NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Warns Americans About Elder Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Sunday, June 15, the FBI is reminding elderly Americans and their loved ones about elder fraud. This type of fraud takes many forms as criminals seek to take advantage of this vulnerable and growing population. The FBI is committed to educating the public about these scams and investigating financial fraud schemes against seniors. Not only are there devastating financial consequences, but these victims and their loved ones can suffer great emotional and mental effects because of these scams.  

    The FBI investigates financial scams targeting seniors, including investment scams, technical/customer support schemes, money mule and romance scams, and others. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, in 2024 there was a total of $4.885 billion in losses from 147,127 complaints. This is a 46% increase in complaints from 2023, as well as a 43% increase in losses.

    In Ohio, 5,389 individuals over the age of 60 lost more than $95 million with investment scam losses totaling over $31 million, confidence/romance scam losses totaling over $11 million, and tech support scam losses totaling over $10 million in 2024. The FBI continues to work with our local and federal partners to tackle elder fraud and stop those who attempt to harm the elderly.

    The FBI is focused on finding and investigating criminals preying on the trust of older Americans,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “Scams are becoming more complex, and scammers have become savvier, adding multiple levels of deceit from the moment they make contact by working in tandem with other criminals to give the illusion of legitimacy. The FBI will continue its pursuit to identify these criminals and dismantle scam and fraud-based networks.”

    Seniors are frequently targeted by criminal actors, as they are often perceived to be more polite and trusting. These actors may also assume that seniors are more financially stable, own real estate, spend a great deal of time alone, and are less likely to report fraud if they feel ashamed or are unfamiliar with reporting channels such as IC3.gov.

    Fraud can happen to anyone, and small steps can be taken to protect yourself and your information: 

    • Search online for the contact information (name, phone number, email, addresses) of any unknown source which reaches out to you, as well as the proposed offer. Verify the legitimacy of businesses on websites such as Better Business Bureau. Other people have likely posted information online about businesses and individuals attempting to run scams.
    • Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to lure victims into immediate action, typically by instilling trust and inducing empathy or fear, or the promise of monetary gains, companionship, or employment opportunities.  
    • Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
    • Never give or send to unverified people or businesses any personally-identifiable information, money, checks, gift cards, or wire information.
    • Take precautionary measures to protect your identity should a criminal gain access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity. 

    If you believe you are a victim of fraud, or know a senior who may be—regardless of financial loss—immediately report the incident to your local FBI field office or other law enforcement agency, or

    • by calling 1-800-CALL FBI, or
    • online at tips.fbi.gov or
    • to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Honolulu Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Warns Americans of Elder Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the FBI is reminding elderly Americans and their loved ones about elder fraud. This type of fraud takes many forms as criminals seek to take advantage of this vulnerable and growing population. The FBI is committed to educating the public about these scams and investigating financial fraud schemes against seniors. Not only are there devastating financial consequences, but these victims and their loved ones can suffer great emotional and mental effects because of these scams.

    The FBI investigates financial scams targeting seniors, including investment scams, technical/customer support schemes, money mule and romance scams, and others. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, in 2024 there was a total of $4.885 billion in losses from 147,127 complaints. This is a 46% increase in complaints from 2023, as well as a 43% increase in losses. In Hawaii, total losses were $18,851,052 in 2024, with investment scam losses totaling over half of that number at $9,809,411. The FBI continues to work with our local and federal partners to tackle elder fraud and stop those who attempt to harm the elderly.

    “While financial scams are nothing new, the high-tech methods scammers use are constantly evolving with technology. Investment scams are particularly malicious as they prey on victims’ emotions and drain them of their life savings,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “The FBI is committed to investigating, disrupting, and bringing these criminals to justice. We encourage our community to use caution when sending money to others, and to contact the FBI if you think you could be the victim of a scam.”

    Seniors are frequently targeted by criminal actors, as they are often perceived to be more polite and trusting. These actors may also assume that seniors are more financially stable, own real estate, spend a great deal of time alone, and are less likely to report fraud if they feel ashamed or are unfamiliar with reporting channels such as IC3.gov.

    Fraud can happen to anyone, and small steps can be taken to protect yourself and your information:

    • Search online for the contact information (name, phone number, e-mail, addresses) of any unknown source which reaches out to you, as well as the proposed offer. Verify the legitimacy of businesses on websites such as Better Business Bureau. Other people have likely posted information online about businesses and individuals attempting to run scams.
    • Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to lure victims into immediate action, typically by instilling trust and inducing empathy or fear, or the promise of monetary gains, companionship, or employment opportunities.
    • Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
    • Never give or send to unverified people or businesses any personally-identifiable information, money, checks, gift cards, or wire information.
    • Take precautionary measures to protect your identity should a criminal gain access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.

    If you believe you are a victim of fraud, or know a senior who may be—regardless of financial loss—immediately report the incident to your local FBI field office or other law enforcement agency, or

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baxter Springs, Kansas, Man Charged with Child Pornography Possession

    Source: US FBI

    WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man has been charged through criminal complaint in Wichita, Kansas, on allegations related to child sexual abuse materials.  

    According to court documents, Kenneth Norman Baker, 41, of Baxter Springs is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case.

    Project Safe Childhood
    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan Sentenced to Seven and a Half Years in Prison After Corruption Conviction

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A federal judge in Chicago today sentenced former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives MICHAEL J. MADIGAN to seven and a half years in federal prison for using his official position to corruptly solicit and receive personal financial rewards for himself and his associates.

    A jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago earlier this year convicted Madigan of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States; using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity; wire fraud; and bribery.  Evidence at the four-month trial revealed that Madigan, who served as House Speaker and occupied a number of other political roles, conspired with others to cause the utility company Commonwealth Edison to make monetary payments to Madigan’s associates as a reward for their loyalty to Madigan, in return for performing little or no legitimate work for the business.  The true nature of the payments was to influence and reward Madigan in connection with specific legislation ComEd sought in the Illinois General Assembly.

