NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Secures $8M from Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation to Address Redlining in Black Communities in Birmingham, Alabama

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Combating Redlining Initiative Surpasses $150M in Relief for Redlined Communities at its Third Anniversary

    The Justice Department and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced today that Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (Fairway) has agreed to pay $8 million and a $1.9 million civil money penalty to resolve allegations that it engaged in a pattern or practice of lending discrimination by redlining predominantly Black neighborhoods in and around Birmingham, Alabama.

    Redlining is an illegal practice by which lenders avoid providing credit services to individuals living in communities of color because of the race, color, or national origin of residents in those communities.

    With this settlement, the Justice Department’s Combating Redlining Initiative surpassed $150 million in relief for communities of color nationwide that have experienced lending discrimination. This settlement marks the Justice Department’s 15th redlining settlement in three years. Under the Combating Redlining Initiative, the Department has secured a historic amount of relief that is expected to generate over $1 billion in investment in communities of color in places such as Houston; Memphis; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; and Birmingham.

    “This settlement, and the over $150 million in relief the Justice Department has secured for communities across the country through our Combating Redlining Initiative, will help to ensure that future generations of Americans inherit a legacy of home ownership that they too often have been denied,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This case is a reminder that redlining is not a relic of the past, and the Justice Department will continue to work urgently to combat lending discrimination wherever it arises and to secure relief for the communities harmed by it.”

    The Justice Department and CFPB allege that Fairway illegally redlined Black neighborhoods in Birmingham, including through its marketing and sales actions, and discouraged residents of those neighborhoods from applying for mortgage loans. The settlement announced today requires Fairway to provide $7 million for a loan subsidy program to offer affordable home purchase, refinance, and home improvement loans in Birmingham’s majority-Black neighborhoods, invest an additional $1 million in programs to support that loan subsidy fund, and pay a $1.9 million civil penalty to the CFPB’s victims relief fund.

    This case is the third redlining enforcement action brought jointly by the Justice Department and the CFPB under the initiative, highlighting the strong partnership between the agencies to root out and address lending discrimination.

    “Birmingham lies at the heart of our nation’s civil rights struggle but is also a community that bears the legacy of discriminatory redlining and other exclusionary policies,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement will provide Birmingham’s Black neighborhoods with the access to credit they have long been denied and increase opportunities for homeownership and generational wealth. This settlement makes clear our intent to uproot modern-day redlining in every corner of the country, including in the deep South. With more than $150 million in total relief secured in three short years, our Combating Redlining Initiative is generating real economic opportunity for communities of color while sending a strong message to mortgage lenders, no matter their business model, that discriminatory lending will not be tolerated in America.”

    “The settlement reached with Fairway Mortgage is a win for communities of color here in Birmingham that have historically been denied access to vital economic resources,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “Our office is committed to ensuring that these communities have equal access to housing and credit resources.”

    “The CFPB and Justice Department are holding Fairway accountable for redlining Black neighborhoods,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “Fairway’s unlawful redlining discouraged families from seeking loans for homes in Birmingham’s Black neighborhoods.”

    Fairway is a non-depository mortgage company headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. In 2022, Fairway was the nation’s fifth-largest lender by origination volume and ninth-largest by application volume. Fairway operates in the Birmingham area under the trade name MortgageBanc.

    The complaint describes how Fairway redlined majority-Black neighborhoods in the Birmingham Metropolitan Statistical Area (Birmingham MSA). During the period covered by the complaint, the Birmingham MSA included six counties in north central Alabama with a combined population of about 1.1 million. While Fairway claimed to serve the entire metropolitan area, it concentrated all its retail loan offices in majority-white areas, directed less than 3% of its direct mail advertising to consumers in majority-Black areas, and for years discouraged homeownership in majority-Black areas by generating loan applications at a rate far below its peer institutions.

    The Justice Department and CFPB allege that Fairway violated the Fair Housing Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and Consumer Financial Protection Act. Specifically, the government alleges problematic conduct by Fairway including:

    • Failing to address known signs of discrimination: Fairway’s own data showed that, since at least 2017, it was failing to serve majority-Black neighborhoods in the Birmingham area, but before October 2022, it took no meaningful actions to address redlining risk. Between 2018 and 2022, only 3.7% of Fairway’s applications were for properties in majority-Black areas, compared to 12.2% for Fairway’s peer lenders. In other words, Fairway’s peer lenders generated applications for properties in majority-Black areas at over three times the rate of Fairway. This disparity was even higher in neighborhoods with 80% or more Black residents, where Fairway made loans at less than one-eighth of the rate of its peer lenders. Despite these figures, Fairway failed to adopt any written plan for marketing or growth to address the concern.
    • Redlining Black neighborhoods: From 2015 through 2022, Fairway operated three retail loan offices and three loan production desks within real estate offices in the Birmingham MSA, all of which were in majority-white areas. Fairway also relied on referrals from real estate professionals and its loan officers’ personal contacts to generate applications, and the vast majority of Fairway’s referral sources and referred consumers were located in majority-white areas. Fairway predominantly directed its marketing to majority-white areas and failed to train or incentivize its existing loan officers to better serve majority-Black areas. By taking these actions, Fairway discriminated against, and unlawfully discouraged mortgage loan applications for properties in, majority-Black neighborhoods.

    The proposed consent order, which awaits approval by the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, would require Fairway to:

    • Provide $7 million for a loan subsidy program: The order would require Fairway to offer home purchase, refinance, and home improvement loans on a more affordable basis than otherwise available in majority-Black neighborhoods in the Birmingham MSA. The program may provide lower interest rates, down payment assistance, closing cost assistance, or payment of initial mortgage insurance premiums.
    • Invest at least $1 million in redlined neighborhoods: Fairway would be required to open or acquire a new loan production office or full-service retail office in a majority-Black neighborhood in the Birmingham MSA. The company must also spend at least $500,000 on advertising and outreach, at least $250,000 on consumer financial education, and at least $250,000 on partnerships with one or more community-based or governmental organizations to serve the affected neighborhoods.
    • Pay a $1.9 million penalty: The proposed order imposes a $1.9 million civil penalty against Fairway, which would be paid into the CFPB’s Civil Penalty Fund, also referred to as the victims’ relief fund.

