NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Security: Puerto Rico’s Most Wanted Fugitive Arrested in Lajas, PR

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

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Nelson Torres-Delgado, a.k.a. “El Burro”, was arrested today in the municipality of Lajas, PR, on criminal charges related to his alleged drug trafficking and violent crimes charges in three different indictments since 2017. Torres-Delgado’s first indictment in Crim. Case No. 17-621 was issued on December 8, 2017, where he was charged in a conspiracy with 43 other individuals with drug trafficking and firearms violations. The second indictment was issued by a grand jury on May 20, 2019, in Crim. Case No. 19-307 where he was charged with 25 other individuals also with drug trafficking and firearms violations. The third indictment pending against Torres-Delgado was issued on August 21, 2024, in Crim. Case 23-273, where he was charged in a conspiracy with 51 other individuals with drug trafficking, firearms violations, and drug-related murders.

    According to court documents, Nelson Torres-Delgado, 37, was the leader of a violent drug trafficking organization in Caguas and other areas, since the early 2010s. He had been a federal fugitive since 2017 and maintained control over the criminal organization as a fugitive through deadly violence and intimidation, and by engaging in violent turf wars against rival drug trafficking organizations. His methods of avoiding capture while controlling his gang included limited face-to-face contact to only the highest and most trusted leaders in his organization.

    “As alleged in the indictments, Torres-Delgado was the leader of a violent, armed criminal enterprise that he controlled even as a fugitive from justice since 2017. Thanks to the tenacious efforts and collaboration of our law enforcement partners and prosecutors, he now will face justice in a United States courtroom in Puerto Rico,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

    “When we work together, we accomplish more and when communities come alongside us as partners in the fight against drug trafficking and violent crime, amazing things can happen,” said Joseph González, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “No one is above the law, and no one is untouchable. Especially, when the public collaborates with law enforcement. The FBI’s commitment is to the people and I look forward to continuing the work we have begun with our local partners and the support of the public.”

    “This arrest is a culmination of a long-term fugitive apprehension effort of one of the most violent individuals in an effort to bolster public safety for the people of Puerto Rico,” said Christopher A. Robinson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Miami Field Division.

    Torres-Delgado is charged with drug trafficking, firearms violations, money laundering, and multiple drug-related murders. If convicted, Torres-Delgado faces up to life in prison, with the possibility of the death penalty for certain offenses. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    This arrest was led by the FBI, Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), ATF, and the United States Marshals Service (USMS).

    Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort, Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares, and AUSAs R. Vance Eaton and Héctor Siaca Flores are prosecuting the case.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Arrest Clarksville Murder Suspect

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Memphis, TN – Turnity Rossell, age 22, was arrested today for First Degree Murder.

    On October 28, 2019, Clarksville Tennessee Police responded to a shots fired call in the area of 16 Hand Village Avenue, Clarksville, Tennessee. It was found that Serdyrin Brown, age 22, was shot there in an incident. He was taken for medical care and pronounced dead at the hospital.

    On June 4, 2024, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Turnity Rossell for this crime. The warrant was for First Degree Murder and Aggravated Robbery. On September 24, 2024, this case was adopted by the U.S. Marshals Middle Tennessee Fugitive Task Force.

    The Middle Tennessee Fugitive Task Force developed information that Rossell was in the Memphis, Tennessee area. On September 24, 2024, they requested that the U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force assist with locating Rossell.

    On October 17, 2024, the Two Rivers Task Force went to a residence near the intersection of S. Mendenhall and Colony in an effort to locate Rossell. They were aided by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Team and the Memphis Police Fugitive Apprehension Team. Rossell was located and placed under arrest. He initially tried to lie about his identity, however he soon stopped trying to mislead the Task Force investigators. Rossell was taken to the Shelby County Detention Center without incident.

    The U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 2,600 violent fugitives and sexual predators.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney’s Office to Monitor Election Day Complaints

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NASHVILLE – Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee announced today that Criminal Chief Ben Schrader will lead the United States Attorney’s Office’s efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. Criminal Chief Schrader has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Tennessee, 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.

    Acting United States Attorney Jaworski 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).

    Acting United States Attorney Jaworski 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, Criminal Chief/DEO Schrader will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (615) 736-5151.”

    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 Nashville Division of the FBI, which covers the entire state of Tennessee, can be reached by the public at (865) 544-0751.

    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.

    Acting United States Attorney Jaworski 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former NYCHA Superintendent Convicted Of Bribery And Extortion Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    In the First Trial Following a 70-Person Takedown in February 2024, Joy Harris, a Former New York City Housing Authority Superintendent, Was Convicted of Bribery and Extortion for Accepting Cash from Contractors in Exchange for Awarding Contracts

    Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Joy Harris, a former New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) superintendent, was convicted of bribery and extortion under color of official right for soliciting and accepting tens of thousands of dollars from contractors in exchange for awarding those contractors no-bid contracts at NYCHA developments.  The verdict followed a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, who will sentence HARRIS on February 26, 2025.

    U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Corruption is an insidious crime—difficult to detect, corrosive in its effect on government agencies, and damaging to public trust in government institutions. Joy Harris’s years-long abuse of her position to demand tens of thousands of dollars in bribes betrayed her duty to NYCHA residents, the City of New York, and taxpayers.  The jury’s unanimous verdict sends a clear message that those who use their public offices for personal gain will be held accountable.”

    According to the evidence presented in court during the trial:

    NYCHA is the largest public housing authority in the country, providing housing to New Yorkers across the City and receiving over $1.5 billion in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) every year.  When repairs or construction work at NYCHA housing require the use of outside contractors, services must typically be purchased via a bidding process.  However, when the value of a contract was under a certain threshold, designated staff at NYCHA developments, including assistant superintendent and superintendents, could hire a contractor of their choosing without soliciting multiple bids.

    HARRIS, an assistant superintendent and superintendent at four different NYCHA developments in Manhattan between 2015 and 2021, demanded and accepted cash in exchange for NYCHA contracts.  She required contractors to pay bribes up front in order to be awarded the contracts or required bribe payments after the contractor finished the work and needed a NYCHA employee to sign off on the completed job so that the contractor could be paid by NYCHA.  HARRIS typically demanded 10% of the contract value—between $500 and $1,000, depending on the size of the contract.  In total, HARRIS demanded and accepted tens of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for awarding contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

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    HARRIS, 49, of Bushkill, Pennsylvania, was convicted of one count of federal program bribery, which carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison, and one count of extortion under color of official right, which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.

    The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

    Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Department of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the HUD Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, which work together collaboratively as part of the HSI Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, as well as the special agents and task force officers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Of the 70 current and former NYCHA employees charged with bribery and extortion offenses in February 2024, 55 of the defendants have now pled guilty or been convicted at trial.  The charges against the remaining defendants are pending.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry J. Fang, Meredith Foster, Sheb Swett, Jacob R. Fiddelman, and Catherine Ghosh are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Jayda Foote and Nandita Vasantha.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six defendants arrested in retail theft ring, charged with stealing and selling hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that six defendants were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, transportation and sale of stolen goods in interstate commerce, money laundering, and conspiracy, for their roles in a retail theft ring in the Rochester, NY, area. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Named in the complaint are:

    •              Shabon Banks, 41

    •              Amanda Reeves, 40

    •              Chad Lewis, Jr., 20

    •              Chanc Lewis, 22

    •              Dominic Sprague, 40

    •              James Civiletti, 33, all of Rochester, NY.

    Defendant Shabon Banks is also charged with aggravated identity theft.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the criminal complaint, in November 2023, the Greece Police Department began an investigation after it became aware that serial larcenist, Shabon Banks, had been engaged in an unusually large number of transactions at the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop in Greece. The investigation uncovered a theft ring involving defendants Banks, Reeves, Lewis, Jr., and Lewis (the larcenists), who have been engaged in an ongoing retail theft conspiracy involving the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop and its operators, defendants Sprague and Civiletti, since December 2021. As part of the scheme, the larcenists stole new-in-box items from store shelves, which they then sold to Sprague, Civiletti, and others at the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop, for a fraction of the actual retail value. Sprague and Civiletti then resold the stolen merchandise on eBay at much higher prices, resulting in significant profits for the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop. The merchandise was stolen from various stores including Home Depot, Target, Lowes, Walmart, and Kohls.

    Since December 7, 2021, the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop has purchased 37,936 new-in-box items from the larcenists on more than 670 occasions, paying the larcenists $290,000.00. The investigation determined that the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop paid the larcenists 30% of the actual retail value of the stolen items. Therefore, the actual losses to the victim-retailers and resulting profit to the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop are estimated to be much higher.

    Sprague and Civiletti engaged in multiple financial transactions involving the proceeds of the fraud in violation of federal money laundering statutes. In total, between January 2022, and August 7, 2024, the New York Gold Diamond Pawn shop resold more than 48,000 new-in-box items via eBay for $2,467.847.46, the majority of which are believed to have been stolen.

    The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Internal Revenue Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lincoln County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jason L. Norman, 42, of Ranger, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 10, 2023, Norman possessed a Smith & Wesson model M&P 15 .223-caliber rifle and a Mossberg model 500A 12-gauge shotgun at his residence in Ranger.

    Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Norman knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm following his felony conviction for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in Lincoln County Circuit Court on April 13, 2017.

    Norman is scheduled to be sentenced on January 30, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

    United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

    United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess and former Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams have prosecuted the case.

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

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-94.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Jefferson City Man Sentenced for $26 Million Bank Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo. man was sentenced in federal court today for a multi-million dollar bank fraud scheme that included fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for four businesses.

    Tod Ray Keilholz, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to a total sentence of 12 years in federal prison without parole.

    On March 28, 2024, Keilholz pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of aggravated identity theft.

    Keilholz was the sole owner of TRK Construction, LLC, TRK Valpo, LLC, TL Builders, LLC, and Project Design, LLC.

    By pleading guilty, Keilholz admitted that he engaged in a bank fraud scheme from Jan. 1, 2018, to Jan. 7, 2021.

    Prior to the bank fraud scheme, Keilholz obtained three business loans totaling $3,526,771 from Hawthorn Bank between Aug. 31, 2017, and Sept. 21, 2018. One of these loans financed the purchase of property in Valparaiso, Indiana. As Keilholz’s businesses failed, these loans fell into default and sub-contractors sued him for unpaid invoices during 2019 and 2020. In February 2020, Hawthorn Bank initiated foreclosure proceedings. Keilholz delayed the foreclosure proceedings and paid off these loans and other past due debts with fraudulent PPP loans.