    Madigan, 83, of Chicago, also schemed with an Alderman of the Chicago City Council to steer legal work to Madigan’s private law firm and Madigan’s son, in exchange for Madigan’s assistance in inducing the Governor of Illinois to appoint the Alderman to a compensated state board position.

    After reviewing Madigan’s criminal conduct and finding that Madigan perjured himself repeatedly in his trial testimony, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey imposed the seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence and fined Madigan $2.5 million.

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Ramsey E. Covington, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago.  The government was represented today by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Streicker, Diane MacArthur, and Julia Schwartz.

    “Corruption at the highest level of the state legislature tears at the fabric of a vital governing body,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.  “It was the grit and determination of our team of prosecutors and law enforcement agents, led by our former colleague, Amarjeet S. Bhachu, who served as the Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Public Corruption and Organized Crime Section until earlier this year, that allowed this case to reach a jury and send a clear message that the criminal conduct by former Speaker Madigan was unacceptable.  I couldn’t be prouder of the strong commitment of our law enforcement partners at the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.  Our Office and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to vigorously prosecute corruption at all levels of government and hold public officials accountable for violating the public trust.”

    “Mr. Madigan was elected to serve the people of Illinois, but his actions demonstrated time and time again that his priority was his own personal interests and gain,” said FBI SAC DePodesta. “Thanks to the dedicated investigative and prosecutorial teams, he will now be held accountable for those criminal actions.  The FBI remains dedicated to aggressively investigating corruption and fraud to ensure that the public has faith in our democratic institutions and elected leaders who are truly honest and fair.”

    “Today’s sentencing marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to uphold the integrity of public service,” said IRS-CI SAC Covington.  “Through meticulously tracing the flow of illicit funds tied to legislative influence and no‑show jobs, our team has demonstrated that no individual—regardless of stature or tenure—is beyond the reach of the law.  Holding Michael J. Madigan accountable today reinforces the core principle that public trust is sacred, and those who betray it will be brought to justice.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arrest Made in D.C. Jail Homicide

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Marquise Jones, 26, of the District of Columbia, was arrested Tuesday on charges of second-degree murder while armed with a knife, for the jailhouse death of 29-year-old Carlos Shelley on May 12, 2025. The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Jones was presented today before Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum, who ordered Jones held without bond until a July 2, 2025 preliminary hearing before Judge Todd Edelman. 

                On Monday, May 12, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m., First District officers responded to the Central Detention Facility in the 1900 block of D Street, Southeast, for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male, unconscious and not breathing, suffering from life-threatening stab wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and after finding no signs consistent with life, the victim was pronounced deceased.

                This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly K. Smith.

                A criminal charge 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: Pierce County man charged with illegally possessing ammunition as part of an investigation over threats to detonate a bomb

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant allegedly sent a ‘manifesto’ in connection with anger over his father’s death some 20 years ago

    Tacoma – A 46-year-old resident of Graham, Washington was charged today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma following the investigation into his threats to build a bomb and set it off in a public area, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. David Michael Eddo was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance on the criminal complaint charging him with illegal possession of ammunition this afternoon. He is scheduled for a detention hearing on Wednesday June 18, 2025. He remains detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac.

    According to the criminal complaint, Eddo is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammuniti0n because of his conviction for drive-by shooting and assault. In that 2019 case, Eddo fired multiple shots into the cab of a semi-truck that was on the I-5 exit ramp to the Port of Tacoma. He was sentenced to 26 months in prison.

    In early May 2025, Eddo came to the attention of the FBI for writing a ‘manifesto’ in which he claimed to be building and deploying a bomb to get ‘justice’ for his father who died approximately 20 years ago at the Port of Tacoma. Eddo allegedly names certain people who were involved in litigation over his father’s death as targets in the manifesto.

    On June 12, 2025, law enforcement searched Eddo’s Graham home and recovered various items that could be used to make an explosive device including Ammonium Perchlorate also called Potassium Nitrate. Eddo had no license to purchase, use, or store explosives.

    Additionally, agents recovered two different types of ammunition. Unlawful possession of ammunition is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

    The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The FBI is leading the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elyne Vaught.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: District of Arizona Charges 266 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from June 7, 2025, through June 13, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 266 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 108 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 140 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 16 cases against 18 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

    Recent matters of interest include:

    United States v. Fernando Alvin Robles:  On June 9, 2025, Fernando Alvin Robles drove a vehicle to the Interstate 19 immigration checkpoint. While Robles was at primary inspection, agents noticed that he was looking around as if he was searching for an exit. Robles then gave the agents consent to search the trunk of his vehicle and was referred to secondary inspection for the search. Robles parked outside of the secondary inspection area, but as agents approached the vehicle to direct him to the designated area, Robles drove off at a high rate of speed. Agents pursued Robles and he eventually came to a stop approximately 9 miles later. During a search of Robles’ trunk, agents found a Guatemalan citizen hiding inside who was illegally present in the United States. Robles was charged by criminal complaint with Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit and Illegal Re-entry. [Case Number: 25‐MJ‐05230]