    Information about the Justice Department’s fair lending enforcement work can be found at http://www.justice.gov/fairhousing. Individuals may report lending discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291 or submitting a report online.

    Consumers can submit complaints about financial products and services by visiting the CFPB’s website or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).

    Employees who believe their company has violated federal consumer financial protection laws are encouraged to send information about what they know to whistleblower@cfpb.gov. To learn more about reporting potential industry misconduct, visit the CFPB’s website.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: $5,000 Reward for Information Leading to Arrest of Man Wanted for Striking Officer With Vehicle and Fleeing

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Toledo, OH – The United States Marshals Service (USMS), Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Benjamin Chapman, 32. Chapman is wanted in New York for assault, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, obstructing government officer, and fleeing an officer.

    Chapman is accused of striking an officer of the Town of Ulster, New York, Police Department with his vehicle on March 30, 2021. Chapman had been pulled over for a traffic violation and was found to be wanted on a warrant for criminal possession of a controlled substance issued by the Ulster Town Court. During the encounter, Chapman allegedly struck the officer with his vehicle and then fled the scene. The officer suffered injuries from the assault. Chapman has been on the run since this incident and has committed other violent offenses in other states.

    Chapman is described as a white male, standing 5-feet 7 inches tall and weighing approximately 190 lbs. Chapman has ties to Toledo, Ohio and Monroe, Michigan.

    Anyone with information concerning Chapman can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Third Suspect Wanted in Shooting Death of 28-Year-Old Cleveland Woman Arrested by U.S. Marshals

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Cleveland, OH – Today, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Marshae Davis, 34, who was wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for aggravated murder.

    According to the Cleveland Division of Police, on May 3, 2024, officers from the 3rd District responded to the area of the 2400 block of Central Ave. and discovered 28-year-old female, Christie Bozeman, inside her apartment with multiple gunshot wounds. EMS on scene attempted to render aid but Bozeman later succumbed to her injuries at MetroHealth hospital.

    Leonai Jonson, 18, and Cashemere Cole, 26, were identified as suspects in this fatal incident and warrants were issued for their arrest. On May 15, 2024, members of the NOVFTF arrested Leonai Johnson in an apartment near the 2400 block of Central Ave., Cleveland. On October 11, Cashmere Cole was arrested by the Cleveland Heights Police Department.

    Today, members of the NOVFTF arrested Marshae Davis, who is now the third identified suspect in this case. Task force members arrested Davis at a residence in the 3200 block of Overlook Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Months after the initial arrest in this case, the Cleveland Division of Police Homicide Unit continues to pursue justice for this victim, as a third suspect is now in custody. We will continue to assist the Cleveland Division of Police in putting these violent fugitives behind bars.”

    Anyone with information concerning any wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.

    The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies:  U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Independence Police Department, Parma Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Solon Police Department, Cleveland RTA Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Bedford Police Department, Middleburg Heights Police Department, Newburgh Heights Police Department and the Metrohealth Police Department. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Camden Men Sentenced to Prison for String of Armed Robberies and Carjackings

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

    CAMDEN, N.J. – Two Camden men have been sentenced to prison for their respective roles in conspiracies that involved committing armed carjackings and robbing multiple gas stations in southern New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

    Kamau Bradshaw, 22, was sentenced today to 108 months in prison; Paul Rogers, 30, was sentenced on Aug. 7, 2024, to 188 months in prison. Both defendants previously pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb to informations charging them with one count of conspiring to commit armed robberies, one count of committing an armed robbery, and one count of conspiring to commit armed carjackings. Judge Bumb imposed the sentences in Camden federal court.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    On Sept. 14, 2021, two masked individuals carrying an AR-style rifle robbed a gas station in Pennsauken, New Jersey. One of the robbers wore a gray Nike hooded sweatshirt and scuffed tan work boots. The second robber wore a tan hooded sweatshirt with “REACTIVE” printed on the sleeves and striped boxer shorts. They obtained cash and cigarettes while brandishing the firearm. Shortly after the robbery, two individuals were seen returning to a residence in Camden with a large duffle bag. On Sept. 17, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at the Camden residence and recovered, among other items, a duffle bag, an AR-style rifle, a gray Nike sweatshirt, scuffed tan work boots, and a tan hooded sweatshirt with “REACTIVE” printed on the sleeves. Bradshaw and Rogers were present when law enforcement agents executed the search warrant, at which time Bradshaw was wearing striped boxer shorts consistent with those worn by one of the robbers during the robbery.

    Rogers and Bradshaw each admitted their role in eight gas station robberies or attempted robberies in addition to the Sept. 14, 2021, robbery in Pennsauken, including robberies in Haddon Township on Aug. 30, 2021; Pennsauken on Aug. 30, 2021; Bridgeton on Aug. 31, 2021; Brooklawn on Aug. 31, 2021; Vineland on Aug. 31, 2021; Pennsauken on Sept. 1, 2021; Haddon Township on Sept. 1, 2021; and Haddon Township on Sept. 16, 2021. Two of the gas stations were victimized more than once. At each gas station, at least one member of the conspiracy brandished what appeared to be an assault weapon in order to threaten the gas station attendant.

    For several of the robberies, Bradshaw and Rogers used a car they obtained by committing an armed carjacking in Philadelphia. Members of the carjacking conspiracy traveled from Camden to Philadelphia and brandished what appeared to be an assault weapon in order to force a driver and passenger from an automobile. They returned to Camden with the victims’ car, which they proceeded to use to drive to and from some of their gas stations robberies.

