease surveillance capabilities in the Middle East, Central Asia, former Soviet Union, North Africa and West Africa. Pimentel led research and surveillance efforts to understand the epidemiology of infectious diseases of public health importance in the EUCOM, CENTCOM and AFRICOM Areas of Responsibility. He went on to provide laboratory support during several H5N1 flu outbreaks in West Africa and Central Asia. During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, Pimentel led the NAMRU-3 outbreak support to forces deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq and 20 partner nations.

    In August of 2015, Pimentel reported to the NAMRU-6 (now NAMRU SOUTH) in Lima, Peru as executive officer. In March 2017, he became commanding officer of the NAMRU.

    Before returning to NMRC as BDRD director, Pimentel served as the Chief of the Global Emerging Infections Surveillance Branch at the Defense Health Agency from 2019 to 2022, leading the DoD global infectious disease surveillance network in support of Force Health Protection for the Geographic Combatant Commands.

    Pimentel shared thoughts on these experiences in the Navy, and on growing up in Puerto Rico, as part of NMRC’s recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.

    ‘We should absolutely recognize Hispanic Heritage Month,” Pimentel commented at a recent command gathering. “As humans, we tend to forget history and past contributions of our personnel pretty quickly. I see Hispanic Heritage Month program as a mechanism to reflect on the past and to learn from the history of an organization.

    “We all learn and experience differently across our lives. This it is what make us unique as individuals. When we bring all this unique and diverse knowledge to an organization, it makes us stronger.”

    Pimentel also spoke on the Hispanic leaders that inspire him.

    “I love to learn about past contributions of our military and civilian personnel to the mission,” Pimentel said. “A good example is how Dr. Martinez-Lopez, a Puerto Rican just like me, was a general for the Army, commander of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, and now is Assistant Secretary of Health Affairs.

    “As a Puerto Rican, it gives me lot of pride, and sometime hope, because less than 1% of all admirals and generals come from a truly Hispanic background. I love to listen from where they came, how they fought challenges, how they apply their experiences and their impact to the mission.”

    Throughout Hispanic Heritage month, NMRC aims to recognize the contributions of our sailors, scientists and civilian personnel with roots in countries and cultures with Spanish-speaking heritage.

    NMRC is engaged in a broad spectrum of activity from basic science in the laboratory to field studies in austere and remote areas of the world to investigations in operational environments. In support of the Navy, Marine Corps, and joint U.S. warfighters, researchers study infectious diseases, biological warfare detection and defense, combat casualty care, environmental health concerns, aerospace and undersea medicine, medical modeling, simulation, operational mission support, epidemiology and behavioral sciences.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Naval Hospital Bremerton sticklers for annual Flu Vaccine

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    Get stuck to not get sick.

    The influenza vaccination – required for all active duty military personnel, selected Reservists and healthcare workers – shot exercise for tenant commands will be held October 21-22, 2024, at NHB’s Health and Education Center (BHEC), 2850 Thresher Ave, Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    The annual influenza vaccination for all eligible family members of active duty and retirees will take place October 23-27, 2024, also at NHB’s BHEC, Wednesday-Friday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from noon until 5 p.m.

    There has already been an increase of positive influenza cases of late.

    Dr. Dan Frederick, NHB Population Health Officer, emphasizes that immunization remains the primary method of reducing seasonal influenza illness and any potential associated complications. Being vaccinated against the viral threat not only helps protect vaccinated individuals but can assist in protecting family and co-workers by helping reduce the spread of the disease.

    “Getting the flu shot helps protect someone once the flu season starts in their community. The vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to the illness,” Frederick said.

    Frederick also emphasizes that just as it is important for military personnel who live and work in close quarters to receive the vaccine, it is also highly recommended for school-aged children.

    “Influenza is not the common cold. It can be a life-threatening disease that especially can put specific groups in jeopardy,” explained Frederick. “While certainly people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are at increased risk, those over 65, young children, and pregnant women would be at the top of my list.”

