NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Murphy Signs Bipartisan Legislation Increasing Penalties for Home Invasions

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    EDISON — Governor Phil Murphy today visited Edison to sign S3006/A4299 into law, establishing the crimes of home invasion burglary and residential burglary. The two new burglary classifications will raise penalties for crimes of burglary, reinforcing legal protections for New Jersey communities and ensuring that individuals who commit these crimes are held accountable.

    “The safety and well-being of New Jerseyans is our Administration’s highest priority,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s bipartisan legislation ensures that the penalties for burglary and home invasion reflect the severity of these crimes and deter individuals from entering a home illegally. We are grateful to the Legislature, our law enforcement community, local mayors, and community members for supporting our shared goal of keeping New Jersey residents safe.”

    “Our home is our sanctuary, holding the things we value most and the people we love most. When that sanctity is violated and that feeling of security is shattered, it leaves us with an overwhelming feeling of helplessness and vulnerability,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “We have seen significant reductions in violent crime in New Jersey, and with the serious consequences established by this new law, Governor Murphy and the Legislature are taking another step in the effort to secure our homes and provide greater peace of mind to all New Jerseyans.”

    “This new law elevating home invasion burglary to a first-degree crime and residential burglary to a second-degree crime is a powerful step toward ensuring the safety of New Jersey’s residents. By increasing the penalties for these serious offenses, we are sending a clear message to criminals that we will not tolerate such brazen acts that violate the sanctity of our homes. This legislation serves as a strong deterrent and reinforces our commitment to keeping our communities safe,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “We sincerely thank Governor Phil Murphy and the senators and assembly members who championed this important bill. Their leadership and dedication to public safety will help New Jerseyans feel more secure in their homes, knowing those who threaten their peace will face harsher consequences.”

    Home invasion burglary refers to a person who enters a home to commit an offense and ultimately inflicts bodily injury or is armed with a deadly weapon, whether or not that weapon is used. Under the new law, home invasion burglary is a crime in the first degree. A crime of the first degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 10 to 20 years, a fine of up to $200,000, or both.

    Residential burglary refers to a person who enters a home to commit an offense. Under the new law, residential burglary is a crime in the second degree. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both.

    Both classifications of burglary are subject to the “No Early Release Act,” which requires the convicted person to serve at least 85% of their incarceration term before becoming eligible for parole. Any person convicted of home invasion burglary or residential burglary may be denied a professional license from the Division of Consumer Affairs within the Department of Law and Public Safety.

    Today’s legislation, which takes effect immediately, builds upon the Administration’s commitment to reducing crime and bolstering public safety. Over the past seven years, the Murphy Administration has taken a holistic approach to crime reduction, including tightening gun laws, investing in mental health resources, deploying new data collection technology, and increasing penalties for violators.

    The primary sponsors of S3006/A4299 are Senators Anthony Bucco, Brian Stack, and Vin Gopal, and Assembly members Sterley Stanley, Robert Karabinchak, and Alexander “Avi” Schnall. The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Legislature, with a vote of 36-1 to pass the Senate and a unanimous 74-0 vote in the Assembly.

    “New Jersey has consistently ranked as one of the safest states in the country, but many residents are rightfully concerned by the recent uptick in home break-ins and robberies,” said Congressman Frank Pallone. “I applaud the State Legislature for taking decisive action to address these concerns and thank Governor Murphy for pushing to get this important bill across the finish line. This new law is a commonsense measure that will hold home invaders accountable, provide peace of mind to New Jersey residents, and help law enforcement keep our communities safe.”

    “With the Governor’s signature, New Jersey is sending a strong and clear message that individuals who burglarize homes or engage in other associated criminal activities will face severe consequences,” said Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco. “Now, law enforcement and prosecutors will have the necessary tools to combat the troubling wave of residential home burglaries spreading across the Garden State and ensure safety within our communities.  After today, there should be no mistake that if you commit these crimes, you will do time.”

    “Citizens have a right to feel safe in their own homes. Making stiffer penalties for burglaries of residences, especially by perpetrators who are also armed with a weapon, will make would-be burglars think twice before committing this very personal and invasive crime,” said Senator Brian Stack.

    “Even the report of just one home invasion or burglary on a street or in a neighborhood can have a traumatic effect on those who live there,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “People should have a right to feel safe and secure in their own homes. By toughening the punishment for home invasion crimes, including in some cases length of sentencing, we hope to crack down on this practice, and make would-be burglars, car thieves or home invaders think twice before breaking into and entering someone’s home illegally.”

    “As elected leaders we have a responsibility to not just ensure that our residents are safe, but also a responsibility to make sure they feel safe,” said Assemblyman Sterley Stanley. “Unfortunately, it has become clear that many communities throughout our great state do not feel safe due to what would seem to be a unique rise in home burglaries and other related crimes. This important piece of legislation seeks to address these concerns by creating two new charges that prosecutors will have at their disposal in order to hold those who break into homes accountable, while also allowing us to gather important data to better understand the challenges our communities are facing.”

    “A person’s home should be their sanctuary, and this bill holds criminals accountable for targeting those personal spaces,” said Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak. “By specifying the definitions when it comes to residential burglary, we are not just addressing property crimes, we’re also protecting lives.”

    “By clearly defining and separating these crimes, we can ensure that the legal system has the tools to adequately address the dangers posed by home invasion burglary and residential burglary,” said Assemblyman Alexander “Avi” Schnall. “With this bill, we address the unique threats posed by violent break-ins and ensure that those who commit such offenses face appropriate consequences.”

    “I am honored to have worked with Governor Murphy and our State Legislature to pass this crucial bill into law,” said Edison Mayor Sam Joshi. “Home invasions and burglaries not only violate our sense of security, but also leave lasting emotional scars on victims. This law sends a strong message that these crimes will not be tolerated in our community.”

    “As we and all suburban communities have grappled with increased vehicle thefts, I have been clear that home break-ins are unacceptable and those who commit crimes must be held accountable, minors or not. I appreciate Governor Murphy and the state legislature hearing us and responding with this bi-partisan bill,” said Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik.

    “I’m honored to participate as the Governor signs this important legislation. This legislation is a beacon of hope for all New Jersey residents. There was a time when my family and I considered leaving the state due to rising concerns about safety,” said Manjit “Goldy” Batra, an Edison resident whose home was burglarized last year. “However, the commitment to strengthen penalties for these crimes reassures us that our voices are being heard. With this new law, we can expect better accountability for offenders, preventing those who are caught from returning to the streets so quickly. It’s time to reclaim our sense of security and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. This action sends a strong message that we will not stand for such crimes, and it empowers residents to feel safe in their own homes.”

    “The Fraternal Order of Police New Jersey State Lodge proudly represents over 13,000 active and retired law enforcement officers throughout the State of New Jersey. The FOP strongly endorses A4299/S3006, the Home Invasion Burglary and Residential Burglary legislation’s passage into law. This legislation will enhance the protections afforded our citizens of this great state and we believe will deter criminal activity. This law will strengthen our ability to protect the people we serve and ensure those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable to fullest extent of the law. The FOP thanks the sponsors of this legislation, our legislative leadership for recognizing the importance of this legislation and to Governor Murphy for signing this legislation into law,” said Robert W. Fox, President of the Fraternal Order of Police – New Jersey State Lodge.

    “When people don’t feel safe in their homes then public safety has broken down.  This bill gives law enforcement the tools to prosecute anyone who would violate the sanctity and security of our residents.  It tells criminals that there are real consequences for burglary and home invasion.  We are proud to support this law,” said Peter Andreyev, President of the NJ State PBA.

    “In the wake of the tragic death of Detective Sergeant Monica Mosley as a result of a violent home invasion, it is jolting the crisis level we are at when a trained and capable law enforcement officer is overcome in their own residence.  We must continue to adapt and address these evolutions in criminal behavior in our great state through crucial and impactful public safety policy and legislation such as this Bill that will also send a powerful message and serve as a deterrent to these violent criminals,” said Wayne Blanchard, President of the State Troopers Fraternal Association. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs is committed to protecting the fairness and integrity of the electoral process in the Eastern District of Texas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PLANO, Texas – United States Attorney Damien M. Diggs announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Anand Varadarajan will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.  AUSA Varadarajan has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Texas, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

    United States Attorney Diggs said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.  Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.  The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.  If you have specific information about voter discrimination, election fraud, or threats to election officials and staff, I encourage you to report it to my Office, the Civil Rights Division, or the FBI.”

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

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

    United States Attorney Diggs stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.”  In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Varadarajan will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers 972-509-1201.

    In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 972-559-5000.

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

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

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the report of the Eminent Person, Mohamed Chande Othman, concerning the investigation into the conditions and circumstances resulting in the tragic death of Dag Hammarskjöld

    Source: United Nations – English

    he Secretary-General has transmitted to the President of the General Assembly the report of the Eminent Person, former Chief Justice of Tanzania, Mr. Mohamed Chande Othman, concerning the investigation into the conditions and circumstances resulting in the tragic death of Dag Hammarskjöld and of the members of the party accompanying him. The Secretary-General’s letter to the President of the General Assembly is accompanied by the Eminent Person’s report and will be publicly available as General Assembly document A/78/1006.