    The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these programs, the PPP authorized forgivable loans, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments.

    Keilholz received a total of $12,430,932 in PPP loans for his four businesses. In each of those loan applications, Keilholz admitted, he failed to disclose his ownership in the other three businesses, and made materially false and fraudulent claims in the loan applications and supporting documentation. Keilholz falsely stated the businesses were in operation on Feb. 15, 2020, and eligible for PPP loans. He inflated the income of those businesses and claimed payrolls for employees who did not exist or no longer worked for him. Additionally, Keilholz applied for a $7,818,705 PPP loan for TRK Valpo but the loan was denied by the bank.

    Keilholz received a $1,706,260 PPP loan for TRK Construction, a $3,618,815 PPP loan for TL Builders, a $3,903,857 PPP loan for Project Design, and a $3,202,000 PPP loan for TRK Valpo.

    Keilholz admitted that he used PPP loan proceeds for unauthorized purposes other than legitimate payroll, lease and mortgage interest, and utilities as required by the PPP. Keilholz, through TRK Construction, had accrued substantial and delinquent indebtedness to a number of lenders, and all or part of these debts were satisfied by PPP loan proceeds.

    The conviction for aggravated identity theft is related to Keilholz’s use of a former TRK Construction employee whose name and Social Security number were used without his knowledge or authorization on wage reports in connection with a fraudulent PPP loan application for TRK Valpo.

    Under the terms of his plea agreement, Keilholz must forfeit to the government any property involved in, or derived from the proceeds of his bank fraud scheme, including a money judgment of $12,430,932, two properties in Jefferson City, one property in Valparaiso, one property in La Porte, Ind., four vehicles (a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, two 2021 Chevrolet Silverados, and a 2019 BMW X5), a 2020 John Deer ZTrak, a 2020 John Deere Tractor, a Kubota Compact Track Loader, a Gents 43mm IWC Schaffhausen Perpetual Chronograph wristwatch, two Gents stainless steel Rolex Sea-Dweller self-winding automatic diver’s watches, and a Gents Citizen Eco-Drive Radio-controlled world time self-winding automatic watch with sapphire crystal.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General; the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; the FBI; and IRS-Criminal Investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pierceland — Pierceland RCMP investigating sudden death

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 16, 2024, at approximately 6:20 p.m., Pierceland RCMP received a report of a sudden death at a residence on the Mudie Lake First Nation. Officers immediately responded and located the individual, who was declared deceased by EMS at the scene.

    Pierceland RCMP continue to investigate this sudden death with the assistance of the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.

    Currently, the investigation has not identified a risk to public safety. Updates will be provided when available.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Craik — Craik RCMP: motorists can expect delays on Highway #2

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Craik RCMP are currently at the scene of a serious collision on Highway #2 west of Chamberlain, approximately one kilometer north of the Highway #2 and Highway #733 junction.

    Both southbound and northbound lanes are currently closed.

    Detours are in place but motorists should expect delays in the area. Please follow the instructions of emergency personnel on scene.

    Please visit the Highway Hotline for road closure updates. Further details will be provided as possible.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fifteenth Defendant Sentenced for Prison Drug Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Gulfport, Miss. – A Long Beach, Mississippi man was sentenced to 99 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

    Johnson Tran, 47, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.

    According to court documents and information presented to the Court, in 2018, agents with the DEA received information from the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) that drug laced letters and greeting cards were being sent to inmates in the Bureau of Prisons from the Southern District of Mississippi.  The drug laced letters and cards were intercepted at prisons in Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

    DEA and BOP officials were able to determine that inmates were ordering the drug laced letters and cards from Johnson Tran via prison email accounts and jail calls.   The inmates would typically order the drugs using coded language. The letters or greeting cards were laced with FUB-AMB and 5F-MDMB-PICA, which are Schedule I controlled substances and synthetic cannabinoids.  Many of them were sent through the postal service in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Tran’s base of operation was Harrison County, Mississippi.

    Agents were also able to determine through the review of financial records that Tran would ultimately receive payment for the drugs that he sent into prison via U.S. Department of Treasury checks drawn from the inmate’s prison accounts and/or peer-to-peer money transfers from associates or family members of the inmates.  When Tran’s associates would receive funds on Tran’s behalf, Tran would give them a portion of the funds they received as payment for their services.

    In addition to Johnson Tran, fourteen other defendants have now been sentenced in the case:  

    Chaze Lowery and William Hernandez previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Lowery was sentenced to 48 months in prison and Hernandez was sentenced to 87 months in prison.  Jermaine Jones pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and was sentenced to 62 months imprisonment.

    Jorge Pena, Trae Short, Bobby Huneycutt, Clarence Plato, Ryan Douglas, Salomon Ayala, Stanley Spriggs, Corderius Trammell, Jonathan Estrada, Marcus Thames, and Allen Butler all pled guilty to conspiring to commit an offense against the United States by conspiring to introduce contraband to a federal correctional facility. Their sentences ranged from time served to 52 months in prison.

    Two additional defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing:

    Ryan Schmittaur pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He will be sentenced on October 22, 2024, and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. Ashley Magee pled guilty to engaging in an unlicensed money transmission business by accepting and transferring money on behalf of Johnson Tran and the inmates. She will be sentenced on January 7, 2025, and faces a maximum of 5 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Todd Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor- led, intelligence driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Announces Launch of Ashanti Alert Website

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – With National Crime Prevention Month underway, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today announced the launch of the Ashanti Alert website administered by the Department of Justice. The Ashanti Alert, created by a Warner-authored law, seeks to notify the public about missing or endangered adults, ages 18-64, and assist by way of a national communications network. The public website unveiled today provides information about the law and the National Ashanti Alert Network, and it includes links to state missing person programs and other resources.
    “Having fought for the passage and nationwide implementation of the Ashanti Alert nationwide, I’m very proud to announce the launch of a public website that will help the public better understand how to report a missing person,” said Sen. Warner. “I’ve been proud to work closely with the Department of Justice on the launch of these resources as we continue to honor Ashanti’s legacy and save lives.”
    The Ashanti Alert Law, championed by Sen. Warner in 2018, was named after Ashanti Billie – a 19-year-old whose body was discovered in North Carolina, 11 days after she was first reported missing in Norfolk, Va. At the time of Ashanti’s abduction, she was too old for an AMBER Alert and too young for a Silver Alert. 
    In 2023, the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) reported 546,097 entries for missing individuals – 34 percent of whom were over 18 when reported missing. This data underscores the urgency of addressing missing adult cases, given that missing person reports for adults do not always receive the same mandatory attention as those involving juveniles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Completes Visits to All 87 Counties in 2024

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

    MINNESOTA – With stops today in three remaining counties: Aitkin (American Peat Manufacturing); Carlton (local airport), and Kanabec (Lakes & Pines Community Action Council), U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has once again visited every one of Minnesota’s 87 counties in one year.

    “The best way for me to do my job is by listening to the people of Minnesota and getting things done for them,” said Klobuchar. “That’s why every year I meet with Minnesotans all over our state and discuss what we can get done together. From expanding child care and housing to supporting local businesses, I’m committed to taking action on the issues that matter most.”

    Today, Klobuchar toured American Peat Technology in Aitkin and then went to the Cloquet Airport in Carlton County which is developing a new storage hanger thanks to federal funding. Klobuchar ended the day in Mora and visited the Lakes and Pines Community Action Council. 

    This year, Klobuchar’s stops included: 

    1. Aitkin
    • Toured American Peat Technology and met with their leadership team.

    2. Anoka
    • Gave remarks at the USA Cup Opening Ceremony in Blaine.
    • Attended the 43rd annual Game Fair and discussed conservation policy with Ron Schara.
    • Participated in Coon Rapids 4th of July Festivities.
    • Attended the Blaine Festival.

    3. Becker
    • Led a child care discussion and toured the Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes LEAP Preschool.

    4. Beltrami
    • Led a breakfast discussion with Bemidji City and Beltrami county and tribal leaders.
    • Spoke at the dedication ceremony of the new Bemidji Veterans Home, toured it with veterans, and met with Red Lake Band Members.

    5. Benton
    • Toured SNX Technologies Inc. and met with their leadership.

    6. Big Stone
    • Discussed agriculture with local farmers while touring Anne Schwagerl’s farm.

    7. Blue Earth
    • Visited Mankato in the aftermath of severe flooding with Mankato mayor and Representative Finstad.
    • Met with family and friends of Sergeant Cade Wolfe.

    8. Brown
    • Attended the community celebration at the Pheasant Opener in Sleepy Eye and spoke at the Pheasants Forever land dedication.
    • Toured the New Ulm Airport’s recent upgrades and met with local leaders.

    9. Carlton
    • Toured the new Cloquet airport hangar with airport leadership and the Cloquet mayor.

    10. Carver
    • Led a discussion with the City of Chaska mayor and public safety leadership about their Emergency Operations Center project.
    • Toured the town of Carver with the mayor in the aftermath of severe flooding.
    • Attended the Highway 212 Groundbreaking Ceremony.
    • Spoke to veterans at the Chanhassen Memorial Day event.

    11. Cass
    • Led a community discussion with the Walker mayor and local business leaders.

    12. Chippewa
    • Spoke with veterans and toured the new Montevideo Veterans Home.

    13. Chisago
    • Discussed regional tourism and toured the Franconia Sculpture Park.

    14. Clay
    • Celebrated the launch of the federally funded Moorhead 11th Street Underpass project.
    • Attended the Reimagine Romkey Park event.

    15. Clearwater
    • Toured TEAM Industries and met with their leadership.

    16. Cook
    • Visited the North Shore Winery and Coho Cafe.

    17. Cottonwood
    • Toured Red Rock Rural Water Treatment Center and visited with local leaders.

    18. Crow Wing
    • Met with the mayor and city leadership about the Highway 210 expansion in Brainerd.
    • Toured the new YMCA child care center.