    For those who opt to receive their influenza vaccination elsewhere, there are a number of outlets in the surrounding community that accept TRICARE. NHB requests for those who do get their flu shot out in town – especially active duty, selected reserve, and healthcare workers – to provide documentation of receipt to their medical staff, provider, or directly to NHB Immunizations Clinic to update their medical record.

    As a contagious respiratory illness, the flu has varying degrees of symptoms, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms which can develop from one to four days after infection and include such signs as:

    • Fever or feeling feverish/chills.
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fatigue (tiredness)
    • Sore throat
    • Runny or stuffy nose
    • Muscle pain or body aches
    • Headache
    • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though more common in children.

    There are [also] a number of daily measures which anyone can implement to help protect themselves during cold and flu season.

    According to the CDC, along with getting vaccinated, there are a few healthy habits to protect against flu,” said Lt. Anurag Sharma, NHB Preventive Medicine department head and environmental health officer. “Personal hygiene by routinely washing hands thoroughly and appropriately. Avoid close contact. Stay home when sick. Cover your mouth and nose if ill and when coughing or sneezing and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The Challenge Behind the Coin: HM2 Huitt’s journey through service

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Brylea Huitt, a proud native of Dallas, Texas, has carved out a distinguished path in the Navy, blending her passion for healthcare with service to her country.

    Starting as a nurse’s assistant at the young age of just 16, Huitt’s calling to serve others naturally led her to the Navy, where she took on the role of a Corpsman.

    “Joining the Navy was a clear choice for me — it allowed me to serve my country while pursuing my passion for helping others,” she said.

    Huitt arrived at Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Twentynine Palms in Dec. 2022 and plans to separate from the Navy in Jan. 2025.

    Throughout her career, challenge coins have become meaningful symbols of her most memorable experiences in the Navy, each representing a personal story.

    Challenge coins have a long-standing tradition in military history, believed to date back to World War I, when service members carried coins as symbols of camaraderie and loyalty. Over the years, these coins have evolved into personalized tokens that represent unit pride, special achievements, or moments of recognition. Often given by commanding officers or peers, challenge coins serve as a meaningful reminder of the bonds formed and the milestones reached throughout a service member’s career.

    Out of the many challenge coins Huitt has earned, three stand out as her favorites.

    The First Coin: Gifted from an Admiral

    Huitt’s most cherished challenge coin came as a surprise, as it was given to her by an Admiral.

    “My top favorite challenge coin is the first one I ever received, which was from Rear Admiral Timothy Weber,” Huitt recalled. “During my time as a Hospital Apprentice at the 13 Area Branch Clinic at Camp Pendleton, I had the honor of giving him a tour and discussing all the impactful work we were doing there. Although I was initially nervous, it turned into a moment of immense pride for me.”

    “Naval Medical Forces Pacific” is engraved on the coin. Naval Medical Forces Pacific is a key command within the U.S. Navy’s medical structure, overseeing Navy Medicine’s healthcare operations and support across the Pacific region. It provides medical expertise, readiness, and support to naval and joint forces, ensuring that service members are healthy, prepared, and able to perform their duties. It also plays a vital role in supporting humanitarian missions, disaster relief efforts, and maintaining force readiness in the Indo-Pacific area.

    The coin represents a significant moment of recognition in the early days of Huitt’s career.

    The Second Coin: A Scorpion from Bahrain

    Her second favorite coin, shaped like a scorpion, was earned during her deployment from NMRTC Twentynine Palms to Isa Air Base in Bahrain. Modeled after the local ‘death stalker’ scorpion, the coin features the U.S. and Bahraini flags.

    “I received this while serving at the Expeditionary Medical Clinic, where I cared for multiple deployed units and took on the roles of MEDEVAC (Medical Evacuation) coordinator and SAPR (Sexual Assault Prevention and Response) Victim’s Advocate,” Huitt explained.

    The coin serves as a reminder of her pivotal role in supporting both the medical and emotional needs of her fellow service members.

    The Third Coin: A Holographic Caduceus

    Huitt’s third favorite coin is a holographic caduceus that comes complete with a removable sword.

    “This thoughtful gift from the Physical Therapy department during deployment (to Bahrain) holds special significance to me, as it features the Hospital Corpsman Pledge on the back,” said Huitt.