    In addition to the prison term, Chief Judge Bumb sentenced Rogers and Bradshaw each to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti, with the investigation leading to the sentencings. He also thanked the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Bridgeton City Police Department, Brooklawn Borough Police Department, Camden County Police Department, Haddon Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Oaklyn Police Department, Pennsauken Township Police Department, Vineland Police Department, and the Philadelphia Police Department.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Meteghan — Meteghan RCMP Detachment arrest two following theft of anchors

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Meteghan RCMP Detachment has charged a man and woman after recovering stolen property.

    On October 10, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Meteghan RCMP Detachment responded to a reported theft of 54 anchors. Officers learned that the anchors, valued at approximately $11,000, had been stolen overnight from a business on Hwy. 1 in Meteghan Centre.

    Investigators were able to identify a vehicle of interest, and at approximately 11:30 a.m. that same day, they located a matching vehicle travelling on Hwy. 1. A traffic stop was conducted, and two occupants were arrested in relation to the theft.

    The anchors were soon recovered at a scrap yard in Yarmouth.

    Andrew Corkum, 45, of Belliveaus Cove, and Kimberly Robichaud, 41, of Yarmouth, have each been charged with Theft Over $5000. They have been released from custody and are due in Yarmouth Provincial Court on November 22 at 9:30 a.m.

    Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment to report crime or suspicious activity in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at http://www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Black Sturgeon Falls — Update – Lynn Lake RCMP investigating homicide

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 4, 2024, the 16-year-old male from Black Sturgeon Falls, also known as Marcel Colomb First Nation, was charged with 2nd Degree Murder and remanded into custody for a court appearance scheduled for today in Thompson Provincial Court.

    Lynn Lake RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services, continue to investigate.

    On October 4, 2024, at approximately 1:55 am, Lynn Lake RCMP received a report of an assault in progress involving two teens outside a residence located in Black Sturgeon Falls.

    Officers attended and located a 16-year-old male, who was pronounced deceased, outside the residence.

    A 16-year-old male was arrested and remains in police custody.

    Lynn Lake RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services and RCMP Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pangnirtung  — Pangnirtung man charged with attempt murder

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Pangnirtung, Nunavut
    Date: 2024-10-15
    File: 2024-1516846

    Pangnirtung RCMP investigating an attempt murder that sent victim to Ottawa for medical treatment.

    On October 14, 2024, at approximately 4:30 a.m, the Pangnirtung RCMP responded to a complaint that a male was being treated at the local health center with serious injuries sustained during a weapon attack. Upon arriving to the health center, local RCMP members began applying first aid to the male victim and continued to provide aid until health professionals arrived.

    The victim, a 23-year-old male, sustained multiple laceration on his body and was being treated by local health center staff. Upon further investigation, the Pangnirtung RCMP learned that the incident occurred outside by the 700 block. A suspect was later identified and taken into custody without incident.

    The Pangnirtung has charged, 23-year old male, Gregory Atagoyuk with:

    – One count of Attempt Murder, Section 239(1)(b) C.C
    – Carry a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, Section 88 C.C

    “The Pangnirtung RCMP would like to thank local residence for their co-operation, and encourage any witnesses who may have photographs or videos of the incident, to contact the local police station at 867-473-0123”, said acting detachment commander Cst. Adam O’Reilly.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prince Albert — Prince Albert RCMP seek public assistance locating missing 38-year-old man

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 10, 2024, Prince Albert RCMP received a report of a missing 38-year-old man, Sylvester Bird.

    Sylvester was last seen on October 3, 2024 at a residence on Lincoln Park Road, southwest of Prince Albert.

    Sylvester is described as approximately 5’11” tall. He has brown eyes and short black hair. He also goes by the name Sly.

    Since Sylvester was reported missing, Prince Albert RCMP have been checking places he is known to visit and following up on information received. Officers are now asking members of the public to report information on Sylvester’s whereabouts.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ebb and Flow First Nation — Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP looking for missing man

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 13, 2024, at 10:30 pm, Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP received a report of a missing 35-year-old male from the Ebb & Flow First Nation.

    Joseph Sean Flett, 35, last made contact via social media earlier in the day.

    Flett is described as being 6’1″, 160 lbs with long black hair and brown eyes.

    His family is concerned with his wellbeing.

    Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP at 204-447-3082, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or a secure tip online at http://www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Businessman Sentenced for Tax Evasion

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Defendant Diverted Income from His Clothing Business and Dealt in Cash to Evade Taxes

    A California man was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for evading more than $1 million of individual and corporate income taxes owed to the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Haim Jerry Kohen owned and operated a business that bought and sold bulk quantities of used clothing. Between 2005 and 2017, Kohen evaded his taxes by, among other things, filing false individual and corporate income tax returns with federal and state taxing authorities on which he underreported income.

    He also attempted to conceal this income from the IRS by diverting it from his business to himself and by dealing in cash. Kohen collected cash payments owed to his business from a significant customer and kept the cash for himself instead of depositing it into his business’ bank account. Kohen did not report the diverted cash on either the corporate tax returns or on his individual income tax returns. Kohen continued this conduct even after he became aware that he was under criminal investigation by the IRS.

    Additionally, in November 2013, that same customer owed Kohen’s business over $648,000. Kohen and the customer executed a promissory note where the customer agreed to repay the debt to Kohen personally, and not to his business. Kohen received payments pursuant to the note in cash and did not report them on any tax return. Over the years, Kohen also loaned money to people and did not report the interest payments he received on his personal returns.

    Kohen also did not report rental income from two properties he owned in Beverly Hills and Tarzana, California. Kohen bought the Beverly Hills property in 2011 and soon thereafter deeded it to close family members. However, Kohen continued to collect the rental income for the property and exercised ownership and control over it. He also did not report the rental income he received from the Tarzana property.