    United States v. Jesus Maldonado-Cortez, United States v. Jessie Pacheco Jose, and United States v. Miguel Alejandro Abril-Miramon:  On June 8, 2025, Border Patrol Agents observed Jesus Maldonado‐Cortez driving on a rural dirt road commonly used by smuggling organizations. Agents initiated a vehicle stop to conduct an immigration inspection, but Maldonado‐Cortez failed to yield. As agents pursued Maldonado‐Cortez, he drove through a barbed wire fence and off the road. Agents continued their pursuit on foot and ran to the vehicle’s last location. When they approached the vehicle, they observed that the driver’s door was open and there was no one inside. Agents searched the area and apprehended one individual approximately 300 meters from the vehicle, who was determined to be a citizen of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. The next day, agents received information about a group of five suspected illegal aliens in close proximity to the place where the vehicle stopped. Agents responded to the area and apprehended all five subjects, including Maldonado‐Cortez. All five individuals were determined to be citizens of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. Maldonado‐Cortez was charged with Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit and Illegal Re‐entry. Two of the other subjects apprehended, Jessie Pacheco Jose and Miguel Alejandro Abril‐Miramon, were charged with Illegal Re‐entry. [Case Numbers: 25‐MJ‐05181; 25‐MJ‐05250; 25‐MJ‐05233]

    A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-094_June 13 Immigration Enforcement

    # # #

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alameda Man Indicted On Charges Stemming From Theft Of $800,000 From Prepaid Debit Cards

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury has indicted Nathan Wu-Falkenborg on 15 counts of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with the alleged theft of funds from prepaid debit cards. Wu-Falkenborg made an initial appearance in federal district court today.

    According to the indictment filed June 4, 2025, and unsealed today, Wu-Falkenborg, 49, of Alameda, worked in fraud prevention at a company that administered a prepaid debit card program. Known as Direct Express, the program allowed recipients of federal benefits to access their benefits through a prepaid debit card account. Between September 2021 and March 2022, Wu-Falkenborg allegedly used his access to confidential account information to activate and use numerous Direct Express accounts that had been funded but did not appear to be in use. The indictment describes that Wu-Falkenborg fraudulently obtained approximately $800,000 from these Direct Express accounts by way of several hundred ATM withdrawals around the Bay Area and online transactions.

    Wu-Falkenborg is also charged with the unauthorized use of a Direct Express customer’s identity to open various accounts that he used to execute the scheme and unlawfully using debit cards associated with two victim customers.

    United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

    Wu-Falkenborg was released on bond. He is scheduled to appear in district court on July 9, 2025, for a status conference before U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer.          

    Wu-Falkenborg is charged with 12 counts of bank fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344(1), (2) and three counts of aggravated identity theft in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A(a)(1). An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million for each bank fraud charge, and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each aggravated identity theft charge. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Buszin and Charles Bisesto are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Tina Rosenbaum. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National With Two Prior Deportations Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Drug Trafficking Of Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national who twice illegally reentered the United States after previously being removed from the country was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his role in the trafficking of fentanyl to Nevada, Colorado, and California.

    Marco Antonio Quezada-Ramirez is a citizen and national of Mexico and he pleaded guilty to one-count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

    According to court documents, Marco Antonio Quezada-Ramirez admitted that beginning on a date unknown and continuing up to on or about September 19, 2023, there was an agreement between him and his co-defendants to distribute fentanyl in the United States. As part of the agreement, Quezada-Ramirez admitted that on June 8, 2023, he a sold approximately 600 fentanyl pills, and on July 12, 2023, he sold approximately 500 fentanyl pills. On July 31, 2023,   Quezada-Ramirez received a shipment of approximately 30,000 fentanyl pills that was intended for resale. Law enforcement recovered the 30,000 fentanyl pills during a traffic stop in Las Vegas along with cocaine and heroin.

    United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Deputy Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Los Angeles Division, which oversees Las Vegas, made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the DEA and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Melanee Smith prosecuted the case.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jon Waugh, age 55, from Sioux City, Iowa, a man who possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it within 1,000 feet of a protected location pled guilty June 12, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City.

    On August 14, 2024, law enforcement officers contacted Waugh outside his apartment for an outstanding arrest warrant, while he was on his way to sell methamphetamine.  Officers searched Waugh and found and seized approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine and $854 in cash.  Law enforcement officers searched Waugh’s residence and seized over one kilogram of methamphetamine, a scale with meth, drug paraphernalia, and four firearms, one of which was stolen.  At the plea hearing, Waugh admitted he planned to distribute the methamphetamine to other individuals in Sioux City.  Waugh’s residence was within 1,000 feet of a protected location, specifically a local elementary school in Sioux City. 

    Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Waugh remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Waugh faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and at least ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig Hamit.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Director General Grossi’s Statement to UNSC on Situation in Iran

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Early this morning, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was informed of the military operation launched by Israel which includes attacks on nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

    As I reported this morning to the IAEA Board of Governors, we have been in permanent contact with the Iran Nuclear Regulatory Authority, to ascertain the status of relevant nuclear facilities and to assess any wider impacts on nuclear safety and security.

    Iran has confirmed that at present, only the Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant site has been attacked in today’s strikes. This facility contains the Fuel Enrichment Plant and the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant.

    At Natanz, the above-ground part of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, where Iran was producing uranium enriched up to 60% U-235, has been destroyed.

    Electricity infrastructure at the facility (electrical sub-station, main electric power supply building, emergency power supply and back-up generators) has been destroyed.

    There is no indication of a physical attack on the underground cascade hall containing part of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant and the main Fuel Enrichment Plant. However, the loss of power to the cascade hall may have damaged the centrifuges there.

    The level of radioactivity outside the Natanz site has remained unchanged and at normal levels indicating no external radiological impact to the population or the environment from this event.

    However, due to the impacts, there is radiological and chemical contamination inside the facilities in Natanz. The type of radiation present inside the facility, primarily alpha particles, is manageable with appropriate radiation protection measures.