    The Hospital Corpsman Pledge highlights the Corpsman’s dedication to providing compassionate and skilled medical care to all service members. It emphasizes loyalty to the Navy, maintaining the highest standards of performance, and upholding the trust placed in them by both patients and the Navy. The pledge reflects a commitment to preserving life, relieving suffering, and upholding professional ethics in every aspect of their duty.

    Looking back on her years serving at NMRTC Twentynine Palms, Huitt’s deployment to Bahrain stands out as one of her most memorable experiences.

    “It provided me with invaluable opportunities to travel to three different countries, assist diverse groups of locals and service members, and immerse myself in cultures I might never have experienced otherwise,” she exclaimed.

    Huitt’s time as a Sailor in the Navy may be coming to a close, but her days of serving others in a healthcare setting are far from over.

    “After separation from the Navy, I plan to return to Texas and begin school to become a Radiology Technician,” Huitt shared.

    Huitt’s story helps exemplify the significance of challenge coins to service members — each one a tangible reminder of the dedication, service, and connections she has built throughout her career.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gang behind ATM attacks taken down

    Source: Europol

    Unscrupulous attacks with severe collateral damageFor several years now, perpetrators have increasingly been using solid explosives – originating mainly from fireworks – to blow up ATMs. This has significantly augmented the danger and collateral damage of their attacks. The criminals, who are often based in the Netherlands, take extreme risks and act unscrupulously, both at the crime scene and when…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Virtual Meeting of the Chief FOIA Officers Council

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    The Office of Information Policy (OIP) is pleased to announce that the Chief FOIA Officers (CFO) Council will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, November 7th 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET.    

    The CFO Council meeting is open to all agency FOIA professionals and members of the public.  Time will be provided for members of the public to address the Council.  Registration is required on Eventbrite.  All attendees must register by 11:59 PM ET on Monday, November 4, 2024.  The meeting will also be livestreamed on the National Archives’ YouTube channel.

    In accordance with the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, the Chief FOIA Officers Council is tasked with developing recommendations, sharing best practices, and developing and coordinating initiatives to improve agency FOIA administration.  The Council is co-chaired by the Directors of OIP and OGIS and is comprised of each agency Chief FOIA Officer and the Deputy Director for Management of the Office of Management Budget.

    Do you have ideas for future meeting topics and potential panelists?  Please email us at DOJ.OIP.FOIA@usdoj.gov. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NAMRU San Antonio highlights Olivia Cruz during National Hispanic Heritage Month

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (Oct. 15, 2024) – National Hispanic Heritage Month marks a time to showcase and honor the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the Department of Defense (DoD) and the nation.

    Possessing a diverse workforce is important to NAMRU San Antonio as it acknowledges individual strengths of each Sailor, Soldier, civilian and contractor, and the potential they bring to accomplishing the command’s mission.

    Olivia Cruz, a budget analyst lead assigned to the command’s Resource Management and Acquisitions Directorate (DRMA), is a representation of the highly professional and diverse civilian workforce within Navy Medicine.

    A 2014 graduate of Texas A&M University at San Antonio, Cruz directly supports the allocation and execution of all Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) funding received by NAMRU San Antonio. This includes performing or advising on work in any of the phases or systems of budget administration of funds required for command programs. Additionally, she serves as the command’s Time and Attendance clerk.

    A San Antonio native, Cruz began her Navy civilian career in 2021 with Naval Medical Forces Development Command serving as the regional labor and budget analyst.

    “At my previous command, I was the only person on board who was born and raised in San Antonio,” said Cruz. “Most of the times, the comptroller would refer newly arriving personnel to me for places in the city to visit and eat. Eventually, I joked with telling people that I was the unofficial San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.”

    According to Cruz, who has been maintaining and executing government budgets for 15 years, there are countless opportunities to serve locally, out of state and even overseas within Navy Medicine.

    “Working for NAMRU San Antonio has provide me with insight on the numerous opportunities available for my son in science research as he begins his journey in biology,” said Cruz, whose goal is to complete her career at the federal level. “When I initially came on board with the command, I didn’t realize that I would be working directly with some of the Navy’s smartest research scientists.”