    In total, Kohen caused a tax loss to the IRS and State of California of $1,471,323.

    In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr. ordered Kohen to serve one year of supervised release, pay a fine of $95,000 and to pay $1,471,323 in restitution.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation’s International Tax and Financial Crimes group investigated the case.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Mark F. Daly and Trial Attorneys Sara E. Henderson and John C. Gerardi of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranee Katzenstein for the Central District of California prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: RM of East St Paul — Update – Selkirk RCMP investigating after body found in the Red River

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Selkirk RCMP are requesting public assistance in identifying the body pulled from the Red River on September 21, 2024.

    A composite sketch of the male has been completed and Selkirk RCMP are asking anyone who can help identify this person to call 204-482-1222, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or secure tip online at http://www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    Selkirk RCMP continue to investigate.

    On September 21, 2024, at approximately 1:00 pm, Selkirk RCMP responded to a report of a body floating in the Red River near the 3900 block of Henderson Highway, in the RM of East St Paul.

    The autopsy has confirmed that the cause of death is not criminal in nature however identification of the deceased is pending.

    Selkirk RCMP continue to investigate.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: SECNAV Del Toro’s As-Written Remarks Following the Navy Demonstrates First At-sea Reloading of Vertical Launching System

    Source: United States Navy

    Introduction

    Thank you, everyone for joining us today for this truly seminal moment in the history of our Navy. Rearm at sea is one of my top priorities that I’ve been urgently pursuing over the past two years to make our current fleet more formidable.

    Without the ability to rearm at sea, our surface combatants must return to port—sometimes thousands of miles away—to replenish their magazines.

     The ability to rearm at sea will be critical to any future conflict in the Pacific or elsewhere.  Our surface combatants’ exemplary performance in the Red Sea and the eastern Mediterranean over the past year only further reinforces the tremendous value TRAM will bring the Fleet.

     But since the advent of the vertical launch system for our guided missile surface combatants, a true at-sea rearming capability for the main batteries of our cruisers and destroyers has eluded us.

    Until now.

    Today, I was proud to bear witness to the first at-sea use of the Transportable Re-Arming Mechanism (TRAM), which leverages our Navy’s time-proven Connected Underway Replenishment system to provide our surface combatants with a game-changing capability to reload their Vertical Launch Systems while underway in open ocean.

    Testing this week at sea aboard USS CHOSIN and USNS WASHINGTON CHAMBERS was a complete success, including successful TRAM Connected Underway Replenishment operations in Sea State 4.

    I am incredibly proud of the team for their efforts to meet the aggressive timeline that I set to field TRAM across the fleet—beginning with the shore based demonstration earlier this year, and continuing with the at-sea test this week.

    Once TRAM is fully fielded, our surface combatants will be able to keep the sea continuously while pounding any adversary with an overwhelming tempo and volume of long range strikes.

    By enabling our combatants to refill their magazines underway, TRAM offers us a powerful near-term deterrent that will disrupt the strategic calculus of those who would do us harm.

    By investing in innovations like TRAM, we are ensuring that the United States remains the world’s preeminent maritime power.

    The challenges we face in the world today are significant, but so too are our capabilities and our resolve.

    Thank you to the engineers at NAVSEA and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab who made today happen, the crews of CHOSIN and WASHINGTON CHAMBERS who just conducted the first at-sea test of a truly game-changing capability, and to everyone else who had a part in the test today.

     And thanks to all of you, again, for joining us today.

    Now, we’ll open it up for questions. What questions do you have for me?

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fargo, ND Man Indicted for Possession of Firearms and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon and by a Drug User or Addict, and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number

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

    Fargo – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that on October 15, 2024, Amire J. Logan, made his initial appearance and was arraigned in federal court. The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota unsealed an Indictment revealing that a federal grand jury indicted Logan on two counts of Possession of Firearms and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, two counts of Possession of Firearms and Ammunition by a Drug User or Addict, and one count of Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, arising from a June 24, 2024 incident in Fargo, and a September 24, 2024 incident in West Fargo.

    The Indictment in this case is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

    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. PSN is based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This case is being investigated by the Fargo Police Department, the West Fargo Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob T. Rodenbiker.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: La Ronge — La Ronge investigating fatal collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 12, 2024 at approximately 1:30 a.m., La Ronge RCMP received a report of a single vehicle rollover on Highway #165, approximately 15 minutes south of Hall Lake, SK.

    Officers responded along with local EMS. A passenger in the vehicle was transported to hospital by EMS where he was later declared deceased. He has been identified as a 15-year-old male from the La Ronge area. His family has been notified.

    The driver of the vehicle reported no physical injuries to police.

    As a result of continued investigation, an adult male from the La Ronge area was arrested and is charged with:

    • one count, operation while impaired (drug) of motor vehicle causing death, Section 320.14(3), Criminal Code;
    • one count, operation while impaired (alcohol) of motor vehicle causing death, Section 320.14(3), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, dangerous operation of motor vehicle causing death, Section 320.13(3), Criminal Code.

    The adult male appeared in court in La Ronge on October 15, 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Sex Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Traffic Four Women Using Violence and Threats

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Defendant began recruiting women upon release from state prison for sex trafficking

    BOSTON – A Stoughton man, previously convicted of multiple counts of sex trafficking, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to sex trafficking multiple adult women.

    Marvin Pompilus, 39, pleaded guilty to four counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Pompilus was previously arrested and charged in in November 2023, and indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2024. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Jan. 23, 2025.

    In February 2018, Pompilus was convicted in Suffolk Superior Court of multiple counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and deriving support for prostitution. He was sentenced to six years in state prison and was released in October 2021.

