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Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casten, Smith Demand DOJ Investigation Into Trump Crypto Dinner

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

    May 22, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressmen Sean Casten (IL-06) and Adam Smith (WA-09) led 35 House Democrats in a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) Public Integrity Section demanding DOJ immediately launch an investigation into whether President Donald Trump’s offer for top investors in his cryptocurrency token, $TRUMP, to join him at a private dinner violates federal bribery laws or the foreign emoluments clause of the Constitution.

    “We write to request an immediate investigation into President Trump’s offer for the top investors in his $TRUMP memecoin to attend a private dinner with him on May 22, 2025,” the lawmakers wrote. “This invites foreign influence over U.S. policy decisions and raises potential corruption and emoluments clause violations. It is just the latest example of President Trump disregarding ethics norms, introducing further conflicts of interest, and using his office for self-enrichment.”

    Days before the start of his second term, President Trump launched the $TRUMP memecoin. Its price quickly peaked at $75, before crashing and causing $2 billion in investor losses. In April, President Trump announced plans to invite $TRUMP’s top 220 investors to a private dinner, resulting in a 60% surge in price as investors rushed to accumulate enough value to qualify for a seat at the dinner. 

    The Trump family and its partners have earned more than $320 million in trading fees since $TRUMP was launched in January, including at least $1.35 million following the dinner announcement. Multiple investors have explicitly stated that they hoped to purchase influence with the president. 

    In addition, a Bloomberg investigation found that the majority of the top 25 memecoin holders are likely foreign nationals. The top spot is held by Justin Sun, a Chinese crypto entrepreneur who faced an SEC lawsuit alleging fraudulent market manipulation on his blockchain platform. The Trump Administration notably paused the legal action after Sun invested $30 million in one of President Trump’s other cryptocurrency ventures, the World Liberty Project. 

    “U.S. law prohibits foreign persons from contributing to U.S. political campaigns,” the lawmakers continued. “However, the $TRUMP memecoin, including the promotion of a dinner promising exclusive access to the President, opens the door for foreign governments to buy influence with the President, all without disclosing their identities.”

    The Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution (Article I, Section 9, Clause 8) prohibits any federal government official, including the President, from accepting any benefit from a foreign government without the consent of Congress. It is critical that the DOJ conducts a nonpartisan investigation of President Trump’s private dinner.

    In addition to Reps. Casten and Smith, the letter was signed by Reps. Nanette Barragán, Joyce Beatty, Greg Casar, Yvette Clarke, Emanuel Cleaver, Cleo Fields, Bill Foster, Maxwell Frost, John Garamendi, Robert Garcia, Sylvia Garcia, Dan Goldman, Al Green, Jim Himes, Glenn Ivey, Marcy Kaptur, Sam Liccardo, Zoe Lofgren, Stephen Lynch, April McClain Delaney, Betty McCollum, Gregory Meeks, Dave Min, Brittany Pettersen, Brad Sherman, Shri Thanedar, Rashida Tlaib, Paul Tonko, Ritchie Torres, Juan Vargas, Nydia Velázquez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Nikema Williams.

    A copy of the letter can be found here. Text of the letter can be found below.

    Dear Acting Chief Sullivan:

    We write to request an immediate investigation into President Trump’s offer for the top investors in his $TRUMP memecoin to attend a private dinner with him on May 22, 2025. This invites foreign influence over U.S. policy decisions and raises potential corruption and emoluments clause violations. It is just the latest example of President Trump disregarding ethics norms, introducing further conflicts of interest, and using his office for self-enrichment.

    On April 23, 2025, a website connected to the Trump family, gettrumpmemes.com, announced that the top 220 investors in the $TRUMP memecoin would be invited to a gala dinner with President Trump on May 22, 2025, located at his golf course outside of Washington D.C. The top 25 buyers would get face time with the President at “an ultra-exclusive private VIP” reception before the dinner, as well as a “special” V.I.P. tour of the White House. And the top four investors would receive a limited-edition Trump-branded watch.

    President Trump promoted the event on social media as the “most EXCLUSIVE INVITATION in the world,” causing the price of the memecoin to surge more than 60 percent as investors rushed to accumulate enough coins to qualify for a dinner seat. Overall, the Trump family and its partners have earned more than $320 million in trading fees since the memecoin was launched in January, including at least $1.35 million following the dinner announcement, according to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis.

    Investors spent more than $145 million on $TRUMP tokens over the duration of this contest, with some stating explicitly that they hoped to purchase influence with President Trump. For example, GD Culture Group, a small technology company that facilitates e-commerce for other businesses and brands on TikTok, recently announced plans to purchase $300 million worth of $TRUMP coins. And in the company’s own words, its Chinese subsidiary may be subject to “[intervention] or influence” by the Chinese government. GD Culture Group’s announcement came just days after President Trump indicated that he’d “be willing” to delay the statutorily required ban on TikTok in the U.S. past its June 19, 2025, deadline. Freight Technologies, a Houston-based company that specializes in U.S.-Mexico-Canada cross-border shipping, was even more direct about why it planned to purchase $20 million worth of President Trump’s memecoin: to help the company “advocate for fair, balanced, and free trade between Mexico and U.S.,” the company’s CEO said in a statement. After the contest closed, at least 34 of the top 220 investors sold most of their memecoin holdings, further confirming that the $TRUMP memecoin is not a worthwhile investment, but rather a vehicle to buy influence with the Trump Administration.

    The $TRUMP memecoin website displays a leaderboard of the winners whose identities remain largely unknown due to the anonymity of digital wallets. However, a Bloomberg analysis found that 19 of the top 25 memecoin holders are likely foreign nationals. Notably, Justin Sun, a Chinese billionaire who has privately touted his ties to the Chinese government and founded a blockchain network often used to finance illicit activities, confirmed that he held the top spot. He owned more than $18 million worth of the memecoin on May 12, 2025, when the contest ended. Since March 2023, Sun has been facing a lawsuit from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), alleging fraudulent market manipulation on his platform. This legal action was notably paused by the Trump administration after he invested $30 million in one of President Trump’s other cryptocurrency ventures. In what appears to be a quid pro quo move, Sun then invested an additional $45 million into President Trump’s World Liberty Project, while simultaneously increasing his holdings of the $TRUMP memecoin.

    Former Republican lawmakers, President Trump’s former aides, and cryptocurrency industry leaders recognize these national security risks and the opportunity for corruption. Charles Dent, the former chairman of the House Ethics Committee, recently stated that “ foreign entities and governments obviously want to curry favor with the president. This is completely out of bounds and raises all sorts of ethical, legal and constitutional issues that must be addressed.” Additionally, Anthony Scaramucci, a former official in the Trump administration, characterized President Trump’s memecoin as representing “Idi Amin level corruption.” Furthermore, Vitalik Buterin, a co-founder of Ethereum, emphasized that politician-backed coins “are vehicles for unlimited political bribery, including from foreign nation states.”

    U.S. law prohibits foreign persons from contributing to U.S. political campaigns. However, the $TRUMP memecoin, including the promotion of a dinner promising exclusive access to the President, opens the door for foreign governments to buy influence with the President, all without disclosing their identities.

    The Public Integrity Section was established in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal and exists to ensure that the Department of Justice conducts fair and thorough investigations into corruption by government officials at all levels, without regard to those officials’ political views or allegiances.

    We therefore urge you to launch an immediate inquiry to determine whether this dinner event violates the federal bribery statute or the foreign emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution. If the Department of Justice concludes that it does, we ask that you set aside political considerations and pursue action to uphold public integrity and the rule of law.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smith, Casten Demand DOJ Investigation Into Trump Crypto Dinner

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressmen Adam Smith (WA-09) and Sean Casten (IL-06) led 35 House Democrats in a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) Public Integrity Section demanding DOJ immediately launch an investigation into whether President Donald Trump’s offer for top investors in his cryptocurrency token, $TRUMP, to join him at a private dinner violates federal bribery laws or the foreign emoluments clause of the Constitution.
     