    Dag Hammarskjöld served as Secretary-General from April 1953 until his death in a plane crash in Ndola, Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia, along with 15 others, UN staff members and crew, on the night of 17/18 September 1961. The Secretary-General pays tribute to all those that died and emphasizes that their families deserve answers.

    The Secretary-General is grateful to Judge Othman for his unwavering commitment to this matter and is encouraged that the body of relevant knowledge has grown with each successive mandate of the Eminent Person. He notes that significant new information has been provided to the Eminent Person during his present mandate, including in the areas of: (i) probable intercepts by Member States of relevant communications; (ii) the capacity of the armed forces of Katanga, or others, to have conducted a possible attack on flight SE-BDY; (iii) the presence in the area of foreign paramilitary and intelligence personnel; and (iv) further new information relevant to the context and surrounding events of 1961.

    At this juncture, the Eminent Person assesses it to remain plausible that an external attack or threat was a cause of the crash. The Eminent Person notes that the alternative hypotheses that appear to remain available are that the crash resulted from sabotage, or unintentional human error.

    The Secretary-General is encouraged by the disclosure of new information by some Member States and by some key Member States’ continued commitment to engage with the Eminent Person. He is also grateful for the cooperation and collaboration by Independent Appointees of Member States as well as individual researchers.

    The Secretary-General notes that the Eminent Person considers that it is almost certain that specific, crucial and to date undisclosed information exists in the archives of Member States. The Secretary-General further notes the Eminent Person’s assessment that he has not received, to date, specific responses to his specific queries from certain Member States. The Secretary-General has personally followed up on the Eminent Person’s outstanding requests for information, and calls upon Member States to release any relevant records in their possession.

    With significant progress having been made, the Secretary-General calls on all of us to renew our resolve and commitment to pursue the full truth of what happened on that fateful night in 1961.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ERO removes noncitizen wanted for homicide to El Salvador

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    PHILADELPHIA — Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia removed Gustavo Adolfo Rivas Munoz, a citizen of El Salvador with a final order of removal, to El Salvador Oct. 4. Rivas is a foreign fugitive wanted by law enforcement authorities in El Salvador for aggravated homicide and association with a terrorist organization.

    “Thanks to the excellent work of our deportation officers, Gustavo Adolfo Rivas Munoz has been returned to El Salvador to face justice in his home country,” said ERO Philadelphia Field Office Director Cammilla Wamsley. “These dedicated officers work tirelessly to protect the American people and further our national security mission.”

    On Feb. 7, 2013, the U.S. Border Patrol arrested Rivas near Hidalgo, Texas, after he unlawfully entered the United States without inspection or parole by an immigration official.

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services served Rivas with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge on March 9, 2013. Later that month ERO San Antonio released Rivas on an order of recognizance.

    An immigration judge in Harlingen, Texas ordered Rivas removed from the United States to El Salvador in absentia on Feb. 1, 2017.

    The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, convicted Rivas Oct. 4, 2023, of conspiracy to commit assault and sentenced him to 25 years in prison to be followed by five years of probation. The court then suspended 20 years of the prison sentence and credited Rivas with time served.

    On Aug. 6, 2024, ERO Baltimore encountered Rivas at the Jessup Correctional Institution in Jessup, Maryland, and lodged an immigration detainer with the facility.

    On ERO Baltimore arrested Rivas Aug. 22 at the Jessup Correctional Institution and transferred him to ERO Philadelphia at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, to await immigration proceedings.

    On Oct. 4, ERO Philadelphia removed Rivas from the United States to El Salvador and turned him over to Salvadoran authorities, who sought custody of Rivas for aggravated homicide and terrorist organization charges.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illinois Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Law Enforcement During January 6 Capitol Breach

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

               WASHINGTON— An Illinois man was sentenced to prison today after he previously pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

               Robin Lee Reierson, 69, of Schiller Park, Illinois, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $7,000 in restitution and fines by U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton.

               According to court documents, Reierson traveled to Washington, D.C., from his home outside of Chicago, Illinois, to attend former President Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, 2021, at the Ellipse. After the rally, Reierson made his way toward the U.S. Capitol building, chanting “Stop the Steal” with the crowd.

               Reierson eventually positioned himself in front of an established police line on the West Plaza maintained by U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers. At approximately 2:06 p.m., Reierson used his back and body to push against a bike rack barrier and into the line of assembled officers. The police line began to fall at approximately 2:25 p.m., and, minutes later, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Reierson physically pushed against police officers using both of his hands and by lowering his shoulder into officers. Reierson also attempted to take hold of an MPD officer’s baton.

               Reierson eventually withdrew from the confrontation between rioters and officers, but as he left the West Plaza, he told other rioters, “Don’t stop, keep going” and “Put the cameras down, keep going.”

               The FBI arrested Reierson on Aug. 23, 2023, in Illinois.

               The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois provided valuable assistance.

               The FBI’s Chicago and Washington Field Offices investigated this case. Reierson was identified as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #433 on its seeking information images. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

               In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

               Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: RM of Piney — Update #3 – Sprague RCMP search for missing female

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 19, 2023, Ywanna (Jean) Backman was reported missing to RCMP.

    It has been one year since that call was received and the investigation into her disappearance remains very much ongoing.

    We’re still asking the public for assistance. If you know the whereabouts of Backman or have any information concerning her disappearance, please contact the Sprague RCMP at 204-437-2041, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at http://www.manitobacrimestoppers.com

    It’s been just over a month since Ywanna (Jean) Backman went missing and Sprague RCMP continue to look for answers in her disappearance. It is believed that Jean was last in contact with a friend on October 15, 2023.

    Since that time a number of RCMP units along with volunteers, community members and others, have been assisting in the search. An extensive ground search was conducted near her residence, but Jean was not located.

    RCMP have obtained a photo of Jean from October 11, 2023, wearing a green jacket. Investigators believe she may have been wearing that jacket when she disappeared.

    If you have any information on her whereabouts please call Sprague RCMP at 204-437-2041, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a secure tip online at http://www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    Sprague RCMP continue to investigate the disappearance of 70-year-old Ywanna Backman, whom we believe last made contact with a friend on October 15.

    Over the weekend of October 20 to October 23, RCMP units including Search and Rescue (SAR), Police Dog Services (PDS), Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), along with the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), volunteers from Winnipeg Search and Rescue as well as residents from the surrounding area, conducted an extensive ground search.

    Ywanna Backman has yet to be located.

    If you’ve seen her or have any information on her whereabouts, please call Sprague RCMP at 204-437-2041, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a secure tip online at http://www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    Sprague RCMP continue to investigate.

    At 10:30 am on October 19, 2023, Sprague RCMP received a request to check on the wellbeing of a 70-year-old female.

    Officers attended, searched her property and residence in the RM of Piney, but were unable to locate her.

    Ywanna (Jean) Backman was last seen on October 13, 2023.

    The RCMP and her family are concerned for her wellbeing.

    If you’ve seen her or have any information on her whereabouts, please call the Sprague RCMP at 204-437-2041, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a secure tip online at http://www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    The search and investigation continues today with the assistance of the Manitoba RCMP Search & Rescue Team.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Anchorage Seeks Information Regarding Serial Bank Robber

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    ANCHORAGE, AK—The FBI Anchorage Field Office is seeking information regarding the identity and whereabouts of an individual with alleged involvement in three separate bank robberies that took place in Anchorage. With each robbery, the individual presented a note demanding money to a bank employee and stated he had a weapon. The robberies occurred on September 23, 2024; October 7, 2024; and October 16, 2024.

    The individual is believed to have robbed the following banks:

    • On September 23, 2024, at approximately 11:45 a.m., the subject allegedly robbed the Credit Union 1, Midtown Branch, located at 3525 Eureka Street in Anchorage. After the robbery, the subject fled the area on a dark-colored bicycle.
    • On October 7, 2024, at approximately 10:15 a.m., the subject allegedly robbed the Global Credit Union located at 8475 Hartzell Road in Anchorage. After the robbery, the subject entered a stolen vehicle and drove away.
    • On October 16, 2024, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the subject allegedly robbed the Global Credit Union located at 2300 Abbott Road in Anchorage. After the robbery, he departed the area on foot and headed north towards Abbott Road.

    The individual is described as a male, approximately 5’5” tall, with black hair and brown eyes, weighing approximately 155 lbs.

    Anyone with information concerning the identity and whereabouts of this individual should contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at 907-276-4441 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — RCMP Traffic Services Labrador seizes six vehicles for various offences in just over 24 hours

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Six motorists are without their vehicles following traffic stops conducted by RCMP Traffic Services Labrador between October 17-18, 2024.

    At approximately 1:00 a.m. on October 17, a 43-year-old man, who held a suspended licence, was stopped on Spruce Avenue in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. He was ticketed and the vehicle was seized and impounded.