    19. Dakota
    • Gave remarks at the Kaposia Library opening in South Saint Paul.
    • Met with Burnsville first responders.
    • Attended the opening ceremony of the Veterans Memorial Greenway in Inver Grove Heights.
    • Met with law enforcement and community leaders in Hastings to highlight the Cooper/Davis Act that requires social media to alert authorities when controlled substances are being distributed illicitly on their platforms.
    • Attended an event in Inver Grove Heights to highlight the new Criminal Justice Network for Minnesota law enforcement.
    • Led the Survivor March and delivered remarks at the Susan G. Komen 32nd Annual Race for the Cure in Eagan.

    20. Dodge
    • Met with the owner and toured Chaotic Good Brewery in Kasson.

    21. Douglas
    • Led a discussion at the Alexandria YMCA about their child care program.

    22. Faribault
    • Met with leadership and toured Winnebago Manufacturing in Blue Earth.

    23. Fillmore
    • Toured Harmony Enterprises manufacturing facility and their child care center.
    • Toured the new Preston State Veterans Home and met with veterans.

    24. Freeborn
    • Led a discussion and toured the Freeborn/Mower Electric Cooperative in Albert Lea.

    25. Goodhue
    • Met with students and school leadership to hear about the Red Wing Flight Path workforce training program.
    • Spoke at the 50th Anniversary Jaunt With Jim bike ride in Cannon Falls.

    26. Grant
    • Toured the West Central High School Greenhouse and the Central Lakes College’s mobile meat cutting trailer and met with FFA students and their instructors.

    27. Hennepin
    • Attended the annual MLK Breakfast.
    • Delivered remarks at the Asia Mall Lunar New Year celebration in Bloomington.
    • Delivered Remarks at the MN Newspaper Association Convention.
    • Met with officers at the Minneapolis Second Precinct Station.
    • Convened a meeting with the Metropolitan Airport Commission leadership to hear updates on aviation safety and passenger experience.
    • Delivered remarks at the Stand with Ukraine Two Year Commemoration event.
    • Spoke at the Annual Parkinson’s Foundation Walk in Plymouth.
    • Delivered remarks at the Celebrating the Sistas Awards Ceremony and presented the Icon Award honoring Laysha Ward.
    • Delivered remarks at the MN Ovarian Cancer Alliance Gala.
    • Visited Woodlake Nature Center in Richfield and met with staff.
    • Spoke at the 78th Annual Paralyzed Veterans of America National Convention.
    • Participated in the groundbreaking event for the St. Louis Park Cedar Lake Road Reconstruction project.
    • Spoke at the Annual Somali Independence Day Street Festival.
    • Delivered remarks at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation 75th Anniversary Gala.
    • Toured the I-494 construction site and met with local project leaders in Bloomington.
    • Attended the Minnesota Business Partnership Annual Dinner.
    • Attended the Twin Cities Pride Parade and Festival in Minneapolis.
    • Honored the Legendary Cornbread Harris at an event with his son Jimmy Jam.
    • Attended Champlin Father Hennepin Festival.
    • Convened a meeting with the Metropolitan Airport Commission leadership to hear updates on aviation safety and passenger experience.
    • Attended the Charles Lindbergh Richfield Post Office Dedication Ceremony.
    • Presented the Spirit of Hospitality Award at the Bloomington Travel and Tourism Diamond Service Awards Gala.
    • Attended the Niron opening and met with local businesses and Shakopee Band investors.

    28. Houston
    • Led a discussion with leadership and toured the Houston County airport in Caledonia.

    29. Hubbard
    • Toured a workforce housing development and met with local leaders.

    30. Isanti
    • Toured the North Star Child and Family Advocacy Center in Braham.

    31. Itasca
    • Met with leadership and toured the KOOTASCA Child Care Hub.

    32. Jackson
    • Met with first responders to discuss the new EMS telemedicine ambulance in Jackson.

    33. Kanabec
    • Toured the Lakes and Pines Community Action Council and visited with leaders.

    34. Kandiyohi
    • Toured the Life Link III Air Base at Willmar Municipal Airport.
    • Attended the four lane Highway 23 completion celebration.

    35. Kittson
    • Met with owners and toured Far North Distillery.

    36. Koochiching
    • Met with the team at the Voyageurs National Park Headquarters.

    37. Lac qui Parle
    • Toured PURIS Plant-Based Protein manufacturing facility and met with leadership.

    38. Lake
    • Visited the iconic Betty’s Pies in Two Harbors.

    39. Lake of the Woods
    • Met with county leadership about their new water safety equipment.

    40. Le Sueur
    • Led a discussion with the Le Sueur Sheriff and other local leaders and toured the department.
    • Viewed the flood damage and met with leadership in Waterville about federal assistance.

    41. Lincoln
    • Led a discussion at Lyon-Lincoln Electric Co-Op with their leadership.

    42. Lyon
    • Visited the farm of Carolyn and Jonathan Olson in Cottonwood.

    43. McLeod
    • Participated in the Winsted Post Office Rededication Ceremony to James A. Rogers, Jr.

    44. Mahnomen
    • Toured the White Earth Nation College with Chairman Fairbanks and members of the Tribal Council.

    45. Marshall
    • Toured North Valley Health Center Community Hospital in Warren.

    46. Martin
    • Toured the CHS soybean processing facility in Fairmont.

    47. Meeker
    • Toured the Doosan Bobcat manufacturing plant and met with leadership in Litchfield.

    48. Mille Lacs
    • Met with the owner and enjoyed breakfast at the Bee Cafe in Milaca.

    49. Morrison
    • Delivered remarks at the Memorial Day program at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.
    • Met with the mayor and area leadership to discuss the Little Falls bridge project.

    50. Mower
    • Led a discussion and toured the Hormel Foods child care center in Austin.
    • Attended the I-90 bridge project groundbreaking ceremony in Austin.

    51. Murray
    • Met with the owners and got a tour of Painted Prairie Vineyard in Currie.

    52. Nicollet
    • Toured KATO Engineering and met with leadership in North Mankato.
    • Delivered remarks and presented the Purple Heart at a ceremony honoring Corporal Earl Meyer in St. Peter.

    53. Nobles
    • Met with CEDA and county officials to discuss child care projects and solutions in Worthington.
    • Toured the Highway 59 federally funded street project with Worthington leadership.

    54. Norman
    • Convened a meeting with Norman County leadership to discuss the West Central Regional Water District project.

    55. Olmsted
    • Delivered remarks at the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association Annual Legislative Conference in Rochester.
    • Attended the Memorial Day Rochester Honkers game.
    • Toured the Mayo Clinic’s new Kellen building.
    • Delivered remarks at the Soldier’s Field Aquatic Center improvements opening ceremony.
    • Led a discussion with county leadership and law enforcement about efforts to combat illegal fentanyl use in Rochester.

    56. Otter Tail
    • Met with leadership from Pioneer Kids Child Care and toured the facility in Fergus Falls with Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce members.

    57. Pennington
    • Visited Northern Woodwork Inc. in Thief River Falls.
    • Met with city and business leadership at Rivers and Rails Brewing Company.

    58. Pine
    • Toured Pine Technical & Community College and met with leadership.

    59. Pipestone
    • Met with local leaders at the Pipestone Airport to discuss improvement plans.

    60. Polk
    • Met with child care and city leaders at the Prairie Pines Child Care Center in Fosston.

    61. Pope
    • Met with staff and toured Clyde Machines in Glenwood with the mayor and Pope County leadership.

    62. Ramsey
    • Toured PAR Systems in Shoreview.
    • Delivered remarks at the St. Paul Firefighters Local 21 Installation celebration.
    • Gave welcome remarks at the Thai Songkran Festival opening ceremony.
    • Delivered remarks at the Official State Memorial Day event at Fort Snelling.
    • Spoke at the Hmong Freedom Festival in St. Paul.
    • Hosted Secretary Becerra at the Episcopal Homes Senior Living Center to highlight Medicare drug pricing.
    • Hosted tourism event at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights.
    • Toured the Carter Work Project in St. Paul with Habitat for Humanity leadership.
    • Delivered remarks at the Military Appreciation Day event at the MN State Fair.
    • Spoke at the CLUES Fiesta Latina in St. Paul.
    • Toured Delkor Systems in Arden Hills with Ex-Im Bank Director Herrnstadt.
    • Led a round table discussion with Ex-Im Bank director and Minnesota business leaders.
    • Delivered remarks at the St. Paul Kellogg-Third Street Bridge Construction Kick Off event.
    • Attended the Serving Our Troops Event in support of military families.
    • Attended St. Paul St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
    • Toured the Neighborhood Development Center with Secretary Yellen

    63. Red Lake
    • Led a discussion about the Farm Bill with the Minnesota Wheat Growers Association and Minnesota Barley Growers Association.

    64. Redwood
    • Delivered remarks and met with agricultural leaders at Farmfest.

    65. Renville
    • Toured K&M Manufacturing in Renville and met with employees.

    66. Rice
    • Met local leaders and manufacturers to tour a planned child care facility in Faribault.
    • Toured flood damage and met with leadership in Northfield.

    67. Rock
    • Toured the new child care center under construction in Luverne.

    68. Roseau
    • Attended annual Hockey Day Celebration activities in Warroad.

    69. Saint Louis
    • Toured flood damage in downtown Cook with the mayor and local leaders.
    • Toured the flash flood damage in Biwabik with the mayor and local leaders.
    • Joined Duluth mayor to highlight the success of their flood mitigation projects.
    • Visited the Blatnik Bridge to highlight its need for repair.
    • Attended Fourth of July festivities in Aurora, Gilbert, Eveleth, Tower, and Ely.
    • Presented a flag to the Ely mayor at Ely Memorial High School in commemoration of their 100th Anniversary Celebration.
    • Attended Labor Day events in Duluth and Virginia.

    70. Scott
    • Met with Scott County Sheriff leadership, viewed the new rescue equipment, and toured the 911 Dispatch Center in Shakopee.

    71. Sherburne
    • Met with leadership of the Wave Youth Center in Big Lake to tour and discuss their expansion project for middle and high school-aged youth.

    72. Sibley
    • Toured the Heartland Ethanol Plant in Winthrop with company leadership.

    73. Stearns
    • Delivered remarks at the annual St. John’s Boys’ Choir Spring Gala in St. Cloud.
    • Spoke at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center 100th Anniversary celebration.
    • Toured the St. Cloud Coborn’s with business leadership.