    “Marvin Pompilus targeted and brutalized his victims, and this was promptly after he was released from jail following his conviction on similar state charges,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “These crimes are a violation of human dignity and human rights. Our office, along with our federal, state and local partners, are dedicating substantial resources to both protecting victims of trafficking and holding defendants accountable by prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. This is especially true for repeat offenders like Mr. Pompilus.”

    “This defendant callously picked up right where he left off when he was released from state prison, believing that he could profit by peddling drugs and misery to people suffering with substance abuse issues,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant specifically targeted victims who were struggling with addiction to opioids and cocaine, coerced them into sex trafficking and cruelly exploited them because of their vulnerability. The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute human traffickers who exploit for their own personal gain the most vulnerable members of society, such as those experiencing substance abuse disorders.”

    “Marvin Pompilus admitted today that after being released from state prison for sex trafficking, he started doing it again, targeting and exploiting four vulnerable women using violence and threats to force them to engage in commercial sex. What he did is unconscionable, and the harm he’s inflicted on these women is immeasurable,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division. “The FBI will do everything in its power to protect trafficking victims from further harm and see the predators who so viciously abuse them brought to justice.”

    Following his release from state custody in October  2021, Pompilus conspired to exploit and recruit multiple women into the commercial sex trade, using a combination of physical violence, sexual violence, threats of violence, verbal abuse and withholding of controlled substances from drug dependent victims to coerce and/or force them to engage in commercial sex acts. He then collected all of the proceeds.  Pompilus required his victims to check in with him, forbade them from interacting with other men, and precluded them from obtaining drugs from anyone other than him. If one of the victims attempted to keep any of the proceeds from commercial sex or attempted to refuse to see a sex buyer, Pompilus would become physically violent, at times striking the victim in the face and kicking them. Pompilus would also engage in other forms of abuse as well such as using degrading names toward his victims, spitting on them, and throwing drinks on them, as well as isolating them from others.

    If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

    The charge of conspiracy to sex traffic by force, fraud, or coercion provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least two years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; AAG Clarke; and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Boston and Randolph Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley, Chief of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Tokash of the Justice Department’s Human Trafficking Protection Unit are prosecuting the case.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Iqaluit — Update: Air India Flight 127, emergency landing to Iqaluit, Nunavut

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Iqaluit, Nunavut
    Date: 2024-10-15

    The investigation into the emergency landing of Air India flight 127, to Iqaluit, Nunavut is now being handled by the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Federal Arctic Unit. Assistance will be provided by the Nunavut RCMP Criminal Operations Unit and the Northwest Regions National Security Unit.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Kimmirut — Search and Rescue operation in Kimmirut, Nunavut

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Kimmirut, Nunavut
    Date: 2024-10-15
    File: 2024-1508067

    On October 12, 2024 the Kimmirut RCMP received a report that local boaters had discovered a capsized boat off the coast of Big Island, which is about 30 km southwest of Kimmirut, Nunavut.

    Background: On the morning of October 11, 2024, two men were seen travelling west along the coast of Big Island to locate soapstone. On that same day at 10:00 p.m, they used VHF radio that they were on their way back to Kimmirut. On October 12, 2024, in the early hours, boaters discovered the capsized boat and located one deceased male in the water. The search continued for the other male. That same night, a Coast Guard Cormorant helicopter arrived and continued their search for the missing male.

    On October 13, 2024 several local boaters proceeded to the search area to assist. At 6:15 p.m, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre advised Kimmirut RCMP their search had ceased. Kimmirut RCMP continue to work in cooperation with local Search and Rescue volunteers in their efforts to locate the missing male.

    The Kimmirut RCMP would like to thank those who have assisted during this difficult time, our hearts and prayers are with the family.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Summary and Assessment of Agency 2024 Chief FOIA Officer Reports and New Guidelines for 2025 CFO Reports Issued

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Today the Office of Information Policy (OIP) is pleased to release its summary and assessment of agencies’ 2024 Chief FOIA Officer (CFO) Reports.  OIP’s 2024 summary and assessment focuses on steps agencies have taken to improve FOIA administration in five key areas highlighted in the Attorney General’s 2022 FOIA Guidelines:

    • FOIA Leadership and Applying a Presumption of Openness;
    • Ensuring Fair and Effective FOIA Administration;
    • Proactive Disclosures;
    • Utilizing Technology to Improve Efficiency; and
    • Steps Taken to Remove Barriers to Access, Improve Timelines, and Reduce Backlogs.

    This past March marked the fifteenth year that agency CFOs submitted these reports to the Department of Justice.

    OIP encourages agencies and the public to read both OIP’s summary and each agency’s individual report to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various steps taken to improve the administration of the FOIA across the government.

    In addition to the summary, OIP’s 2024 assessment provides a broad overview of agency efforts in several key areas of FOIA administration.  The assessment covers those agencies that received more than 50 requests and distinguishes between high and medium volume agencies, using a five-step scoring system to denote agency success for each milestone.  For the 2024 assessment, OIP selected twenty-two milestones for scoring high volume agencies and twenty milestones for scoring medium volume agencies.  The full assessment, including a detailed methodology, is available as both a spreadsheet and PDF.

    Based on the review of the 2024 reports, OIP has included guidance to assist agencies in making further improvements to FOIA administration in the years ahead.  This guidance addresses FOIA training and the role of the Chief FOIA Officer, maintaining current FOIA websites, and timely processing of and reporting accurate metrics for requests for expedition. 

    OIP’s yearly assessment is intended to serve as a vehicle to both recognize agency successes and to identify areas where further improvement can be made.  You can read OIP’s 2024 Summary and Assessment of Agency CFO Reports on our Reports page alongside previous summaries and assessments.  OIP’s guidance for further improvement based on our review of agency 2024 CFO Reports is available both as a part of this year’s summary as well as on our Guidance page.