    Later that afternoon, at approximately 1:45 p.m., police stopped a speeding vehicle on Route 520. The vehicle was uninsured. The driver, a 46-year-old man, was ticketed for both violations and the vehicle was seized and impounded.

    A short time later, just before 2:30 p.m., police stopped a vehicle on Route 520. The driver, a 30-year-old man who was operating a vehicle without a valid licence, provided a roadside breath sample that was above the provincial limit but below the criminal threshold for alcohol. He received a licence suspension and the vehicle was seized and impounded.

    Shortly after 8:30 p.m. that evening, police stopped an unregistered vehicle on Tenth Street in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The driver, a 33-year-old man was without a valid driver’s licence and the vehicle was without insurance. Tickets were issued and the vehicle was seized and impounded.

    Shortly after midnight on October 18, a 29-year-old man, who was operating an uninsured vehicle without a valid driver’s licence, was stopped by police on Mesher Street in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. He was ticketed and the vehicle was seized and impounded.

    Shortly before 2:00 a.m. that same day, a 44-year-old suspended driver was stopped on Mackenzie Drive in Sheshatshiu. The man was ticketed for driving while suspended and the vehicle was seized and impounded.

    RCMP Traffic Services is dedicated to road safety and the enforcement of the Highway Traffic Act.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow Appoints Election Officer for the District of Puerto Rico

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announced today that the Chief of the Financial Fraud & Corruption Section, Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Seth Erbe, will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.  AUSA Erbe has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Puerto Rico, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

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

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

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

    United States Attorney Muldrow stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Erbe will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (787) 766-5656 and (787) 242-7400.”

    In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (787) 987-6500.

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

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

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Open Dialogue Key to Local Support in Nuclear Projects

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Open dialogue is key to earning the support of local communities to host nuclear power projects, ranging from power reactors to research laboratories and deep geological repositories for spent fuel, a side event at the IAEA’s General Conference heard.  

    “Host communities are a key protagonist in the nuclear story,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, who delivered opening remarks at the event. “We want to highlight their role in energy transitions and the strong support for the facilities they host. We need even broader local backing – the world needs more ‘yes in my backyard’ for nuclear to thrive.” 

    The IAEA will also host the first International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes from 26 to 30 May 2025 at its headquarters in Vienna. The conference will bring together a wide range of participants including policymakers, regulators, communication experts, technical support organizations, waste management organizations, community representatives, industry leaders, academic researchers, NGOs and international organizations.  

    At the General Conference side event speakers from Argentina, Canada, Hungary, Japan and the United States of America considered the challenges and opportunities presented to nuclear facility host communities and highlighted success stories and lessons learned. Participants heard how the success of large infrastructure projects typically relies on social licence and nuclear power projects are no exception. Open dialogue among all stakeholders is vital, especially with host communities, and can help keep projects on time and budget while addressing local concerns.  

    The recording of the event can be viewed here. 

    Panellists provided examples illustrating how proactive, cooperative engagement between community members, government bodies and implementing organizations led to positive outcomes and laid the foundation for long-term success.  

    The town of Ignace in Canada recently confirmed its willingness to host a deep geological repository (DGR) for Canada’s spent nuclear fuel. This expression of interest came after a long process emphasizing dialogue and providing resources for the community to learn what hosting a repository would involve. 

    “In 2010, our mayor and council brought Ignace forth as one of 22 communities potentially interested in a DGR. We want our community to prosper and thrive, but we also had some concerns about safety, and it was clear that Ignace wanted to have a strong voice in the process,” said Chantal Moore, a resident committee member in Ignace’s Willingness Ad Hoc Committee, which was established to determine residents’ willingness to move forward with hosting. Canada’s National Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and the municipality worked with the community to provide information about what the project would entail and a local committee was established to engage the community in learning about the process. 

    “After 14 years, we are one of the two communities in Canada being considered for a DGR, and 77% of the community members who participated in the voting process has voted in favour of the project.” 

    Ongoing discussions with NWMO have been an important component of successful engagement. “We have a large geography, very good geology. And it was key for this to be a voluntary process,” said Isaac Werner, Senior Advisor for Government Relations at NWMO. “We have very clearly stated that we will not move forward with our project without willing and informed host communities. We plan to announce our preferred location by the end of this year.”  

    Mayor Rebecca Casper of Idaho Falls, the city which hosts the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Idaho National Laboratory (INL), said local engagement is essential. INL is a major nuclear energy research laboratory that has hosted numerous demonstration reactors and is set to act as the testing ground for several advanced reactors in the near future. “Mayors tend to consider themselves partners,” Casper said. “Unlike the many other players who will be a part of a project, only the local community will be around for the entire 100 year relationship.”  

    Host communities and nuclear operators often share a common goal and work together to achieve it, explained Csaba Dohoczki, Vice President of the Group of European Municipalities with Nuclear Facilities. “In Hungary, for example, municipalities across the river from the Paks Nuclear Power Plant identified the need to have easier access to the site. They worked together with the operator and government, and opened a bridge last March, connecting the two sides of the river and providing more access to jobs for the community and a larger offer of services to the operator and the new nuclear project Paks II.” 

    Disruption caused by construction is often one of the top concerns of the host communities, as well as the challenge of developing the community infrastructure fast enough to meet the needs of a growing economy. “Zarate municipality and its town of Lima are proud to host nuclear power reactors,” said Marcelo Matzkin, Mayor of Zarate municipality in Argentina, site of Atucha nuclear power plant and a small modular reactor under construction. “Lima grew together with the nuclear projects – it used to be a town, now it is a city. The nuclear power plant brought jobs, good salaries and new shops, but the challenge is to provide adequate infrastructure to this growing city and we are working with the operator of the plant to find solutions.”  

    Masahiro Sakurai, Mayor of Kashiwazaki, home to Japan’s largest nuclear power plant, added: “There are many positive sides of hosting nuclear power plant, such as supporting the country’s economic growth and local employment. However, sometimes there are divisions within the community in terms of support and this has to be discussed. While safety reviews are crucial for the restart of reactors that were shut down after the Fukushima Daiichi accident, it is the local community that must consent to the restart.”  

    The relationship between the national government and municipalities with nuclear facilities extends beyond nuclear operation. “Our priority is to have a regular dialogue with the municipalities and provide various forms of support tailored to their needs,” said Masahiro Yagi, Special Research Officer in the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. “For example, after the shutdown of nuclear power plants, we supported the diversification of the industrial structure in Hokkaido through using locally grown rice to produce high-value bioplastics, in order to increase the impact of agriculture and the number of people involved in agriculture,” he added. 

    A community’s reaction to the idea of hosting a nuclear facility often depends on the type of facility. “The local communities are proud of our nuclear power plants, but if we go the other way in terms of establishing a DGR, there could be a lot of opposition,” said German Guido Lavalle, President of Argentina’s National Atomic Energy Commission. “There are different local communities, but in the end, there is a common concept that you have to engage, you have to discuss. Talking with the community about all kinds of nuclear facilities is very important.” 

    More information on International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes registration and participation is available here. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Mission Recognizes Latvia’s Commitment to Improve Nuclear and Radiation Safety, Encourages Continued Improvements

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Flag of the Republic of Latvia. (Photo: Ronny K/Pixabay)

    An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts said Latvia has made clear improvements to its regulatory infrastructure, making it more efficient and effective. The team also encouraged Latvia to continue efforts to complete its work programme to further align regulatory framework with the IAEA safety standards.

    The Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) follow-up mission, 13 to 18 October, was conducted at the request of the Government of Latvia and hosted by the country’s regulatory body, the Radiation Safety Centre of State Environmental Service (RSC SES). Its purpose was to review the progress made against the recommendations and suggestions identified in the initial IRRS mission in 2019.

    IRRS missions are designed to strengthen the effectiveness of the national nuclear and radiation safety regulatory infrastructure, based on IAEA safety standards and international good practices, while recognizing the responsibility of each country to ensure nuclear and radiation safety.

    The IRRS team – comprised of five senior safety experts from five IAEA Member States, in addition to two IAEA staff members – conducted interviews and discussions with RSC SES staff and representatives from the Ministry of Climate and Energy.

    Latvia does not have any nuclear power plants. Latvia uses radiation sources in medical, scientific and industrial applications, as well as in science and research. The country’s research reactor has been permanently closed since 1998 and is currently in the early stage of decommissioning. All spent highly enriched uranium fuel was sent back to the country of origin. Latvia operates a disposal site for low and intermediate level radioactive waste, which is located 30 km from the capital Riga. 

    The team reviewed the regulatory oversight of all facilities and activities using nuclear material and radiation sources, as well as emergency preparedness and response, transport, decommissioning, and occupational, medical and public exposure control. The IRRS team determined that of the 23 recommendations and 12 suggestions made in 2019, 17 recommendations and 10 suggestions have been adequately addressed and are therefore closed. The Government of Latvia and RSC SES have an action plan to address the remaining recommendations and suggestions in the coming years.