    74. Steele
    • Convened a discussion with Owatonna High School staff and Chamber of Commerce leadership about their Youth Skills Training Program.

    75. Stevens
    • Met with the Chancellor of UMN Morris and toured the campus.

    76. Swift
    • Toured the Swift County Historical Museum in Benson and met with leadership.

    77. Todd
    • Met with company leadership of EnterpriseCP Manufacturing and toured the facility.

    78. Traverse
    • Led a discussion with Browns Valley mayor and fire chief to hear about fire department operations.

    79. Wabasha
    • Toured Pepin Manufacturing Inc. in Lake City.
    • Spoke at the Governor’s Fishing Opener Kick-Off in Lake City.

    80. Wadena
    • Met with Central Lakes College leaders to discuss their Butchery Program and federal partnerships.

    81. Waseca
    • Met with staff and toured Winegar Manufacturing in Waseca.

    82. Washington
    • Spoke at the 1st Annual Momentous Music Festival with Brian Mueller in Woodbury, honoring Aimee Muller.
    • Attended the Hugo Good Neighbors Day festivities.

    83. Watonwan
    • Visited the farm of Harold Wolle in St. James.

    84. Wilkin
    • Toured CHI St. Francis Health and met with leadership in Breckenridge.

    85. Winona
    • Visited local businesses in Winona with Chamber of Commerce leadership to discuss tourism.

    86. Wright
    • Attended the I-94 West Corridor Coalition Gap Project Groundbreaking Ceremony in Monticello which received federal funds.

    87. Yellow Medicine
    • Met with leadership and visited the Yellow Medicine County Historical Society and Museum.
    • Walked the Dave Smiglewski Memorial Trail in Granite Falls with the Smiglewski Family.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Straw Purchase Earns Androscoggin Woman a Felony Record

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

    PORTLAND, Maine: An Androscoggin County woman was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for making a false statement while purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL), also known as a straw purchase.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Tia Lavigne, 24, to time served and three years of supervised release. Lavigne pleaded guilty on June 20, 2024.

    According to court records, in June 2023, Lavigne purchased a .22 Glock pistol from an FFL in Scarborough. In completing the required Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol,

    Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Form 4473, Lavigne falsely stated she was the actual purchaser. However, prior to purchasing the firearm, she received instruction and money from a second person who later retrieved the pistol from Lavigne’s vehicle.

    ATF investigated the case.

    STRAW PURCHASING: A straw purchase is an illegal firearm purchase where the actual buyer of the gun, being unable to pass the required federal background check or desiring to not have his or her name associated with the transaction, uses a proxy buyer who can pass the required background check to purchase the firearm for him/her.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Director Rachel Rossi Delivers Keynote Address at the Community Legal Services 57th Annual Pro Bono Awards Dinner

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

    Thank you very much for that generous introduction, Executive Director Harvey. I want to first thank Jeff for his leadership and for hosting this awards dinner. And Jeff, thank you for your service as a lieutenant colonel in the Florida Army National Guard during the recent hurricanes.

    Also, a big thank you to Andrea Ortiz, CLS’ Director of Pro Bono Services, for all her work to make tonight’s event possible. And thank you to all those who helped plan this award dinner.

    I also want to recognize the distinguished attendees tonight for attending this event that recognizes the amazing work of volunteer attorneys throughout the 12-county service area of Community Legal Services.

    And I want to congratulate all those who will be recognized with awards tonight. The commitments you have made to the work of serving those most in need is truly inspiring. To all the pro bono volunteers, including those assisting the Community Legal Services’ Pro Bono Program and the Peer Academy, we commend your dedication and aid to the most in-need in our communities.

    Finally, I must acknowledge my colleague Roger Handberg, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, and his leadership team. We’ve been impressed with the Office’s innovative access to justice initiatives, including their regular collaboration with CLS.

    It is an honor to be here. I am delighted to join all of you to shine a light on the access to justice work being done in the Orlando area and across Central Florida.

    As Jeff mentioned, I lead the Office for Access to Justice, a standalone office within the Justice Department. Our mission is to ensure access to the promises and protections of our civil and criminal legal systems for all communities. We do this work strategically, through several different initiatives:

    We are focused on dismantling economic barriers, including by promoting reduced reliance criminal and civil fines and fees.

    We’re breaking down language access barriers, through the department-wide Language Access Coordinator who led efforts to modernize the department’s Language Access Plan for the first time in over a decade.

    We’re combatting barriers to reentry for adults in custody, through innovative civil legal assistance programs in federal prisons.

    We’re also disrupting barriers through Access DOJ, an initiative that utilizes human centered design and best practices from the access to justice field to make it easier to access critical forms, understand important information and resources, or more easily navigate federal court systems, such as bankruptcy proceedings.

    And of course, we promote access to council and legal help. I don’t have to convince the people in this room that pro bono assistance is essential to disrupting barriers and closing the justice gap.

    Legal aid organizations provide invaluable assistance to the most vulnerable, but they can’t help everyone. There are eligibility requirements that limit the kinds of cases they can take. Even when eligibility is not an issue, the need for legal aid often outweighs the resources available.

    That’s where pro bono attorneys come in: they extend the reach of these limited resources by volunteering to represent low-income individuals, often in close collaboration with legal service providers. The justice gap is vast — and it will require a wide range of strategies and tools to close it. This includes the hard work and dedication of pro bono attorneys.

    That’s why I’m so inspired by programs like CLS’ Pro Bono Academy, an innovative program that provides structured training to prepare volunteers for pro bono representation.

    And that’s why the Office of Access to Justice is prioritizing promoting pro bono representation through our leadership of the Federal Government Pro Bono Program, which is working to mobilize a massive workforce — federal government attorneys and staff — to pitch in and help bridge the justice gap.

    I am particularly proud of the Federal Government Pro Bono Program’s significant work in Florida.

    Last year, ATJ launched the DOJ Pro Bono Portal on Paladin to enable Justice Department employees to find pro bono opportunities statewide. The portal has expanded to 15 jurisdictions so far, including Florida.

    Every Justice Department attorney in Florida can access pro bono opportunities with the click of a mouse, including those posted by Community Legal Services.

    Unfortunately, the urgent need for pro bono assistance and legal aid often becomes most salient in the wake of disaster. You know this better than anyone with Florida having experienced four hurricanes in the last 14 months. Parts of the state saw complete obliteration of homes and businesses. Other areas of the state are cleaning up debris and starting the long process of rebuilding.

    As you know, it is estimated that more than 200 people were tragically killed by Hurricane Helene. And even for those who survived, the costs are devastating. Helene’s path of destruction across the southeastern U.S. is expected to exceed 30-40 billion dollars in damages.

    And Hurricane Milton compounded the harms, with at least 24 additional lives lost. I don’t have to tell you, because you’re living it.

    When hurricanes and other natural disaster strike, first responders make sure people have the basics: food, shelter, utilities and medical care. Skilled professionals and volunteers bravely address immediate critical needs and conduct rescue efforts.

    While many know to call police, fire departments and disaster response officials for help, rarely do people think about the need for lawyers or legal help.

    Yet, in the midst of a disaster, attorneys — like those in CLS’ disaster unit — are critical to facilitating disaster survivors’ access to essential needs like food and shelter. And when disaster survivors start picking up the pieces of their lives in the weeks, months and sometimes years after a disaster — legal help is often a critical lifeline.

    In the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, legal aid providers and pro bono volunteers address urgent civil legal issues — from defending against unlawful evictions, to helping apply for public assistance like unemployment benefits, food stamps and FEMA resources.

    And a disaster doesn’t end once the storm has passed. Legal challenges can haunt disaster survivors for years as they seek to replace identification papers, apply for benefits and deal with insurance claims. The hardest hit and the most vulnerable communities can be struggling to fully recover for even longer or in some cases may never fully regain their normal lives. Legal aid providers in Florida are still assisting victims impacted by Hurricane Ian, which hit the Ft. Myers area two years ago.

    The complications of seeking assistance and barriers to obtaining relief for disaster survivors can constitute a second disaster for survivor victims, especially for the elderly, disabled and persons who have limited proficiency in English. Unique complications also exist for those who live in rural areas, where distance or lack of broadband can create additional barriers to accessing legal help, or where damage to agricultural industries can create complex harms.

    Simply put, legal aid and pro bono assistance must be a central element of efforts to rebuild and support communities after a natural disaster.

    That’s what you’re demonstrating here in Florida. Today, I had the opportunity to participate in a Disaster Relief Legal Aid Roundtable hosted by CLS staff and joined by other members of the Florida Disaster Umbrella Group.

    I learned how the Umbrella Group collaborates to address common legal problems impacting low-income communities and how it fosters and promotes better coordination and communication between civil legal aid providers, pro bono volunteers, emergency managers and other advocates from across the state, to ensure that low-income disaster survivors receive the legal assistance they need.

    The Umbrella Group also helps educate the emergency management community about the importance of integrating legal services providers into their work and is an impressive model of collaboration and communication that can be implemented in other states to address natural disasters.

    And here in Florida you’re also demonstrating how pro bono volunteers — like those we celebrate tonight — play an essential role in helping people navigate a maze of post-disaster bureaucracy — including disputes with landlords, insurers and contractors.                          

    Like everyone in the state during an emergency, legal aid organizations have their resources stretched to the limit as they seek to respond to the overwhelming need of disaster survivors. Pro bono volunteers play an invaluable role in relieving the pressure on legal aid organizations during a disaster and in assisting those that would otherwise be forced to weather the storm alone.

    Initiatives like the Disaster Relief Hotline launched this month by the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division are an innovative way to coordinate pro bono resources in the wake of a disaster. The hotline connects survivors with the help they need when they need it most and supports the legal community by making it easier to volunteer.

    The Office for Access to Justice is also focused on doing what we can to help ensure access to justice for disaster survivors. As one example, our Federal Government Pro Bono Program recently hosted a training for federal government employees on how to volunteer to provide legal help in the midst of a disaster. That training featured participation from legal services providers who specialize in this type of work. We were thrilled to be joined by Legal Services of North Florida, who I know collaborates closely with CLS.

    And next week, we will host the annual Federal Government Pro Bono Week, where we’ll provide a variety of trainings and clinic opportunities for federal employees, lift up their role as collaborators in closing justice gaps and recruit and expand the ranks of the federal volunteer workforce.