    OIP is also issuing new guidelines for agencies’ 2025 CFO Reports, which continue to focus on the five key areas of FOIA administration highlighted in the Attorney General’s 2022 FOIA Guidelines.  The 2025 CFO Report Guidelines once again include separate reporting requirements for agencies depending on the number of FOIA requests received in the prior fiscal year.  Agencies that received 50 requests or less in Fiscal Year 2023 are encouraged to report on any efforts or success stories that are not captured in their Fiscal Year 2024 Annual FOIA Report.  All other agencies receiving more than 50 requests have more extensive reporting requirements.

    Agencies that received more than 50 requests must submit their draft 2025 Chief FOIA Officer Reports to OIP for review by no later than Monday, January 13, 2025.  For the remaining agencies receiving 50 requests or less in Fiscal Year 2023, if they do have information to report, they must provide their reports by no later than Friday, February 7, 2025.  A listing of all agencies with a link to their reporting requirements is included at the end of the Guidelines.

    Additional details on the review and submission process are included in the Guidelines.  OIP will once again host refresher training on the preparation of the 2025 Chief FOIA Officer Reports.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Contractor Settles False Claims Act Liability for Failing to Secure Medicare Beneficiary Data

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    ASRC Federal Data Solutions LLC (AFDS), headquartered in Reston, Virginia, has agreed to resolve False Claims Act allegations in connection with a government contract related to its storage of unsecured personally identifiable information of Medicare beneficiaries. Under the resolution, AFDS will pay $306,722. It will also waive any rights to reimbursement for remediating a data breach involving the information, including at least $877,578 in costs it incurred notifying beneficiaries and providing credit monitoring. AFDS promptly notified the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the data breach, worked with CMS to address the impact of the breach, cooperated with the Justice Department’s investigation and took other remedial measures.

    “Government contractors that handle personal information must take required steps to safeguard that information from cyberattacks,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will vigilantly pursue contractors that fail to comply with required cybersecurity protocols, while at the same time extending cooperation credit where warranted for self-disclosure, cooperation and remediation.”

    AFDS provided certain Medicare support services under a contract with CMS. The settlement resolves allegations that from March 10, 2021, through Oct. 8, 2022, AFDS and a subcontractor stored screenshots from CMS systems containing personally identifiable information and potentially personal health information of Medicare beneficiaries on the subcontractor’s server without individually encrypting the files to protect them against exposure in the event of a breach. The subcontractor’s server employed disk-level encryption that protected files from unauthorized access but not from access using authorized credentials. The subcontractor’s server was breached by a third party in October 2022 and the unencrypted screenshots were allegedly compromised during that breach.

    The United States alleged that the storing of screenshots on the subcontractor’s server violated AFDS’ contractual cybersecurity requirements, and that AFDS knowingly billed CMS in violation of these requirements.

    “Safeguarding patients’ sensitive personal information is of paramount importance,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen Niemczak of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This settlement demonstrates the commitment by HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners to use every available tool to protect the health care data of all Americans and to investigate allegations of fraud, waste and abuse against the public and taxpayer-funded health care programs.”

    On Oct. 6, 2021, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco announced the department’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative, which aims to hold accountable entities or individuals that put U.S information or systems at risk by knowingly providing deficient cybersecurity products or services, knowingly misrepresenting their cybersecurity practices or protocols or knowingly violating obligations to monitor and report cybersecurity incidents and breaches. Information on how to report cyber fraud can be found here.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and HHS-OIG.

    Senior Trial Counsel Jonathan H. Gold of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section handled the matter.

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

    Settlement

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Air Force Member Indicted for 2019 Sexual Assault at Air Base in the United Kingdom

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A former U.S. Air Force member was charged in an indictment unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida with sexually assaulting another service member at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, in May 2019.

    The indictment charges James Loubeau, 36, of Miami, with one count of sexual abuse and two counts of abusive sexual contact. Loubeau made his initial court appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

    According to the indictment, on May 4, 2019, Loubeau sexually assaulted the victim at Royal Air Force Mildenhall. Loubeau was later discharged from the Air Force in March 2020. The charges were brought under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA), which establishes U.S. jurisdiction over certain offenses committed abroad by, among others, persons who served with the armed forces but who are no longer subject to military prosecution.

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

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Michael Koellner of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI); and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The Air Force OSI and FBI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Ryan Lipes of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Arielle Klepach for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Civil Rights Charges for Committing Sex Trafficking of Victims Addicted to Opioids and Cocaine and Other Offenses

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today to four counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.

    According to court documents, Marvin Pompilus, 39, of Stoughton, conspired to use force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to compel three adult victims to engage in commercial sex acts in the Randolph, Massachusetts, area between October 2021 and October 2022. He also conspired to compel another other adult victim to engage in commercial sex acts in September 2022. In addition, Pompilus pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute in September 2022. Pompilus was previously arrested and charged in November 2023. He has remained in federal custody.

    According to court documents, Pompilus knew that the victims abused opioids and cocaine, and he specifically targeted the victims because of this vulnerability. For example, Pompilus promised the victims cocaine, heroin and fentanyl in exchange for engaging in commercial sex, with all the profits of the sex acts going directly to Pompilus. Pompilus also possessed distribution quantities of cocaine and fentanyl when Randolph Police Department conducted a car stop in September 2022 and found these drugs inside the crotch of his pants.

    Court documents also demonstrate that Pompilus was previously convicted in Suffolk Superior Court in February 2018 of multiple counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and deriving support for prostitution. Pompilus was sentenced to six years in state prison and he was released in October 2021. Within days of his release, Pompilus began the sex trafficking conspiracy to which he pleaded guilty today.