    “We found that the RSC SES has made significant progress in addressing the recommendations made in 2019” said Paul Dale, Team Leader for the mission, from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency of the United Kingdom. “The work undertaken by RSC SES to date should be applauded, and we welcome the well laid plans set out by RSC SES to address the remaining recommendations in the next few years. The IRRS team welcome the commitment of RSC SES to continue to progress its regulatory systems and to continually improve.”

    The mission team identified an area of good performance – the Long Term Training Plan developed by RSC SES to deliver and maintain competency of its staff – and highlighted notable achievements since 2019, including:

    • The revised legal and regulatory framework, which provides an improved safety framework for regulating all facilities and activities in Latvia;
    • The national policy and strategy for radiation safety, along with policies and strategies for radioactive waste management, which are now addressed in the Environmental Policy Guidelines for 2021 to 2027;
    • Significant improvements throughout the RSC SES integrated management system, including the development of a programme for the promotion of leadership and safety culture; and
    • Strengthened emergency and preparedness response, through the coordination of an interinstitutional working group, training seminars and exercises.

    “The IRRS follow-up mission has provided an opportunity to qualitatively assess the tasks set by international experts in 2019 for the improvement of the radiation safety infrastructure in accordance with IAEA standards,” said Dace Satrovska, Director of the RSC SES. “Since 2019, our team has significantly improved the quality management system, also strengthening the radiation safety culture in Latvia. We are ready to continue working on areas that need improvement, especially on radioactive waste management and emergency preparedness.”

    “The IRRS is an internationally recognized process that strengthens regulatory effectiveness. Countries that invite missions – including Latvia – demonstrate openness and transparency,” said Hildegarde Vandenhove, Head of the IAEA Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety. “By disseminating and sharing good practices and lessons learned, IRRS missions contribute to a stronger global nuclear safety regime.”

    The final mission report will be provided to the Government in about three months.

    IAEA Safety Standards

    The IAEA Safety Standards provide a robust framework of fundamental principles, requirements and guidance to ensure safety. They reflect an international consensus and serve as a global reference for protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New IAEA Report on Climate Change and Nuclear Power Focuses on Financing

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The 2024 edition of the IAEA’s Climate Change and Nuclear Power report has been released, highlighting the need for a significant increase in investment to achieve goals for expanding nuclear power. The new report was launched last week on the margins of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) in Brazil. 

    Nuclear power is enjoying increasing interest around the world as countries seek to strengthen energy security and decarbonize their economies. A rapid expansion of clean energy technologies is required to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and nuclear power is expected to play a key role, with the IAEA projecting a capacity increase of 2.5 times the current level by mid-century in its high case scenario. 

    According to the report, global investment in nuclear energy must increase to 125 billion USD annually, up from the around 50 billion USD invested each year from 2017-2023, to meet the IAEA’s high case projection for nuclear capacity in 2050. The more aspirational goal of tripling of capacity, which more than 20 countries pledged to work towards at COP28 last year, would require upwards of USD 150 billion in annual investment. 

    “Across its near century-long lifetime, a nuclear power plant is affordable and cost competitive. Financing the upfront costs can be a challenge however, especially in market driven economies and developing countries,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “The private sector will increasingly need to contribute to financing, but so too will other institutions. The IAEA is engaging multilateral development banks to highlight their potential role in making sure that developing countries have more and better financing options when it comes to investing in nuclear energy.” 

    The new report also examines ways to unlock private sector finance, a topic that is gaining increasing attention worldwide. Last month, 14 major financial institutions including some of the world’s largest banks came together during a New York Climate Week event to signal a willingness to help finance nuclear newbuild projects. 

    The report was presented at a side event jointly organized by the Agency and the CEM’s Nuclear Innovation: Clean Energy Future (NICE) initiative on the margins of the 15th CEM in Brazil. The CEM is a high-level global forum that promotes policies and programmes to advance clean energy technology, and share lessons learned and best practices. 

    “The CEM is bringing together key stakeholders to discuss concrete steps to make clean energy—including nuclear power—affordable, attractive and accessible for all and accelerate clean energy transitions around the world,” said Jean-Francois Garnier, Head of the CEM Secretariat. “Financing the necessary expansion of nuclear power to help integrate other sources of clean electricity is key to this success and I am happy to see the IAEA and CEM/NICE Future partnering to launch this report which highlights some innovative approaches to attract investments from both the public and private sectors.” 

    The side event featured speakers from Brazil, the IAEA, the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the United States of America sharing their thoughts on how best to secure capital for nuclear power projects and looking ahead to COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where financing the clean energy transition is set to be a major topic of discussion. 

    “IAEA energy system modelling and planning tools and publications are fundamental to decision-making processes for nuclear power plants,” said Giovani Machado, Advisor to the President of Brazil’s Energy Research Office (EPE). “IAEA publications on full cost analyses for electricity provision and financing of nuclear power plants were very useful to an EPE study on the Angra-3 nuclear power reactor for the National Energy Policy Council of Brazil.” 

    Nuclear power’s inclusion in sustainable financing frameworks, including the European Union (EU) taxonomy for sustainable activities, is having a tangible impact. In the EU, the first green bonds have been issued for nuclear power in Finland and France in 2023. Electricité de France (EDF) was one of the first recipients, with the award of €4 billion in green bonds and around €7 billion in green loans between 2022 and 2024. 

    To achieve climate change goals, global nuclear capacity needs to increase rapidly, increasing by a factor of 1.8 by 2035, said Sylvia Beyer, a Senior Energy Policy Analyst at the IEA. “Financing mechanisms that support scale, work force and supply chain development are going to be needed,” she added. 

    The report makes the case for policy reform and international partnerships to help bridge the financing gap and accelerate nuclear power expansion into emerging markets and developing economies, including for small modular reactors. Robust regulatory frameworks, new delivery models, skilled labour development and stakeholder engagement can unlock new avenues for sustainable energy investments towards development goals. 

    “Accelerating the transition process is a multifaceted challenge that needs to be addressed within the broader framework of energy transition plans,” said Celso Cunha, President of the Brazilian Association for the Development of Nuclear Activities. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tritium Level Far Below Japan’s Operational Limit in Tenth Batch of ALPS Treated Water, IAEA Confirms

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts have confirmed that the tritium concentration in the tenth batch of diluted ALPS treated water, which the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began discharging 17 October, is far below Japan’s operational limit.

    IAEA experts stationed at the Agency’s office at the site of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) conducted an independent on-site analysis of samples from the treated water. The IAEA confirmed that the tritium concentration in the diluted water is far below the operational limit of 1500 becquerels per litre and is in line with international safety standards.

    In line with Japan’s plans, the ALPS-treated water is being released from FDNPS in a series of batches over the next decades, following the start of the discharge in August 2023. The IAEA confirmed that the tritium concentrations in the previous nine batches, totalling approximately 72 000 cubic meters of water, were also far below operational limits.

    In a comprehensive report issued on 4 July 2023, the IAEA’s safety review found that Japan’s plan for handling the treated water was consistent with international safety standards and that the release as planned would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment.

    Earlier this month, the IAEA, with experts from third-party laboratories, performed sampling for interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) to corroborate environmental monitoring conducted by TEPCO and relevant Japanese authorities. Samples of seawater, sediment, fish and seaweed were collected from coastal and offshore locations and a fish market close to FDNPS. The IAEA also initiated the first steps of additional measures at sea near FDNPS.

    Reports on sampling, independent analysis, data evaluation, as well as timeline, are available on the IAEA website.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 255 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stationed at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) are reporting daily military activity in the vicinity, with some explosions occurring close to the facility. This ongoing situation underscores the persistent threat faced by the nuclear power plant, which remains at the heart of an active war zone, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated today.

    No damage has been reported to the plant within the past week, and the IAEA team at the site has focussed its efforts on assessing the condition of the plant, as well as ongoing maintenance and training activities.

    The IAEA team conducted regular walkdowns across the ZNPP. At the pumping station of unit 4, the team confirmed that the circulation pump used to maintain the flow of cooling water between the ZNPP discharge and intake channels is still operational. Its operation is dependent on the overall water level in the ZNPP cooling pond, which has been steadily decreasing since the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in June 2023.

    In assessing maintenance at the plant, the IAEA team noted during a visit this week to cooling tower 1 damaged by fire in August 2024 that no maintenance activities were ongoing. The ZNPP informed the IAEA that it plans to use the support of external contractors to determine the extent of the damage.

    The team was informed that two of the six mobile diesel generators, introduced following the Fukushima stress tests, that are available on site, were moved to other locations. One was now being used at the recently damaged Zaria substation and one at the pumping water supply station in the city of Enerhodar.

    This week, the team was updated on ZNPP staffing numbers. Of the nearly 5000 ZNPP employees, 130 work at the training center, including 70 instructors. The goal is to expand the personnel to 6000.

    The team performed radiation monitoring measurements on site and in the nearby city of Enerhodar, confirming that radiation levels were normal.

    Separately, the IAEA teams at Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine nuclear power plants (NPPs) and the Chornobyl site experienced air raid alarms for several days over the past week but reported that nuclear safety and security is being maintained. The IAEA team at Khmelnytskyy sheltered twice over the past week.