    “We write to request an immediate investigation into President Trump’s offer for the top investors in his $TRUMP memecoin to attend a private dinner with him on May 22, 2025,” the lawmakers wrote. “This invites foreign influence over U.S. policy decisions and raises potential corruption and emoluments clause violations. It is just the latest example of President Trump disregarding ethics norms, introducing further conflicts of interest, and using his office for self-enrichment.”
     
    Days before the start of his second term, President Trump launched the $TRUMP memecoin. Its price quickly peaked at $75, before crashing and causing $2 billion in investor losses. In April, President Trump announced plans to invite $TRUMP’s top 220 investors to a private dinner, resulting in a 60% surge in price as investors rushed to accumulate enough value to qualify for a seat at the dinner. 
     
    The Trump family and its partners have earned more than $320 million in trading fees since $TRUMP was launched in January, including at least $1.35 million following the dinner announcement. Multiple investors have explicitly stated that they hoped to purchase influence with the president. 
     
    “U.S. law prohibits foreign persons from contributing to U.S. political campaigns,” the lawmakers continued. “However, the $TRUMP memecoin, including the promotion of a dinner promising exclusive access to the President, opens the door for foreign governments to buy influence with the President, all without disclosing their identities.”
     
    In addition, a Bloomberg investigation found that the majority of the top 25 memecoin holders are likely foreign nationals. The top spot is held by Justin Sun, a Chinese crypto entrepreneur who faced an SEC lawsuit alleging fraudulent market manipulation on his blockchain platform. This Trump Administration notably paused the legal action after Sun invested $30 million in one of President Trump’s other cryptocurrency ventures, the World Liberty Project. 
     
    The Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution (Article I, Section 9, Clause 8) prohibits any federal government official, including the President, from accepting any benefit from a foreign government without the consent of Congress. It is critical that the DOJ conducts a nonpartisan investigation of President Trump’s private dinner.
     
    A copy of the letter can be found here. Text of the letter can be found below.
     
    Dear Acting Chief Sullivan:
     
    We write to request an immediate investigation into President Trump’s offer for the top investors in his $TRUMP memecoin to attend a private dinner with him on May 22, 2025. This invites foreign influence over U.S. policy decisions and raises potential corruption and emoluments clause violations. It is just the latest example of President Trump disregarding ethics norms, introducing further conflicts of interest, and using his office for self-enrichment.
     
    On April 23, 2025, a website connected to the Trump family, gettrumpmemes.com, announced that the top 220 investors in the $TRUMP memecoin would be invited to a gala dinner with President Trump on May 22, 2025, located at his golf course outside of Washington D.C. The top 25 buyers would get face time with the President at “an ultra-exclusive private VIP” reception before the dinner, as well as a “special” V.I.P. tour of the White House. And the top four investors would receive a limited-edition Trump-branded watch.
     
    President Trump promoted the event on social media as the “most EXCLUSIVE INVITATION in the world,” causing the price of the memecoin to surge more than 60 percent as investors rushed to accumulate enough coins to qualify for a dinner seat. Overall, the Trump family and its partners have earned more than $320 million in trading fees since the memecoin was launched in January, including at least $1.35 million following the dinner announcement, according to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis.
     
    Investors spent more than $145 million on $TRUMP tokens over the duration of this contest, with some stating explicitly that they hoped to purchase influence with President Trump. For example, GD Culture Group, a small technology company that facilitates e-commerce for other businesses and brands on TikTok, recently announced plans to purchase $300 million worth of $TRUMP coins. And in the company’s own words, its Chinese subsidiary may be subject to “[intervention] or influence” by the Chinese government. GD Culture Group’s announcement came just days after President Trump indicated that he’d “be willing” to delay the statutorily required ban on TikTok in the U.S. past its June 19, 2025, deadline. Freight Technologies, a Houston-based company that specializes in U.S.-Mexico-Canada cross-border shipping, was even more direct about why it planned to purchase $20 million worth of President Trump’s memecoin: to help the company “advocate for fair, balanced, and free trade between Mexico and U.S.,” the company’s CEO said in a statement. After the contest closed, at least 34 of the top 220 investors sold most of their memecoin holdings, further confirming that the $TRUMP memecoin is not a worthwhile investment, but rather a vehicle to buy influence with the Trump Administration.
     
    The $TRUMP memecoin website displays a leaderboard of the winners whose identities remain largely unknown due to the anonymity of digital wallets. However, a Bloomberg analysis found that 19 of the top 25 memecoin holders are likely foreign nationals. Notably, an account named “Sun” held the top spot and owned more than $18 million worth of the memecoin on May 12, 2025, when the contest ended. Investigations into this account have traced it back to Justin Sun, a Chinese billionaire who has privately touted his ties to the Chinese government and founded a blockchain network often used to finance illicit activities. Since March 2023, Sun has been facing a lawsuit from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), alleging fraudulent market manipulation on his platform. This legal action was notably paused by the Trump administration after he invested $30 million in one of President Trump’s other cryptocurrency ventures. In what appears to be a quid pro quo move, Sun then invested an additional $45 million into President Trump’s World Liberty Project, while simultaneously increasing his holdings of the $TRUMP memecoin.
     
    Former Republican lawmakers, President Trump’s former aides, and cryptocurrency industry leaders recognize these national security risks and the opportunity for corruption. Charles Dent, the former chairman of the House Ethics Committee, recently stated that “ foreign entities and governments obviously want to curry favor with the president. This is completely out of bounds and raises all sorts of ethical, legal and constitutional issues that must be addressed.” Additionally, Anthony Scaramucci, a former official in the Trump administration, characterized President Trump’s memecoin as representing “Idi Amin level corruption.” Furthermore, Vitalik Buterin, a co-founder of Ethereum, emphasized that politician-backed coins “are vehicles for unlimited political bribery, including from foreign nation states.”
     
    U.S. law prohibits foreign persons from contributing to U.S. political campaigns. However, the $TRUMP memecoin, including the promotion of a dinner promising exclusive access to the President, opens the door for foreign governments to buy influence with the President, all without disclosing their identities.
     
    The Public Integrity Section was established in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal and exists to ensure that the Department of Justice conducts fair and thorough investigations into corruption by government officials at all levels, without regard to those officials’ political views or allegiances.
     
    We therefore urge you to launch an immediate inquiry to determine whether this dinner event violates the federal bribery statute or the foreign emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution. If the Department of Justice concludes that it does, we ask that you set aside political considerations and pursue action to uphold public integrity and the rule of law.
     
    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
     
    Sincerely,
     
    ###
     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Man arrested following stabbing in Brent

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the death of a 26-year-old man in Brent have made an arrest.

    On Thursday, 22 May, officers arrested a man in his 20s, from Barnet, on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

    Ali Faris Muhammad, who lived in Harrow, sadly died following an altercation in the early hours of Sunday, 18 May.

    At 03:31hrs, police were called to reports of the incident in Kingsbury Road, NW9.

    Ali was taken to hospital with a stab wound. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died.

    His next of kin are being supported by specially trained officers.

    An investigation is ongoing.

    Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo, who is leading the investigation, said:

    “Our thoughts are with Ali’s family and loved ones. They have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.

    “Our team of detectives and forensic specialists are working at pace to establish the full circumstances that led to his tragic death. We urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information that could assist us, to come forward as soon as possible.

    “We understand this incident may cause concern within the Kingsbury community, and we’re grateful for their continued patience and co-operation as we carry out our investigation.”

    Anyone who can help is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference: 1052/18May. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    Or please visit the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X74-PO1

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jefferson County man sentenced for possessing machinegun conversion device

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

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing a machinegun in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Aaron Charles Hill, 22, pleaded guilty to possession of a machinegun and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on May 21, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, on July 15, 2024, law enforcement was dispatched to an apartment complex on Pinchback Road in Beaumont in reference to a disturbance with a firearm.  The victim reported being chased by multiple armed persons trying to shoot him.  Hill was apprehended attempting to leave the scene with two stolen pistols, one of which was equipped with an extended magazine and a machinegun conversion device, also referred to as a Glock switch.  A Glock switch is a small device that can be attached to the rear of the slide of a handgun, converting a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machinegun. Federal law defines a machinegun as a weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.