    “This defendant callously picked up right where he left off when he was released from state prison, believing that he could profit by peddling drugs and misery to people suffering with substance abuse issues,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant specifically targeted victims who were struggling with addiction to opioids and cocaine, coerced them into sex trafficking and cruelly exploited them because of their vulnerability. The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute human traffickers who exploit for their own personal gain the most vulnerable members of society, such as those experiencing substance abuse disorders.”

    “Marvin Pompilus targeted and brutalized his victims, and this was promptly after he was released from jail following his conviction on similar state charges,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “These crimes are a violation of human dignity and human rights. Our office, along with our federal, state and local partners, are dedicating substantial resources to both protecting victims of trafficking and holding defendants accountable by prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. This is especially true for repeat offenders like Mr. Pompilus.”

    “Marvin Pompilus admitted today that as soon as he got out of state prison for sex trafficking, he started doing it again, targeting and exploiting four vulnerable women using violence and threats to force them to engage in commercial sex,” said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Boston Field Office. “What he did is unconscionable, and the harm he’s inflicted on these women is immeasurable. The FBI will do everything in its power to protect trafficking victims from further harm and see the predators who so viciously abuse them brought to justice.”

    A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2025. According to the plea agreement, Pompilus faces a minimum penalty of 12 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Boston Field Office, Massachusetts State Police and Randolph Police Department investigated the case. Massachusetts State Police Troopers Ashleigh Moore and John Hagerty are especially commended for identifying Pompilus and detecting his trafficking scheme during a routine car stop in the summer of 2021.

    Chief of the Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit Liz Riley-Cunniffe for the District of Massachusetts and Trial Attorney Meghan Tokash of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.

    Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit http://www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at http://www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ringleader Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Key Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

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

    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Derrell Cashawn Massey, also known as “Rell” and “Fat Rell,” 34, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Massey admitted to a leading role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Southern District of West Virginia.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 3, 2023, Massey distributed approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at a Ninth Street residence in Huntington where Massey was living. The confidential informant had called Massey beforehand to arrange the transaction, agreeing to pay $2,000 in exchange for the methamphetamine.

    Massey admitted to the transaction and further admitted to participating in the DTO from at least November 2022 through November 2023. Massey’s participation included arranging for quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl to be transported from Detroit and other areas to Huntington for distribution. Massey also distributed at least 30 pounds of methamphetamine to a specific customer in Nitro, West Virginia, and directed other individuals to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl to various customers. Massey admitted that he aided and abetted the distribution of a total of 8.6 pounds of methamphetamine on 10 separate occasions between February 27, 2023, and September 7, 2023.

    Massey and other DTO participants used multiple residences to store and distribute quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, including Massey’s Ninth Avenue residence in Huntington. On September 12, 2023, law enforcement officers seized six 9mm semiautomatic pistols at Massey’s Ninth Avenue residence.

    Massey is among 27 individuals indicted in a 53-count indictment that charges the defendants with distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl transported from Detroit, Michigan, in Huntington and other locations within the Southern District of West Virginia.

    Massey is also among 21 defendants who have pleaded guilty in the main case. One other of the 27 indicted individuals pleaded guilty to a related offense in a separate case. The indictment against the remaining defendants is pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.

    United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.

    The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-180.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Federal Drug Crime

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

    BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Keith Deshon Adams, 39, of Statesville, North Carolina, was sentenced today to 13 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 7, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in Oak Hill in which Adams was a passenger. Adams admitted that he tried to flee on foot after he was asked to exit the vehicle and stand at the front of an officer’s cruiser. An officer deployed a taser to stop Adams. While struggling with the officer, Adams opened a cross-body bag he was wearing and retrieved a plastic baggy containing fentanyl powder from it. Adams tore open the bag, causing the fentanyl to spill out of the bag and onto the officer’s clothing, face and mouth. The officer ingested some of the fentanyl and began suffering an apparent overdose.

    Other officers secured Adams. A second officer suffered an apparent overdose after ingesting some of the spilled fentanyl. Both officers were taken to the hospital and treated with naloxone.

    Adams admitted that the cross-body bag contained controlled substances including methamphetamine, fentanyl and tablets containing methamphetamine and ecstasy.

    Adams has a long criminal history with prior convictions for such offenses as unlawful transport of firearms, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and failure to register as a sex offender.

    United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Oak Hill Police Department, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

    Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-152.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Ammunition

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

    FRESNO, Calif. — Jamar Johnson, 30, of Fresno, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, on Dec. 8, 2019, a shooting occurred at the ARCO station at Fresno and C Streets in Fresno. During the incident, Johnson drove his silver Mercedes in the ARCO lot and fired a handgun at another vehicle. After the Johnson left the area, a cellphone belonging to Johnson was found in the parking lot where the Mercedes had been parked along with .45 caliber shell casings.

    The judge noted a number of factors supporting the sentence, including this being Johnson’s third firearms-related conviction, each of the firearms-related convictions involving Johnson discharging a firearm, Johnson’s history of violating the terms of his supervision, and continued risky behavior that put the community in danger. At the time of this offense, Johnson was on federal supervised release for a federal conviction for conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He violated the terms of his supervised release on that conviction within 71 days of commencing supervision.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez prosecuted the case.

    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 U.S. 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Initiates First Practical Steps of Additional Measures at Sea Near Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    International experts participated in the marine sampling, which included hands-on activities to take samples for subsequent analysis in their own laboratories. (Photo: IAEA)

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) initiated today the first practical steps of additional measures at sea near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS). The IAEA carried out marine sampling as an initial step, leveraging the presence of experts from various countries who were in Japan for a mission to collect samples for the latest IAEA interlaboratory comparison (ILC) related to the ALPS treated water discharge.

    This follows last month’s announcements by China and Japan that indicated their mutual agreement to implement additional measures, which will facilitate wider participation of other stakeholders under the framework of the IAEA. The Agency confirms that this agreement is built on its existing sampling and monitoring activities in compliance with the IAEA statutory functions.