    “As analysts, we don’t see the type of research that is being conducted. Usually, all we see is the money side,” added Cruz. “Is there funding? Are the funds committed? The list goes on, but we never see the scientists at work.”

    Cruz feels that being able to observe some of the work being done at NAMRU San Antonio enables her to understand how important her role is in the command.

    “Being able to know how my job directly supports research has motivated me to be a more knowledgeable analyst which allows our scientists to efficiently research projects that will essentially save countless lives,” said Cruz. “Our DRMA team doesn’t allow setbacks and limited staff to stop us from hindering our scientists from their research mission.”

    Perseverance is one of Cruz’s strengths.

    “I have always persevered; however, working for the Navy has instilled in me the motivations to keep going even if I feel that I am not performing to my personal standards,” said Cruz. “However, I have the great opportunity of working with so many diverse personalities and professionals from whom I continue to learn from. They have shown me that there is more for me to learn and how to overcome challenges.”

    Continuing to listen, learn, and apply shared knowledge from others has enhanced Cruz’s importance of her role as an analyst with NAMRU San Antonio. In the future, she wants to share her knowledge with others to guide and help make them better in their profession.

    NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of DoD personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations.

    NAMRU San Antonio is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with carrying knives

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man will appear in court charged with possession of offensive weapons and class A and B drugs.

    Jordan Watson Best, 23, (22.02.2001) of Princes Avenue, Tolworth was charged on Tuesday, 15 October with:

    • Possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
    • Possessing a sharply pointed article in a public place.
    • Possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

    Best was remanded to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 16 October.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary General welcomes Sweden’s plans to boost defence spending

    Source: NATO

    On Wednesday (October 16), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson met at NATO Headquarters in Brussels to discuss the strengthening of NATO’s deterrence and defence and NATO’s increased support to Ukraine.

    Since joining NATO in March this year, “Sweden’s membership has made NATO stronger, Sweden safer, and all of us more secure,” said the Secretary General. He commended the Swedish government for its recent proposals to bolster NATO’s deterrence and defence, including with ”troops for NATO’s battlegroup in Latvia, combat aircraft for NATO’s air policing mission, and vessels for NATO’s Standing Naval Forces.” The Secretary General thanked Sweden for its offer to lead the new NATO battlegroup to be established in Finland. He noted that Sweden spends more than 2 percent of GDP on defence and welcomed the country’s plans to further boost its defence spending in 2025.

    The Secretary General also noted Sweden’s steadfast support to Ukraine. “On a per capita basis, Sweden is a top supporter of Ukraine. Providing over 4 billion euros in military assistance,” he said. He reiterated that Allies are working hard to deliver on the commitments made during the Washington Summit on support for Ukraine, including “a new Command to coordinate security assistance and training, and a financial pledge of 40 billion euros as a minimum baseline in the coming year.”

    Secretary General Rutte stressed that Ukraine’s path to membership is irreversible. “Every nation has the right to choose its own path. No one outside NATO or outside that particular country has a veto or a vote on this. Sweden’s seat at the NATO table shows exactly that,” he concluded.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Russell Returns Home to San Diego

    Source: United States Navy

    Russell and its crew, known as the Red Dragons, departed San Diego Feb. 10, 2024, and joined TRCSG to conduct global maritime security operations supporting regional stability.

    “Our Red Dragon team performed superbly on deployment. No matter the challenge, our Sailors rose to the occasion and represented our ship, Navy, and country with honor,” said Cmdr. Mike McInerney, commanding officer of Russell. “Keeping Russell in its highest state of readiness for eight months
    straight is no easy feat, yet our crew of 300 did this with a self-sufficient mindset, grit, and determination. We have a proud, combat ready, and battle-minded crew. I’m honored to be part of this fantastic team, and the crew is excited for some well-earned time off with loved ones.”

    While deployed, Russell provided primary ballistic missile defense support and secondary air and missile defense support to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Additionally, Russell executed 161 MH-60 Seahawk helicopter deck hits, to include refueling and personnel and parts transfers, from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8.

    During port visits, the Red Dragons made a point to volunteer their time through community outreach events. While in Singapore, Sailors performed maintenance and cleaning at the Teen Challenge therapeutic center. In Thailand, they volunteered their time at the Father Ray Foundation for underprivileged children. Community outreach events give Sailors a chance to make a positive impact and diversify their cultural knowledge by developing relationships with partner and ally nations.

    “It was really cool to be of service to the Father Ray Foundation in Thailand,” said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Chilee Osuji. “It felt rewarding to provide services to those in need, meet the local people and play soccer with the kids! I’m grateful I had the opportunity to expand my worldview in this way.”

    Russell also conducted various exercises with partner navies, strengthening important relationships with allies and partners. Russell participated in a trilateral exercise in April with TRCSG, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Republic of Korea Navy. In September, Russell conducted a bilateral exercise with the Italian Navy, increasing interoperability between the two countries’ navies.

    Maintaining crew proficiency was important for the Red Dragons to sustain readiness while underway. Russell’s training schedule included over 150 casualty response drills, integrating tactical and technical scenarios to include anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare, engineering, damage control and seamanship.

    The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is comprised of Carrier Strike Group 9 staff, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23 staff, the flagship Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, and DESRON 23 ships that include guided-missile destroyers USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) and USS Russell (DDG 59).

    An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations – from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.

    For more information on Russell, please visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/ddg59/ and https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSR-DDG59.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Louisiana Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation for Using Excessive Force Against Detainee

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A former Louisiana sheriff’s office deputy was sentenced yesterday to 37 months in prison for assaulting a pretrial detainee.

    Javarrea Pouncy, 31, a former sergeant with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), previously pleaded guilty to one count of using excessive force against the detainee. During his plea, Pouncy admitted that, in September 2019, he and another DPSO deputy conducted a strip search of a detainee in the DeSoto Parish jail, as part of the detainee’s booking. Pouncy admitted further that, during the search, the deputies repeatedly punched the detainee in his head, face and body, even though the detainee did not pose a threat to either officer. As a result of the assault, the detainee was hospitalized and sustained a broken eye socket and broken nose, among other injuries.

    “The defendant pledged to protect and serve his community, but instead, he repeatedly punched a detainee without justification, leaving him bloodied and broken,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “People in detention have the right to be treated humanely and not to be brutalized by excessive force. This sentence sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such abuses behind bars. The Justice Department will hold accountable officials who violate detainees’ civil rights.”

    “Pouncy took advantage of his position, the power that it yields and the prestige of the badge in committing this criminal act,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown for the Western District of Louisiana. “Decency and order can co-exist with the preservation of an offender’s civil rights. Prosecutions such as these are critical to ensure that the good work of law enforcement officers is not hampered by the heinous acts of bad law enforcement officers.”

    “Yesterday, Pouncy faced the consequences of his unnecessary and violent actions toward someone he was supposed to protect,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “It’s a sad day when we have to investigate someone who took an oath to uphold the law. His actions undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system, and I want the public to know we will not tolerate it. The FBI is committed to investigating criminal misconduct, no matter who the subject is or what position they hold in their community.”

    The other deputy involved in the assault, DeMarkes Grant, previously pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice in connection with the assault. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison.

    The FBI New Orleans Field Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Reeg for the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group Returns to San Diego After 9-month Deployment

    Source: United States Navy

    TRCSG is a multiplatform team of ships, aircraft, and more than 6,000 Sailors, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe. Deploying units of the strike group include Theodore Roosevelt, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70). While the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) also returned to their respective home ports, Lake Erie and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) remain deployed in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting global maritime security operations.

    TRCSG deployed to the Indo-Pacific region to support regional security and stability, keep sea lanes open, and to reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. Navy’s unwavering commitment to the region. The strike group was later ordered to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to strengthen U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions.

    “The strike group’s ability to quickly adjust from operations in 7th Fleet to 5th Fleet is a testament to both the flexibility of our naval forces as well as the strength and training of our Navy Sailors,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 9, Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander. “We had the distinct honor to strengthen our skills and relationships with 10 allied and partner nations, demonstrating our nation’s commitment to the freedom of navigation.”