    Our Office will continue to promote pro bono volunteerism by federal government employees in the midst of a disaster and to develop resources that advance access to justice for disaster survivors.

    Florida has seen terrible tragedies this past month. But it has also been at the heart of incredible resilience and creative problem solving, producing unique and effective legal assistance programs that help bring people back from most difficult days of their lives. Programs that would not be possible without the vision, hard work and dedication of the legal aid providers and pro bono attorneys in this room and across the state.

    So I once again want to thank the awardees we have gathered tonight to celebrate. And as you continue in this difficult mission and this awesome responsibility, please know that the Office for Access to Justice stands shoulder to shoulder with you as a partner and ally.

    Thank you.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Saskatchewan — URGENT: Amber Alert Child Abduction Notification

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    This is an activation of the AMBER ALERT system at the request of WASKESIU RCMP.

    On October 17, 2024 at approximately 1:50 p.m. Waskesiu RCMP received a report that a five-day-old baby was abducted from the health centre in Montreal Lake.

    The victim is five-day-old baby boy Koda Moccasin. The baby was last seen wearing a blue sleeper.

    • Weight: 7 pounds
    • Last seen wearing: blue sleeper

    Police believe the child was taken by:

    • Name: Merlin Junior Crookedneck
    • Age: 35
    • Height: 5 foot 11 inches
    • Weight: stocky build
    • Hair colour/length: short dark hair
    • Eye colour: brown
    • Last seen wearing: unknown

    The suspect is believed to be driving a black 2022 Hyundai Tuscon SUV with Saskatchewan license plate 965 NAN.

    Investigators believe Merlin Junior Crookedneck may be traveling to the Big River, Loon Lake or Mudie Lake areas.

    The suspect and child were last seen at the health centre in Montreal Lake early this afternoon.

    If you see the suspect, do not approach. If you have information about this child, call 911 immediately.

    The official police service contact for this Amber Alert is:

    The Saskatchewan RCMP
    639-625-3605

    Criteria for and information about the Saskatchewan AMBER Alert program can be located on the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police website: https://www.sacp.ca/amber-alert.html

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Coast Guard, partners to discuss rescue of 17-year-old kayaker

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    10/17/2024 06:15 PM EDT

    WHO: Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Ocean Safety Department WHAT: Holding joint press briefing about rescue of missing 17-year-old kayaker off Waikiki WHEN: 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 WHERE: Hale Kinai Ahi Auditorium, Honolulu Fire Department Headquarters, 636 South St., Honolulu, HI 96813

    For breaking news follow us on twitter @USCGHawaiiPac

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Natural Gas Producer Agrees to Settlement to Reduce Emissions in New Mexico

    Source: US State of California

    Settlement Includes $9.4M Civil Penalty and Compliance Measures that Will Result in Reduction of Over 113,000 Tons’ Worth of CO2 Pollution

    The Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) today announced a settlement with Hilcorp Energy Company resolving Clean Air Act and New Mexico state law violations at the company’s oil and gas production operations in New Mexico.

    Under the settlement, Hilcorp agreed to pay a civil penalty of $9.4 million for violations resulting from Hilcorp’s failure to reduce emissions during well completion operations. The civil penalty will be split between the U.S. and the State of New Mexico. In addition, the company must employ an EPA-approved third-party auditor to ensure compliance with all applicable Clean Air Act and New Mexico Air Quality Control Act requirements.

    Hilcorp is further directed to account for the excess volatile organic compound (VOC) and methane emissions released through improper well completions by replacing, on a faster timeline than federal regulations require, old process control equipment with equipment that does not emit air pollution. This mitigation project will occur on Tribal lands of the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation, in Rio Arriba County, and on Navajo Nation Off-Reservation Trust Land in San Juan and Sandoval counties; all of these areas have potential environmental justice concerns.

    The work that Hilcorp will do under this agreement will result in the equivalent of over 113,000 tons of reduced carbon dioxide emissions over the next three years, similar to the number of reductions achieved by taking 24,000 cars off the road for one year. The settlement will also eliminate nearly 583 tons of VOC emissions annually.

    The case is the first to address violations of the Clean Air Act New Source Performance Standards covering well completions following hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as “fracking.”

    “Hilcorp is a large, sophisticated natural gas producer and should know better than to violate Clean Air Act requirements to capture and control gas produced as a result of fracking,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are committed to upholding the rule of law and holding industry accountable. Today’s settlement importantly includes commitments to make infrastructure upgrades that will result in significant reductions of methane and VOC emissions.”

    “Oil and gas production results in significant air pollution, including emissions of methane that are one of the leading sources of near-term climate change, which makes today’s settlement with Hilcorp Energy a huge win for the environment and the planet,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA is requiring Hilcorp to pay a $9.4 million penalty and make substantial investments in Clean Air Act compliance, which will reduce climate damaging emissions and improve air quality for all New Mexico residents, including communities with environmental justice concerns.”

    “This settlement holds one of the San Juan Basin’s largest polluters accountable for their contribution to climate change and ozone pollution,” said Secretary James Kenney of the New Mexico Environment Department. “If we want to make New Mexico’s air safe for future generations then Houston-based Hilcorp Energy Corporation executives need to step up their game and comply with federal and state rules.”

    Federal Clean Air Act and New Mexico state air regulations require oil and gas producers to capture gas that flows back to the surface following fracking using equipment that can accommodate flowback and to implement a reduced emission completion control, commonly referred to as a green completion. Producers have several green completion options to choose from. If none are technically feasible, producers may route the captured gas to a pollution control device like a flare.

    Based on EPA’s and NMED’s investigations, the U.S. and the state allege that Hilcorp conducted at least 192 well completion operations in Rio Arriba and San Juan counties from Aug. 2, 2017, through Aug. 1, 2019.

    At 145 of these well completions, Hilcorp captured none of the gas and instead released into the atmosphere all gas that flowed back following fracking. At the remainder of well completions, Hilcorp captured a portion of the gas and directed it to a flare but did not demonstrate that all green completion options were infeasible. Hilcorp’s actions resulted in thousands of tons of harmful methane and VOC emissions being released into the environment. Methane is a climate super pollutant and potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, and VOCs adversely affect human health in multiple ways, including being involved in the formation of ground level ozone.

    Hilcorp is one of the nation’s largest privately-owned oil and gas exploration and production companies, and a top producer of natural gas in New Mexico from 2018-2021. New Mexico is one of the top ten producing states for natural gas in the United States for 2018-2023. In 2022, on-shore oil and gas industry data reported to EPA showed that Hilcorp’s San Juan Basin operation emitted the most methane in the U.S. among all oil and gas operations.

    The settlement is part of EPA’s Mitigating Climate Change National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative, which focuses, in part, on reducing methane emissions from oil and gas and landfill sources. Like all EPA’s national enforcement initiatives, the Mitigating Climate Change initiative prioritizes communities already overburdened by pollution and other potential environmental justice concerns.

    More information on the settlement agreement is available on EPA’s Hilcorp Energy Company webpage.

    The consent decree was filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico and is subject to a 30-day comment period. Information on providing public comment and the complaint and proposed consent decree are available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.

    EPA and NMED investigated the case.

    Attorneys of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section are handling the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man appears in court in relation to three Rotorua murders

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    To be attributed to Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow: 

    A 52-year-old man has appeared in court today, in relation to the murder of three people in Rotorua in September.

    Justin Matthew Jeffries appeared in Rotorua High Court today, charged with the murders of Glendon Brent Currin (76), Jessie Florence Currin (78).

    Mr and Mrs Currin had been assaulted at their Western Heights home on 23 September and subsequently both passed away in hospital.

    Jeffries had previously been charged with the murder of Michelle Nicola Schiller (59), who was found deceased at her Utuhina home on 23 September.

    Jeffries is also facing a number of other charges, including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, burglary and fraud.

    He has been remanded in custody to appear again on 15 November 2024

    Police are continuing to support the families of the three victims. This has been an incredibly distressing time for them and they have asked for privacy as they continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones.

    As part of our enquiries into the three homicides, Police would like to hear from anyone who was in contact with Jeffries since the beginning of September.

    If you can help, please contact Police via 105 and quote reference number 240923/0552.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Car yard burglar lands in court

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A brazen burglar who attempted to break in to a car yard in Penrose during the early hours of this morning has been sprung.

    At about 3.51am, Police were notified by security of a man who had allegedly entered a commercial premises on Great South Road.

    Auckland City East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rachel Dolheguy, says when security approached the man he fled on foot along railway tracks towards Penrose.

    “The Police Air Support Unit was able to quickly gain observations on the male and provide directions to units on the ground.”

    Inspector Dolheguy says officers arrested the alleged offender without incident.

    “This was a great result and a timely response by all staff involved.

    “It’s also another example of how quick reporting can assist Police in locating and arresting those involved in crimes in our community.”

    We continue to ask anyone who sees anything of concern to contact Police immediately on 111.

    For all other matters, please update us online now at https://webforms.police.govt.nz/en/update-report or call 105.

    Information on anything of concern can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    A 27-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court next week charged with possession of an instrument for burglary.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced For Arson

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

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TERRENCE COE (“COE”), age 45, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on October 8, 2024, by U.S. District Judge, Greg G. Guidry, to 60 months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to arson, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i).  The Court also ordered that COE be placed on supervised release for 3 years following release from imprisonment and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to court documents, on December 24, 2022, COE set fire to merchandise inside of Walmart in Hammond, Louisiana.  COE later admitted to members of the Hammond Police Department that he started the fire with a lighter while opening a package he wanted to steal.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Statement from Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command, on the Death of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar

    Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

    Oct. 17, 2024
    Release Number 20241017 – 01
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    “Congratulations to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on the elimination of Yahya Sinwar, the mass-murdering leader of the terrorist group, Hamas. Sinwar was the ruthless mastermind of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel that massacred more 1,200 innocent civilians, including more than 40 Americans. More than 250 innocent men, women, and children were taken hostage, including 12 Americans. 101 hostages remain missing, including seven Americans.