    The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU) informed the IAEA that on 10 October three UAV flights were recorded within the monitoring zone of the South Ukraine NPP, and five in the evening of 14 October.

    At the Rivne NPP, one of the two 750 kilovolt (kV) off-site power lines was put under maintenance and again reconnected within the past week. Additionally, it was reported to the team that one of the five 110 kV off-site power lines was disconnected and under planned maintenance.

    The three teams at the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs have successfully rotated over the past few days.

    Also this week, antigen combo rapid test kits were delivered to the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl site, as well as to Energoatom and SNRIU, in the 6th delivery under the IAEA medical assistance programme and the 70th under the Agency’s comprehensive programme of assistance to help Ukraine maintain nuclear safety and security. The delivery was supported by a contribution from Japan.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Indictment Adds Six More Defendants to Bank Fraud Conspiracy Case

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    14 Defendants Have Now Been Indicted in Connection with Multimillion Dollar Bank Fraud Conspiracy Targeting Financial Institutions Across the United States

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – A superseding indictment charges a total of 14 defendants in connection with a nationwide conspiracy to use stolen identities to fraudulently obtain money, checks, and credit from banks and credit unions located in the Northern District of New York and all over the country.  United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    According to the indictment, court filings, and statements made by prosecutors in court, between at least November 2021 and December 2023, the defendants conspired to steal the identities of people who resided all over the country and impersonated those people at banks and credit unions to fraudulently obtain cash, checks, loans, and credit. The conspirators allegedly opened bank accounts in the names of identity-theft victims, which were then used to deposit and access the funds from checks they had fraudulently obtained from banks and credit unions by impersonating other individuals.  The conspirators’ conduct allegedly involved nearly $3 million in intended losses and more than $1.5 million in actual losses. The charges in the superseding indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    Oluwaseun Adkeoya, age 39, of New Jersey, and David Daniyan, age 60, of Brooklyn, New York, were previously charged in an indictment returned last December, along with codefendants Victor Barriera, age 64, of the Bronx, New York, Gaysha Kennedy, age 46, of Brooklyn, Jerjuan Joyner, age 50, of Brooklyn, Akeem Balogun, age 56, of Brooklyn, Danielle Cappetti, age 46, of the Bronx, and Lesley Lucchese, age 53, of Brooklyn, with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. 

    The superseding indictment is the result of an ongoing investigation that began after the May 2022 arrest of Daniyan, Kennedy, and Barriera by the Cohoes Police Department after the trio had allegedly traveled to the Capital Region to commit bank fraud.  The original indictment charged Adekoya, Daniyan, Barriera, Kennedy, Joyner, Balogun, Cappetti, and Lucchese with fraudulently obtaining over $900,000 in cash and checks between December 2021 and April 2023.

    The charges in the superseding indictment, which was returned on October 8, 2024, are as follows: 

    • Adekoya is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and nine counts of aggravated identity theft;
    • Daniyan is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and four counts aggravated identity theft;
    • Kani Bassie, age 36, of Brooklyn, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft;
    • Davon Hunter, age 27, of Richmond, Virginia, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft;
    • Jermon Brooks, age 20, of Richmond, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft;
    • Christian Quivers, age 20, of Richmond, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft;
    • Sherry Ozmore, age 56, of Richmond, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft; and
    • Crystal Kurschner, age 44, of Brooklyn, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

    The bank fraud conspiracy charges carry a maximum term of 30 years in prison, the money laundering conspiracy charges carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison, and each aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory term of 2 years in prison, to be imposed consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

    Balogun, Barriera, Cappetti, Joyner, and Lucchese each previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and will be sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. 

    FBI Albany is investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI Field Offices in New York, Newark, Richmond and Resident Agencies in Westchester, New York; Brooklyn/Queens, New York; Garrett Mountain, New Jersey; and Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  Additional assistance was provided by other law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement & Removal Operations (New York Field Office & Albany sub-office); U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (Buffalo Field Office & St. Albans Resident Office); U.S. Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General; New York law enforcement agencies including the New York State Police; Cohoes PD; Colonie PD; Elmira PD; Corning PD; Plattsburgh PD; Florida law enforcement agencies including the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; the Pennsylvania State Police; Alabama law enforcement agencies including the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Gasden PD, and Rainbow City PD; Georgia law enforcement agencies including the Georgia State Patrol, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, and Morrow PD; Kansas law enforcement agencies including Lawrence PD and Overland Park PD; New Hampshire law enforcement agencies including Rochester PD, Manchester PD, and Amherst PD; the Delaware State Police; Maryland law enforcement agencies including the Maryland State Police, Harford County Sheriff’s Office and Baltimore County Sheriff’s Office; Wisconsin law enforcement agencies including Onalaska PD and Eau Claire PD; and Indiana law enforcement agencies including the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Point of Contact for Election Fraud and Voting Rights Concerns

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Joshua R. Rosenthal will lead the efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.  AUSA Rosenthal has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of New York and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of Election Day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department headquarters in Washington, D.C.

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

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

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

    In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Rosenthal will be working while the polls are open.  He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 518-431-0389.

    In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will have Special Agents available in each Field Office and Resident Agency Office throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day.  The FBI Albany Field Office can be reached by the public at 518-465-7551.

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ex-Husband of ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ Star Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering and Obstruction of Justice

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    NEWARK, N.J. – The ex-husband of a former star of the Bravo reality television show “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for hiring, then assisting, a soldier in the Lucchese Crime Family to assault his ex-wife’s current husband, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

    Thomas Manzo, 59, of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, was convicted on June 4, 2024, after a two-and-a-half week trial before Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court. The jury convicted Manzo of one count of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering, one count of conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering, and one count of falsifying and concealing documents related to a federal investigation.

     “Whether you’re actually in the Mafia or not, hiring the mob to assault someone because of your marital problems is abhorrent. Covering up the role you played only makes it worse. The jury’s verdict, and today’s sentence, make clear that this office will spare no resources to hold accountable anyone who commits such crimes.”

    U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger

    According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

    In the spring of 2015, Manzo, a co-owner of The Brownstone, a Paterson, New Jersey, catering hall, hired Lucchese Crime Family soldier John Perna to assault his ex-wife’s then-boyfriend, paying for the assault with a free wedding reception. Perna, a “made man” with his own crew, worked with them to carry out the assault on July 18, 2015. The Perna wedding, held in August 2015 at the Brownstone, was attended by approximately 330 people, many of whom also were members of the Lucchese Crime Family. Four years later, Manzo concealed and falsified documents related to the Perna wedding in response to a grand jury subpoena.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Manzo to three years of supervised release and ordered him immediately remanded.

    U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark, with the investigation leading to the conviction. U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanked special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, Officers with the Lyndhurst Police Department, Officers with the Totowa Police Department, Investigators with the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office, Investigators of the New Jersey State Police, and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office for their substantial assistance.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendall R. Randolph of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division and Bruce P. Keller, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Indiana Man Admits $500,000 Wire Fraud Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    TRENTON, N.J. – An Indiana man admitted defrauding dozens of victims by fraudulently negotiating the sales of valuable and rare items that he did not own or possess, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

    Brian Combs, 49, Fishers, Indiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court on Oct. 15, 2024, to an information charging him with three counts of wire fraud.

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

    From April 2018 through December 2023, Combs fraudulently obtained $581,605 from dozens of victims by fraudulently negotiating sales of valuable and rare items – which he did not own or possess – with unsuspecting victims, who believed Combs would deliver these items once they paid Combs. The items included rare bottles of whiskey, precious metals, silver coins, and a rare, collectable Mickey Mantle baseball trading card. Combs frequently requested that the victims wire payment for these valuable and rare goods to him directly, rather than through the e‑commerce website where he advertised the sale of these goods, to make it more difficult for the victims to recover payment for the items Combs fraudulently failed to deliver to them.

    The wire fraud charges each carry a maximum of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2025.

    U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Super Pitts of the Criminal Division in Trenton.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Investigation Leads to Historic Hate Crime Sentencing

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

    “Every FBI field office has a civil rights program and is responsible for maintaining relationships in their local communities,” said Snead. “At the FBI Headquarters level, the Civil Rights Unit engages with internal partners to build and maintain relationships with national advocacy groups.”

    The Bureau offers resources, forensic expertise, and experience in identification of proof of hate-based motivations. FBI field offices participate in working groups or task forces to develop strategies to address local hate crime problems. And the FBI conducts hundreds of operational seminars, workshops, and annual training sessions for local law enforcement, minority and religious organizations, and community groups.

    “Hate incidents are under reported in South Carolina, and that’s something we’re trying to change through education and relationship building,” said Supervisory Special Agent Craig Januchowski, who supervises FBI Columbia’s Civil Right squad. “One way we’re doing that is through our partnership with the U.S. attorney’s office in the United Against Hate outreach initiative.”

    The United Against Hate community outreach program aims to help people report hate crimes more effectively. The program teaches community members how to spot and report these incidents while also building trust between the public and law enforcement. Participants engage in discussions and real-life examples to understand the importance of reporting acts of hate to local police and the FBI.

    FBI Columbia also provides training to all police recruits at the South Carolina Police Academy. Trainings focuses on hate crimes, civil rights, and public corruption and include sessions where agents educate each graduating class on identifying hate crimes and incidents, as well as the importance of contacting the FBI for further investigation when necessary.

    “The most important thing is trust,” Januchowski said, particularly for individuals who have felt unheard or were once reluctant to reach out for help. “We know we’re only as strong as our relationships, and we’ve made significant strides in bridging those gaps through proactive outreach and education.”

    “Historically, reporting hate crimes is hard,” said Snead. “But it takes work on our end as well. We must be vulnerable and transparent in our relationships with communities.”

    Following this landmark verdict, Snead says the FBI wants members of the LGBTQIA+ community to feel protected and to know the FBI is fighting for their protections. Nothing can erase the pain Doe’s family will endure, but the FBI anticipates this case will be a deterrent to future crimes.

    “We want members of the LGBTQIA+ community to feel heard and to feel comfortable being who they are,” said Snead. “Because no one should be victimized for being who they are.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas, Shaheen, Hassan Join EPA in Celebrating $31 Million for NH School Districts to Upgrade to Clean School Buses, Bringing Healthier Air to NH Children and Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today, during Children’s Health Month, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joinedSenator Maggie Hassan (NH),U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash, and the Derry Cooperative School District to celebrate $31 million in funding for 110 new clean school buses across nine school districts in New Hampshire. This funding is from the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, which was made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law, and includes $8.6 million in rebate funding for Derry to purchase 25 zero-emission buses.

    “Clean school buses safeguard the well-being of New Hampshire children, save taxpayer dollars, help keep our air and environment clean, and make a big difference in the long-term health of our communities,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “The EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was created by the bipartisan infrastructure law and is providing New Hampshire school districts with resources to upgrade their bus fleet to cleaner, safer vehicles, including rebate funding for Derry to purchase 25 zero-emission buses. This is an important step in the right direction for our children, taxpayers, and communities.”

    “Replacing older diesel buses makes a big difference for kids’ health and air quality in our communities. That’s why I’m so glad New Hampshire is receiving more than $33 million for 11 school districts to supply 117 new, zero-emission electric school buses. I couldn’t be prouder to help deliver this lasting investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the future of New Hampshire communities,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

    Today’s event showcased Derry’s new clean energy school buses, which will address climate change, improve public health, and lower costs for New Hampshire schools,” said Senator Maggie Hassan. “I worked with my colleagues to negotiate and pass the bipartisan infrastructure law to help make smart investments like this possible, and I will continue to work to support New Hampshire’s clean energy economy and lower costs.”

    “When I was a kid, I remember the acrid smell of the stinky diesel school bus that picked me up at my bus stop. No kid, no matter where they live, should have to breathe in the unhealthy exhaust from a diesel bus,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “EPA’s Clean School Bus Program is making it easier for kids to breathe better, cleaner air on the way to and from school. With October being Children’s Health Month, this is a great opportunity to continue amplifying the relationship between cleaner environments and the well-being of our communities, particularly our children. By transforming our nation’s diesel school bus fleet, we’re not only protecting our students, but saving school districts money, improving air quality, and uplifting American innovation and manufacturing.”  

    “We are thrilled to be part of this initiative and grateful for the support of the EPA in helping us transition to clean energy. These new buses represent our commitment to reducing our environmental impact while ensuring safe, reliable transportation for our students. This grant allows us to take a significant step toward a greener future for our community and the next generation,” said Derry Cooperative School District Transportation Coordinator, Dr. Clifton Dancy.  

    “At First Student, our top priority is ensuring each student we transport to and from school arrives ready to learn and returns home safely. Students across the state will soon have cleaner, quieter rides thanks to this funding, which will deliver 25 new electric school buses,” said Kevin Matthews, head of electrification for First Student. “As the company with the most electric school buses on the road today, we are pleased to work with the EPA and school officials in Derry to get these electric school buses in service. Reducing exposure to harmful tailpipe pollution will improve student health and better position them to succeed in school.”  

    EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was created by the bipartisan infrastructure law, which Congressman Pappas and the New Hampshire Congressional delegation supported and provides an unprecedented $5 billion in funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program is a key player in advancing the transition to zero-emission vehicles and replacing older diesel-fueled buses that contribute to asthma and other respiratory conditions, particularly affecting children in overburdened communities. These new electric buses will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance the air quality for students, bus drivers, and nearby communities, leading to healthier outcomes for children and Granite Staters. Over the lifespan of the vehicles, clean school buses can also cost less to maintain and fuel than the older buses they are replacing – freeing up needed resources for schools and saving taxpayer dollars. For more information click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Three WA Grid Enhancement Projects Get $208M from Cantwell-Authored Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    10.18.24

    Three WA Grid Enhancement Projects Get $208M from Cantwell-Authored Program

    Federal grants covering about half of project costs include $85M for Avista, $45M for Puget Sound Energy, $77M for coalition of PNW/Mountain utilities Funds will help make Washington state electric grid more efficient and resistant to wildfires and extreme weather

    SEATTLE, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced three new federal grants totaling $208.4 million that will help utility providers in Washington state modernize their electricity grids and ensure homes and businesses can count on affordable and reliable electricity service, particularly during natural disasters.

    The funds come from the Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, a $10.5 billion dollar program authored in part by Cantwell in 2007, which was subsequently expanded and funded with Sen. Cantwell’s assistance in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

    “A smarter grid is a more efficient and reliable grid, and key to meeting our region’s need for 30% more affordable electricity over the next decade,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Upgrading transmission lines with technologies like sensors and advanced controls will not only help prevent wildfires but also keep the lights on during extreme weather and natural disasters.”

    The following Washington state organizations received funding:

    • Puget Sound Energy (PSE) received $45,781,599 for the Skagit River Valley Transformation for Climate Resiliency Project: This funding will allow PSE to underground approximately 32 miles of power lines, as well as deploy cameras and sensing technologies for real-time monitoring that can help prevent forest fires. It will also enable PSE to make grid updates that ensure power delivery from the Baker River Hydroelectric Project to communities in Skagit County and help quickly restore power after major outages. Sen. Cantwell wrote a letter in support of the project to DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm in April 2024. This federal grant will cover 50% of the total cost of the project.
    • Avista Utilities received $85,664,781 for the Lolo-Oxbow Transmission Upgrade and Optimization Project: This funding will allow Avista Utilities and Idaho Power Company to reconstruct a vital power line connecting the Pacific Northwest and Mountain regions, using designs and materials that make the line more resistant to wildfires and make outages exceedingly rare – projected to be fewer than one per year. Avista Utilities plans to use drones to string the new lines, which will limit outages during construction. Additionally, the project will deploy advanced technology that controls and optimizes the flow of power and increases capacity for the whole region, enabling the Nez Perce Tribe to increase their capacity for renewable energy generation on their reservation. This federal grant will cover 49.5% of the total cost of the project.
    • E Source received $77,021,741 for the Increasing Energy Resilience Via Technology Investment Acceleration (INERTIA) Project: The INERTIA project brings together a diverse coalition of grid operators, technology providers, and community partners in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain regions to enhance grid resilience and safeguard high-risk communities from natural disasters like wildfires, windstorms, ice storms, and extreme heat. This funding will help the coalition deploy microgrids across the region to provide backup power technology for high-risk areas, reducing the frequency and duration of power shutoffs by approximately 85%.  The funding will also integrate advanced sensing technologies and AI-driven analytics to detect faults in the grid in less than half the previous time and identify dangerous vegetation before it causes an outage. This federal grant will cover 46.5% of the total cost of the project.

    A full list of project recipients is HERE.

    Sen. Cantwell has long championed investments in smart grid technologies that can improve the efficiency and resiliency of our nation’s electricity grid. She authored the Smart Grid Title of the 2007 Energy Bill, pioneering smart grid legislation that created the smart grid R&D program at the Department of Energy (which was expanded in the BIL); required the development of an interoperability framework; established a federal matching grant program; created a Smart Grid Advisory Committee to advise the federal government on the deployment of smart grid technologies; initiated a Smart Grid Task Force to coordinate the federal government’s smart grid policies; and encouraged state utility regulatory commissions to allow for rate recovery for smart grid investments.

    This July, Sen. Cantwell joined U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and regional energy stakeholders to discuss technological and policy solutions that will ensure NW ratepayers and our regional economy continue to benefit from abundant, affordable, and reliable clean energy. More than 200 business, government, and non-profit energy professionals attended the event, including BPA Administrator John Hairston. On the day of the event, Sen. Cantwell released a snapshot report highlighting the key energy technology areas that the Pacific Northwest is poised to lead.