    At present, the Iranian authorities are informing us of attacks on the other facilities, the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant; and Esfahan site, where a fuel plate fabrication plant, a fuel manufacturing plant, a uranium conversion facility and an enriched UO2 powder plant are located. However I have to inform that at this moment we do not have enough information beyond indicating that military activity has been taking place around these facilities as well which initially had not been part of military operation.

    All these developments are deeply concerning. I have repeatedly stated that nuclear facilities must never be attacked, regardless of the context or circumstances, as it could harm both people and the environment.  Such attacks have serious implications for nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as regional and international peace and security.

    In this regard, the IAEA recalls the numerous General Conference resolutions on the topic of military attacks against nuclear facilities, in particular, GC(XXIX)/RES/444 and GC(XXXIV)/RES/533, which provide, inter alia, that “any armed attack on and threat against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law and the Statute of the Agency”. 

    Furthermore, the IAEA has consistently underlined that “armed attacks on nuclear facilities could result in radioactive releases with grave consequences within and beyond the boundaries of the State which has been attacked”, as was stated in GC(XXXIV)/RES/533.

    As Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and consistent with the objectives of the IAEA under the IAEA Statute, I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond.

    Madame Under Secretary General evoked that yesterday, the Board of Governors of the IAEA adopted an important resolution on Iran’s safeguards obligations. In addition to this, the Board resolution stressed its support for a diplomatic solution to the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear programme.

    The IAEA continues to monitor the situation closely.  Our Incident and Emergency Center (IEC) has maintained continuous contact with Iranian authorities from the onset of the attack, regularly confirming the status of the facilities and will continue to do so in the coming days. Additionally, we have established a task force comprising several senior staff members to monitor the situation closely over the next few days, and they will be available 24/7at the disposal of the UNSC.

    The IAEA stands ready to provide technical assistance, and remains committed to its nuclear safety, security and safeguards mandate in all circumstances. I stand ready to engage with all relevant parties to help ensure the protection of nuclear facilities and the continued peaceful use of nuclear technology in accordance with the Agency mandate, including, deploying Agency nuclear security and safety experts (in addition to our safeguards inspectors in Iran) wherever necessary to ensure that nuclear installations are fully protected and continue to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

    As I informed today the IAEA Board of Governors, I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran.

    I have also been in contact with our inspectors in Iran and Israel. The safety of our staff is of paramount importance. All necessary actions are being taken to ensure they are not harmed.

    Despite the current military actions and heightened tensions, it is clear that the only sustainable path forward—for Iran, for Israel, the entire region, and the international community—is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace, stability, and cooperation. 

    The International Atomic Energy Agency, as the International technical institution entrusted with overseeing the peaceful use of nuclear energy, remains a unique and vital forum for dialogue, especially now. 

    In accordance with its Statute and longstanding mandate, the IAEA provides the framework and natural platform where facts prevail over rhetoric and where engagement can replace escalation. 

    I reaffirm the Agency’s readiness to facilitate technical discussions and support efforts that promote transparency, safety, security and the peaceful resolution of nuclear-related issues in Iran.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marrero Man Sentenced for Narcotics and Weapons Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on June 10, 2025, TYRIQUE RICHARDS, age 28, of Marrero, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to 66 months imprisonment and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D), as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  Following imprisonment, RICHARDS, will be placed on supervised release for three (3) years.

    According to court documents, on February 27, 2024, February Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGTF) members arrested RICHARDS pursuant to local parish attachments.  Upon arrest, RICHARDS was found in possession of marijuana, cocaine, a digital scale, and a Glock 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 launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard, partner agencies detain 13 Mexican fishermen, seizes 1,500 pounds of illegally caught fish off Texas coast

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 06/13/2025 06:00 PM EDT

     News Release  

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

     

    06/13/2025 05:43 PM EDT

    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Coast Guard and partner agencies interdicted and detained 13 Mexican fishermen engaged in illegal fishing and seized approximately 1,500 pounds of fish in federal waters off southern Texas, Friday.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Afghan National Pleads Guilty to Plotting Election Day Terror Attack in the United States

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, a native and citizen of Afghanistan, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Oklahoma City to two terrorism-related offenses: conspiring and attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a federal crime of terrorism.

    “The defendant admits he planned and obtained firearms to carry out a violent terror attack on Election Day in 2024, a plot that was detected and disrupted through the good work of the FBI and our partners,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Let this serve as notice to anyone who tries to conduct attacks in our homeland for ISIS or any other terror group: we will find you and you’ll face American justice. I want to commend the FBI teams and our partners for their hard work and success in executing the mission.”

    “Through incredible law enforcement effort and coordination, a violent terrorist attack on American soil was thwarted, and those responsible are being held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “I commend the outstanding work by the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and prosecutors to diligently discover, thoroughly investigate, and completely foil this terror plot. These guilty pleas serve as an emphatic reminder that the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue those who attempt to harm Americans through terrorist acts.”

    “Thanks to outstanding work by the Oklahoma City Joint Terrorism Task Force, the defendant’s plan to kill innocent Americans in a terrorist attack on Election Day was stopped,” said Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “The FBI is grateful to all who stand beside us in our fight against terrorism. Together, we will continue to safeguard our communities from those who conspire against the United States.”

    According to court documents, Tawhedi admitted that between June 2024 and October 2024 he conspired with at least one other individual to purchase two AK-47 rifles, 500 rounds of ammunition, and 10 magazines, with the intent to carry out a mass-casualty attack on or around Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, on behalf of ISIS.  According to a criminal complaint affidavit filed in the case, Tawhedi communicated with an ISIS facilitator about his plan to purchase firearms for use in the terror plot, including asking the individual whether 500 rounds of ammunition would be sufficient.