    U.S. Central Command’s support to the Israel Defense Forces remains ironclad. Our commitment to countering terrorists throughout the Middle East, with allies and partners, continues to be a top priority. Those who choose the path of terrorism should expect the same fate as Sinwar.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – Weekly protests are extending further around the country as Israel runs riot and our government’s policy of appeasement towards Israel fails dramatically – PSNA

    Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    Details of our weekly solidarity protests around the country are listed at the end of this letter sent to the Prime Minister yesterday.

     

    Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

    Prime Minister

    Parliament Buildings

    Wellington

    c.luxon@ministers.govt.nz

     

    Kia ora Mr Luxon,

     

    We write to you as a matter of utmost urgency, with a rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

     

    The policy of appeasement towards Israel over the past year by western countries has failed miserably.  Israel has expanded its attacks and has abandoned all pretence of any sort of negotiated settlements.

     

    Our government is holding on desperately to a hopelessly weak and indefensible policy towards the Middle East. I have no doubt you know this.

     

    Israel is running riot with endless bombing and killing as it spreads murder and mayhem.  The majority of victims in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank are women and children – tens of thousands of children.

     

    You and I know this would never be tolerated if the victims were European.

     

    The situation has now become even more desperate and deadly with

    • Israel has refused to allow any food or supplies to be delivered since the beginning of this month to northern Gaza.  It has again unleased its firepower with absolute impunity on refugee camps and other civilian areas with the openly stated aim of ethnic cleansing of the majority of the 400,000 Palestinians who remain there.
    • Israel’s delivery of its threat to turn Lebanon into another Gaza, with attacks throughout the country, including Christian areas.
    • Israel’s endless attempts to widen the war across the region into Iran with repeated violations of its sovereignty until Iran responded – though without a single Israeli casualty.
    • Israel’s blatant attacks on UNIFIL positions and demands that UNIFIL withdraw from its mission to allow Israeli military advances further into Lebanon to achieve regime change for a Lebanese government subservient to its interests.

     

    Despite all that has happened over 12 months you have issued only platitudes “calling an all sides to exercise restraint” and condemnation of all parties Israel decides that is its enemies.

     

    You have failed to condemn Israel for anything it has ever done against the Palestinian victims of its settler colonial project and yet you have condemned every act of Palestinian resistance to Israel’s illegal occupation, genocide, and ethnic cleansing.

     

    Other countries, the UK, France, Spain, Norway, and Ireland have spoken out and taken, albeit token, action to remind Israel that it is operating outside international law.

     

    History will condemn your 12 months of complicit silence but action now can make a real difference and saves tens of thousands of innocent lives. A minimum list of actions includes:

     

    1. Condemn Israeli action against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank as war crimes
    2. Join South Africa’s case of proving genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice
    3. Implement the recent obligations specified by the ICJ under the Geneva Conventions towards ending Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Occupied Territories.
    4. Identify and ban imports of products from illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
    5. End procurement of goods and services from companies identified by the United Nations as complicit in building and maintaining illegal Israeli settlements
    6. Direct the Superfund, ACC and Kiwisaver providers to divest from companies on the UN list
    7. Investigate the export of Rakon Industry components which are incorporated into US weapons which almost inevitably end in the industrial-scale killing of Palestinians.
    8. Immediately close the Israeli embassy as Israel’s propaganda and lobby outlet in New Zealand
    9. Clearly and publicly state that NZDF personnel in the Middle East will neither participate in nor provide assistance to either US or Israel attacks or preparations for attacks on Iran
    10. Publicly join other countries in condemning the Israeli military attack on UNIFIL and demand of Israel that it will cease to demand UNIFIL withdraw from any of its positions in Lebanon
    11. Reiterate New Zealand’s participation in UNTSO and demand that Israel allow UNTSO continue its work unmolested
    12. Demand Israel revoke its declaration that the UN Secretary General is persona non grata in Israel.
    13. Note and support this UN report https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/10/un-commission-finds-war-crimes-and-crimes-against-humanity-israeli-attacks

     

    Please respond to this letter urgently.

     

    John Minto

    National Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.

     

    Nationwide rallies/marches/MP protests/vigils this week

     

    These are on the PSNA Facebook events page here with the basic details listed below.

     

    North Island

    Opononi – Gathering for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October 

    1.30pm

    Opononi (outside the Four Square)

     

    Kerikeri – Rally

    Saturday 19 October 

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Whangarei – Rally

    Saturday 19 October 

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Auckland – Picket 

    Friday 18 October 

    12:00 noon

    New World Devonport – 

    35 Bartley Terrace, Devonport,

     

    Waiheke – Market Stall – hosted by Stand With Palestine Waiheke!

    Every Saturday

    8:00 am – 1:00 pm

    Ostend Market, Waiheke Island

     

    Auckland – Banners around Tamaki Makaurau

    Saturday 19 October 

    10:00 am

    Text John on 021 899 659 for location

     

    Auckland – Central Bike Ride for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    Meet at 12.45 to leave (ride to the rally) at 1.10pm

    Western Park. Ponsonby Road

     

    Auckland – Rally

    Saturday 19 October 

    2:00 pm

    Te Komititanga – Britomart Square, Tamaki Makaurau

     

    Then travel to Browns Bay for the Prayer Vigil for Gaza

     

    Auckland – Prayer Vigil @ Erica Stanford’s Office

    Aotearoa Christians for peace in Palestine will hold a Prayer Vigil to mark a year since the Israeli airstrike on St Porphyrius Church in Gaza City

    Saturday 19 October 

    4:00 pm

    85 Beach Front Lane, Browns Bay, Auckland

    https://www.facebook.com/events/s/vigil-for-gaza-st-porphyrius-c/1056552113142463/

     

    Auckland – Movie – The Last Sky

    Saturday 19 October 

    7:00 pm

    Trades Hall auditorium – 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn

    Limited seats. Tickets essential

    Admission by Koha

    https://events.humanitix.com/the-last-sky

    Director Nicholas Hanna will have a Q&A after the movie

     

    Thames – Vigil to Stop the war on Children

    (Hosted by The Basket – Social and Environmental Justice – Hauraki)

    First Saturday of the month

     

    Tauranga – Flag wave

    Sunday 20 October 

    11:00 am

    SH2 Bethlehem – By Woolworths

     

    Hamilton – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 pm

    Civic Square, Hamilton

     

    Whaingaroa/Raglan

    To be advised

     

    Cambridge – Rally for Palestine

    Every Saturday

    11:00 am

    Cambridge Town Hall

     

    Rotorua – Rally for Palestine

    Every Thursday

    4:00 pm

    Rotorua Lakes Council, Haupapa Street (Sir Howard Morrison Corner)

     

    Gisborne – Farmers Market – Vigil to Stop the war on Children

    Every Saturday

    9:30 – 11:30 am

    Gisborne Farmers Market

     

    Napier – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    11:30 am

    Marine Parade Soundshell Roundabout

     

    Hastings – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October

    1:00 pm

    Hastings Town Clock – Hastings CBD

     

    Palmerston North – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October

    2:00 pm 

    The Square, Palmerston North

     

    New Plymouth – Flags on the Bridge

    Friday 18 September

    4:30 pm

    Paynters Ave Bridge, New Plymouth

     

    New Plymouth – Rally and March

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 PM 

    The Landing, 1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth

     

    Whanganui – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    11:00 am

    Riverside Market, Whanganui

     

    Carterton – Gathering for Gaza

    Every Tuesday

    12:00 midday

    Memorial Square.

     

    Martinborough – Vigil for Palestine

    Every Wednesday

    11:00 am

    The square at the top of Kitchener St, Martinborough

     

    Masterton – Gathering for Gaza

    Every Sunday

    9:30 am

    Town Hall Lawn, Masterton

     

    Featherston – Gathering for Gaza

    Every Saturday

    11:00 am

    The Squircle (opposite the op shop).

     

    Wellington – Vigil for Palestine (by Aotearoa Healthcare Workers for Palestine)

    Every Friday

    6:00 pm

    In front of Wellington Hospital

    49 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington

     

    Wellington – Flags on the Bridge

    (hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)

    Every Friday

    7:15 – 8:15 am

    Hill Street bridge Overbridge, Wellington

     

    Wellington – Rally

    (hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 – 2:00 pm

    Meet at Glover Park and Hikoi down Cuba Mall and back to Glover Park

     

    South Island

    Nelson – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    10:30 am

    Rocks Road by the beach

     

    Blenheim – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    11:00 am

    Blenheim Railway Station

     

    Christchurch – Nobela Protest

    Thursday 17

    11:45 am

    Foodstuffs Headquarters

    167 Main North Road, Northcote, Christchurch

     

    Christchurch- Flag Waving for Palestine

    Friday 18 October 

    4:00 pm

    Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch

     

    Christchurch – Rally and March

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 – 2:00 pm

    Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch

     

    Timaru

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Dunedin – Rally and March

    Saturday 19 October 

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Queenstown
    No Rally this weekend

     

    Invercargill – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October

    1:00 pm

    Wachner place Invercargill.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drugs, firearms, cash and vehicles seized in Whanganui search warrants

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police have seized drugs, firearms, cash, motorcycles and cars following raids at two properties in Whanganui last night.

    About 7.30pm, Police teams, including the Armed Offenders Squad, executed search warrants simultaneously in Victoria Avenue and in Springvale.

    A firearm was located and seized, along with 700g methamphetamine, three motorcycles, two vehicles and more than $30,000 in cash.

    A cannabis growing operation was also uncovered.

    One person was taken into custody during the warrants, and another has subsequently presented at Whanganui Police Station in relation to the offending. Both will face drugs and firearms charges and will appear in court at a later date.

    Detective Sergeant Craig Gorringe says the well-executed operation yielded a great result.

    “These individuals threaten public safety through illegal possession of a firearm and supply of drugs to vulnerable members of our community.

    “It’s always satisfying to take firearms and drugs out of the hands of offenders and hold them to account for the significant social harm they cause.

    “We want our communities to feel safe and be safe and we work hard to this end.”

    Police urge anyone who has concerns about criminal offending by gangs in their community to contact Police so this can be investigated.

    Call 111 if there is an incident happening now, or make a report via 105 online if it is not an emergency situation.

    Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Global Bodies – Global Parliamentary community recommits to multeralism for peace – IPU

    Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

    Hundreds of parliamentarians, from some 130 countries, gathered at the 149th IPU Assembly in Geneva, have adopted a resolution reaffirming unwavering support for multilateralism through the United Nations system and other global institutions.