    In 2009, Sen. Cantwell pushed to include $4.5 billion in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for smart grid investments, funding which was authorized by Sen. Cantwell’s Smart Grid Title in the 2007 Energy Bill. In February 2009, Sen. Cantwell organized a Smart Grid Conference in Spokane attended by around 300 regional stakeholders to help coordinate a regional bid for a Smart Grid Demonstration Project. In November 2009, the Energy Department awarded $88 million, the largest award in the country, to launch the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project which was used to install a smart grid framework including a digital telecommunications network, substation automation, and a robust distribution system infrastructure.

    In July 2021, Sen. Cantwell authored and fought for passage of a bipartisan amendment that eventually resulted in a $10 billion increase in the Bonneville Power Administration’s borrowing authority being included in the BIL. The measure allowed BPA to continue to borrow at low-interest rates at no ultimate cost to the taxpayer. Sen. Cantwell’s amendment also linked expanded borrowing authority to new financial oversight requirements and opportunities for increased stakeholder engagement. Since then, BPA has announced investments totaling more than $5 billion in the nation’s electricity grid (a more than $2 billion investment in July 2023 and a $3 billion investment in October 2024), made possible by their expanded borrowing authority.

    The GRIP Program, managed by the Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office, funds activities to modernize the electric grid to reduce impacts of natural disasters and extreme weather worsened by climate change; increase the flexibility, efficiency, and reliability of the electric power system with a particular focus on unlocking more solar, wind, and other clean energy and reducing faults that may lead to wildfires; and improve reliability by deploying innovative approaches to electricity transmission, storage, and distribution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Note to Correspondents: 7th Annual Consultative Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) and the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC)

    Source: United Nations secretary general





  • MIL-OSI USA: A Proclamation on Minority Enterprise Development Week,  2024

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Our Nation’s minority-owned businesses are the glue of our communities and the engines of our economies.  Investing in them is key to growing our economy from the middle out and bottom up, not the top down.  When minority-owned businesses do well, everyone does well.  More people get jobs, first-time business owners build generational wealth, our economy grows, and more Americans feel a sense of pride and hope in all that is possible in our Nation.  This Minority Enterprise Development Week, may we celebrate the talent and ingenuity of the innovators and entrepreneurs who run our Nation’s minority-owned businesses.  And may we recommit to ensuring that minority-owned businesses have access to the resources they need to thrive.
    Minority-owned businesses add incredible value to our economy, generating nearly $2 trillion in revenue each year.  These businesses not only provide the goods and services we need but are also sources of hope — helping people realize their American Dream, building generational wealth, and uplifting their families and communities.  That is why my Administration is ensuring that minority-owned businesses have access to capital and can grow.  The Small Business Administration (SBA) is lending tens of billions of dollars to small businesses that would otherwise struggle to access capital.  For example, since 2020, the rate of SBA-backed loans increased by about 40 percent for Asian American-owned businesses, tripled for Black-owned businesses, and more than doubled for Latino-owned businesses.  Further, my American Rescue Plan helped minority-owned small businesses keep their doors open during the COVID-19 pandemic and represents the largest-ever dedicated Federal investment to connect minority-owned small businesses to support.  That law invested $10 billion to launch and expand programs that provide critical access to capital for small businesses.  The American Rescue Plan also invested $500 million to fund over 100 awards for organizations working to connect entrepreneurs to resources to help their small businesses recover and thrive through initiatives like the SBA’s Community Navigators Program, the Department of the Treasury’s Small Business Opportunity Program, and the Minority Business Development Agency’s Capital Readiness Program. 
    My Administration has also been working to ensure that minority-owned businesses get a fair shot at success.  That is why I signed an Executive Order that would increase the share of total Federal contracts going to disadvantaged businesses from 10 percent to 15 percent by 2025 — and in the last 3 years, we have spent over $208 billion on small disadvantaged businesses.  My Bipartisan Infrastructure Law expanded and made permanent the Minority Business Development Agency, ensuring that minority-owned businesses have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.  And with my Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS and Science Act, we are working to make sure that minority-owned businesses are benefiting from the billions of dollars we are investing in America’s infrastructure, manufacturing, and clean energy industries here at home.  In addition, Vice President Harris launched the Economic Opportunity Coalition in 2022 to provide tens of billions of dollars in investments to underserved communities. 
    Since Vice President Harris and I entered office, our Administration has created 16 million jobs, and American entrepreneurs have filed nearly 20 million new business applications.  Wages are growing faster than prices.  Unemployment remains low.  Black- and Latino-owned businesses are being created faster today than they have been in years and Federal contracts with Native American-owned companies increased by over $8 billion from 2020 to 2023. I also take pride in my Administration’s investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions — all of which are helping launch the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and business owners.  These investments will ensure that their graduates will have every opportunity to lead the industries of the future and build generational wealth.
    Across America — from small towns to big cities — we are seeing thousands of stories of revival, renewal, optimism, and pride.  And each new business that is created is an act of hope, not just for the business owner but for the entire community.  During Minority Enterprise Development Week, may we celebrate all the minority-owned businesses making our economy stronger, our Nation more competitive, and our communities more hopeful.  And may we recommit to supporting their success and longevity.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 20 through October 26, 2024, as Minority Enterprise Development Week.  I call upon the people of the United States to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of minority business owners and enterprises and commit to promoting systemic economic equality.
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
                                  JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Proclamation on National Character Counts Week,  2024

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
         In the Oval Office, I sit surrounded by portraits of exceptional American Presidents and busts of inspiring American leaders.  They remind me each and every day that we are a Nation of dreamers and doers, of promise and possibilities, and of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things.  Above all, we are a Nation of good people, who show our kindness and character through small acts every single day.  This National Character Counts Week, we celebrate the core values of decency, honesty, dignity, and equality that have long defined the character of America.
         Our Nation is strong, and our future is bright — in large part because of the upstanding character that resides within all Americans.  I have witnessed it up close in educators like the First Lady, who inspire our Nation’s youth to reach for every possibility; mothers, fathers, and parental figures who raise their children with care, courage, and grit; first responders, who run toward danger to protect others; union workers, who are building America; and brave service members, who stand on the frontlines of freedom to defend our democracy.  Across the country, American workers are writing the greatest comeback story we have ever known — restoring pride in our hometowns, pride in America, and pride in knowing we can get big things done when we work together.
         Since I came into office, my Administration has taken large strides toward building an America that lives up to those values.  The American Rescue Plan helped keep child care programs open, families in their homes, and small businesses on their feet.  We set a record for Federal contract spending on small businesses.  Our historic investments across the clean energy economy are helping to combat climate change and create good-paying jobs.  Through the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we have made significant investments in reducing crime, preventing gun violence, and saving lives, and last year, we saw one of the lowest rates of violent crime in more than 50 years.  We are also ensuring that America is a Nation where everyone is respected and where we give hate no safe harbor.  That is why I signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, making it easier to report hate crimes, and hosted the United We Stand Summit to counter the corrosive effects of hate-fueled violence.  My Administration continues to work to counter antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hate in all its forms and ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
         Under my Unity Agenda, we are tackling the opioid epidemic and mental health crisis, holding Big Tech accountable, supporting our veterans and their families, and ending cancer as we know it.  We are investing more than $1 billion to help schools across the country train and hire new mental health counselors through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we have granted new disability benefits to over one million veterans and their families under the PACT Act, and we launched the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health to fast-track progress on how we prevent, detect, and treat cancer and other diseases.
         My father taught me that our character is not measured by how many times or how hard we get knocked down but by how quickly we get back up.  Even in the face of challenges ahead and obstacles in our way, Americans always get back up.  It is what drives our great country forward and what makes our Nation strong.  This week and every week, let us recommit to upholding our most essential values and remember that the sacred task of perfecting our Union is not just about any one of us but about “We the People.” 
         NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 20 through October 26, 2024, as National Character Counts Week.  Now and throughout the year, I encourage all Americans to engage in efforts that honor and express the best attributes of our character, extend a hand of fellowship to their neighbors, and unite in service to their communities.
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand thiseighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Proclamation on National Forest Products Week,  2024