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

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Food Stamp Fraud Nets Two Former Harrisburg Merchants Federal Prison Time

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mervat Gharib, 60, and Adam Rashwan, 63, both of Harrisburg, were each sentenced on May 21, 2025, by Senior United States District Judge Yvette Kane to 21 months’ imprisonment for defrauding the United States out of over $1 million dollars in benefits under what was formerly the federal food stamp program.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on October 19, 2022, one-count Informations were returned charging both Gharib and Rashwan, formerly husband and wife, with unauthorized use of benefits from on or about January 2017 through in or about August 2020. In November 2022, both defendants pled guilty.

    The United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”), formerly known as the Federal Food Stamp Program. Retail food stores approved for participation in SNAP may sell food in exchange for SNAP benefits. These benefits may not be lawfully exchanged for cash. The investigation disclosed that Capital City Family Market was a small food retailer and/or convenience store located at 2000 North 6th Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Gharib was listed as the owner. Rashwan was married to Gharib at that time and employed at the store. Rashwan and Gharib engaged in a scheme to defraud SNAP. The scheme included food stamp trafficking, which occurs when a retailer allows customers to exchange SNAP benefits for cash, charging the customer a significant percentage of the amount of the unlawful transaction. Between November 2016 and July 2021, 24 undercover transactions occurred at Capital City Family Market during which SNAP benefits were exchanged for United States currency.

    Agents reviewed FNS records detailing the total amount paid to Capital City Family Market dating to January 2014. From January 2014 through June 2021, Capital City Family Market received approximately $1,806,761 in SNAP benefits. Data from FNS revealed in May 2021 alone, Capital City Family Market processed 408 individual SNAP transactions totaling $96,908.46 with an average transaction amount of $238.86. Gurganus said that the average transaction amount during the same time period for convenience stores in Pennsylvania was $11.58, and for small grocery stores was $23.16. The unusual number of large transactions at Capital City Family Market alerted the authorities to the possibility of fraud. The investigation revealed that from January 2011 through June 2021, Rashwan and Gharib, through the Capital City Family Market, illegally diverted approximately $1,091,822.05 in SNAP benefits. The business has since closed.

    Defendants were also ordered to pay restitution to the USDA’s SNAP program in the amount of $1,091,822.05.

    The case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General – Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe prosecuted the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Delivers Over $90,000 Worth of Baby Formula to Capital Region Families

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the donation of more than 600 cases of baby formula worth over $90,000 from supplier Marine Park Distribution, Inc. (Marine Park) for families in the Capital Region. The donation of five pallets of baby formula is part of the $675,000 worth of formula that Attorney General James secured as a result of the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) investigation into Marine Park and its affiliate Formula Depot, Inc. (Formula Depot) for illegal price gouging during the nationwide formula shortage in 2022. At times, Marine Park doubled the price of a can of formula, charging its customers up to $36 for a can of formula that cost $18 before the shortage. The donation was delivered to the Regional Food Bank in Latham to be distributed to families in the Capital Region.

    “Businesses cannot take advantage of an emergency to jack up prices for essential goods and rip off New Yorkers,” said Attorney General James. “Marine Park and Formula Depot’s price gouging put families at risk, and today we’re ensuring New Yorkers in need get justice. This formula will benefit families across the Capital Region, and I will continue to enforce our laws to protect New Yorkers from price gouging.”

    “We are incredibly grateful to Attorney General James for this donation of baby formula,” said Michael-Aaron Poindexter, Chief Program Officer of the Regional Food Bank. “With food insecurity rates throughout our service area at 12.2 percent, this donation will provide much-needed support and peace of mind to families across our communities. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together to support our neighbors in need.”

    In 2022, Abbott Laboratories closed one of its baby formula manufacturing plants and recalled formula produced there, creating significant hardship for families throughout New York and the nation as formula supplies dwindled and prices rose. Abbott produces over 40 percent of the infant formula sold in the United States, and the plant it closed was responsible for approximately one fifth of total U.S. production.

    New York’s price gouging laws prohibit vendors from unconscionably increasing prices on goods that are vital to consumers’ health, safety, or welfare during market disruptions such as the 2022 formula shortage. In May 2022, Attorney General James issued warnings to more than 30 retailers across the state to stop overcharging for baby formula after consumers reported unreasonably high prices.

    An OAG investigation found that Marine Park, which sells baby formula to retailers, and Formula Depot, which sells to consumers online, raised prices over 60 percent more than was allowed under the law during the shortage, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars more in revenue. One consumer, who relied on Formula Depot for formula safe for babies with milk and soy allergies, bought a case of formula for $190, only to be charged $245 for the same case just a few weeks later.

    As a result of OAG’s investigation, Marine Park and Formula Depot must provide $675,000 of baby formula that Attorney General James will donate to New Yorkers in need by November 2025. In addition, the two companies are barred from future price gouging and have paid a $75,000 penalty to the state. In December 2024, Attorney General James made the first formula donation from the settlement of 3,300 cans of baby formula worth about $140,000 to Foodlink in Rochester. In March 2025, Attorney General James delivered $344,000 worth of formula to families in the Bronx.

    Attorney General James is a leader in the fight to protect New York consumers and guard against price gouging. This week, Attorney General James secured the donation of over $13,500 worth of baby formula from supplier Paragon for families in Brooklyn. Earlier this month, Attorney General James secured over $13,500 worth of baby formula for Rochester families. In March 2025, Attorney General James delivered $6,300 worth of formula for families in Brooklyn. In October 2024, Attorney General James led a multistate coalition urging Congressional leaders to support a national ban on price gouging. In March and April 2024, Attorney General James distributed over 9,500 cans of baby formula in Buffalo and New York City from a settlement with Walgreens for price gouging during the formula shortage. In May 2023, Attorney General James secured a $100,000 settlement with Quality King Distributors, Inc. due to unconscionable price increases for Lysol products during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2021, Attorney General James delivered 1.2 million eggs to food pantries throughout the state which were secured as part of an agreement with the nation’s largest egg producers for price gouging in the early months of the pandemic.

    New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to the OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.

    This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Fishman, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Jane M. Azia and Deputy Bureau Chief Laura J. Levine, all of the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau. Former Data Scientist Jasmine McAllister also assisted in this matter, under the supervision of Director of Research and Analytics Victoria Khan, Deputy Director Gautam Sisodia, and former Director Megan Thorsfeldt. The Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau is a part of the Division for Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and is overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • President Murmu confers Gallantry Awards at Rashtrapati Bhawan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Droupadi Murmu honored the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of India’s bravehearts by conferring six Kirti Chakras and 33 Shaurya Chakras to personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and State/Union Territory Police at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025, held on Thursday, celebrated the heroism of these individuals who risked their lives in service to the nation, with a significant number of the awards bestowed posthumously to recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

    The Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra rank among India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards, reserved for acts of raw courage, unparalleled bravery, and a selfless disregard for personal safety in the line of duty. This year’s ceremony spotlighted the valor of 39 personnel, including Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu of the Maratha Light Infantry and Major Manjit of the Punjab Regiment, both commended for their exceptional bravery. Four posthumous Kirti Chakras were awarded to Rifleman Ravi Kumar, Colonel Manpreet Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzzammil Bhat, and Naik Dilwar Khan, each recognized for their unmatched valor in counter-terror operations that safeguarded the nation.

    The Shaurya Chakra recipients, numbering 33 in total, included Major (now Lt Col) Vijay Verma of the Rajput Regiment, honored for his gallant actions on October 5, 2022, as well as Deputy Commandant Vikrant Kumar and Inspector/GD Jeffrey Hmingchullo of the CRPF, celebrated for their bravery on April 2, 2023. Seven of these awards were conferred posthumously, with Major Aashish Dhonchak and Captain Deepak Singh among those who laid down their lives during operations, their sacrifices immortalized through this recognition.