    The TRCSG strengthened interoperability through dual carrier operations with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, participation in exercise Valiant Shield 2024, and numerous bilateral and multilateral maritime exercises in the Philippine and South China seas as well as in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

    Notable key leader engagements and visits aboard Theodore Roosevelt included the president of the Republic of Korea, chief of naval operations for the Republic of Korea Navy, lieutenant governor of Guam, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander, U.S. 7th Fleet commander, Republic of Singapore Navy fleet commander, U.S. ambassadors to the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Qatar, and senior officers from the armed forces of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea and Royal Thai Navy, among others.

    The deployed Sailors from the TRCSG demonstrated their proficiency in enhanced maritime security operations through more than 9,000 sorties including 21,000 flight hours, 28 replenishments-at-sea, and more than 71,000 nautical miles traveled.

    Ships of the TRCSG conducted routine port visits to Bahrain, Diego Garcia, Guam, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Thailand.

    “The crew worked incredibly hard and maintained mission focus this entire deployment,” said Capt. Brian Schrum, commanding officer, Theodore Roosevelt. “I am extremely proud of our Sailors and the work accomplished across the world’s oceans to keep our nation safe at home.”

    CVW 11 consisted of nine squadrons: the “Blue Blasters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34, the “Fist of the Fleet” of VFA-25, the “Flying Checkmates” of VFA-211, the “Black Knights” of VFA-154, the “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115, the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, the “Wolf Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75, the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

    As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic and relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s timeless role across the full spectrum of military operations—from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works in close coordination with other numbered fleets to provide commanders with capable, ready forces to deploy forward and win in day-to-day competition, in crisis, and in conflict.

    For more information about Carrier Strike Group 9 and USS Theodore Roosevelt visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/ccsg9/ and https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/COMCARSTRKGRU-9; Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/usstheodoreroosevelt

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge

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

    Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on October 11, 2024, CHEVON GRANT, 27, of Hartford, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a federal firearm charge stemming from a gang-related shootout.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 18, 2022, after an unidentified shooter, who is suspected of being a member of a rival gang, opened fire at individuals who were standing in a parking lot outside of a memorial gathering at a party venue on Main Street in Hartford, surveillance cameras at the location recorded at least nine individuals drawing firearms, some of whom returned fire.  Shot Spotter technology recorded approximately 50 shots fired within approximately 90 seconds in and around the location, and law enforcement recovered at least 31 shell casings from the scene.  Grant was present at the memorial gathering and was recorded on surveillance videos brandishing a handgun.

    Following the shooting, Hartford Police obtained a warrant for Grant’s arrest in relation to the April 18 shootout.  At the time, Grant was also subject to two additional state arrest warrants for other alleged offenses.  On May 7, 2022, officers encountered Grant in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle, retrieved a loaded Ruger P90 .45 firearm from beneath the driver’s seat, and took Grant into custody.

    Grant’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for robbery and larceny offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

    Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for January 9, at which time Grant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

    Grant is detained in state custody, and state charges against him are pending.

    This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Dearington and John T. Pierpont, Jr.

    U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Hartford State Attorney’s Offices for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In May 2021, the Justice 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 http://www.justice.gov/psn.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Beaver Dam  — Missing 15-year-old boy

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Oromocto RCMP is asking for the public’s help to locate a missing 15-year-old boy from Beaver Dam, N.B.

    Autumn (Jasper) Blaney was last seen on October 15, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m., near Whittaker Road in Beaver Dam. He was reported missing to police the same day. Police have followed up on several leads to try and locate him, but have so far been unsuccessful. Police and his family are concerned for his wellbeing.

    Autumn (Jasper) Blaney is described as being approximately five feet five inches (167 centimetres) tall, and weighing approximately 150 pounds (68 kilograms). He has hazel eyes, blond hair, a tattoo of a rose on his forearm and a nose ring. He was last seen wearing an off-white sweater, jogger pants and black sneakers.

    Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Oromocto RCMP at 506-357-4300.

    MIL Security OSI –