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
         Our forests are central to our country’s heritage, history, and economy.  Forests support livelihoods across Tribal Nations, rural towns, and big cities — from foresters and loggers to mill workers and carpenters — while also sustaining the health of our environment and our communities.  During National Forest Products Week, we recognize that conserving our bountiful forests is critical to sustaining our economy and ensuring that Americans can enjoy the wonder of our forests for generations to come.
         As a Nation, we rely on our forests for so much — from cleaning the air we breathe and the water we drink to providing the lumber and paper we use every day.  But the existential threat of climate change endangers our forests, putting those jobs, livelihoods, and critical products at risk.  After decades of fire suppression and ignoring climate change, wildfire seasons have become wildfire years, burning down communities, destroying forest ecosystems, and upending people’s lives.
         My first year in office, I launched the “America the Beautiful” initiative to conserve at least 30 percent of all our Nation’s lands and waters by 2030 through local, voluntary efforts across the country while empowering foresters and farmers to advance sustainable practices to keep working lands productive.  These efforts will help strengthen our economy and pass on a healthier planet to our children and grandchildren.
         When I came into office, I was determined to conserve our forests while protecting the people who rely on them for jobs.  My Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is creating jobs managing our forests, restoring ecosystems, and preventing catastrophic fires.  It is investing in the removal of overgrown vegetation near homes and power lines, preparing evacuation routes in areas at risk of wildfires, removing invasive plant species from forests that can cause fire to spread, and planting native tree species that are more resilient to the changing climate.  And my Inflation Reduction Act made the largest climate investment ever, putting people to work planting trees, sustainably managing our forests, and working on fire prevention.  Together, these actions are producing new jobs that help us care for our forests and keep all of us safe from wildfires.
         At the same time, my Administration is working to support the American workers and rural communities producing our forest products.  We have awarded millions of dollars in grants to American businesses that support forest conservation, expand the sustainable use of American wood products, and find innovative ways to use our wood waste materials, including to build strong and sustainable buildings.  I also take pride in having raised the Federal firefighter minimum wage to $15 per hour — an important first step in ensuring the people who run into flames to keep all of us safe are paid what they deserve.
         Conserving our forests is good for our economy, the planet, and the soul of our Nation.  This week, may we recommit to responsibly stewarding our forests and the abundant resources they provide so that we may all enjoy their benefits and beauty for years to come.
         To recognize the importance of the many products generated by our Nation’s forests, the Congress, by Public Law 86–753 (36 U.S.C. 123), as amended, has designated the week beginning on the third Sunday in October of each year as “National Forest Products Week” and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week.
         NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 20 through October 26, 2024, as National Forest Products Week.  I call upon the people of the United States to join me in this observance and in recognizing all Americans who are responsible for the stewardship of our Nation’s beautiful forested landscapes.
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: VP-10 Participates in Subject Matter Expert Exchange with Royal New Zealand Air Force

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    OHAKEA, New Zealand  –  

    The “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 participated in a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) alongside the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) 5 Squadron, Sept. 21-28.

    SMEEs allow crews to exchange best practices and sharpen the edges of their technical expertise in foreign environments.

    “It was an invaluable experience and incredibly beneficial getting to work alongside our peers in the 5 Squadron” said Lt. Brian DePaola, aircraft commander, VP-10. “Sharing our experiences and skills not only strengthens our partnership but fosters a unified approach to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.”

    The Red Lancer crew conducted multiple briefings, flights, and exchanges with their RNZAF counterparts covering topics ranging from anti-submarine warfare to search and rescue.

    “Search and rescue operations were a particular area that the RNZAF was able to showcase and demonstrate their extensive expertise in,” said DePaola. “Since the U.S. Navy and RNZAF both operate the P-8A Poseidon, the techniques for surveillance and rescue operations were exchanged seamlessly, supporting unified and refined responses to catastrophic events.”

    Among the many opportunities over the seven-day event, the VP-10 crew practiced anti-submarine warfare tactics on an Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Target (EMATT) alongside MH-60Rs from the Royal Australian Navy 816 Squadron and a Royal New Zealand Navy Anzac-class frigate, the HMNZS Te Kaha. This provided invaluable experience for interoperating with allies and partners in both the air and sea domains.

    The Red Lancer crew also participated in community outreach, volunteering at a local animal shelter and helping to build animal enclosures for the Hayward Heights branch of New Zealand’s largest no-kill animal shelter, HUHA (Helping You Help Animals).

    “I can confidently speak for the entire VP-10 detachment in saying that we truly enjoyed the uniqueness and the hospitality that New Zealand had to offer,” said DePaola.

    The “Red Lancers” of VP-10 are based in Jacksonville, Florida. The squadron conducts maritime patrol and reconnaissance as well as theater outreach operations, supporting Commander, Task Force 72, U.S. Seventh Fleet, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

    U.S. Seventh Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prince Albert — Prince Albert RCMP asks public to immediately report sightings of vehicles, suspects involved in robbery

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 17, 2024 at approximately 4:45 p.m., Prince Albert RCMP received a report of a robbery in the RM of Garden River.

    Initial investigation determined two individuals were in a vehicle driving on Garden River Road near Highway #55, northeast of Prince Albert. They approached a vehicle that looked like they were in need of assistance. When they stopped, a male threatened the individuals with a firearm and stole their vehicle.

    No physical injuries were reported by the two individuals.

    Prince Albert RCMP are actively investigating. Prince Albert Police Service received a report of a robbery near Little Red River Park around 5:40 p.m. on October 17. Their investigation determined two individuals were threatened with a firearm and assaulted, then their vehicle was stolen.

    One of the suspect vehicles then struck a vehicle within the City of Prince Albert and fled. No injuries were reported by the occupants of the struck vehicle.

    Investigators believe the incidents may be connected.

    They are asking the public to report all information about these incidents.

    The suspects are described as three males and one female. One male was wearing a red shirt and had many tattoos. Another male was wearing a dark-coloured hoodie.

    They may be driving a red 2005 Dodge Dakota pick-up truck with Saskatchewan license plate 529 ISI or a black 2013 Kia Sportage with Saskatchewan license plate 803 MKY.

    If you see these vehicles or suspects, do not approach them. The suspects should be considered armed and dangerous. Be cautious approaching any unknown or suspicious persons.

    Report information or suspicious persons to Prince Albert RCMP immediately by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or http://www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    Updates will be provided as they become available. We are monitoring this situation. If investigation determines an imminent risk to public safety exists, we will alert the public.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cow Bay — Man wanted on province-wide arrest warrant

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking information on the whereabouts of a man currently wanted on a province-wide arrest warrant.

    Tyler Charles Boland, 29, from Dartmouth, is wanted and facing charges of Failure to Comply with a Probation Order (two counts), Failure to Comply with a Release Order and Mischief.

    Boland is described as 5-foot-9, 165 lbs. He has dark brown hair and blue eyes.

    Police have made several attempts to locate Boland, and are requesting assistance from the public.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Tyler Charles Boland is asked to refrain from approaching him and to call police at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at http://www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 24-142606

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arctic Aloha concludes with Spartan Brigade jump

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska  –  

    Nearly 800 paratroopers assigned to 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, conducted a large-scale joint forceable entry operation onto Malemute Drop Zone in Alaskan history for Arctic Aloha as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 25-01, Oct. 15, 2024.

    Arctic Aloha, which began on Oct. 7, conducted alongside airmen and flight crews from the Air Force’s 15th, 62nd and 154th Wings, using 12 C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, featured airborne operations onto two drop zones in Hawaii and Alaska, to increase interoperability while projecting a combat credible force, and gave 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) paratroopers experience jumping into varied terrain, all key capabilities in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    “This has been a fantastic exercise for us for a bunch of reasons. First, we get to exercise our ability to rapidly deploy, conduct joint force military operations out of Alaska into INDO-PACOM,” said Col. Jimmy Howell, commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), known as the Spartans.

    The brigade departed Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, conducted a in-flight rig, then executed a JFEO into Transfiguracion drop zone on Big Island to begin Arctic Aloha.

    “Now, for this rotation, which was different than last year, we’re actually part of 25th ID’s rotation… so we jumped about 800 paratroopers, into Transfiguracion drop zone, walked, about 18 miles total uphill, to secure an airfield, Bradshaw Army Airfield,” Howell continued.

    Conducting airborne operations in Hawaii provided the Spartan paratroopers an opportunity to hone their warfighting skills in an ever-changing environment, and Arctic Aloha is a chance to demonstrate the division’s ability to quickly project ready, lethal forces anywhere throughout the Indo-Pacific.

    “One thing I’ll say, these paratroopers can do it all,” explained Howell. “It was about 30 degrees when we left and about 80 degrees in Hawaii, 5000ft elevation total. So that takes a toll, it’s taxing on your body.”

    The Spartan Brigade then occupied a hangar and prepared with the joint force to conduct a subsequent airborne operation back into Alaska.

    The exercise was in support of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 25-01, the 25th Infantry Division’s Combat Training Center rotation at home station. JPMRC facilitates unit readiness in the Indo-Pacific region and allows commanders to train their forces in the unique environments and conditions where they are most likely to campaign or be employed in the event of crisis.

    “So, it takes the entire joint force. They have been planning and preparing for a very long time, but to see the amount of folks that participate in our joint rehearsals, our joint mission briefs, it is it is really at another level,” Howell explained. “And I couldn’t be prouder of my team in the entire joint force for the way that we’re working together.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Steinbach — Steinbach RCMP seize drugs

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 17, 2024, at approximately 10:25 am, Steinbach RCMP executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residence on 4th Street in Steinbach.

    The East District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team assisted Steinbach RCMP with a search of the residence.

    Police seized 353 grams of cocaine, 700 grams of illicit cannabis, 343 grams of psilocybin, 168 Gabapentin pills, 192 Tylenol 3s, 30 amphetamine pills, and more than 15,000 unstamped cigarettes. An undisclosed amount of Canadian currency was also seized.

    Tina Perrier, 51, was arrested on scene. She is charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x2, Possessing Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling, Possession of Illicit Cannabis, and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000. Perrier has been remanded in custody.

    The investigation continues.

    MIL Security OSI –