    Against a backdrop of escalating conflicts around the world, the consequences of climate change and the risk of pandemics, resulting in a multiplication of humanitarian crises, lawmakers emphasized the urgency of a collective response and cooperation at the international level.

    The resolution, put forward by the IPU’s founding Members, France and the United Kingdom, along with Germany, the Netherlands and Canada, calls for a “complete rejection of the indiscriminate targeting by armed forces of civilians, wherever they may be, particularly emergency personnel, health and education workers, and medical, education and other public infrastructure”.

    The resolution was reinforced by the IPU’s Committee to Promote Respect for International Humanitarian Law, which issued a plea for the international community to pressure the parties to the conflict in Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza, to take action to avert a full-scale war.

    The Assembly also provided a space for intensive parliamentary diplomacy, including meetings of the IPU’s various international parliamentary bodies which contribute to peace-building efforts, such as the Task Force for the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine and the Committee on Middle East Questions.

    Other outcomes on science, technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

    The global parliamentary also adopted a landmark resolution on The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

    The resolution urges parliaments worldwide to swiftly develop and implement robust legal frameworks and policies for the responsible creation, deployment and use of AI technology.

    Key demands of the resolution include:

    • Mitigating risks to democracy, human rights and the rule of law, with a particular focus on the disproportionate impact of AI on women and girls
    • Legislating against deepfake intimate images and AI-generated content that fuels hate speech or incites violence
    • Developing tools to verify the origin of online images and content, empowering users to discern authenticity
    • Reviewing and updating existing legislation to close loopholes exposed by AI advances.

    The resolution underscores the need for parliaments to stay ahead of the curve in regulating AI, striking a balance between innovation and the protection of fundamental rights.

    IPU Charter on the Ethics of Science and Technology

    During the Assembly, the Governing Council adopted a new Charter on the Ethics of Science and Technology.

    Drafted by the IPU’s Working Group on Science and Technology, the Charter underscores the critical role of scientific knowledge in parliamentary decision-making and the ethical considerations essential for governing emerging technologies.

    Key highlights of the Charter include:

    • Emphasizing ethical responsibilities in scientific advancements
    • Advocating for equitable global participation, and addressing gender, social and economic inequalities
    • Outlining key principles for regulating science and technology, including enacting laws promoting societal values, the preservation of research freedom, international cooperation and sustainability considerations.

    The Charter recommends that legislators maintain parliamentary structures for presenting evidence-based information, engage with competent organizations on ethics, develop checklists for scrutinizing legislation and consult civil society.

    Geneva Declaration on science and technology

    In their final Declaration, legislators expressed resolve to harness and regulate science, technology and innovation (STI) for the benefit of humanity.

    The Declaration emphasizes the need to bridge digital divides, protect human rights, and foster international cooperation in STI governance.

    Parliamentarians pledged to implement these commitments through legislative, budgetary and oversight actions, striving for an equitable and technologically advanced world.

    Background

    The 149th IPU Assembly took place from 13-17 October 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. It was attended by over 630 MPs, including 54 Speakers of Parliament and 36 Deputy Speakers. Around 36% of the MPs were women and some 25% were young MPs under 45.

    The 150th IPU Assembly will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 5-9 April 2025.

    The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development. It helps parliaments become stronger, younger, greener, more innovative and gender-balanced. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A giant biotechnology company might be about to go bust. What will happen to the millions of people’s DNA it holds?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Megan Prictor, Senior Lecturer in Law, The University of Melbourne

    isak55/Shutterstock

    Since it was founded nearly two decades ago, 23andMe has grown into one of the largest biotechnology companies in the world. Millions of people have used its simple genetic testing service, which involves ordering a saliva test, spitting into a tube, and sending it back to the company for a detailed DNA analysis.

    But now the company is on the brink of bankruptcy. This has raised concerns about what will happen to the troves of genetic data it has in its possession.

    The company’s chief executive, Anne Wojcicki, has said she is committed to customer privacy and will “maintain our current privacy policy”.

    But what can customers of 23andMe themselves do to make sure their highly personal genetic data is protected? And should we be concerned about other companies that also collect our DNA?

    What is 23andMe?

    23andMe is one of the largest companies in the crowded marketplace for direct-to-consumer genetic testing. It was founded in 2006 in California, launching its spit test and Personal Genome Service the following year, at an initial cost of US$999. This test won Time magazine’s Invention of the Year in 2008.

    Customers eagerly took up the opportunity to order a saliva collection kit online, spit in the tube and mail it back. In a few weeks when the results were ready they could find out about their health, ancestry, and other things like food preferences, fear of public speaking and cheek dimples.

    The price of testing kits dropped rapidly (it’s now US$79). The company expanded globally and by 2015 had 1 million customers. The firm went public in 2021 and initially the stock price soared. As of 2024, the company claims 14 million people have taken a 23andMe DNA test.

    23andMe is one of the world’s largest biotechnology companies.
    T. Schneider/Shutterstock

    23andMe rode the wave of popular excitement and investor interest in genetics. It wasn’t alone. By 2022 the direct-to-consumer genetic testing market was valued at US$3 billion. The three largest players – 23andMe, AncestryDNA and MyHeritage – together hold the genetic data of almost 50 million people globally.

    There are dozens of smaller players too, with some focusing on emerging markets such as MapMyGenome in India and 23mofang and WeGene in China.

    What happened to 23andMe?

    23andMe has had a rapid downfall after the 2021 high of its public listing.

    Its value has dropped more than 97%. In 2023 it suffered a major data breach affecting almost seven million users, and settled a class action lawsuit for US$30 million.

    Last month its seven independent directors resigned amid news the original founder is planning to take the company private once more. The company has never made a profit and is reportedly on the verge of bankruptcy.

    What this might mean for its vast stores of genetic data is unclear.

    When people sign up for a 23andMe test the company assures them: “your privacy comes first”. It promises it will never share people’s DNA data with employers, insurance companies or public databases without consent. It puts choice in the hands of consumers about whether their spit sample is kept by the company, and whether their de-identified genetic and other data is used in research. Four in five people who bought a 23andMe test have agreed to their data being used in research.

    However, if you dig a bit deeper, it’s clear that 23andMe uses people’s data in many different ways, such as sharing it with service providers. Perhaps most importantly, if the company goes bankrupt or is sold, people’s information might be “accessed, sold or transferred” as well.

    In a statement to The Conversation, a 23andMe spokesperson said Wojcicki is “not open to considering third-party takeover proposals”, and that in the event of any future ownership change, the company’s existing data privacy agreements with customers “would remain in place unless and until customers are presented with, and agree to, new terms and statements – and only after receiving appropriate notice of any new terms, under applicable data protection laws”.

    Tips for people to protect their genetic data

    With 23andMe in the spotlight, people might want to take steps to protect their genetic data (although experts say there’s not really any more risk now than there has always been).

    The simplest thing is to delete your account, which opts you out of any future research and discards your saliva sample. But if your data has already been de-identified and used in research, it can’t be retrieved. And even if you delete your account, 23andMe says it will keep hold of information including your genetic data, date of birth and sex, to comply with its own legal obligations.

    Buying a DNA test online might feel fun and rewarding and it’s certainly been marketed that way. There are plenty of good news stories about how getting those test results has helped people to connect with lost family or understand more about their health risks. People just need to buy tests with their eyes open about what this might mean.

    First, the results might not be all positive. Finding out about health risks without guidance from a health professional can be scary. Learning that the person you thought was your mum or dad actually isn’t, is an outcome for as many as 1 in 20 people who’ve bought a DNA test online.

    Second, every company selling DNA tests does so with lots of legal conditions attached. People click through these without a second thought but researchers have shown it is worth taking a closer look. Consider what the company says about what it will do with your data and your sample, how long they will keep it, who else can access it, and how easy it will be to delete later.

    There are guidelines from organisations like Australian Genomics that can help. And bear in mind that if a company holding your DNA profile is sold, it might be hard to make sure that data is protected.

    So maybe reconsider giving a DNA test as a Christmas gift.

    Megan Prictor is a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals and the Australasian Association of Bioethics and Health Law.

    – ref. A giant biotechnology company might be about to go bust. What will happen to the millions of people’s DNA it holds? – https://theconversation.com/a-giant-biotechnology-company-might-be-about-to-go-bust-what-will-happen-to-the-millions-of-peoples-dna-it-holds-241557

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Involved in Shooting During Tennessee State University Homecoming Charged with Federal Firearm Violation

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

    NASHVILLE – A criminal complaint obtained today charges Marquez Davis, 24 of Nashville, with being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Thomas J. Jaworski.

    According to the complaint, officers of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) were searching for Davis on October 14, 2024, to arrest him on state charges related to the deadly shooting on Jefferson Street during Tennessee State University’s Homecoming celebration on October 12th. MNPD officers located Davis in a house in North Nashville and prepared to arrest him on outstanding warrants. Footage from law enforcement’s aerial surveillance showed an individual, later identified as Davis, exit the residence’s rooftop, climb to an adjacent rooftop, and discard a firearm. Davis was then arrested by MNPD on criminal homicide charges related to the October 12th shooting on Jefferson Street.  Officers recovered a Franklin Armory Inc, Model FAI-15 caliber multi-pistol near where Davis discarded it from the rooftop. According to the criminal complaint, Davis has prior felony convictions for robbery, possession of a controlled substance for resale, and being a felon in possession of a handgun.

    “Everyone in our community must be able to gather and celebrate together without fearing random gun violence,” said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “Our office will do whatever it takes to keep firearms out of the hands of felons who may use those firearms to inflict greater damage on our citizens.” Jaworski added: “Our firm commitment is in our continued partnership with Chief Drake and the MNPD to hold offenders accountable, reduce gun violence, and ensure safer communities for everyone.”

    If convicted, the defendant faces up to 15 years in prison.

    This case is being investigated by the MNPD and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ahmed A. Safeeullah is prosecuting the case.  

    A federal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NSA/CSS Donates Two Tractor Trailers of Food in Feds Feed Families Campaign

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) affiliates across the Enterprise helped raise 136,472 pounds of food in this year’s Feds Feed Families (FFF) Summer Food Drive.