    These awardees distinguished themselves across a range of high-stakes missions, showcasing heroism in diverse and perilous circumstances. In counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East, personnel neutralized dreaded terrorists, apprehended insurgents, and recovered arms and ammunition, often under extreme duress. Notably, Colonel Manpreet Singh and Rifleman Ravi Kumar earned their posthumous honors for heroic efforts in Jammu and Kashmir on September 12-13, 2023, exemplifying the courage required in such volatile regions.

    The Indian Navy also shone brightly, with officers like Commodore Sharad Sinsunwal and Lieutenant Commander Kapil Yadav leading successful anti-piracy operations that forced the surrender of pirates and secured the rescue of hostages. Navy personnel further demonstrated their bravery during firefighting efforts aboard a burning oil tanker, risking their lives to avert disaster. Meanwhile, in the Indian Air Force, Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane and Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar exhibited remarkable courage in life-threatening situations, skillfully rescuing aircraft while ensuring no civilian casualties, a testament to their precision and valor.

    The CRPF’s relentless fight against Left-Wing Extremism was equally commendable, with officers such as Deputy Commandant Lakhveer and Constable/GD Pawan Kumar, the latter honored posthumously, recognized for apprehending Maoist insurgents and recovering weapons in affected areas. Their efforts underscored the critical role of the CAPF in maintaining internal security amidst persistent threats.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta to Congress: Pass Legislation to Help Prevent Youth Substance Use

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general in urging Congressional leaders to pass the Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act, a bipartisan bill that would authorize federal grant funding for public service announcement (PSA) campaigns aimed at reducing youth substance use. In addition, the bill would promote innovation by supporting youth-led PSA contests — an approach that not only engages young people directly but also encourages peer-to-peer communication, which is shown to be highly effective. 

    “Youth substance use is a serious problem — one that affects all communities, no matter their politics,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I’m joining a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in supporting the Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act because it can help to save lives. I urge Congress to pass this bill as quickly as possible.”

    In the letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the attorneys general emphasize that: 

    • They are deeply involved in efforts to address substance use and addiction from every angle — criminal enforcement, civil litigation, consumer protection, public education, and prevention. 
    • The earlier an individual begins using substances, the likelier they are to develop substance use disorders later in life. That is why prevention, particularly among youth, remains an effective tool in addressing this public health and public safety crisis. 
    • By requiring annual reports on the content, reach, and outcomes of the funded campaigns, the legislation will ensure transparency, accountability, and effectiveness. 

    In sending today’s letter, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, South Dakota, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    A copy of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Canoncito Man Sentenced for Role in 2022 Fatal Assault

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

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Canoncito man was sentenced to three years’ probation for his role in the violent 2022 assault that led to the death of John Doe.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on May 27, 2022, Landen Toledo, 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, along with Cole Ray Shorty, confronted John Doe at his residence to retrieve Shorty’s backpack. During the confrontation, John Doe exited his vehicle with a baseball bat. Toledo grabbed John Doe by the wrists, threw him to the ground, and kicked him in the stomach several times, causing him to drop the bat. Shorty then struck John Doe on the head with the bat. John Doe was left unconscious at the scene and later died from blunt head trauma.

    Shorty pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 72 months in prison.

    Toledo pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Career Criminal Sentenced To More Than 17 Years In Federal Prison

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

    Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Ataire Carl Ray (30, Tampa) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Ray qualified as an Armed Career Criminal after having committed at least three prior serious violent or drug offenses. 

    According to the evidence presented at trial, on April 1, 2022, Ray got into an argument during which he waived around a 9mm firearm with an extended magazine, while making various threats. Tampa Police Department officers were called to the scene and approached Ray, who ran and threw the loaded gun into a neighboring property, where it was quickly recovered. Ray was apprehended about a block away from where he threw the firearm. 

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ‘Machine Gun-Trafficking’ Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than Fifteen Years in Federal Prison

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

    PROVIDENCE – Jose Marrero, 36, of Woonsocket, describe in court documents as a “violent, machine gun-trafficking, kilogram-level drug dealer” was sentenced today to more than fifteen years in federal prison, having pleaded guilty to charges of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, announced acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Court documents illustrate that Jose Marrero, 36, previously convicted twice in Rhode Island state court on drug trafficking charges, freely displayed photographs and videos on social media of himself in possession of drugs and firearms, notably semi-automatic pistols, AR-15 style rifles, and semi-automatic pistols that have been modified with machinegun conversion devices. Marrero displayed himself and others in possession of the weapons in his apartment, while watching TV, playing video games, drinking alcohol, and driving around the streets of Rhode Island. He also made social media posts demonstrating himself and others actively firing the modified fully automatic weapons.

    Additionally, court documents reveal videos of the defendant in possession of multiple kilos of cocaine and of numerous messages between Marrero and others that “not only convey his leadership but just how active, eager, and dangerous of a drug trafficker he is.”  Text messages illustrate conversations between Marrero and a drug supplier, and how he, Marrero, organized people to move two kilograms of drugs per week. In some of his messages, Marrero discusses having drug runners, complaining about their behavior and demanding higher productivity from them, directing them to locations to provide certain quantities of drugs to customers, and discussing debts owed to him.

    Marrero made it well known, to his drug trafficking counterparts and otherwise, that he possessed numerous firearms. He prominently displayed himself and others with an array of firearms on his social media account. Excerpts from Marrero’s text messages demonstrate that he enlisted his girlfriend and other acquaintances to purchase firearms for him, as he was unable to do so himself due to his past felony convictions; that he accepted firearms as payment for drug sales; and that he solicited an associate to obtain guns for him, notably “any glocks” that he could get his hands on.

    Marrero was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. to 181 months of incarceration to be followed by 5 years of federal supervised release.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell, Stacey A. Erickson, and Sandra R. Hebert.

    The matter was investigated by ATF, with the assistance of Massachusetts State Police, Woonsocket Police Department, Central Falls Police Department, and West Warwick Police Department.

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

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore Presents Civic Leadership Awards to High School Students

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    PROVIDENCE, RI � On Monday, May 19, 2025, Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore honored the 130 high school students selected as 2025 Rhode Island Civic Leadership Award winners at a State House ceremony. The award is given annually to high school students who have made outstanding contributions to their schools and communities over the past year.

    “Every year, it’s a great honor to celebrate students who are committed to public service and civic engagement,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “These young civic leaders deserve recognition for their accomplishments inside and outside of the classroom, as well as their efforts to make their communities a better place.”

    Schools from around Rhode Island nominated students who have excelled in areas such as public service, leadership, and academic achievement.

    Photos of award winners are available here.

    The ceremony was recorded by Capitol TV and can be viewed online here.

    The students honored were:

    Achievement First Providence High School Alejandra Guissell Avila Estrada Zachareus Desrosiers

    Barrington Christian Academy Polly Bosch Lincoln Wright

    Barrington High School Anaaya Deshpande Andres Gil

    Beacon Charter High School for the Arts Kiara Canterbury Micah St. Onge

    Bishop Hendricken High School Shane Ciunci Lincoln Tiernan

    Blackstone Academy Charter School Kadjatou Diallo Jayilson Fernandes

    Blackstone Valley Prep High School Safiyatu Gassama Angel Hernandez

    Block Island School Chase Hatfield Maximus Walsh

    Burrillville High School Spencer Wayland Arrow Yuszczak

    Central Falls Senior High School Edgar Ardon Flores Sofia Lopez Callejas

    Chariho Regional High School Ryan Sheldon Nicholas Wilusz

    Charles E. Shea High School Joseph Manu Behnema Sirleaf

    Coventry High School Raegan Garcia Ryan Pina

    Cranston High School East Oliver Cruz Madelyn Hart

    Cranston High School West Sophia DiBenedetto Promise Pitts

    Cumberland High School Brett Hawkins Brody Vroegindewey

    Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School Yazan Alothman Emma Garcia

    East Greenwich High School Emma Sheahan-Nguyen Wen Xin Shi

    East Providence High School Pooja Ezhilmaran Acadia Ullucci

    E-Cubed Academy August Kletzian Melissa Paula

    Exeter-West Greenwich Regional High School Ayden Enos Clare Titus

    The Greene School Adriel Falowo Kyannie Fernandez

    Hope High School Julian Genao Elmer Poz Benito

    Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing & Visual Arts Isabella Benavides Melissa Paulin