    Tawhedi and his co-conspirator, Abdullah Haji Zada, were arrested on Oct. 7, 2024, after purchasing the firearms and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee.  Zada, 18, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to the firearms offense in connection with his role in the terror plot and is awaiting sentencing. Zada, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, entered his guilty plea as an adult and will be sentenced as an adult.

    At sentencing, Tawhedi faces a maximum penalty 20 years in prison for the material support charge and up to 15 years in prison for the firearms charge. Zada faces up to 15 years in federal prison. Upon completion of any sentence, Tawhedi and Zada will be permanently removed from the United States and barred from reentry under stipulated judicial orders of removal to Afghanistan. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Marshals Service, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Edmond Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma City Community College Police Department, and the Oklahoma City University Police Department, is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry and Matt Dillon for the Western District of Oklahoma; Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian, who previously served in the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section; and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. Trial Attorney Mark Stoneman of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, who previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, also assisted with the prosecution.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Met officers and staff recognised in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The outstanding Met police officers and staff come from across all ranks of the organisation and reflect the bravery, compassion and commitment to public service of our people.

    Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

    “Every year it is fantastic to see Met officers and staff being recognised for all their hard work and dedication. They demonstrate the best of the Met and are a true credit to the organisation.

    “I would like to share my warmest congratulations with all of the recipients, they should feel incredibly proud of this achievement.

    “The recipients of this year’s award are excellent examples of the people and talent that help the Met thrive and keep Londoners safe. As always we are grateful for the work that they have done and continue to do.”

    The recipients are:

    Adam Cox, Lead Intelligence Analyst MO2– British Empire Medal

    Awarded for his work around understanding gangs and criminality, his work has been pivotal in the identification and capture of extremely dangerous, high risk gang members and the safeguarding of vulnerable children.

    Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin– King’s Police Medal

    Awarded for her broad and complex work covering the Special Enquiry Team, Specialist Casework team, Coroners and Major Inquiries teams.

    Detective Constable Dawn Jeffries- King’s Police Medal

    Awarded for her 30 year policing career, specifically her work in the development and evolution of the Family Liaison Advisory Team.

    Police Constable Heath Keogh– King’s Police Medal

    Awarded for his work in designing and launching the LEAD initiative – Local Environmental Awareness on Dogs. This initiative creates a tool kits for early intervention and escalation of risk to create successful early interventions with dog owners.

    Retired Detective Constable Julia Wellby– King’s Police Medal

    Awarded for her 32 years in service specifically for the role she played in developing the Family Liaison role within the Counter Terrorism Network.

    Chief Inspector Christopher Conrad- Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)

    Awarded by the Sovereign, independent of the Government, to recognise loyal service to the Monarchy.

    Sergeant Richard Jackson – Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)

    Awarded by the Sovereign, independent of the Government, to recognise loyal service to the Monarchy.

    Sergeant Robert Galloway – Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)

    Awarded by the Sovereign, independent of the Government, to recognise loyal service to the Monarchy.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg holds change of command ceremony at Port Tampa Bay

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 06/13/2025 05:30 PM EDT

     

    06/13/2025 05:04 PM EDT

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg’s crew held a change of command ceremony, Friday, at Port Tampa Bay.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Assault and threat to federal agents among 331 cases filed in SDTX in support of Operation Take Back America

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A total of 332 individuals have been charged in cases filed from June 6-12 in border-security related matters, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

    The cases include 10 that involve human smuggling. A total of 205 people are charged with illegally entering the country, while another 109 face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felonies such as narcotics, violent crime, immigration crimes and more. Other relevant cases include those involving other immigration crimes as well as an assault and threat to federal officers.

    One of those is Maria Isabel Cruz-Salas, a Mexican national who lives in San Benito. The criminal complaint alleges that while authorities were conducting a lawful immigration enforcement action at a local establishment, they encountered Cruz-Salas. When they attempted to detain Cruz-Salas, she allegedly kicked a federal agent in the face. If convicted, she faces up to eight years in prison.

    Another woman facing charges this week is Michelle Lee Varela, who allegedly threatened to shoot a federal agent in the course of his duties. Law enforcement had been requesting information regarding the status of her husband in the United States. She used profanity and threatened to shoot if they tried to take him into custody. The charges allege law enforcement advised her to consider her remarks as she had just threatened a federal agent, but she continued in an elevated voice and a threatening tone.  

    “The Southern District of Texas takes allegations of threatened violence against law enforcement very seriously,” said Ganjei. “Immigration authorities must be able to carry out their lawful duties free from violence or threats, and those that attempt to obstruct or harm such agents will be held accountable.”

    Among those also charged this week are Paulina Lopez-Bello and Juan Eliud Calva-Lopez, both Mexican nationals. According to court documents, authorities discovered fraudulent lawful permanent resident cards and Social Security documents at their residence in South Texas. According to the charges, both individuals used the counterfeit materials to secure employment in the United States. They allegedly paid $300 for the fake identification. If convicted of fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents, they face up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

    Roberto Carlos Moncada-Pena, a Mexican national living in Mission, faces charges of human smuggling. The criminal complaint alleges authorities encountered Moncada-Pena during a traffic stop where they discovered three illegal aliens in the vehicle. Upon searching his apartment, law enforcement discovered 10 additional illegal aliens. If convicted, Moncada-Pena faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 possible fine.

    In addition to the new cases, also announced this week was the sentencing of four Mexican nationals, all of whom have been previously convicted of illegal reentry into the United States, among other crimes. Josue Rodriguez-Rodriguez has been removed 10 times. He now faces another 69-month federal prison sentence.  

    Jose Manuel Cruz-Diaz, Adrian Villa-Morales and Jose De Jesus Soto-Gonzalez have been removed at least twice before and have various felony convictions such as evading arrest with a motor vehicle, methamphetamine distribution, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and aggravated assault family violence. Sentences in federal court this week ranged from 21-57 months. 