    “The success of this year’s campaign is a testament to those who gave generously to help their community,” said Gen Tim Haugh, Commander, USCYBERCOM, Director, NSA/Chief, CSS.

    The drive concluded in August, with NSA/CSS Washington’s portion going to a local food bank, which provides more than 41 million meals to families in need every year.

    “It’s incredible to see firsthand the impact that this Agency has on the local community,” said FFF Program Manager Veronica Maylish Beckenstrater. “I witnessed so much generosity — from folks dropping food off to online donations, including those who donated to enter the cutest pet photo contest.”

    “I was so pleased to see employees getting involved with the events and contests this year,” said Marlisa Smith, NSA Chief of Staff and senior advocate for the 2024 FFF campaign. “Giving back is such a wonderful way for our employees to make a difference.”

    The overall FFF campaign, led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is an annual government-wide campaign that encourages Federal Government employees to donate food, money, or volunteer hours. It occurs during the summer months to help food banks and pantries stay stocked during a period when donations usually decline and the need increases.

     “Some affiliates may not realize how empty local food banks can get during the summer months,” said NSA’s volunteer program manager. “It’s actually been hard to schedule volunteer morale building activities at food banks in the NSA Washington area this spring and summer because some of their shelves have been bare.”

    The generosity of NSA/CSS employees helped to fill this gap, according to Maylish Beckenstrater.

    “The FFF team and workforce’s dedication was vital to the success of the campaign and will provide food to many families and their pets in our community,” said State and Local Affairs Chief Barry Boseman.

    When combined with NSA/CSS’s contributions to the Combined Federal Campaign that were given to charities focused on food and nutrition, NSA has donated 1,417,631 pounds so far this calendar year.

    “This makes NSA/CSS the second highest food donor in the Department of Defense so far this year, which is pretty incredible,” said Maylish Beckenstrater.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Readout of 49th Republic of Korea and United States Military Committee Meeting between Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Kim Myung-Soo

    Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff

    October 17, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joint Staff Spokesperson Navy Capt. Jereal Dorsey provided the following readout:

    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., met with Chairman of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Kim Myung-Soo virtually today during the 49th Republic of Korea and United States Military Committee Meeting (MCM).

    Adm. Kim and Lt. Gen. Jin Yong-Sung, Chief Director of J5 (acting), ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff, represented the ROK delegation.  Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, joined Gen. Brown as part of the U.S. delegation.  Gen. Paul LaCamera, Commander, United Nations Command (UNC), Combined Forces Command (CFC), and U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), represented the ROK-U.S. CFC.

    During the discussions, Gen. Brown and Adm. Kim recognized the significance of the U.S.-ROK alliance over the last 71 years.  The alliance underscores the shared sacrifice and ironclad commitment of the U.S. and ROK to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The leaders recognized the importance of maintaining a robust combined defensive posture to deter additional provocations from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). 

    The two leaders expressed concerns over key regional and peninsular security challenges, including the DPRK threats across all domains, including increasing missile capabilities, nuclear threats, cyber-attacks. Adm. Kim emphasized the illegitimacy of recent ongoing act of DPRK sending trash balloons into the ROK and the DPRK’s recent declaration naming the ROK as a hostile state. Both leaders underscored that the DPRK’s provocative acts, and the DPRK’s enhance military cooperation with Russia destabilize peace and security on the Peninsula and across the globe. 

    Both leaders discussed the responsibilities of recently activated ROK Strategic Command (ROK STRATCOM), and the importance of closely connecting its capabilities and planning activities to the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command per the Washington Declaration of 2023.  Gen. Brown reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to extended deterrence and the defense of the ROK.

    The leaders lauded each country’s contributions in enhancing and improving trilateral cooperation to include a flight of two U.S. B-52 strategic bombers that flew with fighter aircraft from both South Korea and Japan, marking the first trilateral aerial exercise between the nations.  Additionally, both leaders highly commended the inaugural execution of exercise Freedom Edge, a trilateral multi-domain exercise, which further promoted interoperability between the three nations. 

    Further, Gen. Brown and Adm. Kim acknowledged the meaningful progress made across the various fields in the conditions-based operational control transition plan for the ROK-U.S. Future Combined Forces Command (F-CFC).

    Both leaders affirmed, in the strongest words possible, their unwavering commitment to the combined defense posture under the U.S. – ROK Mutual Defense Treaty, emphasizing their dedication to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region. 

    The MCM is part of the U.S. – ROK bilateral consultation process, which convenes annually or as required.  The committee provides strategic direction and operational guidance to the CFC in defense of the ROK and addresses Alliance military issues.  The United States and the ROK have alternated hosting this meeting in Washington, D.C. and Seoul since it first convened in 1978.

    The 49th MCM was planned to be held in Washington D.C., however, after mutual coordination, was held virtually in light of the recent grave security developments on the Peninsula.

    For more Joint Staff news, visit: www.jcs.mil.
    Connect with the Joint Staff on social media: 
    Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube,
    LinkedIn and Flickr.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Assault with intent to steal – Katherine

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police are calling for information after an assault with intent to steal in Katherine overnight.

    Around 10:45pm, police received reports that five unknown males allegedly smashed the passenger window of a vehicle parked at McDonalds on First street and threatened the occupants with an edged weapon.

    The victims were able to drive away and avoid further confrontation.

    Police urge anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to make contact on 131 444 and reference NTP2400104863.

    Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Elements of the 15th MEU Return Home from Deployment Aboard USS Harpers Ferry

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.  –  

    More than 300 Marines and Sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), returned home to San Diego Oct. 16 after completing a seven-month deployment in the U.S. 7th and 3rd Fleet areas of operation.

    The deployment, which began on March 19, marked a milestone as it included the first operational use of the Marine Corps’ new amphibious combat vehicles. The experience and insights gained by the ACV Platoon and Battalion Landing Team 1/5 during this deployment have laid the groundwork for refining tactics, logistics, and maintenance practices for future expeditionary operations.

    “Our team aboard Harpers Ferry made lasting contributions in the Indo-Pacific, conducting training while integrated with our allies, in both the Philippines and South Korea,” said Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of the 15th MEU. “They accomplished so much during these seven months while taking on the unique responsibility of employing ACVs on their first deployment. The lessons they learned and the procedures they developed with their Navy counterparts will inform future operations for years to come.”

    Elements of the 15th MEU aboard Harpers Ferry included Marines and Sailors from the Command Element, BLT 1/5, and Combat Logistics Battalion 15.

    During the deployment, 15th MEU forces aboard Harpers Ferry engaged in three major exercises. In the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, Marines and Sailors joined other elements of the 15th MEU assigned to the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) in the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan 24. This bilateral exercise, conducted with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, focused on securing key maritime terrain, conducting simulated long-range precision strikes, and enhancing missile defense capabilities.

    During Balikatan, the ACV Platoon conducted a live-fire waterborne gunnery exercise in Oyster Bay, marking the first overseas employment of ACVs. Using their automated remote weapons systems, the ACVs engaged simulated targets afloat and on shore.

    After the conclusion of Balikatan, the 15th MEU’s force aboard Harpers Ferry remained in the Philippines to participate in Archipelagic Coastal Defense Continuum (ACDC) from May 13-24. ACDC included bilateral training with the Philippine Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBDE) to bolster coastal defense strategies. The 15th MEU and 3MBDE conducted large-scale coastal defense rehearsals and completed the largest military convoy to date on Palawan Island, moving forces rapidly to simulate a coastal defense scenario.

    ACDC also featured numerous subject matter expert exchanges between BLT 1/5 and CLB-15 with their Philippine counterparts on various topics, such as weapons employment, unmanned aircraft systems integration, tactical combat casualty care, and motorized operations. These exchanges strengthened U.S.-Philippine bilateral military proficiency and improved mutual understanding of defense tactics in the Philippines.

    Following ACDC in the Philippines, the 15th MEU embarked aboard Harpers Ferry and traveled to Okinawa, Japan. On June 24, Alpha Company, BLT 1/5, and the ACV Platoon conducted a ship-to-shore movement, with the ACVs splashing into the waters off White Beach Naval Facility after Alpha Company’s Marines practiced troop egress and transfer procedures. This marked the ACVs’ first time ashore in a foreign country.

    In August, the 15th MEU’s forces aboard the USS Harpers Ferry arrived in South Korea to conduct two weeks of unit-level training (ULT) alongside the Republic of Korea Marine Corps’ 7th Brigade. During this period, the Marines demonstrated the off-road mobility and automated crew-served weapons capabilities of the new ACVs in a series of live-fire exercises.

    The highlight of their month-long stay was Exercise Ssang Yong 24, where Alpha Company embarked the ACVs for a large-scale amphibious landing at Hwajin-ri Beach near Pohang. Meaning “twin dragons,” Ssang Yong featured the first overseas amphibious assault conducted with ACVs, as U.S. and Korean forces landed together, strengthening the ROK-U.S. Alliance and the capability to defend the Korean Peninsula.

    “Working with our allies in South Korea one-on-one at the tactical level was extremely rewarding for both our Marines and the ROK Marines,” said Capt. Erik Lindskog, the Alpha Company commander. “Through the combined training, both live fire and information exchanges, we learned a lot from each other. In South Korea and in the Philippines, we arrived as training partners, worked through language barriers, and we left as friends.”

    Throughout the deployment, the ACVs demonstrated their versatility, maneuverability, and firepower in various scenarios, ranging from beach assaults to coordinated live-fire defense operations. The data and lessons learned from these exercises will help shape the future use of ACVs in amphibious operations and ensure the Marine Corps continues to refine the tactics and procedures necessary for employing this new platform.

    “The work our Marines and Sailors aboard Harpers Ferry have completed over the past seven months, both strengthening alliances and advancing new Marine Corps capabilities, has been simply outstanding,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas Freeman, the commanding officer of BLT 1/5. “Our ACV Platoon and the rest of Alpha Company have been literally writing the book on employing this platform, albeit with tremendous support from leaders and experts from across our Service. I’m grateful for all the dedication that got us to this deployment, and I’m proud of how this team has done everything they can to help lead the modernization of the assault amphibian community.”

    The 15th MEU’s Marines and Sailors aboard Harpers Ferry played a critical role in advancing U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing regional security by strengthening relationships with key allies, and shaping future deployments of the amphibious combat vehicle in expeditionary environments.

    MIL Security OSI –