    Johnston Senior High School Olivia Forgetta Bennett McClish

    La Salle Academy Derek La Fazia Carter Rankin

    Lincoln School Ruby Verkuijlen

    Lincoln Senior High School Helen Green David Lucci

    Middletown High School Taylor Bridges Chloe Tysor

    The Metropolitan Regional Career & Technical Center Marcel Anderson Osayro Urizar Vargas

    Moses Brown School Sophie Hesser Josselyn Wolf

    Mount Pleasant High School Anthony Berroa Testimony Thompson

    Mount Saint Charles Academy Emma Foxon Aidan Quinn

    Mt. Hope High School Jessica Deal Gavin Stegall

    Narragansett High School Hannah Abrams Mia DeLuise

    NEL/CPS Construction & Career Academy Alfredo Cuthburt Anniyah Wright

    North Kingstown Senior High School Benjamin Butera Fiona Wilk

    North Providence High School Isabelle Desanges Gabriella Paulino Cabrera

    North Smithfield High School Emerson Deschene Leah Goodwin

    Paul Cuffee Upper School Sofia Alabede Mia Medeiros

    Pilgrim High School Laryssa Farrell Sean Skinnard

    Ponaganset High School Mackenzie Bell Omar Sasa

    Portsmouth High School Andrew Rodrigues Hanalei Streuli

    The Prout School Madeline Monaco Madeleine Pisano

    Providence Country Day School Cedric Ye

    Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter High School Aillyn Ospina Bedoya Lia Tavarez Sobalvarro

    Rocky Hill Country Day School Wilbur Conterio Luke Lehouiller

    Rogers High School Hannah Conroy Kira Parsons

    School One Ibrahim Mohammed Sienna Wills

    Scituate High School Annette Hartley Cameron Healey

    Sheila Skip Nowell Leadership Academy Jaziyah Lewis Zi’Rell Rivers

    Smithfield Senior High School Kyla Alberg Shane Trainor

    South Kingstown High School Samuel Cadman Jay Thornber

    St. Andrew’s School Yosmel Amparo-Moya Violet Vandale

    St. George’s School Reese Starling

    St. Mary Academy – Bay View Ariana Bobiak Sophie Sullivan

    St. Patrick Academy Genesis Monzon Morales Ashly Urbina

    Saint Raphael Academy Michael Duschang Sara Lebeuf

    Tiverton High School Evan Duda Norah Winslow

    Toll Gate High School Jaylene Le Estherangelica Santana

    Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts Samia Perez Wilde Rosales-Gousie

    Trinity Christian Academy Mateo Ghoshal Vargas Michael Susi

    Village Green Virtual Charter School Zoey Dupuis Nyzaiah Law

    Warwick Area Career and Technical Center Gianna Gioffreda

    West Warwick Senior High School Michael Andruchow Lucas Martins

    William E. Tolman Senior High School Melissa Gomes-Ramos Danicah Xavier

    Woonsocket High School Gabriella Alves David Vega

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Indictment Charges Rockford Man with Arson

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

    ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly maliciously destroying – by means of fire and explosive materials – a building at 201 15th Ave. in Rockford.

    JAMES PURIFOY, 50, committed the arson on Jan. 22, 2023, according to an indictment returned today in U.S. District Court in Rockford.  Arraignment has not yet been scheduled.

    The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  The Rockford Fire Department and Rockford Police Department assisted in the investigation.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Maveus.

    The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  The minimum sentence for the arson count is five years in federal prison, while the maximum sentence is 20 years.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chicago Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Kidnapping, Carjacking, and Firearm Offenses

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

    CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for kidnapping three drivers and sexually assaulting two of them at gunpoint.

    ANDREW ANANIA, 29, kidnapped an Uber driver on March 8, 2021, in Darien, Ill.  Anania showed the driver a gun and forced her to drive to Chicago and park in alleys, where he sexually assaulted her before fleeing on foot.  On March 10, 2021, Anania and another man, WALTER MORAN, kidnapped a woman who was on her way to work in Cicero, Ill.  Anania pointed a gun at the driver and instructed her to drive to Chicago, where Moran exchanged gunfire with others on the street.  The pair eventually released the victim and took her car.  A jury earlier this year convicted Anania on kidnapping, carjacking, and firearm charges in connection with those incidents.

    Anania pleaded guilty prior to trial to another kidnapping and carjacking.  That incident occurred on Feb. 27, 2021, in Chicago, when Anania got in a vehicle with the driver, claimed he had a gun, and sexually assaulted her.  The woman escaped when the car stopped at an intersection.  Anania fled in the vehicle and crashed it a short time later.

    Anania committed all of the offenses while awaiting trial in a separate, unrelated federal firearm case not assigned to the sentencing judge in this matter.  Anania had been released on bond in that case after multiple court hearings at which the government repeatedly sought pre-trial detention.

    U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang imposed the 50-year prison sentence during a hearing on May 13, 2025, in federal court in Chicago.

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  Substantial assistance was provided by the Cicero, Ill. Police Department, Darien, Ill. Police Department, Summit, Ill. Police Department, Stickney, Ill. Police Department, Chicago Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cornelius Vandenberg, Megan Donohue, and Hayley Altabef.

    Moran, of Cicero, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to kidnapping and carjacking charges.  Judge Chang sentenced Moran in April to 15 years and eight months in federal prison.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Judge Sentences Chicago Street Gang Member to 34 Years in Prison for Murdering a Man and Threatening a Witness

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

    CHICAGO — A member of a violent Chicago street gang has been sentenced to 34 years in federal prison for murdering a man to maintain and increase his position in the gang.

    DIONTAE HARPER, 25, of Chicago, admitted in a plea agreement that he murdered Paul Harris on May 13, 2020.  Harper and another man fired multiple shots at Harris as he sat in a vehicle at a gas station in the 8600 block of South Halsted Street in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. Harper stated in the plea agreement that he committed the murder to maintain and increase his position in the Faceworld street gang, a criminal organization based on the South Side of Chicago whose members engaged in violent crimes and trafficked narcotics.

    While Harper was detained in law enforcement custody earlier this year, he made threatening statements directed toward a witness.

    Harper pleaded guilty in January to a federal charge of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, causing Harris’s death.  U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah imposed the 34-year prison sentence during a hearing on May 8, 2025, in federal court in Chicago.

    Harper’s sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia Schwartz, Sushma Raju, and Matthew Moyer.

    Two other individuals – the other shooter of Harris and the getaway driver – pleaded guilty to committing murder in aid of racketeering and are awaiting sentencing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twelve Years in Prison for Suburban Chicago Man Who Trafficked Fentanyl and Illegally Possessed Handgun

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

    CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man who trafficked fentanyl and cocaine and illegally possessed a loaded handgun has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison.

    WILLIAM FILLYAW possessed the drugs and gun on Oct. 28, 2022, in the parking lot of his apartment complex in Gurnee, Ill.  Fillyaw carried a backpack that contained the cocaine packaged in quarter-ounce quantities, the fentanyl wrapped in three square bricks, and the handgun.  Fillyaw intended to sell the fentanyl and cocaine on the streets, and he acknowledged possessing the gun in connection with his drug trafficking activities. The firearm had no serial number and had been assembled from a gun kit, making it an untraceable “ghost gun.”

    Fillyaw, 47, pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal drug and firearm charges.  U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly imposed the 12-year prison sentence during a hearing on Friday in federal court in Chicago.

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Michael E. Hensle, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Milwaukee, Wis., Field Office of the FBI.  Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Milwaukee Police Department, Cudahy, Wis. Police Department, and Wisconsin State Patrol.

    “Narcotics distribution and firearm offenses are serious crimes that adversely impact the people who live and work in the Northern District of Illinois,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Moran and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Niranjan Emani argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “The increased presence of ghost guns in Chicago, and the country in general, is troubling, as they are often used in crimes and are difficult to trace.”

    Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).  In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Romanians Admit Bank Fraud Involving ATM Skimming Devices

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

    ST. LOUIS – Five Romanian nationals have admitted installing skimming devices on St. Louis area ATMs to harvest bank account information from customers and commit fraud.

    Mihai Vlaicu, 48, and Mihai Florin Marinescu, 37, pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Courtin St. Louis to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

    Laurentiu Miguel Ivan, 33, pleaded guilty to the same charge in March and Nelu Nae, 37, and Venera Isabelle Dumitru, 28, pleaded guilty to the charge in April. A sixth person indicted in the case, Ianus Nita, 53, has not yet been arrested.

    In their plea agreements, the five admit stealing bank account information via skimming devices and then using, or attempting to use, that information to withdraw money from ATMs.

    Around January of 2024, Vlaicu and Marinescu installed skimming devices on at least two bank ATMs, one in Clayton and one in Frontenac. They obtained the information of at least six victims, and then used cloned cards to try and withdraw cash.

    On five days in April, Dumitru and Ivan used account information from two other victims to withdraw cash from ATMs in St. Louis. Ivan obtained $1,421 and Dumitru obtained $1,070.50.

    On April 25, Dumitru and Ivan tried to withdraw cash from a St. Louis County ATM using an account number belonging to another victim. On April 30, Vlaicu tried to withdraw money from a St. Louis County ATM using the banking information of six victims.

    On May 2, Marinescu unsuccessfully tried to install a skimming device on an ATM in south St. Louis County. Nae retrieved the device the next day.

    On May 9, Marinescu installed a skimming device on an ATM in Wildwood. On May 11, Nita withdrew cash belonging to two victims from a St. Louis County ATM.

    On May 28, Marinescu and Nae installed a skimming device on an ATM in St. Louis, which was located and removed by law enforcement before Nita and Vlaicu could retrieve it.

    The conspirators were using an Airbnb in St. Louis County as a base for their criminal activity. Investigators found a laptop computer there containing hundreds of videos of customers entering their PINs when they used an ATM outfitted with a skimming device. They also found skimming devices, installation tools, a large amount of cash and numerous gift cards at the rented residence.

    Ivan is scheduled to be sentenced June 25, Dumitru on July 10, Nae on July 23 and Marinescu and Vlaicu on August 20. The charge carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both prison and a fine.

    Ivan, Dumitru, Marinescu are not legally in the United States.

    The FBI, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Webster Groves Police Department, the Clayton Police Department and the Frontenac Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Convicted in St. Louis of Laundering Drug Proceeds for Sinaloa Cartel

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

    ST. LOUIS – Two men were convicted Wednesday of all charges related to their laundering of money in the St. Louis area for the Sinaloa drug cartel.

    Carl Von Garrett, 54, of St. Charles, Missouri and Tobiyyah Israel, 38, of Ohio, were each found guilty by a jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis of one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of money laundering. Von Garrett was also found guilty of one additional count of money laundering. The trial began on May 12.

    Two others have already pleaded guilty and been sentenced in the case. Luis Miguel Hernandez, 38, of Phoenix, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and two counts of money laundering and Antonio Jones, 51, of Florissant, Missouri, pleaded guilty to two counts of money laundering. Hernandez was sentenced in January to 87 months in prison and Jones was sentenced to 37 months in prison.

    As part of his plea agreement, Hernandez admitted being driven by Von Garrett to a meeting with an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration task force officer in St. Louis on March 1, 2021, to deliver $100,095 in drug proceeds. Hernandez then arranged a series of meetings between Jones and the task force officer. On March 8, 2021, Jones handed over $100,000. Jones delivered $150,030 on March 17 and $100,000 on March 31. On April 8, Jones delivered $109,740 and $100,100 on May 18. On May 25, 2021, Jones delivered $100,100.

    During closing arguments Tuesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Delworth told jurors that Von Garrett was the “focal point” of the conspiracy and Israel was a courier, like Jones. On April 14, Israel picked up $221, 020 from Von Garrett. Von Garrett was stopped by investigators, who found six phones and a ledger that contained dates and amounts of money roughly corresponding to cash drops, Delworth said. Israel told investigators that he’d been promised $1,000 to pick up the cash, and that he’d done so once before.

    The money drops continued. On May 18, Jones delivered $110,100 and $100,100 one week later.

    Both men are scheduled to be sentenced on August 21.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the FBI, the St. Louis County Police, the Bridgeton Police Department, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the St. Charles County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jim Delworth and Ricardo Dixon are prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Bowling Green, Kentucky Man Sentenced to Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay $40,000 in Restitution for Odometer Tampering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Bowling Green, KY – A Bowling Green man was sentenced yesterday to 1 year and 6 months in federal prison, and was ordered to pay $40,000 in restitution, for wire fraud, conspiracy to commit odometer tampering, and four counts of odometer tampering.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Kevin Porter of the U.S. Department of Transportation made the announcement.

    “Let this case serve notice to like-minded fraudsters that taking advantage of our citizens comes at a cost – federal prison and large fines,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett.  

    Randy Huff, 59, owner of South Side Auto Sales in Bowling Green and Huff’s Auto Sales in Beaver Dam, was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, for wire fraud, conspiracy to commit odometer tampering, and four counts of odometer tampering. According to court documents, between June 2018 and January 2023, Huff, aided and abetted by an employee, devised a scheme to defraud buyers of used cars by fraudulently reducing the mileage shown on the odometers of vehicles sold at his used car lots. In the scheme, Huff purchased high mileage vehicles at auction, then directed his employees to replace the vehicles’ odometers with ones showing lower mileage. Buyers were not informed of the odometer replacements.

    Huff was also ordered to pay $40,000 in restitution.

    On March 11, 2025, an employee at South Side Auto Sales, Donnie Wilson, 51, also of Bowling Green, was sentenced to probation for a term of 3 years, and ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution for wire fraud, conspiracy to commit odometer tampering, and four counts of odometer tampering.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Kentucky Department of Transportation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Sewell of the Louisville Office, prosecuted the case.

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that odometer fraud in the United States results in consumer losses of more than $1 billion annually and has established a special hotline to handle odometer fraud complaints. Individuals with information related to odometer tampering should call (800) 424-9393, or email odometerfraud@dot.gov.

    More information on odometer fraud is available on the NHTSA website, https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/odometer-fraud.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Emporia man sentenced to over five years in prison for armed robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RICHMOND, Va. – An Emporia man was sentenced yesterday to five years and five months in prison for a Hobbs Act Robbery.

    According to court documents, on Aug. 19, 2023, David Earl Gay, 60, entered a Walmart in Emporia, approached a clerk, and told her that he had a gun in his pocket, that if she did anything he would shoot her, and to hand him all the money. The clerk complied, handing him money from the service desk. Gay fled the Walmart in a rusted white van.

    Law enforcement responded to the address where the van was registered and located the van. Investigators executed a search warrant on the trailer located at that address and found Gay inside. Gay had some of the money from the robbery in his pants pocket. Investigators then found additional money from the robbery in a metal shed on the property.

    Gay was previously convicted of, among other crimes, breaking and entering, uttering forged paper or instrument, common law forgery, uttering forged check, statutory burglary, larceny, possession of stolen goods or property, forgery of instrument, abuse of a child – neglect, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and armed bank robbery. At the time he robbed the Emporia Walmart, Gay was on supervised release for his armed bank robbery conviction.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. McGorman, Stephen E. Anthony, and Vetan Kapoor prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-23.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baltimore Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Firearm and Ammunition by Prohibited Person

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant possessed firearm and ammunition while engaging in drug trafficking activity

    Baltimore, Maryland – Brandon Carroll, 32, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

    According to the guilty plea, on April 25, 2023, BPD officers observed Carroll engaging in multiple hand-to-hand drug exchanges. When an arrest team approached Carroll, he attempted to flee on a dirt bike but fell.  Law enforcement then took him into custody.

    While searching Carroll, officers recovered 32 gelcaps — containing a mixture of fentanyl and oxycodone pills — and a key to a nearby Hyundai vehicle. After officers found the vehicle, a trained K-9 detected the presence of narcotics inside.

    A search of the vehicle yielded a Beretta Nano 9mm pistol loaded with five rounds of ammunition; 35 additional rounds of 9mm ammunition; and a Smith & Wesson magazine for a .40 caliber handgun. Additionally, law enforcement discovered 844 units of a fentanyl mixture packaged for distribution; eight units of cocaine packaged for distribution; 14 Suboxone strips; two digital scales with white residue; two plastic bags of packaging material; $2,443 in cash; and mail that belonged to Carroll and the vehicle’s registered owner. Due to a prior felony conviction, Carroll is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

    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.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James O’Donohue who prosecuted the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Florida Men Plead Guilty for Their Roles in Years-Long Off-the-Books Payroll Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendants Caused Combined Tax Loss of Nearly $10M and Facilitated Employment of Undocumented Aliens

    Two Florida men pleaded guilty today before Magistrate Judge Leslie Hoffman Price for the Middle District of Florida for their roles in a years-long off-the-books payroll scheme. The pleas must be accepted by a U.S. district court judge.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Michael Mayorga and Francisco Alvarez conspired with others to operate an illegal, off-the-books cash payroll system for construction workers to avoid paying employment taxes to the IRS and to defraud workers’ compensation insurance companies. Through the scheme, Mayorga and Alvarez facilitated the employment of undocumented aliens working illegally in the United States.   

    From 2015 to 2022, Alvarez and Mayorga and their co-conspirators created a series of shell companies to run an unlicensed check cashing and cash courier service business that cashed approximately $89 million in checks from subcontractors in the construction industry. The subcontractors used the cash to pay their workers. Mayorga provided bookkeeping and tax preparation services for some of the shell companies, and Alvarez and others facilitated the distribution of millions in cash to subcontractors. Mayorga also prepared false returns for the shell companies and members of the conspiracy that Alvarez, and others, filed. Specifically, Alvarez caused the filing of false tax returns and tax documents on behalf of one of the shell companies.   

    In total Mayorga caused a tax loss to the IRS of $8,647,824.

    In total Alvarez caused a tax loss to the IRS of $2,331,731.

    In addition to the tax crimes, Alvarez filed a false worker’s compensation insurance application. This allowed the shell companies to pay small insurance premiums. After fraudulently getting the insurance, Alvarez “rented” it to subcontractors so that the subcontractors could falsely provide proof of insurance when placing bids with contractors. Mayorga also provided false documents to insurance companies auditing them.

    Alvarez and Mayorga will be sentenced at a later date. They each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty and Trial Attorneys Kavitha Bondada and Rebecca A. Caruso of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Daniels for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fairfield County man arrested on federal child pornography charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Lancaster man was arrested yesterday afternoon on federal child pornography charges and appeared in federal court in Columbus today.

    It is alleged that Carson A. Bigham, 23, possessed, distributed or received child pornography.

    According to charging documents, law enforcement received two separate Cybertips from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) related to a Columbus man who was charged with federal child pornography crimes in March, including exploitation of a minor.  One report was from Kik messenger regarding the distribution of 13 child pornography files. The second report was from Sniffies LLC, a map-based hookup application for gay, bisexual and bicurious men.

    As part of their investigation, devices were seized from the Columbus man. Law enforcement’s forensic review of the devices revealed conversations between the Columbus man and Bigham. In the conversations, Bigham allegedly uses the screenname “daddy.” The conversations between the two men were sexual in nature and included discussions about engaging in sex with minors. Bigham also allegedly received child pornography during these discussions, including files which depicted prepubescent minors engaged in sex acts with adults.

    Law enforcement officers learned that Bigham is employed as a Columbus firefighter and photographs of Bigham match those sent to the Columbus man during their conversations.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin; other members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force; and officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Columbus Airport Group and Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.

    A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Southern Utah Man Arrested and Charged after Allegedly Damaging an ICE Transit Van

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. GEORGE, Utah – A Southern Utah man accused of damaging government property, specifically a Department of Homeland Security Transit Van, appeared in court today.  The indictment charging Ryan Michael Gaines, 32, of Santa Clara, Utah, was unsealed on Tuesday.

    According to court documents, in the morning of April 21, 2025, it was discovered that an ICE Transit Van had been damaged over the weekend at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO) office in St. George. The St. George Police Department was called and responding officers located surveillance footage that showed a light-colored Jeep pull into camera view in the ICE office parking lot. Shortly thereafter, an adult male wearing a black balaclava and ski goggles activated a motion sensor and was caught on surveillance camera. The suspect then approached the ICE Transit Van and ripped pieces from the passenger side mirror. The same type of damage was made on the driver’s side mirror. City-wide surveillance captured a matching Jeep – owned by and registered to Gaines at a Santa Clara address – in the area just a few minutes before and then after the incident.

    As alleged in court documents, the same day as the discovery of the damage, officers contacted Gaines near his place of employment and arrested him for the incident. Officers found Gaines’ Jeep at his residence and were able to match it with the Jeep seen in the surveillance footage. Also at Gaines’ residence, officers located a pair of ski goggles and a balaclava that matched the ones worn by the individual that committed the damage to the ICE Transit Van. The estimated cost to fix the damage is over $2,900.  

    Gaines’ initial appearance on the indictment took place before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the courthouse located at 206 West Tabernacle Street, St. George, Utah 84470.

    The case is being investigated jointly by the St. George Police Department and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, St. George Resident Agency.

    Assistant United States Attorney Brady Wilson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Tampa Felon For Illegally Possessing Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, FL –United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Cortevious Torrez Crews (31, Tampa) guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Crews faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. 

    According to the evidence presented at trial, on May 3, 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Crews’ car in Clearwater Beach, Florida. When officers searched the car, they located two firearms. Despite knowing he was a felon and that he was prohibited from owning firearms, Crews had purchased one of the recovered firearms off the streets about a week earlier. 

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Clearwater Police Department, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals at DC District Court Arrest Woman wanted for Assault on Interim U.S. Attorney for DC

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Washington, DC – Deputies from the District Court for the District of Columbia arrested a woman wanted for assault on a federal official following an incident May 8.

    Emily Sommer, 32, is alleged to have spat on Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Edward R. Martin Jr. as he was conducting an interview outside of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington.

    Deputies and analysts with the U.S. Marshals identified Sommer being involved in this incident and a warrant was issued for her arrest. 

    On May 22, members of the U.S. Marshals Judicial Security Unit and Warrant Squad arrested Sommer at a residence in Southwest Washington.

    Acting U.S. Marshal Ronald Carter stated, “The U.S. Marshals Service takes the security of our protected persons and all members of the court family extremely seriously. Any individual who threatens or compromises that security will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for investigating threats against the federal judiciary, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Main Department of Justice.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harvard University Loses Student and Exchange Visitor Program Certification for Pro-Terrorist Conduct

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Harvard is being held accountable for collaboration with the CCP, fostering violence, antisemitism, and pro-terrorist conduct from students on its campus.

    WASHINGTON – Today, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered DHS to terminate the Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. 

    This means Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status. 

    Harvard’s leadership has created an unsafe campus environment by permitting anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators to harass and physically assault individuals, including many Jewish students, and otherwise obstruct its once-venerable learning environment. Many of these agitators are foreign students. Harvard’s leadership further facilitated, and engaged in coordinated activity with the CCP, including hosting and training members of a CCP paramilitary group complicit in the Uyghur genocide.

    “This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus,” said Secretary Noem. “It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments. Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. It refused. They have lost their Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification as a result of their failure to adhere to the law. Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”

    On April 16, 2025, Secretary Noem demanded Harvard provide information about the criminality and misconduct of foreign students on its campus. Secretary Noem warned refusal to comply with this lawful order would result in SEVP termination.

    This action comes after DHS terminated $2.7 million in DHS grants for Harvard last month. 

    Harvard University brazenly refused to provide the required information requested and ignored a follow up request from the Department’s Office of General Council. Secretary Noem is following through on her promise to protect students and prohibit terrorist sympathizers from receiving benefits from the U.S. government.

