NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

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

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Cramer: Department of Energy Awards Nearly $49 Million for Project Tundra Construction

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    Click here to download audio.
    BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management announced the award of nearly $49 million to DCC East Project LLC in Grand Forks to construct a large-scale geologic carbon storage facility in support of Project Tundra. The project will add full-time equivalent jobs to the already existing 360 jobs at Minnkota’s Milton R. Young Station and the adjacent coal mine.
    “Project Tundra really is the embodiment of North Dakota’s energy dominance and, more importantly, innovation, and the state’s commitment to lignite coal always being available, low-cost, reliable, abundant and a chosen, clean form of generating electricity,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. “This award recognizes that leadership in responsible energy development and it gets this important project one step closer to completion.”
    This project, funded by the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support the Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE) Initiative. Established in 2016, the CarbonSAFE Initiative aims to address gaps in carbon capture and storage deployment.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal judge orders Florida water park to pay $151K in penalties after Department of Labor again finds child labor violations

    Source: US Department of Labor

    ORLANDO, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor has obtained a consent order requiring a Jacksonville Beach water park to pay $151,606 in penalties after investigators found the company assigned young teenagers to work late hours during the school year and as attendants on elevated water slides without certification.

    The consent order by the department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges follows an investigation by the department’s Wage and Hour Division. Investigators determined 1944 Beach Boulevard LLC, operator of Adventure Landing, employed 14- and 15-year-olds to work past 7 p.m. on weeknights and past 9 p.m. on Fridays between the day after Labor Day and May 31, outside of the limitations permitted under federal law. 

    “Employing children to work excessively can jeopardize their well-being and education,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Vilma Bell in Orlando, Florida. “We are committed to ensuring that young people have positive first employment experiences that teach them valuable skills while earning wages. Employers must understand and comply with federal child labor laws to ensure young workers’ safety.” 

    Investigators also found Adventure Landing assigned 14-year-old employees to work as attendants atop elevated water slides without required certifications. The Fair Labor Standards Act makes employing 14-year-olds in this type of work illegal.

    In addition to paying $151,606 in civil money penalties, the employer signed a compliance agreement to enhance child labor safeguards and prevent future violations. Adventure Landing will take the following steps:

    • Review and enhance training on child labor regulations for all employees, including translating content, and making those training materials easily reviewable by the department’s investigators.
    • Ensure managers report known child labor violations.
    • Provide a report that outlines steps to come into compliance. 

    This is the second time division investigators uncovered federal child labor violations at Adventure Landing. In 2018, the division assessed $6,199 in penalties after the employer assigned eight 14- and 15-year-olds to work longer and later than allowed and one child to perform prohibited work at its Pineville, N.C. location.

    In fiscal year 2023, the division found nearly 5,800 children employed nationally in violation of federal law, including more than 500 illegally employed in hazardous occupations, and assessed employers more than $8 million in child labor-related penalties, up 83 percent from the previous year.

    The department’s YouthRules! initiative promotes positive and safe work experiences for teens by providing information about protections for young workers to youth, parents, employers and educators. Through this initiative, the department and its partners promote developmental work experiences that help prepare young workers to enter the workforce. The division has also published Seven Child Labor Best Practices for Employers to help employers comply with the law. Learn more about the Fair Labor Standards Act’s child labor provisions. 

    Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division. Workers and employers can call the division’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243) confidentially with questions, regardless of immigration status. The division can speak with callers in more than 200 languages. Download the agency’s free Timesheet App for Android and iOS devices, available in English and Spanish, to help track work hours and pay.

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.

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

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

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

     

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

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

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

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

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

    ###

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

    Source: United States Navy Pacific Fleet 1

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

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    10/21/2024 12:27 PM EDT

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

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

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

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

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

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash: Roscommon Road, Wiri

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are responding to a crash on Roscommon Road in Wiri.

    The crash, involving a vehicle and a motorcycle, was reported to Police at 10.29am.

    One person has been injured and is reported to be in a critical condition.

    The crash has closed Roscommon Road heading north, near the intersections with Oil Terminal Road and Vogler Road.

    Diversions are being put in place and motorists are advised to expect delays or avoid the area if possible.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and will conduct a scene examination.

    ENDS

    Tony Wright/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

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

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

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

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

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

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

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Waterford Woman Admits Theft from Addiction and Mental Health Services Nonprofit

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHELE DEVINE, 50, of Waterford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to a fraud offense in connection with her embezzlement from the Southeastern Regional Action Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. (“SERAC”), where she was employed as its executive director.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, SERAC, headquartered in Norwich, is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves 41 towns in southeastern and northeastern Connecticut with substance abuse, problem gambling, and mental health related services.  SERAC is primarily funded through hundreds of thousands of dollars in state and federal grants from the State of Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

    Devine was the executive director of SERAC until July 2022.  Beginning in approximately 2008, Devine spent thousands of dollars on purchases that did not relate SERAC but instead were personal expenses for Devine and her family, including thousands of dollars spent on home appliances; travel; timeshare fees at a Connecticut resort; stays at the Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires, Massachusetts; and private school donations.

    The government contends that Devine stole nearly $400,000 from SERAC.

    Devine pleaded guilty to wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 13.

    Devine was arrested on August 3, 2023.  She is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing.

    This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the New London State’s Attorney’s Office and the State of Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Placentia — Placentia RCMP investigates fatal collision in Dunville

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 61-year-old man is deceased following a collision that occurred on October 18, 2024, in Dunville.

    Shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Friday, Placentia RCMP received a report of a collision that occurred at the intersection of Main Road and Greenhouse Road in Dunville between a backhoe and a moped motorcycle. The operator of the moped was transported to Placentia Health Centre with injuries and died a few hours later. The operator of the backhoe was uninjured.

    The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is engaged and the investigation is continuing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: La Ronge — La Ronge RCMP seek public assistance locating missing 17-year-old female

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 20, 2024, La Ronge RCMP received a report of a missing 17-year-old female, Karina Charles.

    Karina was last seen on October 20, 2024 at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Backlund Street in La Ronge.

    Karina has brown eyes and long blonde and brown hair. She was last seen wearing a pink sweater with green pajama pants. We are working to obtain a photo of her.

    If you have seen Karina or know where she is, contact La Ronge 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: U.S. Marshals, CT Police Arrest MA Fugitive Hiding in Woods

    Source: US Marshals Service

    New Haven, CT — The U.S. Marshals in Connecticut, working the USMS in Massachusetts and the Connecticut State Police, today arrested a man wanted in Massachusetts on multiple charges.

    Steven Labrecque, 40, was taken into custody at a secluded campsite in Woodstock, where he is alleged to have been hiding for months.

    Labrecque is wanted by Franklin and New Bedford police in Massachusetts on charges of child pornography, photographing intimate parts of a child, intimidation of a witness, reckless endangerment of a child, threatening, obscene matter to a minor, assault, and battery.

    After attempts to locate and apprehend Labrecque were unsuccessful, local police requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals. The USMS investigation led to the Woodstock hideout.

    After his arrest Labrecque was transported to Connecticut State Police where he was processed as a fugitive from justice and awaits extradition back to Massachusetts to face the charges against him.

    “The high-risk apprehension of Mr. Steven Labrecque on charges related to child pornography is the culmination of investigative efforts spanning multiple states and involving the close collaboration between federal, state, and local departments,” said Lawrence Bobnick, acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Connecticut. “Despite his extraordinary efforts to elude capture, the apprehension of Mr. Labrecque demonstrates the tenacity of the USMS Violent Fugitive Task Force and the incredible value our law enforcement partnerships have in fulfilling our mutual mission of improving the safety of the communities we serve. The U.S. Marshals Service in the District of Connecticut would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the tireless assistance provided by the Connecticut State Police Swat Team, CSP Troop D, the Douglas Police Department, the Franklin Police Department (Massachusetts), and the U.S. Marshals Service in the District of Massachusetts.”  

    Since the inception of the U.S. Marshals – Connecticut Violent Fugitive Task Force in 1999, these partnerships have resulted in over 11,046 arrests (Updated as of 9/08/2022). The task force’s objective is to seek out and arrest violent fugitives and sexual predators. Membership agencies include Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Norwalk, Waterbury Police Departments and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These arrests have ranged in seriousness from murder, assault, unregistered sex offenders, probation and parole violations and numerous other serious offenses. Nationally the U.S. Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, eight regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Coast Guard Station Annapolis to hold trunk or treat and open house

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    10/21/2024 03:21 PM EDT

    The crew at U.S. Coast Guard Station Annapolis and local, state, and federal partners are scheduled to host a free trunk or treat and open house on Saturday at the station in Annapolis, MD. 

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baltimore Man Admits to Fentanyl Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald McDuffin Williams, age 49, of Baltimore, Maryland, has admitted to the possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, as part of an investigation into the sale and distribution of fentanyl, agents searched the defendant’s home and discovered drugs, drug paraphernalia, and cash.

    Williams faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

    The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gerald  — Update #2: Esterhazy RCMP responding to train-related incident near Gerald, Saskatchewan

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    October 16, 2024
    Gerald , Saskatchewan

    News release

    Esterhazy RCMP continue to investigate the collision and resulting train derailment. No investigational updates are available at this time.

    It is anticipated that Range Road 1322 will remain closed until at least the evening of October 18 to facilitate the ongoing investigation and site clean-up.

    –30–

    Backgrounder

    Update: Esterhazy RCMP responding to train-related incident near Gerald, Saskatchewan

    2024-10-16
    5:41 p.m.

    The collision involved a tractor and a train; the driver of the tractor, an adult male from the Esterhazy area, died as a result. Several train cars derailed (we don’t have specific numbers available); however, no spills have been reported to RCMP except for dried/material goods.

    Range Road 1322 will remain closed until the morning of October 17 for an RCMP Collision Reconstructionist to investigate. The public is asked to please avoid the area to ensure the safety of investigators on scene.

    Esterhazy RCMP responding to train-related incident near Gerald, Saskatchewan

    2024-10-16
    3:00p.m.

    Esterhazy RCMP are on the scene of a collision that resulted in a train derailment north of Gerald, Saskatchewan. People are asked to avoid Range Road 1322 at this time.

    This is an unfolding investigation and further details and updates will be provided as they become available.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Second person charged in relation to aggravated armed robbery at Red Hills in April

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Second person charged in relation to aggravated armed robbery at Red Hills in April

    Tuesday, 22 October 2024 – 9:28 am.

    Police have charged a second person – a 26-year-old Launceston woman – in relation to an aggravated armed robbery at Red Hills on 30 April 2024. 
    Around 6:10pm, two people allegedly entered a residence at Red Hills and threatened the occupants with what was reported to be a firearm.
    No one was physically injured during the incident and the offenders reportedly left the area in a vehicle, believed to be a blue Mazda hatch. 
    The 26-year-old Launceston woman will appear in court at a later date. 
    A 24-year-old Newnham woman has already been charged in relation to this matter.

    MIL OSI News –