Source: United States Air Force
In this week’s look around the Air Force, overseas service members can send absentee ballots free, new TRICARE contracts impact referrals and specialty care, and the newest issue of BLUE on the Airman Magazine website explores the shift to ACE.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On October 16, 2024, Glenn Fred Glatz, 68, currently of Dandridge, Tennessee, was sentenced to life in prison by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville.
On July 28, 2023, a federal jury found Glatz guilty of four counts of production of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a) and (e); one count of receiving child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2)(A); three counts of transferring obscene matter to a minor under 16 years of age in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1470; and one count of possession of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(5)(B).
According to court filed documents, this is the third conviction of Glatz for sexual crimes against children. The evidence presented at trial showed that Glatz used DeviantArt.com, a social media platform, to befriend young girls which he then groomed and sexually exploited. Witnesses testified that Glatz was on the sex offender registry for prior convictions involving the molestation of a young girl. The evidence further demonstrated that he enticed at least two girls, ages 13 and 14, to produce live sexually explicit videos and images of themselves for Glatz to view over social media. Additionally, Glatz sent the victims nude images to other young females in hopes of enticing other minors to send him sexual images of themselves.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton, III of the Eastern District of Tennessee; and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This investigation was led by FBI Special Agent Bianca L. Pearson.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Kolman and Suzanne H. Sullivan represented the United States at trial.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab “resources.”
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
NASHVILLE – Barron M. Poole, 50, of Ripley, Ohio, was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison after having pled guilty to attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, announced Thomas J. Jaworski, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to court documents, on February 2, 2023, a user with the profile of “Barron read bio,” who was later identified as Barron M. Poole, contacted an FBI online covert employee (“OCE”) on an online dating application that is frequented by minors and those who seek to exploit them. The OCE was conducting an online covert investigation utilizing a profile of an 18-year-old female, which contained a photo of a female’s face. Above the photo was a status block, which contained the text, “hi im really 13.” Poole messaged and texted with the OCE, who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl, asked her to send him nude photographs, sent her photos of nude adult females in the poses he wanted the OCE to recreate, and sent her photographs of his penis and abdomen which had distinctive tattoos. The communications continued for a week. When he was arrested at his home in Ohio, Poole admitted to using the online dating application, and admitted that “Barron read bio” was his profile with his photograph.
After serving his sentence, Poole will be on supervised release for 5 years.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Clarksville Resident Agency, Nashville Field Office, and assisted by the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison prosecuted the case.
# # # # #
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Mac D. Heavener, III will lead the efforts of the Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, election. AUSA Heavener has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Tennessee, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the Office’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.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (865) 544-0751.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “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. AUSA/DEO Mac Heavener will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (423) 823-5009 or (423) 218-6652.”
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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Source: Government of Canada News
October 18, 2024 Sorel-Tracy, Québec Transport Canada
The Government of Canada is investing in strategic infrastructure projects to strengthen supply chains and make life cost less.
Today, the President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, the Honourable Anita Anand, announced up to $38 million for seven projects under the National Trade Corridors Fund. These investments will reduce capacity constraints and bottlenecks, making it easier for goods to move quickly.
By enhancing infrastructure and improving efficiency, these investments will also support economic growth in the province of Quebec and in the regions along the St. Lawrence River. Projects include:
The Government makes investments to strengthen the country’s supply chains, promote economic growth, and enhance the opportunities for our businesses to expand into global markets, which helps make life cost less for Canadians.
“By enhancing connectivity and reducing bottlenecks in Quebec and the areas along the St. Lawrence River, consumers, workers, and small businesses will benefit from efficient and reliable supply chains. This, in turn, supports economic growth and helps make life cost less for Canadians and Quebecers.”
The Honourable Anita Anand
President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport
“This conversion of a former industrial site into a port terminal is a concrete example of sustainable development that we are proud of. The financial support from the federal government is a key milestone in the completion of this project in partnership with the City of Sorel-Tracy. This new infrastructure will allow us to better serve local farmers and businesses while minimizing environmental impact thanks to innovative floating dock technology.”
Robert Bellisle
President and CEO of QSL
An efficient and reliable transportation network is key to Canada’s economic growth. The Government of Canada, through the National Trade Corridors Fund, is making investments that will support the flow of goods across Canada’s supply chains.
The National Trade Corridors Fund is a competitive, merit-based program designed to help infrastructure owners and users invest in the critical transportation assets that support economic activity in Canada. A total of $4.1 billion has been committed to projects since 2017.
Through the National Trade Corridors Fund, Transport Canada is supporting improvements to Canada’s roads, rail, air, and marine shipping routes to foster domestic and international trade.
Laurent de Casanove
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Anita Anand
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
laurent.decasanove@tc.gc.ca
Media relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca
Source: Government of Canada News
The National Trade Corridors Fund supports infrastructure projects in Canada. These projects include improvements at airports, ports, railways, transportation facilities, and access roads.
The National Trade Corridors Fund supports infrastructure projects in Canada. These projects include improvements at airports, ports, railways, transportation facilities, and access roads. $4.1 billion has been committed to projects since 2017.
The National Trade Corridors Fund supports projects that:
On October 18, 2024, the President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, the Honourable Anita Anand, announced up to $38 million for seven projects under the National Trade Corridors Fund. By supporting our supply chains, the Government of Canada is ensuring that goods move faster and cheaper, making life cost less for Canadians.
The funding recipients and project details are below.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
AB Amber Grid, legal entity code: 303090867. Address: Laisvės ave. 10, LT-04215 Vilnius, Lithuania.
The following decisions were adopted in the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of AB Amber Grid on 18 October 2024:
1. Aproval of the conclusion of the Humanitarian Aid Contract
1.1. In accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 11(21) of the Law on Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid of the Republic of Lithuania, upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania and the approval of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania, to enter into a Humanitarian Aid Contract with the Ukrainian company KHMELNYTSKOBLENERGO and to approve the following main terms of the Humanitarian Aid Contract:
1.1.1. The subject matter of the Contract is humanitarian assistance to Ukraine’s energy sector. The humanitarian aid shall be provided through the transfer of 4 generators and 46 vehicles with a balance sheet value of EUR 60 285,53;
1.1.2. The parties to the Contract shall be AB Amber Grid and the Ukrainian company KHMELNYTSKOBLENERGO;
1.1.3. The purpose of humanitarian aid is the operation of energy infrastructure in wartime to meet the basic needs of people in wartime.