    Facts about Harvard’s toxic campus climate:

    • A joint-government task force found that Harvard has failed to confront pervasive race discrimination and anti-Semitic harassment plaguing its campus.
    • Jewish students on campus were subject to pervasive insults, physical assault, and intimidation, with no meaningful response from Harvard’s leadership.
    • A protester charged for his role in the assault of a Jewish student on campus was chosen by the Harvard Divinity School to be the Class Marshal for commencement.
    • Harvard’s own 2025 internal study on anti-Semitism revealed that almost 60% of Jewish students reported experiencing “discrimination, stereotyping, or negative bias on campus due to [their] views on current events.”
    • In one instance, a Jewish student speaker at a conference had planned to tell the story of his Holocaust survivor grandfather finding refuge in Israel. Organizers told the student the story was not “tasteful” and laughed at him when he expressed his confusion. They said the story would have justified oppression.
    • Meanwhile, Pro-Hamas student groups that promoted antisemitism after the October 7 attacks remained recognized and funded.

    Instead of protecting its students, Harvard has let crime rates skyrocket, enacted racist DEI practices, and accepted boatloads of cash from foreign governments and donors. 

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Scholten Fights to Protect Health Care for Millions During All Night Rules Committee Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, during a Rules Committee hearing that began at 1 a.m., U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) introduced several critical amendments, including to protect affordable health care for millions of Americans and funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. As House Republicans push forward a budget proposal that would slash nearly a trillion dollars from Medicaid, gut food assistance, threaten our Great Lakes and drive up costs for hard-working families, Scholten offered a starkly different approach–one focused on protecting coverage and lowering premiums.

    “There’s so much that’s harmful in this bill–but let’s focus on health care. Republicans are trying to take health care away from people while they sleep and they are hoping no one notices,” said Rep. Scholten. “But I am paying attention, and I’m offering a better path forward–one that protects families and ensures affordable health care is not just a luxury for the wealthy.”

    WATCH: Rep. Scholten delivers remarks at all night Rules Committee Hearing

    Her amendment would make the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies permanent. These subsidies, which have helped drive the uninsured rate to historic lows, are set to expire on December 31, 2025–putting more than 4.2 million people at risk of losing coverage, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

    Scholten’s amendment eliminates the income cap that currently cuts off eligibility at 400% of the federal poverty line and maintains a cap on premium contributions so that no family pays more than 8.5% of their income toward health insurance. These provisions help ensure that working-class and middle-class Americans, including small business owners, self-employed workers, and families in the coverage gap, can continue to access affordable care.

    In Michigan, over 374,000 people rely on these enhanced subsidies for their coverage. If allowed to expire, many of these families would face unaffordable premium hikes or lose insurance altogether. Scholten emphasized that while Republicans are focused on ripping coverage away from children, seniors, and people with disabilities, she’s focused on keeping and expanding coverage. Her amendment offers a responsible, proven solution to keep people covered.

    In addition to her health care amendment, Scholten introduced three others focused on protecting Michigan jobs, clean water, and American clean energy leadership. One amendment would protect Michigan’s intercity passenger rail project between Grand Rapids and Chicago by preventing the Secretary of Transportation from prematurely removing projects from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Corridor Identification and Development Program. 

    Scholten also introduced an amendment that would fund the Environmental Protection Agency’s regional clean water programs–including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative–which is vital to Michigan’s economy and environment and yields more than triple the return on investment. 

    Finally, Scholten proposed extending the Section 48 Investment Tax Credit for clean energy projects through the end of 2025 to ensure regulatory certainty and continued investment in renewable natural gas systems, especially those critical to rural and agricultural communities.

    Through all of these efforts, Rep. Scholten reaffirmed her commitment to fighting for hard-working families.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Sanders, Gillibrand: “We have a responsibility to expand federal support for Lake Champlain” 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today led U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) in sending a letter to bipartisan leadership of the Senate Appropriations Committee urging Congress to provide robust federal funding for programs supporting the Lake Champlain basin. In their letter, the lawmakers emphasized the importance of federal programs to Lake Champlain that support critical work in the basin, from fostering a climate-resilient watershed to promoting outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation.  
    “As Congress considers the Fiscal Year 2026 Bills for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, Energy and Water Development, State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, and Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, we ask you to continue to provide robust federal funding for programs supporting the Lake Champlain basin,” wrote the Senators. “Lake Champlain provides significant environmental, recreational, historic, and educational value to our region. We have a responsibility to expand federal support for the lake so our constituents can benefit from these opportunities for generations to come.” 
    The Lake Champlain Basin Program was first created in 1990 and long-championed by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) in a landmark effort to protect the lake’s unique ecological, economic, and cultural significance. In 2022, the program was formally renamed the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program. 
    The lawmakers requested financial support for the following programs: 

    Lake Champlain Basin Program  
    Heritage Partnership Program 
    Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control Program 
    Great Lakes Fishery Commission 
    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Aquatic Plant Control Laboratory 
    Sea Grant National College Program (Lake Champlain Sea Grant) 

    Senator Welch has championed efforts to support the Lake Champlain Basin in the Senate. Last Congress, Sens. Welch, Sanders, and Gillibrand sent a letter to the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Appropriations Committee urging Congress to provide robust federal funding for programs supporting the basin, including the LCBP.  
    Last year, Senator Welch led Sens. Sanders, Gillibrand, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y) in introducing the bicameral Lake Champlain Basin Program Reauthorization Act, legislation that would reauthorize the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) for ten years at $55 million to support interstate conservation and the health of the Lake Champlain Basin. 
    Read the full text of the letter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman David Scott Announces the Winners of His Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    Stockbridge – This week, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) proudly announced the winners of his 22nd Annual Congressional Art Competition during a special awards ceremony. In addition to celebrating the top entries, every participating student was honored with a Congressional Certificate recognizing their artistic achievement. The first-place winner’s artwork will be displayed in the Cannon House Office Building tunnel for one year, representing Georgia’s 13th District on Capitol Hill.

    “I want to express my heartfelt congratulations not only to the winners of this year’s Art Competition, but to every student who participated,” said Congressman David Scott. “Their dedication to developing their artistic talents reflects both intelligence and creativity. I am excited to see the inspiring works this new generation of artists will create in the future.”

    Finalists include:

    1st Place: 
    Becky Alemayehu – Providence Christian Academy

    • Students’ artwork will be displayed in the Tunnel of the Cannon House Office Building for one year.
    • Two Round-trip airfare tickets for Southwest Airlines to attend the national ribbon cutting ceremony in Washington, D.C.
    • $600 Scholarship.

    2nd Place: 
    Aderia Rucker – Mt. Zion High School 

    • Students’ artwork will be displayed in Congressman Scott’s Washington, D.C. office for one year.
    • $250 scholarship.

    3rd Place:
    Asmaa Osama Jasseb – Parkview High School

    • Students’ artwork will be displayed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for one year.
    • $150 scholarship.

    4th Place:
    Jaylen Stanley – Newton High School 

    •  Students’ artwork will be displayed in the County Administrative Office 
      for the county in which the student resides.
    • Six-month Dual Family Membership to the High Museum of Art-Atlanta.

    5th Place: 
    Mariam Nagvi – Parkview High School

    • Students’ artwork will hang in Congressman Scott’s Stockbridge office for one year.
    • Two tickets to any Aurora Production at the Lawrenceville Arts Center.

    6th Place – Honorable Mention: 
    Ana Sofia Solis Matos – Morrow High School 

    • Students’ artwork will hang in Congressman Scott’s Stockbridge office 
      for one year.

    Background:

    Established in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition was created to celebrate and showcase the artistic talents of high school students across the United States. Since its inception, hundreds of thousands of students have had the opportunity to participate through their local congressional districts. This year, the first-place winner will have their artwork displayed for one-year in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol. The second-place winner’s piece will be featured in Congressman Scott’s Washington D.C. office, while the third-place winner’s artwork will be exhibited at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

    More information regarding the 2025 Art Competition is forthcoming. Please visit www.DavidScott.House.gov for updates and additional information.

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    MIL OSI USA News –