    Also of note was the sentencing of a Nigerian man who had illegally resided in Houston. Omokehinde Muyiwa Oyegoke-Tewogbade and co-conspirators schemed to steal U.S. mail containing new credit cards and bank statements intended for account holders. They contacted financial institutions to activate the stolen cards, increased credit limits and altered account information. They then used the cards to purchase goods, services, gift cards, cash and merchandise at retail stores. In total, they fraudulently activated at least 120 stolen credit cards, causing an estimated $1 million in losses to Chase Bank. He is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.  

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. 

    An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Secures $1 Million Settlement in Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Lassen County Landlord

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The owners of approximately 80 rental units in and around Susanville have agreed to pay $1 million to resolve a civil lawsuit alleging that owner Joel Lynn Nolen sexually harassed female tenants and prospective tenants for more than a decade in violation of the Fair Housing Act. The settlement resolves claims against Joel Nolen, Shirlee Nolen, and Nolen Properties LLC.

    The Department of Justice’s lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California in February 2023, alleged that Joel Nolen’s sexual harassment included unwelcome sexual acts and unwelcome touching, demanding sexual acts to terminate eviction proceedings or forgive missed payments, unwelcome sexual comments, soliciting explicit photographs, and adverse housing actions against tenants who rejected his sexual advances.

    “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith. “My office will continue to hold accountable any landlord who enables or engages in sexual harassment or retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.”

    Under the consent order, which must be approved by the court, defendants must pay $960,000 to 19 tenants and prospective tenants harmed by Joel Nolen’s harassment and a $40,000 civil penalty to the United States. The consent order permanently bars Joel and Shirlee Nolen from managing residential rental properties, requires Joel and Shirlee Nolen to hire an independent property manager, mandates training and policies to prevent future discrimination, and requires Joel and Shirlee Nolen to take steps to vacate discriminatory evictions and repair credit of tenants harmed by the harassment.

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

    The department previously reached a $100,000 settlement with several defendants who co-owned rental property with Nolen.

    If you are a victim of sexual harassment by another landlord or property manager or have suffered other forms of housing discrimination, call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit a report online.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Amin and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorneys Arielle R. L. Reid and Alan A. Martinson handled the case for the United States.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Whatcom County man sentenced to 4+ years in prison for brutal and lengthy assault of intimate partner

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Member of Lummi Nation committed assault on tribal land; obstructed justice following tribal charges

    Seattle – A 50-year-old member of the Lummi Nation was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 51 months in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller.  Jason Sieber Sr. was charged federally in February 2024, for the October 20, 2023, assault of his then intimate partner. Sieber has been detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac since his arrest in February 2024. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez said, “This was a horrific attack over a long period of time – it could have ended her life.”

    According to records filed in the case, Sieber became angry with the victim over the amount of time it was taking her to cook dinner. He struck her repeatedly in the face and head and kept her from leaving the home to get help. The blows with his closed fist caused the victim to suffer facial fractures, extreme pain, and disfigurement.

    Prosecutors described the assault in their sentencing memo: “Sieber’s assault of Victim 1 on October 20, 2023, was brutal and prolonged. Over the course of multiple hours, Sieber repeatedly beat his intimate partner, breaking her nose and fracturing bones in her face. As Sieber himself admitted, his actions ‘caused her to suffer extreme physical pain, as well as protracted and obvious disfigurement.’ In addition to punching and slapping Victim 1, Sieber tied Victim 1’s feet to hooks in his bedroom ceiling, leaving her suspended and trapped for 45 minutes. He burned her using a cigarette and strangled her, while telling her how easily he could end her life.” In court today, Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein recounted those threats Sieber made to the victim. “He said ‘I could kill you right now and stuff you in a crab pot and no one would ever find you.’”

    The victim reported the assault to Lummi Nation Police ten days after the assault. Sieber was originally charged in tribal court. The case was ultimately referred to federal prosecutors.

    Even after Sieber was charged with the assault he attempted to have the victim change her account of what happened. For that conduct the judge determined that he had tried to obstruct justice.

    Sieber will be on three years of supervised release following prison.

    The case was investigated by the Lummi Nation Police Department and the FBI as part of the Safe Trails Taskforce.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein and former Assistant United States Attorney J. Tate London.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran man pleads guilty, sentenced for possessing fraudulent green card

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Pedro Alexander Colindres-Hernandez, a citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to fraud and misuse of a visa. Colindres-Hernandez was then sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fauzia K. Mattingly and Sasha Mascarenhas, who handled the case, stated that Colindres-Hernandez is an alien without any legal status in the United States. On April 10, 2025, Colindres-Hernandez was encountered in the parking lot of a store on Southwestern Boulevard in Hamburg, NY, and found to be in possession of a fraudulent alien resident card that contained his photo, which had not been lawfully issued to him by the U.S. government.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs.   

    # # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ecuadorian man pleads guilty, sentenced for illegal re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Luis Castro Mayancela, 24, a citizen of Ecuador, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to re-entry after prior removal, and was sentenced to time served. Mayancela was then turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who handled the case, stated that in April 2019, Mayancela, who had no legal status in the United States, was arrested and detained by United States Border Patrol agents in Palo Pinto County, Texas. In December 2019, he was physically removed from the United States. On March 26, 2025, Mayancela was found in Genesee County. He was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Department of Homeland Security agents and did not have any documents allowing him to be legally present in the United States.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Emergency Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Steven Kurzdorfer.

    # # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Hopkinsville, Kentucky Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy and a Supervised Release Violation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paducah, KY – A Hopkinsville, Kentucky man was sentenced on June 11, 2025, to a total of 9 years in federal prison for conspiring to traffic in fentanyl and violating his federal supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court documents, on January 12, 2024, Jamie A Harris, 47, obtained a shipment of fentanyl pills that he intended to distribute. The DEA lab confirmed the presence of more than 40 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectible amount of fentanyl.   

    As a result of his conduct, Harris was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Harris was sentenced to an additional 1 year in federal prison for a violation of his federal supervised release from a previous federal conviction.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case is being investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Hopkinsville Police Department Special Investigations Unit.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Cartel Enforcer Sentenced to 28 Years for Drug Trafficking and Violence

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Edgar Herrera Pardo, aka Caiman, an admitted violent cartel enforcer who ordered the killing of a Tijuana police officer, was sentenced in federal court today to 28 years in prison for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin into the United States.

    Herrera Pardo was indicted in the Southern District of California on April 10, 2019, as a leader of a group known as Los Cabos, which operated in Baja California to secure control of the region for Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, commonly known as CJNG, one of the most violent criminal organizations in the world. Los Cabos employed rampant violence to ensure that CJNG maintained the ability to traffic drugs through Tijuana and into the United States.

    President Trump’s Executive Order 14157 designated CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and the Secretary of State subsequently designated the same on February 20, 2025. Executive Order 14157 recognized that cartels such as CJNG have “engaged in a campaign of violence and terror throughout the Western Hemisphere.” Los Cabos had a direct role in that terror, by abducting and killing enemies of CJNG, and then hanging so called “narco banners” bragging about their violence and warning others who would dare to defy the cartel.

    Herrera Pardo’s calling card was violence. According to his plea agreement and the government’s sentencing memo, the defendant admitted that:

    • On September 9, 2018, he ordered the murder of a police officer in Tijuana, telling a co-conspirator “I want a dead (body) in the Segunda (street).” He provided the co-conspirator an AR-15 and further assistance.
    • On October 5, 2018, Herrera Pardo ordered a co-conspirator to pick up cartel rivals who had provided information about CJNG to law enforcement officials.
    • On November 12, 2018, Herrera Pardo told a co-conspirator that he would send a group of enforcers to kidnap and kill rivals.
    • On November 20, 2018, Herrera Pardo discussed locating and killing former members of CJNG who had switched allegiances to a rival cartel. In all, investigators intercepted a group chat of Los Cabos – led by Herrera Pardo – wherein they discussed well over 100 murders.

    “My Day One pledge in creating our office’s Narcoterrorism Unit was to make this the District where cartel members will receive the full measure of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “This cartel sicario ordered brutal killings to instill terror and crush opposition. The cartel he served earned its designation as a foreign terrorist organization for a reason: its reach and ruthlessness rivaled that of any terror group. But today, his reign of terror has come to an end.”

    “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: those who use violence and fear to advance the deadly operations of drug cartels will be held accountable,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark. “Herrera was not just a drug trafficker, he was an enforcer, a key instrument of intimidation and brutality. The DEA remains committed in its mission to dismantle these criminal networks and protect our communities from the violence and addiction they bring.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Martin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Narcoterrorism Unit. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Herrera Pardo.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number: Case Number: 19CR1274-BAS

    Edgar Herrera Pardo aka Caiman                   Age: 35                       Tijuana, Mexico

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances for Purpose of Unlawful Importation, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 959, 960 and 963

    Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison; $10 million fine

    Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846

    Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison and $10 million fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    Homeland Security Investigations

    United States Marshals Service

    Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force

    Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations

    Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs

    San Diego Sheriff’s Department

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran national indicted in the Eastern District of Texas for immigration violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SHERMAN, Texas – A Honduran man has been charged with a federal immigration violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Jose Mejia-Carranza, 37, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported.

    According to the indictment, on August 18, 2024, Mejia-Carranza was found unlawfully in Sherman after being previously deported from the United States on October 14, 2023.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    If convicted, Mejia-Carranza faces up to 20 years in federal prison and deportation.

    This case is being investigated by the Sherman Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chalana A. Oliver.

    A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Newington Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison

    Source: US FBI

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARTIN DELGADO, 30, of Newington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 13, 2024, members of the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force conducted a court-authorized search of Delgado’s residence on Main Street in Newington and seized approximately 2,500 wax paper sleeves containing fentanyl, approximately 160 grams of loose fentanyl, approximately 21 grams of cocaine, narcotics packaging materials, and a loaded 9mm gun magazine.  Delgado, who fled on foot when officers arrived at his residence, was apprehended a short time later in West Hartford.  Investigators also located and seized a loaded 9mm handgun near Delgado’s residence that he discarded as he fled, and additional quantities of fentanyl and cocaine from Delgado’s vehicle.

    The firearm had been reported stolen in 2019.

    Delgado was charged with state offenses and released on bond.

    Delgado has been detained since his federal arrest on August 2, 2024.  On February 11, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine.

    This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, and the West Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Lembo and Reed Durham through 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.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard welcomes new commander to Sector Columbia River

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 06/13/2025 04:45 PM EDT

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 13th District PA Detachment Astoria
    Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Astoria
    Office: (503) 861-6380
    After Hours: (206) 220-7237
    PA Detachment Astoria online newsroom

     

    06/13/2025 04:25 PM EDT

    PORTLAND, Ore. — Coast Guard Sector Columbia River held a change of command ceremony Friday morning at the Sector, near Swan Island in Portland.  During the ceremony, Capt. Anthony Migliorini relieved Capt. Justin Noggle as commander of Sector Columbia River.  Rear Adm. Charles Fosse, commander, 13th Coast Guard District, presided over the ceremony.  Sector Columbia River is one of two sectors within District 13 and has an area of responsibility spanning from the California-Oregon border to southern Washington, encompassing 420 miles of coastline. In addition, Sector members operate within the 33 ports along 465 miles of waterways on the Columbia, Snake, and Willamette River systems, extending from the Pacific Ocean to Lewiston, Idaho. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Myers Man Sentenced To More Than 20 Years For Pizza Shop Armed Robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Shadarien Lamarr Ward (22, Fort Myers) to 22 years in federal prison for robbing a pizza shop at gunpoint near downtown Fort Myers. Ward previously pleaded guilty to interfering with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. 

    According to court documents, on the evening of September 1, 2024, Ward robbed a pizza shop at gunpoint, pistol-whipping an employee in the process. After grabbing the cash register drawer and approximately $700 in cash, Ward fled the area on foot. Though he was hooded and masked during the robbery, he was later identified by law enforcement after an extensive review of surveillance cameras in the area tracked him to a nearby motel.

    Ward, a registered sex offender, was wearing a GPS monitor at the time of the robbery as part of his state sex offender probation. Though he had cut off his GPS monitor and absconded from supervision following the robbery, Ward was located and arrested at a North Fort Myers motel soon thereafter.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Myers Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Freeport, Ill. Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Distribution of Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCKFORD — A Freeport, Ill. man has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for knowingly and intentionally distributing cocaine. 

    PARIS WALKER, 39, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.  U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston imposed the sentence during a hearing on Thursday in federal court in Rockford.

    Walker admitted that from 2019 to 2022, he knowingly and intentionally distributed cocaine to a confidential informant for the government.  Additionally, Walker possessed cocaine on multiple occasions with the intent to distribute it.  The total amount of cocaine involved in the offense of conviction and relevant conduct was at least 30.3 grams.

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former CFO Of Sf Seafood Wholesaler Convicted For Embezzling Over $9 Million From Company

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Used Stolen Funds to Pay for Personal Travel, Luxury Purses, and College Tuition

    SAN FRANCISCO – A federal jury yesterday convicted Antonietta Nguyen of multiple counts of wire fraud, aiding and abetting wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to transport monetary instruments for the purpose of laundering, and tax evasion in connection with a scheme to embezzle millions of dollars from a San Francisco-based seafood company. The jury’s verdict followed a two-week trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Susan Illston.

    Nguyen, 57, of Brisbane, was a minority shareholder of ABS Seafood, a private Former CFO Of Sf Seafood Wholesaler Convicted For Embezzling Over $9 Million From Companyseafood wholesaler and importer, and served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from January 2014 to around May 2020, Nguyen fraudulently used a company credit card and funds from the company’s bank account to pay for millions of dollars of expenses on her personal credit cards. She also charged personal expenses to her corporate credit card, which were then paid for by the company. Nguyen used the stolen funds to pay for personal travel, purses and other luxury goods from Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Goyard, Chanel, and Neiman Marcus, property taxes for one of her residences, and college tuition fees for a relative. The evidence presented at trial showed that Nguyen misappropriated approximately $2.7 million in company funds over the course of six-and-a-half years.

    The jury also found that Nguyen devised an inflated invoice scheme involving family members who operated Pescaderia Pacifica International, Inc., a Filipino seafood exporter that was one of ABS’s top vendors and main source for tuna imported into the United States. Nguyen caused ABS to pay over double the true value of the imported seafood by creating false invoices that Nguyen hid from others at the company. Her family members then split the proceeds, with some of the money being wired back to bank accounts in the United States in the names of Nguyen’s husband and daughters.

    The evidence presented at trial also showed that Nguyen evaded personal income taxes that she and her spouse owed for tax years 2018 and 2019 by underreporting the amount of joint taxable income they had for those two years.

    “The defendant devised multiple ways to defraud her business partners of several millions of dollars and got away with it for over six years. She exploited her position of trust in order to fund a lavish lifestyle for herself and her family members,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian. “The jury’s verdict today holds the defendant accountable for her long-running fraud scheme.”

    “Antonietta Nguyen’s conviction reflects the serious consequences of the scheme she orchestrated to defraud her business partners,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “As CFO, she systematically stole millions from her own company to bankroll a lavish lifestyle, betraying the responsibilities of her position. The FBI remains committed to working with our partners to uncover and stop financial crimes, and to ensure those who commit them are held fully accountable.”

    “Antonietta Nguyen’s brazen multi-million-dollar embezzlement scheme is a betrayal and breach of trust against her employer and runs afoul of well-established financial law. Her conviction is befitting and a strong deterrent, sending a clear message that white-collar crime has serious consequences.” said IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen. “IRS-CI Special Agents are the experts at tracking down ill-gotten gains and bringing financial criminals to justice.”

    Nguyen was released on bond. Nguyen’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 10, 2025 before Judge Illston. Defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy, 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine for the count of conspiracy to transport monetary instruments for the purpose of laundering, and five years in prison and a $100,000 fine for each count of willful tax evasion. Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sailaja M. Paidipaty and Colin Sampson are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sara Slattery, Janice Pagsanjan, and Kathy Tat. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Career Criminal Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possessing A Loaded Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Mickey Colangelo, Jr. (44, Fort Myers) to 15 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Colangelo to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the commission of the offense. Colangelo pled guilty on February 26, 2025.

    According to the plea agreement, on October 30, 2024, Colangelo was stopped by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as a wanted suspect for a felony offense. In his backpack, deputies located a loaded pistol. Court records confirm that Colangelo had previously been convicted of a felony, which prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Colangelo has at least three prior felony convictions that qualify as “violent felonies” under federal law, thus subjecting him to enhanced punishment as an Armed Career Criminal. Colangelo also agreed to forfeit the firearm used in the offense.

    This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

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

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