1.2 To authorise the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (with the right to sub-delegate) to sign the Humanitarian Aid Contract in accordance with the material terms and conditions of the Contract as set out in Clause 1.1, and to agree the other (non-material) terms and conditions of the Contract on behalf of the Company.
More information:
Laura Šebekienė, Head of Communications of Amber Grid,
+370 699 61 246, l.sebekiene@ambergrid.lt
Source: Government of Canada News
Five projects in the Gaspé Peninsula and the Lower St. Lawrence funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) under the Quebec Fisheries Fund.
October 18, 2024
Newport, Quebec
Five projects in the Gaspé Peninsula and the Lower St. Lawrence funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) under the Quebec Fisheries Fund.
A total of $583,515 in financial contributions from DFO.
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
October 18, 2024
Newport, Quebec – Quebec’s fish and seafood industry is facing increasing competition and the need to adapt to an ever changing market. Working together through the Quebec Fisheries Fund (QFF), the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec are helping the industry to innovate and reach its full potential.
Today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced over $830,000 in QFF funding for five projects in the Gaspé Peninsula and the Lower St. Lawrence. The Government of Canada’s contribution to these projects is $583,515, while the Government of Quebec is contributing $250,077.
Launched in 2019, the QFF supports innovation-driven projects in the areas of commercial fisheries, aquaculture, seafood harvesting and processing, and science partnerships. The funding announced today will help create opportunities and enhance the market value of high-quality, sustainable fish and seafood in Quebec.
“The projects financed through the Quebec Fisheries Fund demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to the sustainability of marine resources and support for local communities. This funding will provide significant support for the Gaspé Peninsula and Lower St. Lawrence fishing industry. By investing in innovation and the preservation of our maritime heritage, we are ensuring a prosperous future for our fish harvesters and the regions.”
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“I am pleased with this financial support, which will enable businesses in the Gaspé Peninsula and Lower St. Lawrence to modernize their facilities and adopt technologies that will promote greater competitiveness. It is a priority for your government to contribute to the vitality of the maritime regions, particularly by supporting the fisheries and aquaculture sector. I wish all the projects the best of success!”
André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec Region
To date, 175 projects have received a total of $26.5 million from the Quebec Fisheries Fund.
Today’s announcement of over $830,000 will support three projects in the Gaspé Peninsula ($638,414) and two in the Lower St. Lawrence ($195,178).
Andrew Richardson
Acting Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
andrew.richardson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Quebec Region
418-648-5474
media.qc@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Sophie J. Barma
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec Region
Cell.: 581 993-5016
sophie.jacques-barma@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
BOSTON, Oct. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Elevate Renewables (“Elevate” or the “Company”), a leading battery storage development company is pleased to announce that its Innovative Inertia Project at the Devon Generating Station in Milford, CT. has been selected to receive $27.5 million in federal funding under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program.
The Innovative Inertia Project aims to reconfigure an existing fossil-fueled peaking unit and enable the deployment of a battery energy storage system (“BESS”) to provide synchronous condensing (“green sync”) and other essential grid services. Elevate is focused on repurposing existing energy infrastructure as traditional thermal resources retire (i.e., brownfields) and intermittent and renewable resources increasingly become the predominant resources on the grid.
The Company will demonstrate that its BESS can provide inertia and synchronous condensing – remedying any immediate imbalance between electrical supply and system demand on the power grid- grid services historically offered by fossil fuel assets. The integration of this BESS technology will showcase its scalability and replicability, contributing to grid stability as Connecticut and the United States progress through the clean energy transition. It will also enhance resilience and deliver significant community and decarbonization benefits, particularly in historically overburdened areas of the state, by reducing emissions and supporting greater adoption of renewable energy sources.
Elevate will partner with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“CT DEEP”) and the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (“CT PURA”) on the project.
“Elevate is committed to identifying and commercializing innovative solutions that balance reliability and decarbonization through the application of battery energy storage. This project is a prime example of how batteries, in conjunction with existing infrastructure, can yield a win-win to help reduce our everyday reliance on fossil fuels while also benefiting existing power plant employees and the communities where we operate. We are excited to collaborate with the DOE, CT DEEP, and CT PURA to demonstrate our commitment to energy reliability while still accomplishing our decarbonization goals,” stated Eric Cherniss, Head of Development at Elevate Renewables.
“As extreme weather events continue to stress electric systems across the country, the Biden-Harris Administration is using every tool in the toolbox to make sure America’s power grid can provide reliable, affordable power,” said Maria Robinson, Director, Grid Deployment Office, U.S. Department of Energy. “By leveraging state-of-the-art grid enhancing technologies and applications, Elevate Renewables will help to add more energy to the grid faster, improve reliability and resilience, and invest in innovative technologies so customers in Connecticut can have access to more renewable energy and pay less for their electricity.”
“I am thrilled that the U.S. Department of Energy has selected Elevate’s Innovative Inertia project in Milford, Connecticut, for federal funding,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “By repurposing an existing power generating facility and combining it with a new battery energy storage system, this project has the potential to provide important grid stability services and help make our state and region’s electric grid more affordable, reliable, and clean.”
Innovative Inertia Project Anticipated Outcomes and Benefits:
Resilience and Reliability for Grid Stability and Restoration: The project will provide about 23 MVA (mega volt-amperes) of reactive power for grid stabilization and up to 20 MW/80 MWh of energy resilience infrastructure available from a BESS capable of black-start grid restoration operations.
Scalability Potential: With over 1,000 combustion turbine sites across the U.S., the project has the potential to be scaled nationwide. By proving the efficacy of BESS-enabled synchronous condensing and other battery-enabled grid services, the project could serve as a model for similar brownfield repurposing efforts and support increasing grid reliance and reliability needs expected as traditional thermal generation facilities retire.
Community Benefits: Through a $2.7 million community investment program, the project will prioritize Disadvantaged Communities, including a distressed municipality near the generating station. The project will support the retraining of at least 20 power plant employees. In addition, the project commits to contracting businesses that are majority-owned or controlled by underrepresented persons or groups of underrepresented persons in New England and is committed to hiring workers from vulnerable or underrepresented communities for construction. Some or all of this project is anticipated to be executed in collaboration with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and other existing unions.
Established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program is a $10.5 billion investment to enhance grid flexibility, improve the resilience of the power system against extreme weather, and ensure American communities have access to affordable, reliable, electricity when and where they need it. GRIP funding is administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office (GDO).
ABOUT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY’S GRID DEPLOYMENT OFFICE
The mission of the Grid Deployment Office (GDO) is to catalyze the development of new and upgraded electric infrastructure across the country by maintaining and investing in critical generation facilities, developing and upgrading high-capacity electric transmission lines nationwide, and deploying transmission and distribution technologies. Learn more at energy.gov/gdo.
ABOUT ELEVATE RENEWABLES
Elevate Renewables is a utility-scale battery storage company focused on strategically deploying battery infrastructure co-located with existing power infrastructure facilities. The Company has significant experience and resources to effectuate utility-scale battery infrastructure with an extensive brownfield pipeline of over 4 GWs. Elevate Renewables is active throughout the United States, where electrification and the rapid growth of intermittent renewables have created a need and advantage for renewable utility-scale battery storage. For more information, please visit http://www.elevaterenewableenergy.com.
Join our online communities on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), and Facebook to stay updated on Elevate Renewable’s events and developments.
Company Contact:
Elevate Renewables
Market & Media Communications
200 Clarendon Street, FL 55
Boston, MA 02116
Email: jjanson@elevaterenewableenergy.com
Direct: (585) 232-5440
Source: United States Navy
Slough assumed command of Makin Island in April 2023 after serving as the ship’s executive officer since 2021.
As Makin Island’s commanding officer, her exemplary leadership spearheaded the successful completion of numerous training and certification events, enabling the deployment of a combat-ready ship following a 100-day Continuous Maintenance Availability and a truncated training cycle. Throughout her tour, she demonstrated a unique talent for innovation and interoperability in advanced warfighting concepts, successfully integrating with the thirteenth Marine Expeditionary Unit during workups and a highly productive seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific Region. She masterfully employed her forces, executing 11 individual exercises and operations involving 22 partner nations, and oversaw the first-ever deployment of a full squadron of 10 F-35B Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets aboard an Amphibious Assault Ship. With commitment to excellence, she guided Makin Island to earn the 2023 Battle Effectiveness Award, achieving a 100 percent first-pass qualification rate in every mission area and executing 3,000 individual training events.
“Serving as the commanding officer of the USS Makin Island has been the most rewarding experience of my career.” said Slough, “The dedication and resilience of this crew, combined with the constant improvement of our capabilities on this ship, have made every challenge an opportunity for growth.
Together, we’ve pushed boundaries, achieved mission success, and demonstrated the true strength of teamwork and innovation in the modern Navy.”
Arana, a 1997 graduate of the University of Florida, was commissioned in 1999 through the Officer Candidate School program. He has served as the executive officer of Makin Island since April 2023. Prior to joining the Raider family, he completed squadron tours with HSC-26, 28 and was a plank owner of the HSC Weapons School Atlantic. He h also served as the Assistant Air Officer (MINIBOSS) aboard USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3), Operations and Maintenance Officer for the Tridents of HSC-9. Post Department Head, CAPT Arana served on the Joint Staff, Pentagon in the National Military Command Center as Operations Officer, National Joint Operations and Intelligence Center. He also served at the as Assistant Deputy Director for Operations, J-3, and as a Global Strike Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of Defense, and the President of the United States. CAPT Arana went on to serve at the 59th commanding officer of the World-Famous Golden Falcons, forward deployed in Atsugi Japan. His most recent tour was as Helicopter Assignments Officer and Deputy Director of the Aviation Distribution Office at the Bureau of Navy Personnel (PERS 43).
” I am both humbled and excited to lead the finest amphibious ship in the fleet. This ship and its crew have a legacy of excellence, innovation, and resilience.” Said Arana. “I look forward to continuing that tradition, guiding our team to new heights, and ensuring we are always mission-ready, wherever the call may take us.”
Makin Island, homeported in San Diego, is currently in a selective restricted availability. The Wasp-class ship is crewed by more than 1,200 Sailors and can embark more than 1,600 Marines. Makin Island’s mission is to transport and land ashore troops, equipment, and supplies to support and sustain amphibious assault operations.
Source: United States Navy
“MSC Far East makes sure every U.S. military ship in the Indo-Pacific region is able to get fuel, ammo, and supplies; this can include services to our allies and partners,” said U.S. Navy Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Andrew Werner, MSC Far East, out of Singapore. “Without a Combat Logistics Force (CFL) or refueling ships, our fleet of ships, and those of some allies, such as the Philippines, would not be able to refuel at sea.”
Sama Sama 2024, which was held Oct. 7-18, was hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Navy, and featured participation from allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including personnel and assets from Australia, Canada, France and Japan.
MSC Far East provided subject-matter-expert instruction for the refueling-at-sea familiarization training, along with members attached to Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, out of Singapore.
“The purpose of the training was to get the PN familiar with underway replenishment gear on a ship, how to set it up, and how to conduct a safe underway-replenishment,” said Werner. “MSC Far East has Boatswain’s mates that are subject-matter-experts and can train the Philippine Sailors. We do the similar training with other allies and partners.”
Underway replenishments of allied partners present a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships and exercise compatibility of logistics systems.
“The training went over the fundamentals of refueling and replenishing at sea,” said U.S. Navy Chief Boatswain’s Mate Francisco Fuentes, DESRON 7. “We also conducted hands-on training and observed their on-station procedures for refueling-at-sea, and looked at their replenishment-at-sea stations forward of the ship.
“It was important for us to do hands-on training because it helped them understand our safety procedures, maintenance requirements, and types of equipment we use and our station procedures. This helps with our interoperability.”
According to Werner, he hopes that the training was beneficial to the PN, and they can mutually build upon interoperability.
“Every Navy does evolutions a little different and we were able to show them how on our U.S. Navy conducts a safe refueling—just about every week—when underway on deployment,” added Werner. “They were excited and motivated to learn and I look forward to working with them again in the future.”
Sama Sama 2024 is a multilateral engagement that includes a sea and shore phase that will incorporate medical, engineering, logistics and symposiums, while diving and explosive ordnance disposal teams, naval vessels and maritime surveillance aircraft conduct exercises focused on anti-submarine, surface and air warfare, and maritime domain awareness.
MSC Far East supports the U.S. 7th Fleet and ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific Region are manned, trained, and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore.
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations, with a workforce that includes approximately 6,000 Civil Service Mariners and 1,100 contract mariners, supported by 1,500 shore staff and 1,400 active duty and Reserve military personnel.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
EVANSVILLE- Marquel D. Payne, 39, of Evansville, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a machinegun.
According to court documents, on January 31, 2024, Evansville Police Department officers observed Payne in possession of a 3D printer while conducting surveillance near his residence. Investigators had received information that Payne was manufacturing machine gun parts using a 3D printer before the surveillance began.
Investigators obtained search warrants for Payne’s residence and other locations he controlled. During the searches, investigators found approximately 60 plastic machine gun conversion devices, a 9mm personally made handgun, also known as a “ghost gun” due to its lack of any traceable serial numbering, an AR-15 rifle, a 3D printer, plastic printing filament, a 3D printed firearm silencer, and 9mm caliber ammunition.
Machinegun conversion devices sometimes called “Glock switches” or “auto-sears” are devices that convert ordinary semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic machineguns. Machinegun conversion devices are themselves considered machineguns under federal law, even when not installed, and are illegal for individuals to produce, possess, or sell. The hand grip of the 9mm ghost gun was produced by Payne using a 3D printer. Other parts of the ghost gun were produced in Pennsylvania.
At the time of his arrest, Payne had been previously convicted of numerous felonies, including escape, carrying a handgun without a license, and criminal recklessness while armed with a deadly weapon. These prior felony convictions prohibit Payne from ever again legally possessing a firearm.
“Getting illegal machinegun conversion devices off our streets is a critical public safety priority. Fully automatic weapons and untraceable ‘ghost guns’ pose a serious danger to our communities, especially when they are in the hands of people who have no lawful business possessing any firearm,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This prosecution is the result of quick and impactful investigative work by our outstanding partners at the Evansville-Vanderburgh Crime Gun Intelligence Center. Together we are committed to saving lives and reducing gun violence by combining intelligence and resources to investigate and prosecute dangerous offenders.”
“Unfortunately, these deadly conversion devices continue to show up in our communities,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “U.S. law has long recognized that automatic weapons pose a special risk to public safety, both through the sheer volume of bullets fired and the likelihood that innocent bystanders will be injured or killed. Combine that with an untraceable firearm and an unregistered silencer in the hands of a convicted felon, and it is clear that this individual is solely interested in feeding violence in southern Indiana. ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who use and distribute machine gun conversion devices.”
“My office applied for and was awarded a $700,000 federal grant to form the crime gun intelligence center where our mission is clear: to work with our state and federal partners to combat the rising crime in Vanderburgh County. We are now seeing the fruits of our labor,” said Prosecutor Diana Moers. “My office and our state and federal partners will stop at nothing to identify and prosecute any who seek to commit violent crimes in our community – this case is a result of teamwork and, with our agencies working together, we expect more cases like this: we are ahead of criminal activity and not simply reacting. Anyone planning to break the law in Vanderburgh County should swiftly reconsider.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Evansville Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), the Evansville Police Department, and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
In October 2023, the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, and Evansville Police Department secured a nearly $700,000 federal grant to establish a Crime Gun Intelligence Center. The goal of the Evansville-Vanderburgh Crime Gun Intelligence Center is to quickly identify and reduce the amount of gun crime in the Evansville-Vanderburgh County area by providing intelligence, analysis, and resources between agencies for the swift identification and apprehension of suspected armed criminals.
The Department of Justice’s National Ghost Gun Initiative was launched in February 2022 in response to the proliferation of ghost guns in our communities, and the growing number of criminals who unlawfully use or possess these untraceable weapons. The Attorney General directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to train a national cadre of prosecutors as experts to lead investigations and prosecutions of crimes involving ghost guns. These ghost gun coordinators will also share investigation and prosecution tools with other prosecutors and law enforcement officers. As part of the initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana will focus its investigation and prosecution resources on combatting the illegal possession and use of ghost guns.
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Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PROVIDENCE, RI – A U.S. Army veteran, who allegedly made false claims of combat injuries in order to obtain veterans’ health care benefits that he was not entitled to receive, has been charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with making false statements relating to health care matters and making false statements to agents, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
It is alleged in court documents that Nicholas Ash, 38, of Providence, fraudulently claimed to a Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center doctor that he was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as the result of a combat deployment to Iraq/Middle East where, he claimed, he experienced a blast from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Ash claimed that the IED blast caused him to suffer from seizures.
As alleged in court documents, Defense Department records reflect that Ash served in the U.S. Army from July 2005 to September 2007. Following completion of basic training in Oklahoma, Ash was assigned to Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, where he served as a motor transport operator. While stationed in Hawaii, for an unrelated medical matter Ash was hospitalized and placed on non-deployable status, having been deemed not medically fit to deploy on any military operation. Defense Department records show no indication that Ash was ever deployed anywhere outside of the United States.
When initially confronted with these facts by the VA doctor, and when interviewed later by a federal agent, Ash is alleged to have claimed to have been injured after he was discharged from the Army, as the result of an IED blast he experienced while employed overseas as a private military contractor.
Court records reflect that investigators could find no record Ash ever worked for the private contractor.
In support of his claim that he was injured in the Middle East and that he experienced an IED blast, Ash allegedly presented the physician with a letter written by a veteran who served in the Middle East, and claimed to know of Ash’s tour of duty in Iraq. The individual, an Army veteran, later told an investigator that he did not meet Ash until 2015 or 2017, and that he wrote the letter at Ash’s request.
Ash made an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate on Thursday and was released on unsecured bond. A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.
United States Attorney Cunha thanks the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police Service for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.
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Source: Office of United States Attorneys
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Jessica Thornhill will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Thornhill has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Louisiana, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Gathe said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Gathe further stated, “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Thornhill will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 225-389-0443.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 225-291-5159.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
United States Attorney Gathe 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.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
The founder of the Mafia criminal street gang who has a lengthy criminal history in the Middle Georgia community was sentenced to the maximum prison term allowed by law for illegally possessing a firearm.
Alphonzo Clyde, 45, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Oct. 17. Clyde pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on April 10. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Alphonzo Clyde and the Mafia wreaked havoc in Macon and beyond for years,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This significant sentence should directly result in reduced violence, and it would not have been possible without our strong federal and local law enforcement connection.”
“Despite a lengthy criminal history, Clyde continued to break the law,” said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to work thoroughly with our local and federal partners to investigate and remove the leaders of drug trafficking organizations from our streets by whatever means necessary.”
“Alfonso Clyde is a notorious criminal whose career of mayhem has spanned nearly thirty years,” said Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis. “This investigative and prosecution result is a testament to the importance of local agencies working together with our federal partners. Macon and the entire Middle Georgia community is better off having this gangster off our streets for many years to come.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, Clyde is the founder of the Macon Mafia, a criminal street gang operating in Middle Georgia and West Virginia. Clyde was wanted on an outstanding probation violation warrant when officers from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office took him into custody on Oct. 8, 2023. At the time of his arrest, officers spotted a digital scale with a white powdery substance located on the front passenger seat of the SUV that Clyde was driving. Officers also detected a marijuana odor emanating from his vehicle. Officers found a Taurus G2S 9-millimeter handgun inside the glovebox. Clyde has multiple prior felony convictions; it is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom prosecuted the case for the Government.
Source: United States Air Force
During his visit, Allvin met with ROK air force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Young-su to discuss a range of shared interests and exchange views on the security environment on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A man has been found guilty of manslaughter and rape of a woman in Southall following an extensive Met police investigation.
Mohamed Noor Iidow, 35 (17.02.89) of St Paul’s Close, Hounslow was found guilty of rape and manslaughter on Friday, 18 October following a three-week trial at the Old Bailey.
The body of Natalie Shotter, 37, was found by a member of the public on a bench in Southall Park on Friday, 16 July 2021.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from Specialist Crime South who led the investigation, said: “Iidow’s predatory attack on Natalie was disturbing and shocking.
“This man drove to the park that night and took advantage of a vulnerable woman who should have been safe.
“Even after his arrest, Iidow attempted to claim that his actions were consensual.
“This case has deeply affected those involved, due to its rarity and tragic details.
“We needed to prove Natalie’s death was caused by being raped and that involved diligent work using experts in this field to charge and now convict Iidow.
“I commend the strength of Natalie’s friends and family who have had to listen to these details throughout the trial. Iidow is now facing a long term of imprisonment.”
An investigation was launched after Natalie’s body was found and enquiries revealed that Natalie had been socialising with friends in Southall before falling unconscious on a bench.
When reviewing CCTV footage from the night of the attack, detectives discovered Iidow walking past Natalie multiple times before approaching her and raping her repeatedly. He then left her on the bench and drove home.
At about 05:42hrs, a member of the public found Natalie unresponsive on the park bench and contacted the police. Officers and paramedics attended and she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Through CCTV examination, detectives were able to identify Iidow as a suspect and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of rape at his home in Hounslow on 4 August 2021.
During the police interview, Iidow refused to answer most questions before he attempted to claim that the sexual activity was consensual.
Following a complex investigation, in which detectives used a range of experts to prove that Natalie’s death was linked to the rape, Iidow was charged on 21 December 2021 with manslaughter and rape.
Iidow will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 13 December.
Source: United States Attorneys General
The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) announced the results of Operation Nazare Wave, which focused on violent crime in Washington, D.C., and the National Capital Region. This operation was spearheaded by the USMS’ Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) between April and September and resulted in the arrest of 826 fugitives (63 for homicide); recovery and seizure of 54 firearms; and seizure of 6.4 kg of narcotics and $1,115,365 in U.S. currency.
“This successful operation reflects the collaborative approach the Justice Department has taken to turn the tide against violent crime,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “From April to September, the U.S. Marshals Service brought together more than 30 law enforcement agencies spanning the Washington, D.C. area to arrest 826 fugitives and seize significant quantities of firearms and narcotics. I am deeply grateful to every Deputy U.S. Marshal and law enforcement partner who took part in this operation.”
“I wish to thank all of the Deputies, Task Force Officers, and participating agencies for their steadfast commitment and tremendous work,” said USMS Director Ronald L. Davis. “This operation coincided with Operation North Star FY2024 in 10 other metropolitan areas which demonstrates the commitment of the United States Marshals Service and the Department of Justice to work with local law-enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime.”
Operation Nazare Wave focused on reducing violent crime in the NCR but resulted in arrests crossing 19 different districts across the United States and internationally. While some fugitives wanted in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) fled to other districts, in other instances fugitives wanted outside the DMV traveled into the DMV and were apprehended.
Significant arrests include:
Agencies participating in Operation Nazare Wave include: Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; Metro Transit Police Department; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; Immigrations and Customs Enforcement; Diplomatic Security Service; Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; D.C. Department of Corrections; Bowie Police Department; Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office; Bladensburg Police Department; Prince George’s County Police Department; Montgomery County Police Department; Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office; Maryland State Police; Charles County Sheriff’s Office; Hyattsville Police Department; Maryland Department of Public Safety; Howard County Police Department; Forest Heights Police Department; Fairfax County Police Department; City of Fairfax Police Department; Prince William County Police Department; Alexandria Police Department; Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff’s Office; Virginia State Police; and City of Dumfries Police Department.
Source: United States Attorneys General
A Peruvian national was sentenced yesterday to 98 months in prison and to pay nearly $700,000 in restitution to his more than 1,100 victims for his role overseeing a transnational fraud conspiracy that targeted recent immigrants to the United States.
According to court documents, Jose Alejandro Zuñiga Cano, 40, of Lima, was the operator of a Peruvian call center that defrauded and extorted Spanish-speaking United States residents by falsely threatening them with arrest, court proceedings and immigration consequences. Zuñiga was extradited from Peru in March to face charges related to the scheme and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in July.
In pleading guilty, Zuñiga admitted that he owned and operated a call center in Lima, that placed unsolicited calls to Spanish-speaking consumers in the United States and falsely claimed that they had won or qualified for free products, including computer tablets and English language courses. On later calls, Zuñiga and his co-conspirators falsely claimed that victims were contractually obligated to pay large sums to receive the products. Zuñiga and his co-conspirators impersonated lawyers, court officials, police officers and representatives of a supposed “minor crimes court” to intimidate victims and force them to send payments. Zuñiga and his co-conspirators queried potential victims about their country of origin and threatened victims with court proceedings, arrest and immigration consequences if they did not pay.
Many victims who made payments following these lies and threats were frequently re-victimized by Zuñiga and his co-conspirators with a related restitution scheme. The defendant and his co-conspirators placed additional calls to victims who had already paid and, while posing as lawyers for a U.S. court, falsely represented that victims were entitled to restitution payments and would receive their money back if they paid additional fees. In reality, there was no lawyer, no restitution order and no funds returned to the victims who made those additional payments. Instead, Zuñiga kept those additional victim payments for himself.
“The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch is dedicated to protecting vulnerable U.S. consumers from fraudsters no matter where those fraudsters reside,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that individuals who defraud our immigrant communities will be held accountable in U.S. courts. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that individuals who impersonate government and court officials are brough to justice.”
“The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations, to include the elderly and recent immigrants,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “We will not allow transnational criminals to use fear tactics and intimidation to steal money from the public we serve. Individuals who defraud American consumers will be brought to justice, no matter where they are located.”
“Today’s sentencing of Jose Alejandro Zuñiga Cano is proof of the dedication between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to stop at nothing to bring those suspects who victimize our citizens to justice,” said Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Miami Division.
With today’s sentencing in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, 12 defendants have now been convicted and sentenced in connection with a $15 million transnational fraud scheme that defrauded and threatened Spanish-speaking U.S. consumers, claiming they would suffer legal consequences if they did not pay for English-language learning products they never requested. Collectively, the scheme was responsible for defrauding more than 30,000 Spanish-speaking residents of the United States. Many of the victims were recent immigrants who had merely expressed interest in learning English.
The 12 defendants include eight Peruvian call center owner-operators and four distribution center owner-operators who processed payments, distributed products and facilitated the fraud in the United States. Many of the defendants shared strategies on how to defraud Spanish-speaking residents of the United States.
Zuñiga is the eighth defendant to be extradited from Peru and plead guilty in federal court to fraud charges related to Peruvian call centers involved in the English language learning scam. In 2021 and 2022, U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola, Jr., sentenced Henrry Milla, Carlos Espinoza, Jerson Renteria, Fernan Huerta, Omar Cuzcano, Evelyng Milla and Josmell Espinoza to sentences ranging from 88 months to 110 months in prison.
USPIS and the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney and Transnational Criminal Litigation Coordinator Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorney Carolyn Rice of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Annika Miranda for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Peruvian National Prosecutor General’s Office and Peruvian National Police provided critical assistance.
The Justice Department continues to investigate and bring charges in other similar matters involving threats against Spanish-speaking residents of the United States.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints can be filed with the FTC at http://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at http://www.ovc.gov.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pat Ryan (New York 18th)
Congressman Pat Ryan and Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi Bolster Public Safety in Dutchess County, Secure Over $3 Million in Federal Investments
Ryan joined with Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi, Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, and local leaders to announce over $3 million in federal funding for public safety in Dutchess County
Funding will crack down on hate crimes, protect domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and prosecute perpetrators, and boost capacity for DNA testing of evidence
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan joined with Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi, Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati, and Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino to announce that they have secured $3,023,688 in federal funding to bolster public safety and criminal justice initiatives across Dutchess County. This is in addition to the $2,386,00 in federal Community Project Funding for Fiscal Year 2025 Congressman Ryan is fighting to secure for Dutchess County to create a state-of-the-art Analysis and Real Time Crime Intelligence Center and develop a consolidated two-way public safety radio system.
“Our local law enforcement officers are true public servants – grounded in the mission of keeping our neighbors safe around the clock. Their work isn’t partisan, and neither is our work in supporting them with the resources they need” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “I’m proud that only two months after we joined here in August to announce our shared vision for safer communities in Dutchess County, we’re here again to announce over $3 million in additional funding to keep criminals off the streets, to safeguard our communities from hate-fueled crimes, and to protect survivors of domestic violence and ensure they receive justice when their perpetrators are prosecuted. This wouldn’t be possible without trusted partners like District Attorney Parisi, Sheriff Imperati, and County Executive Serino – I’ll keep fighting for the federal funding to make Dutchess County a safe and thriving home for us all.”
“This funding represents a significant investment in our community’s safety and well-being,” said District Attorney Anthony Parisi. “I have been committed to these critical issues since my campaign for District Attorney, and after taking office, my team and I actively sought solutions to tackle them head-on. Part of that was to seek financial assistance from the Department of Justice grant program. We are thankful to Congressman Ryan, Senator Gillibrand and all our partners in law enforcement and the community that supported my office’s efforts. My administration is dedicated to ensuring justice and promoting safety within our community through proactive measures and community collaboration, striving to address the challenges of domestic violence, sexual assault, hate crimes, and wrongful convictions.”
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Public safety is at the heart of everything we do as a County government, and these new grants show a clear and significant investment in the safety and well-being of our community. The grant funds awarded to the District Attorney’s Office are not just about prevention and prosecution but ensuring that victims and survivors are supported throughout their journey towards justice and healing. I commend District Attorney Anthony Parisi, as well as Sheriff Kirk Imperati and all those involved, and I look forward to working to ensure that Dutchess County remains a place where residents feel safe and protected.”
“This federal funding will advance public safety and criminal justice efforts in Dutchess County, from preventing hate crimes to protecting survivors of domestic violence and expanding post-conviction DNA testing,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “I am proud to have helped secure over three million dollars in federal grants through the U.S. Department of Justice for the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office to undertake these critical projects. I will continue fighting to ensure that communities across New York have the resources they need to stay safe.”
Sheriff Imperati said “On behalf of the men and women at the Sheriff’s Office I am very thankful for the grant money that has been awarded and look forward to witnessing the positive effects it will have on law enforcement as a whole in Dutchess County. We anticipate that having this money available to enhance law enforcement efforts on numerous fronts, including the Real Time Crime Center at the Sheriff’s Office, will greatly benefit our ability to continue prioritizing public safety for all residents of Dutchess County. I would like to personally thank Congressman Pat Ryan and District Attorney Anthony Parisi for all of their efforts in working with the Sheriff’s Office to obtain these funds, as well as continuing to be tremendous advocates for law enforcement and public safety in Dutchess County.”
The Dutchess County DA’s Office secured the $3,023,688 from United States Department of Justice (DOJ) grant programs with the assistance of Congressman Ryan. The funding will be broken down to support the three following programs:
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Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division
Headline: U.S. Marshals Focus on Violent Fugitives During Operation Nazare Wave
The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) announced the results of Operation Nazare Wave, which focused on violent crime in Washington, D.C., and the National Capital Region. This operation was spearheaded by the USMS’ Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) between April and September and resulted in the arrest of 826 fugitives (63 for homicide); recovery and seizure of 54 firearms; and seizure of 6.4 kg of narcotics and $1,115,365 in U.S. currency.
Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division
Headline: Peruvian National Sentenced in Transnational Scheme to Defraud Spanish-Speaking United States Consumers
A Peruvian national was sentenced yesterday to 98 months in prison and to pay nearly $700,000 in restitution to his more than 1,100 victims for his role overseeing a transnational fraud conspiracy that targeted recent immigrants to the United States.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Nine people have been sentenced for the operation of an illegal waste site in rural Lincolnshire, following an investigation by the Environment Agency.
Aerial view of the site during the raid, showing burning waste and a lorry depositing waste.
The defendants were sentenced today (Friday 18 October) at Nottingham Crown Court to a collective 11 years of imprisonment, including three family members who controlled the illegal waste site at Long Bennington near Newark.
The investigation, named Operation Lord, saw Environment Agency officers spend months building a picture of evidence of the illegal waste site on Fen Lane, Long Bennington.
The findings of the investigation led to 12 people and one company being charged, of which 10 pleaded guilty. Following an eight-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court which concluded on 28 June 2024, the remaining three defendants were found guilty.
Environment Agency officers conducted a raid on the site in April 2020 with Lincolnshire Police. Intelligence revealed lorry-loads of shredded waste were regularly being accepted onto the site the size of a football pitch.
Waste was burned daily and buried. This activity intensified during the first Coronavirus lockdown in March 2020, and so action was taken to bring it to a halt.
Environment Agency officers also seized an excavator and a lorry which were actively depositing more waste at the site when officers arrived. Two arrests were made.
Smoke over the illegal waste site after the burning of waste. Residential properties are in view nearby.
The prosecution was brought against individuals that ran the illegal waste site; burned the waste; drove waste to the site and the landowners. Two waste brokers were also prosecuted.
The Canner family trio of father Paul (53), mother Judith (55) of Main Road, Bilstone, Nuneaton, and son Joshua (29) of Laburnum Avenue, Newbold Verdon, ran the illegal waste site.
Paul Canner was sentenced today to 26 months in prison, while Judith and Joshua were each sentenced to 16 months. Seven of the nine defendants were sentenced to immediate imprisonment.
Sentencing the defendants, His Honour Judge Coupland found that the:
His Honour Judge Coupland said that ‘the custody threshold had been crossed in all cases’.
Leigh Edlin, Area Director for Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, said:
This was a serious illegal waste site which was highly organised and involved multiple offenders.
Those involved sought to profit from Covid restrictions at the cost of the environment and by inflicting misery on the local community. The site and its operators had a major impact on legitimate businesses and our regulatory work.
Our enforcement teams will continue to tackle serious illegal waste crime by working with partners such as Lincolnshire Police, fire services and councils, as we did in this case to hold those responsible to account.
Anyone who suspects illegal waste activity is reminded to report it to our 24-hour hotline. Call 0800 80 70 60, or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sentences issued to defendants on 18 October 2024:
The following defendants, who were the landowners, will be sentenced on 16 December 2024 at Nottingham Crown Court:
Proceeds of crime proceedings have commenced against all 13 defendants and the following two defendants will be sentenced at the outcome of those proceedings:
Source: Amnesty International –
Human rights violations include repression of freedom of expression and marginalised Indigenous communities
1,262 human rights defenders attacked
‘The new administration must recognise that protest is not a threat to the state, but a fundamental aspect of the rights to freedom of expression’ – Usman Hamid
Ahead of Prabowo Subianto’s inauguration on Sunday 20 October, Amnesty International Indonesia is calling on the new Government to take immediate and effective measures to uphold the human rights of everyone in the country and ensure accountability for human rights violations.
Under the previous administration, human rights defenders, journalists, and environmental activists faced repression, land was seized from Indigenous communities with little or no compensation or consultation, despite Indonesia’s claims of progress in human rights and the rule of law and stated commitment to address past human rights violations and end impunity, which it failed to do.
The authorities cracked down on peaceful protests, including on development policies threatening Indigenous communities, with numerous reports of security forces using intimidation, harassment, excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, and beatings.
Usman Hamid, Amnesty International Indonesia’s executive director, said:
“The new administration must recognise that protest is not a threat to the state, but a fundamental aspect of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the constitution and international human rights treaties.
“We call on the new president and Government to evaluate the existing heavy security approach in the region. For the past decade, the intensified military deployment has only resulted in more human rights violations. The new Government must uphold the human rights of everyone in the country and ensure justice and accountability for human rights violations.
“If Indonesia is to move forward, the new president and his administration must immediately prioritise respect for human rights, accountability and the rule of law. This includes reopening or conducting thorough, independent, impartial, transparent and effective investigations into past human rights violations, ensuring access to justice and effective remedies for victims, and strengthening existing legal rules and institutional mechanisms to prevent and redress future violations.
“The new president and Government should prioritise sustainable development that respects Indigenous land rights, access to justice and effective remedies and ensures that affected communities have a meaningful say in decisions that impact their livelihoods. The rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities must be effectively respected and safeguarded in all national development projects.
“A Government that fails to confront its past is doomed to repeat it, and Prabowo’s administration has the obligations to ensure that Indonesia’s history of impunity is not carried into the future.”
From January 2019 to October this year, Amnesty Indonesia recorded attacks against at least 1,262 human rights defenders, including Indigenous people.
Stifling critical voices
Repressive laws include the Electronic Information and Transaction Law, which criminalises human rights defenders and stifles critical voices. Over the years, it transformed into a tool used to suppress criticism of the Government stifling the right to freedom of expression and intimidating those who sought to hold the authorities to account for human rights violations. Human rights defenders were frequently targeted, facing legal charges simply for speaking out against allegations of corruption, environmental destruction, or abuses of power.
From January 2019 to September this year, Amnesty Indonesia recorded at least 521 cases with 554 people charged under this law for defamation and hate speech.
Catalogue of land seizures from Indigenous peoples
Poco Leok residents in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province have been opposing the Government’s seizure of their land for the construction of a Geothermal Power Plant, part of the Government’s national strategic projects. On 2 October, police arrested and allegedly beat four residents, several protesters, including women, fell after being pushed and one resident fainted after being kicked by an officer.
Similar treatment of protesters occurred in the Mandalika Circuit in Nusa Tenggara Barat ahead of the MotoGP races last September. The authorities banned banners and demonstrations during the event, reflecting the ongoing silencing of critical voices, particularly from local Indigenous communities whose lands were seized for the construction of the Mandalika Circuit and establishment of a Special Economic Zone without fair compensation.
The national strategic projects threaten to displace Indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands, with little to no consultation or compensation.
In Papua, the new Trans-Papua Highway cuts through Indigenous territories without proper consultation. Similarly, in the district of Merauke in South Papua, Indigenous people reject the national strategic food estate project, citing its aggressive implementation without prior agreement or consultation.
In North Sumatra, the Batang Toru Hydroelectric Dam project threatens Indigenous communities living near the Batang Toru forest and its ecosystem, including Tapanuli orangutan habitat.
In Central Java, the Kendeng cement factory was built following minimal consultation and a lack of adequate compensation despite the Indigenous Sedulur Sikep community’s opposition.
In East Kalimantan, the ongoing development of a new capital threatens the rights of Dayak Paser Indigenous communities, whose lands are located within and around the planned construction zone.
In many cases, such projects have also led to environmental degradation, as forests were cleared, ecosystems disrupted, and local communities were left to bear the brunt of the ecological destruction.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Bessy Jimenez Mejia and Liam Conway Distributed Fentanyl that Killed Cayden Foster in 2023
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A pair of individuals responsible for distributing the fatal dose of fentanyl that killed an 18-year-old high school student in 2023 have been criminally charged with the teen’s death.
In separate court proceedings, the United States Attorney’s Office charged two people for the January 2023 overdose death of Cayden David Foster, a resident of Centreville, Virginia.
On August 28, 2024, a grand jury sitting in Charlottesville, returned a one-count Indictment charging Bessy Jimenez Mejia, 26, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, with distribution of fentanyl resulting in the death of Foster. If convicted, Mejia faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The following day, Liam Conaway, 22, of Harrisonburg, Virginia pled guilty to a one-count Information charging him with distribution of fentanyl.
Mejia was arrested this week and made her initial court appearance.
According to court documents, in January 2023, Foster was an 18-year-old high school student living in Northern Virginia. Foster contacted Conaway, who was then a student at James Madison University (JMU), to purchase fentanyl pills. Conaway and Foster had previously consumed pills together during Conaway’s recent academic winter break from JMU.
On January 27, 2023, Foster sent Conaway $105 through Venmo to pay for the drugs. Conaway purchased approximately ten pills from his supplier, Jimenez, in Harrisonburg. The pills Conaway purchased from Jimenez were designed to appear as though they were 30 mg Percocet pills but were in fact counterfeit and contained fentanyl.
Two days later, a friend of Foster’s delivered three pills, sourced from Jimenez through Conaway in Harrisonburg to Foster in Northern Virginia.
On January 30, 2023, Foster consumed a portion of one of the pills purchased from Conaway. That night, Foster died from fentanyl poisoning.
First responders arrived at Foster’s home the next morning and pronounced Foster dead on arrival.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Washington Division made the announcement today.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Fairfax County Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Sally J. Sullivan and Melanie A. Smith are prosecuting the case for the United States.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Mark Dennison, (45, Jacksonville) to six years and three months in federal prison for distribution of five grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Dennison entered a guilty plea on June 11, 2024.
According to court documents, Dennison sold two ounces of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on October 10, 2023. The methamphetamine was tested by a Drug Enforcement Administration chemist who determined that it was 95% pure. Dennison was arrested on October 24, 2023, when he arrived at a gas station in Macclenny to sell fentanyl to the confidential informant. Dennison has been detained since his arrest last year.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys Lena Busscher and Ronald Huber will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSAs Busscher and Huber have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEO) for the Western District of Virginia, and in that capacity are 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.
“The right to vote is the cornerstone of our Republic,” United States Attorney Kavanaugh said today. “The Department of Justice will always work to protect the integrity of the election process and to ensure that every citizen has the ability to vote without interference or discrimination. In addition, election officials, staff, and others working to ensure a free and fair election is carried out will be protected from unlawful threats of violence this and every election season.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying, and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEOs Busscher and Huber will be on duty in the Western District while the polls are open. AUSA Busscher can be reached at 276-739-2954. AUSA Huber can be reached at 434-296-3912.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at tips.fbi.gov.
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.
“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” United States Attorney Kavanagh added. “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.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Linda Davis to four years in federal prison for willfully failing to pay to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employment taxes that were withheld from employees’ paychecks. Davis was also ordered to pay $719,049.62 in restitution. Davis entered a guilty plea on November 9, 2023.
According to court documents, Davis owned and operated a pavement maintenance company, known as Majestic Seals & Stripes, Inc. (Majestic), in Clearwater. As the owner of Majestic, Davis was responsible for withholding employment taxes from the Majestic employees’ paychecks and paying the taxes owed. Instead of paying these amounts to the IRS, Davis diverted the funds for her own personal use. Davis also failed to pay to the IRS the employer’s portion of the payroll taxes. Specifically, between June 2016 and December 2021, Davis failed to pay $557,249.62 in payroll taxes.
Further, in February 2021, Davis applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan on behalf of Majestic. In support of the loan application, Davis submitted a false IRS Form. As a result of the application package, the PPP loan was approved and funded in the amount of $161,800.
“When you work somewhere, you trust that your employer will do the right thing,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Tampa Field Office. “For an employer to take advantage of their employees for their own personal gain in such a blatantly criminal way is downright shameful. My hope is that this sentencing will urge others to always do right by their employees.”
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Nova Scotia RCMP has appointed Sergeant Christopher Attewell as Detachment Commander for the Musquodoboit Harbour Detachment.
“I have a passion for community policing,” says Sgt. Attewell. “It’s about building partnerships with residents and businesses so that together we can make our communities safer. I’ve worked in Musquodoboit Harbour since 2021, and I’m looking forward to serving the area in this new role.”
Originally from Seeley’s Cove, New Brunswick, Sgt. Attewell graduated from RCMP Depot in 2009. After graduation, he was posted to RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, where he worked in Lower Sackville and Cole Harbour.
In 2014, Sgt. Attewell transferred to Hopedale, Newfoundland, and then to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, before being promoted to a position in Sanikuluaq, Nunavut.
In 2021, Sgt. Attewell returned to Nova Scotia. He’s served the province in a variety of roles. He has worked in the Emergency Operations Centre, assisting with critical incidents, and as an Incident Commander for ground search and rescue.
Outside of policing, Sgt. Attewell volunteers with Scouts Canada and coaches youth sports.