    International experts from China’s Third Institute of Oceanography, the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety and Switzerland’s Spiez Laboratory — members of the IAEA’s Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA) network — participated in the marine sampling near FDNPS, which included hands-on activities to take samples for subsequent analysis in their own laboratories.

    Experts from China, the Republic of Korea and Switzerland participated in the marine sampling near Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. (Photo: IAEA)

    “The Agency will continue to coordinate with Japan and other stakeholders, including China, to ensure that the additional measures are implemented appropriately under the framework of the IAEA, maintaining the integrity of the process with full transparency to ensure that water discharge levels are, and will continue to be, in strict compliance and consistent with international safety standards,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. 

    The IAEA views this mission as a timely opportunity to initiate the first practical steps towards full implementation of the additional measures. The Agency will continue its impartial, independent and objective safety review during the discharge phase, by having a continuous onsite presence, corroborating monitoring data through ILCs and providing live online monitoring. The IAEA will continue liaising at the technical level to ensure smooth implementation of the additional measures.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Police constable charged with rape

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A serving officer has been charged with rape.

    PC Tony Watts, attached to the North Area Command Unit, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 16 October.

    The charge relates to an incident which was reported in May 2022 and is alleged to have happened between mid-January 2020 and early February 2020 when the officer was off duty.

    PC Watts was arrested in May 2022 and later released on bail. He was charged on Wednesday, 25 September 2024.

    The victim, a woman known to him, has been informed.

    PC Watts has been suspended from duty.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man in custody for carrying 18 knives

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man is in custody this morning after being found carrying 18 knives, likely destined for south London gangs.

    The man, aged 23, was arrested by Specialist Crime officers carrying out a proactive operation to crack down on gang-related violence.

    Intelligence gathered led officers to conduct a stop and search on the man on Monday, 14 October at around 14.00hrs outside Edmonton Green train station. After resisting the stop and search, officers discovered 18 knives as well as a quantity of class A and B drugs in a drawstring bag.

    The man was arrested on suspicion of possession of offensive weapons, and with intent to supply class A and B drugs.

    The man remains in custody at a north London police station.

    Detective Inspector Lewis Sanderson, who led the operation, said: 

    “Time and again, knife crime and gang violence have terrible far-reaching consequences that affect both the victims and the communities around them.

    “That is why the Met’s operation to crack down on gangs and knife crime is so important, and it is why communities stand firm with us in this determination. This arrest is a welcome step towards removing weapons off our streets and tackling gang violence.

    “We are committed to making the capital a safer place, by reducing crime that impacts individuals, our communities and businesses.”

    Under A New Met for London officers are intensifying efforts to reduce knife crime and crackdown on violent gangs, while actively engaging with the local communities to foster collaboration and trust.

    Officers and staff continue encourage residents to voice any concerns and help us create safer neighbourhoods for everybody. If anyone has information or wishes to report a crime, they can call 101 for non-emergencies, or dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can report a crime through our website.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Iqaluit — Emergency Landing at Iqaluit, Nunavut

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Iqaluit, Nunavut
    Date: 2024-10-15

    On October 15, 2024 at approximately 5:21 a.m, Air India flight 127 made an emergency landing to Iqaluit, Nunavut. The flight departed from New Delhi and was enroute to Chicago. All 211 passenger and crew disembarked the aircraft and were relocated to the Iqaluit International airport.

    Updates will be provided, once more information becomes available.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Kugluktuk — David Kuliktana arrested – RCMP seeking public assistance

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On August 30, 2024, Kugluktuk RCMP obtained a warrant to arrest from the Nunavut Court of Justice for David Kuliktana.

    On September 05, 2024, Kugluktuk RCMP, V Division RCMP Containment Team along with K Division Emergency Response Team, arrested 31-year-old David Kuliktana at a cabin outside Kugluktuk.

    David Kuliktana is charged with:

    • Section 88 – Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
    • Section 151 – Sexual Interference;
    • Section 264.1(a) – Uttering Threats x 3;
    • Section 264(2)(d) – Criminal Harassment;
    • Section 266 – Assault x 2;
    • Section 267(a) – Assault with a weapon x 2;
    • Section 267(b) – Assault causing bodily harm x 2;
    • Section 267 (c) – Assault by choking x 2;
    • Section 271 – Sexual Assault x 2;
    • Section 279(2) – Forcible Confinement x 2;
    • Section 423(1)(a) – Intimidation to abstain from reporting x 2;
    • Section 733.1(1) – Fail to comply with Probation Order x 3

    David Kuliktana appeared before court and was remanded until his next court appearance on October 22, 2024 in Iqaluit, NU.

    Information received by Kugluktuk RCMP indicate that there may additional victims in the community. Anyone with information or wishing to come forward, is asked to please call Kugluktuk RCMP at 982-1111.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder investigation launched following fatal Tottenham shooting

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A murder investigation has been launched in Tottenham following the fatal shooting of a man in his 40s.

    On Tuesday, 15 October police were called to Waltheof Gardens, N17 at 09:00hrs following reports of a shooting.

    Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and found a man with a gunshot injury.

    Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene. His next of kin has been informed.

    At this stage, there have been no arrests and enquiries into the circumstances continue.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, in charge of policing for North Area which covers Haringey, said: “I am devastated by the tragic loss of life, and I recognise the concern that this incident will cause for local residents.

    “I want to reassure you that we have a team of specialist officers already working diligently to establish the circumstances of this shooting.

    “You may notice an increased police presence in the area as officers carry out vital enquiries. We would encourage you to speak to them with any concerns.

    “If you have any information that you think may assist with our investigation, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. We want to hear from you, even if you feel like your information may be insignificant.”

    A crime scene remains in place at the location while enquiries are carried out.

    Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD1613/15OCT. You can upload information and material online.

    You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –