NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National and Malden Man Indicted for Distributing Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – Two men have been indicted for allegedly conspiring to distribute cocaine.

    Erick Sandoval-Perez, 43, a Guatemalan national living in Malden and Christhian Castillo, 32, also of Malden, were indicted for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 or more grams of cocaine and distribution of 500 or more grams of cocaine.  Sandoval-Perez was also charged with distribution of cocaine. Castillo and Sandoval-Perez were charged by criminal complaint in February 2025. Castillo was ordered held pending further proceedings and Sandoval-Perez was released on conditions.

    Sandoval-Perez and Castillo allegedly worked together to sell cocaine on several occasions to an undercover law enforcement officer. On Feb. 12, 2025, Sandoval-Perez allegedly arranged to sell a kilogram of cocaine to an undercover. Castillo was arrested when he allegedly handed the kilogram of cocaine to the undercover and Sandoval-Perez was arrested nearby.  

    The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 or more grams of cocaine, and the charge of distribution of 500 or more grams of cocaine, both carry a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000,000. The charge of distribution of cocaine carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sandoval-Perez is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.        

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Chief Ryan Malatos of the Leominster Police Department; and Chief Brian W. Coyne of the Clinton Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Malden Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.  

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

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Derek Harvey, 36, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 78 months 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). 

    On January 26, 2024, while observing a Citi Watch Camera (CCTV), a Baltimore City Police Department (BPD) detective observed a hand-to-hand gun exchange on Milton Avenue. The detective saw Harvey and his co-defendant, Robert Jackson, walking southbound on North Milton Avenue in Baltimore.

    Jackson reached into his hoodie and pulled out a tan handgun and handed it to Harvey, who then placed the gun in his waistband. BPD detectives arrested both men shortly after observing the weapon exchange, seizing the firearm and ammunition. Due to prior felony convictions, both men were prohibited from possessing the weapon 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 help in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon 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 https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Third defendant sentenced to prison in $1.7 million vehicle sale fraud scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BENTON, Ill. – A southern Illinois district judge sentenced a St. Louis man to 87 months in federal prison for his involvement in a vehicle sale scheme targeting victims in Madison, Jasper, Bond and Fayette counties.

    Alen Saric, 36, pleaded guilty in February to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of interstate transportation of property taken by fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

    The 11-count indictment also named co-conspirators Valentino Colic, 34, Almir Palic, 25, and Emad Hasanbegovic, 34, all of St. Louis. Colic was sentenced to 145 months in federal prison in March. Palic was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment in February. In addition to prison time, the district judge ordered Saric and Colic to pay more than $1 million in restitution. Palic was ordered to pay a portion of the restitution as well.

    Hasanbegovic is facing one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of identity theft. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 21.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

    “It’s important for the public to authenticate checks from people not personally known to them by confirming with the issuing bank or waiting until checks are accepted into their bank account before transferring property or otherwise sending funds, as criminals become increasingly skilled at creating fake checks to defraud consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators participated in a scheme to defraud private vehicle sellers on Facebook marketplace and Craigslist with fake cashier’s checks from 2018 until August 2023. The checks were printed on security-enhanced check paper with the names and logos of real banks with fake routing numbers.

    Once the fraudsters possessed a vehicle, they would then resell the vehicle to another individual for cash before the original victim could try to cash the check and realize it was worthless. The co-conspirators issued more than $1,710,999 in fake cashier’s checks.

    “This investigation is a testament to the strength of collaboration across local, state, and federal law enforcement,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “This sentencing highlights efforts the FBI and our partners are making to ensure those who attempt to exploit others for personal gain will be held accountable.” 

    To keep the co-conspirators’ names out of the chain of title, they used the names of prior victims to buy and sell the vehicles and forged signatures to complete documents such as titles and bills of sale. When posing as the victims, they often used copies of their photo IDs they had received during the previous sales. By writing bad checks from prior victims, the conspiracy caused even more financial hardship by revictimizing the same people repeatedly.  

    The fraudsters bought vehicles from victims in Madison, Jasper, Bond and Fayette counties within the Southern District of Illinois and are estimated to have defrauded victims out more than a million dollars. Colic and Saric admitted to driving the vehicles over state lines from Illinois to Missouri to benefit the scheme.

    The FBI Springfield Field Office, the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Illinois State Police, Illinois Secretary of State Police, Jefferson County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Department and several local police departments contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York tax preparer sentenced to two years in prison for submitting fraudulent pandemic relief applications

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RICHMOND, Va. – A New York man was sentenced today to two years in prison for making false statements on loan applications he submitted on behalf of his clients through a pandemic relief program.

    According to court documents, Baltej Singh Brar, 42, of South Richmond Hill, New York, owned and operated Aspire Tax & Accounting Services Inc., a tax preparation, accounting, and consulting firm where Brar was an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) registered tax preparer. In 2021, Brar began filing loan applications on behalf of other individuals through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a COVID-19 relief program intended to provide loans backed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to certain businesses, nonprofit organizations, and others to help them remain afloat during the pandemic.

    Brar advertised, including on TikTok, that he would file PPP loan applications on behalf of clients in exchange for a flat up-front fee paired with 10% of the loan value after the loan was approved. Brar instructed prospective PPP applicants to provide him with their Social Security number, a copy of their driver’s license, email address, prior bank statements, 2019 tax return, and a void check to be used as supporting documentation on applications.

    Most of Brar’s clients were sole proprietors, including taxi drivers, truck drivers, and construction workers. Where clients’ prior year incomes fell below the threshold to receive the maximum PPP loan amount of $20,833, Brar falsely inflated the income amounts in the PPP applications to trigger the maximum loan amount. Brar generated and submitted false and fabricated IRS forms as supporting documentation. Brar certified on each application that the information provided in the applications and supporting documents and forms was “true and accurate in all material respects.”

    Many of Brar’s clients were eligible to receive PPP loans, though not in the inflated amounts of the PPP loan applications that Brar prepared. Others were not entitled to receive PPP loans at all. Across the hundreds of PPP loan applications that Brar falsified, Brar caused the SBA at least $550,000 in actual losses.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Patricia Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, New York Field Office; Harry Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York Field Office; Edward Gallashaw, Acting Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division; Brian Tucker, Special Agent in Charge of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Inspector General, Eastern Region; Patrick J. Freaney, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, New York Field Office; and Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge for the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth 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-148.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Iowa City Man Sentenced to 200 Months in Federal Prison for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced yesterday to 200 months in federal prison for receiving child pornography and distribution of child pornography.

    According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Evan Robert Steinberg, 26, received and distributed files containing child sexual abuse material. In December 2021, local law enforcement seized electronic devices during a search of Steinberg’s Iowa City residence. A forensic examination of the seized electronic devices showed that Steinberg used the devices to solicit, receive, and distribute images and videos containing child sexual abuse material. Defendant’s five devices contained hundreds of images and videos of child pornography, including prepubescent males, as young as under 1 year old, engaging in sex acts with adults.

    After completing his term of imprisonment, Steinberg will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Steinberg was also ordered to pay $8,000 in assessments.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department and the Joint Forensic Analysis Cyber Team. 

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Beckley Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BECKLEY, W.Va. – Devin I. Cresce, 28, of Beckley, was sentenced today to seven years and eleven months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about July 13, 2023, Cresce sold approximately 53 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $500 while in a vehicle outside the Crossroads Mall in Mount Hope. Cresce admitted to the transaction. Cresce further admitted to selling approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine for $750 on July 18, 2023, approximately 24 grams of fentanyl for $1,800 on July 28, 2023, and approximately 62 grams of methamphetamine for $750 on August 8, 2023. Each distribution occurred at Cresce’s residence and involved the same confidential informant.

    On August 10, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cresce’s residence and seized approximately 94.5 grams of fentanyl and 63 grams of methamphetamine. Cresce admitted that he intended to distribute these controlled substances in and around the Southern District of West Virginia.

    Cresce has a long criminal history that includes prior convictions for embezzlement, fraudulent schemes, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Central West Virginia Task Force.

    Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-92.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Dolphin euthanised after Townsville stranding

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 9 May 2025

    A rough-toothed dolphin has been euthanised after beaching itself near the rockpool at the Strand in Townsville.

    A member of the public advised the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) that the dolphin stranded around 2:45pm on Wednesday 7 May 2025.

    The dolphin was in poor condition and following a health assessment by a veterinarian, a decision was made to euthanise the animal.

    Project Manager Tina Alderson said marine animal strandings occurred along Queensland’s vast coastline, and DETSI had added a new function to the QWildlife app that allowed people to report strandings.

    “Marine animals strand for several reasons including age, illness, disease, injuries from predators or boat strikes and entanglement in fishing equipment,” Ms Alderson said.

    “Strandings such as these are sad and can impact on local communities. I encourage everyone who lives or visits Queensland’s coastal communities to download the QWildlife app.

    “A necropsy will be conducted on the dolphin to help determine the reasons it stranded and the results could take several weeks.”

    Fast facts – rough-toothed dolphins:

    • Usually found in deep warm and tropical waters around the world
    • They have a narrow beak and rough teeth with narrow, irregular ridges
    • Adults can grow to 2.8m in length and weigh up to 155kg, with males being larger than females
    • Older individuals have distinctive pinkish, white or yellow markings on their underside
    • Their diet consists mainly of fish
    • Their dorsal fin can be almost 30cm long

    The QWildlife app can be downloaded by visiting the app store or Google Play.

    View more information on downloading the QWildlife app to report a marine animal stranding, Marine wildlife strandings including strandings data.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Conquerall Mills — Police officers arrest two people for drug trafficking

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The South Shore Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit has arrested two people following an investigation into cocaine trafficking in Lunenburg and Queens counties.

    On May 8, at 1:50 p.m., RCMP officers conducted a targeted traffic stop in Hebbville in connection with the ongoing investigation. The occupants of the vehicle, a 30-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, were safely arrested.

    A short time later, officers executed a search warrant at a home on Charles Boliver Rd. in Conquerall Mills. A search of the home and of the vehicle led officers to seize a quantity of cocaine, hydromorphone, cash, ammunition and cell phones.

    Both the woman and man will face Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (two counts) charges. They were released on conditions and are scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on August 20.

    The Lunenburg District RCMP and Bridgewater Police Service assisted with the ongoing investigation.

    Note: The South Shore Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit is made up of members from the Lunenburg District RCMP and Bridgewater Police Service.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: THREE BATON ROUGE INDIVIDUALS PLEAD GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE’S 2024 NATIONAL HEALTH CARE FRAUD ENFORCEMENT ACTION

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Acting United States Attorney April M. Leon announced that three Baton Rouge individuals pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Brian A. Jackson in connection with schemes to obtain controlled substances from pharmacies using fraudulent prescriptions with the stolen identities of licensed medical professionals, and to obtain funds from federal pandemic assistance programs by submitting false and fraudulent applications.

    Kevan Andre Hills, age 31, Devin Tyrone Stampley, Jr., age 33, and Asia Deshan Guess, age 28, all of Baton Rouge, admitted that they caused the submission of fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances, such as Promethazine with Codeine and Hydrocodone, to Medicaid, causing Medicaid to be fraudulently billed for filling those fraudulent prescriptions. They used the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration numbers and other identifying information of several physicians and other medical providers, without authority, on the fraudulent prescriptions. As part of the scheme to unlawfully obtain controlled substances for resale, Stampley burglarized a pharmacy in Louisiana.

    Hills, Stampley, and their co-conspirators also submitted, caused to be submitted, and assisted others in submitting numerous false and fraudulent applications for federal funds, seeking at least $293,498 in funds administrated by the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program, and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act unemployment benefits. Hills, Stampley, and their co-conspirators submitted and caused to be submitted falsified bank statements, tax forms, and other documents in support of the fraudulent PPP applications. Hills, Stampley, and their co-conspirators defrauded the federal pandemic assistance programs of at least $87,663 by posing as fake small business owners and residents in need of assistance. Upon receipt of the illegal funds, Hills, Stampley, and their co-conspirators made electronic transfers and personal purchases. 

    Guess illegally sought at least $125,978 in federal funds, including federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits under the CARES Act for eligible workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guess caused the submission of fraudulent applications and claims for unemployment benefits to the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), Maine Department of Labor (Maine DOL), and other state workforce agencies around the country. Guess assisted in the submission of falsified application details, such as her employment history and residency, to appear eligible for PUA funds and other benefits. Guess fraudulently obtained at least $15,859 in unemployment insurance benefits from the LWC and Maine DOL.

    Hills, Stampley, and Guess pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Hills and Stampley pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Stampley pleaded guilty to one count of burglary of a pharmacy.  Guess pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds.

    Each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of thirty years in prison, each count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, each count of theft of government funds carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, each count of burglary of a pharmacy carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison, and each count of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; April M. Leon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana; Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Dallas Region, Baton Rouge Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer of the DEA, New Orleans Division; and Special Agent in Charge Casey J. Howard of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Central Region, made the announcement.

    HHS-OIG, DEA, and DOL-OIG are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen L. Craig for the Middle District of Louisiana and Trial Attorneys Gary A. Crosby II and Samantha E. Usher of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vanderwagon Man Pleads Guilty to Assault and Federal Firearms Charges Following Armed Confrontation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Vanderwagon man pleaded guilty to assault and federal firearms charges after firing shots and threatening a man with a rifle during a confrontation on the Navajo Nation.

    According to court records on May 1, 2023, Perris Jeremiah Arthur, 36, initiated a confrontation at John Doe’s residence in Vanderwagon. Arthur then went outside to retrieve a rifle from his ATV, fired two shots into the RV, and later pointed the weapon directly at John Doe, threatening him with the firearm. 

    At sentencing, Arthur faces a minimum of seven years and up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, Arthur will be subject to up to five years of supervised release.

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

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mescalero Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexual Assault of Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 48 months in prison for sexually assaulting a teen 20 years his junior.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on September 27, 2024, Thomas Lee Chaffins, 35, an enrolled member of Mescalero Apache Tribe, sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation

    Upon his release from prison, Chaffins will be subject to five years of supervised release.

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

    The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Alyson Hehr is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Who Sold Fentanyl that Killed Twins Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Friday sentenced a man who sold the fentanyl that killed two twin brothers in St. Charles County in 2023 to 14 years in prison.

    Jesse Charleston, 35, of Florissant, pleaded guilty in January in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

    Charleston admitted as part of his plea that on March 21, 2023, he supplied the fentanyl that killed the men. He admitted giving one of the men four capsules for free as “testers.” The victims were discovered dead in their apartment in St. Charles County the next evening of acute fentanyl intoxication. Investigators found fentanyl and drug paraphernalia, and text messages with Charleston on one victim’s phone on March 21 discussing a drug transaction.  Early the next morning, Charleston texted, “Did you like it.”

    A detective with the St. Charles County Regional Drug Task Force began responding to texts to that victim’s phone from Charles. The detective supplied the name of an undercover officer when Charleston asked if he knew anyone else who “likes what the defendant has,” the plea agreement says. The undercover officer purchased 12 capsules containing para-fluorofentanyl and fentanyl from Charleston for $100 on March 27, 2023, at a gas station in St. Charles County. Charleston took those 12 capsules from a bag of about 30 more. He was arrested later that day.

    “This case exemplifies the dangerousness of fentanyl,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerome McDonald wrote in a sentencing memo. “In recent years fentanyl and fentanyl analogues have caused far too many overdose deaths in the St. Louis community and across this country, including the two overdose deaths in this case.”

    “This case is just one example that highlights St. Charles County’s regional law enforcement working together with our federal partners to combat serious crime that affects families across the area,” said St. Charles County Police Chief Kurt Frisz.

    The Drug Enforcement Agency, the St. Charles County Police and St. Charles County Regional Drug Task Force investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerome McDonald prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dayton man pleads guilty in bulk methamphetamine conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DAYTON, Ohio – Antel Braden, 24, of Dayton, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute bulk amounts of methamphetamine. 

    According to his plea agreement, in August 2024, Braden was the intended recipient of a United States postal package from California containing more than three kilograms of methamphetamine.

    Law enforcement intercepted the mail package and replaced the drugs with sham narcotics before having an undercover agent deliver the package to an address in Dayton.

    Braden arrived at the residence and received the package. After receiving the package of what he believed to be methamphetamine, Braden drove to another location in Dayton to pick up his brother and co-conspirator, Giovantae Braden, 30.

    When law enforcement endeavored to stop Braden’s vehicle on E. Dorothy Lane, he attempted to flee. Braden ran a red light at E. Dorothy Lane and E. Stroop Road, causing a crash and significant damage to both vehicles. The sham narcotics were thrown from the vehicle and the Braden brothers attempted to flee on foot. They were both apprehended by law enforcement.

    Braden faces up to 20 years in prison. Congress sets minimum and maximum statutory sentences. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); announced the guilty plea entered on May 8 before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Turkish national pleads guilty to selling counterfeit goods at mall kiosks

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DAYTON, Ohio – A man who operates kiosks at a local mall pleaded guilty in federal court here to trafficking counterfeit goods.

    Emre Teski, 25, is a citizen of Turkey and illegally entered the United States from Mexico in September 2022. Teski admitted to illegally crossing the international boundary without being inspected by an immigration officer at a designated Port of Entry. On Jan. 3, 2024, Teski was ordered removed from the United States, but has since appealed this decision and was permitted employment authorization while his appeal is pending. Teski operates kiosks selling alleged counterfeit goods at the Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek.

    According to court documents, Teski ran one kiosk that primarily sold replica professional soccer jerseys and hats containing trademarked soccer teams, including FC Barcelona, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, Manchester City and Arsenal. Teski operated another kiosk that sold primarily oversized slippers that look like sneakers and included Nike and Air Jordan trademarks. 

    Teski allegedly sold an investigator counterfeit Nike slippers that illegally used the trademark Nike Swoosh. It is alleged that he also sold a counterfeit pink Messi jersey.

    The total domestic value for all items seized by federal agents is nearly $150,000.

    Teski was arrested in March 2025. Trafficking counterfeit goods is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; announced the plea entered on May 8 before Senior U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Western District of Texas Adds 316 Immigration Cases in First Week of May

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – Acting United States Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 316 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 2 through May 8.

    Among the new cases, Cirilo Delgado-Alderete, Dilan Karim Valenzuela-Baca, and Antelmo Eligio Ramirez-Bernardo were arrested at an alleged stash house in Anthony, New Mexico. According to an affidavit, U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations agents observed three vehicles that had been identified as being used to smuggle illegal aliens to Albuquerque, New Mexico, parked at the residence. When agents questioned Ramirez-Bernardo, a Guatemalan national, they allegedly discovered he possessed a key to the residence on his keychain. Agents then located 25 individuals inside the residence who admitted to being citizens of Mexico, Peru, Honduras, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, and Pakistan without documentation to be in the U.S. Two of the individuals, Delgado-Alderete and Valenzuela-Baca, were identified as alleged stash house caretakes and drivers to harbor and transport the illegal aliens. Delgado-Alderete, Valenzuela-Baca, and Ramirez-Bernardo are charged with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and one count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens.  The drivers allegedly picked up aliens in El Paso before transporting them to New Mexico.

    Mexican national Erasmo Soto-Aguilar and Cesar Jared Garcia-Raucho, a U.S. citizen, were charged with statutes related to harboring illegal aliens after agents arrested them outside an alleged stash house in El Paso. A criminal complaint alleges that Soto-Aguilar had been involved in multiple smuggling schemes in which he coordinated pick-up drivers to meet and exchange illegal aliens. The complaint also alleges that Garcia-Raucho admitted to working as an illegal alien caretaker.

    Leonel Sotelo-Santillan, a Mexican national, was arrested after allegedly entering a National Defense Area near El Paso illegally on May 2. Sotelo-Santillan is a convicted felon with two 2015 convictions for domestic abuse battery and theft in Louisiana, as well as a felony conviction in June 2024 for illegal re-entry. He has two prior removals, the last one being Dec. 28, 2024.

    In San Antonio, Mexican national Joandel De Jesus Tierrablanca-Tellez aka Joandel Tierras Blanca was arrested after law enforcement officers allegedly observed him sell four firearms to a buyer in New Braunfels. Homeland Security Investigations had previously learned the firearms were to be sold and trafficked to Mexico for a predetermined amount of U.S. currency. A search of Tierrablanca-Tellez’s vehicle allegedly revealed his Mexican passport and an additional firearm along with .223 caliber and .308 caliber ammunition. Tierrablanca-Tellez is charged with one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm and, if convicted, faces up to 15 years in federal prison.

    Alejandro Mata-Zavala, also a Mexican national, was arrested during a traffic stop in Guadalupe County on May 6. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) immigration history inquiry determined Mata-Zavala had been convicted in April 2021 for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, and was removed from the U.S. to Mexico on or about June 2, 2022. He’s currently charged with one count of illegal re-entry and faces up to 20 years in federal prison, if convicted.

    USBP agents arrested Mexican national Tomas Medina-Martinez near Brackettville on May 1. Medina-Martinez is a two-time convicted felon with three prior removals from the U.S., the most recent being Feb. 12. Mexican national Mauro Morales-Lopez was also arrested by USBP on May 1 near Eagle Pass. Morales-Lopez was deported Nov. 12, 2024 through Atlanta, Georgia following multiple violent misdemeanor convictions for family violence.

    On May 5, Mexican national Sergio De La Cruz-Ruiz was arrested near Brackettville for being illegally present in the U.S. His criminal record includes nine deportations and multiple felony convictions. De La Cruz-Ruiz was also convicted in January 2024 for assault on a family member. His latest removal was April 18 through Harlingen.

    Jorge Luis Benavides-Alvarado, a Mexican national, was encountered by federal law enforcement at the Williamson County Jail and charged with illegal re-entry. He was convicted for possession of a dangerous drug in Georgetown on May 7. In 2017, Benavides-Alvarado was convicted for aggravated robbery in Dallas. He was removed from the U.S. July 26, 2019. Also encountered at the Williamson County Jail, Mexican national Agustin Ruiz-Vazquez was convicted May 7 for assault causing bodily injury. Federally charged with illegal re-entry, Ruiz-Vazquez was previously removed from the U.S. July 10, 2014, two years after being convicted of injury to a child in Austin.

    And in Midland, Salvadoran national Edenilzon Hernandez was encountered at the Ector County Detention Center in Odessa, where he was being held for indecency with child sexual contact. Now facing a federal illegal re-entry charge, Hernandez has three prior removals and a criminal history that includes convictions for burglary of a habitation, assault on a public servant and an additional assault charge.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

    These cases are 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).

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Davenport Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in federal prison for receipt and distribution of child pornography.

    According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, law enforcement received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in January 2023 that Benjamin Riley Blankenship, 22, had uploaded images and videos containing child sexual abuse material to a Snapchat account registered to Blankenship. A search warrant was executed on Blankenship’s residence. Law enforcement seized multiple electronic devices. The devices had all previously logged into the Snapchat account that uploaded child sexual abuse material.

    After completing his term of imprisonment, Blankenship will be required to serve an eight-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Blankenship was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and the Davenport Police Department.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously convicted felon sentenced to seven years in prison for federal drug-trafficking and firearm charges

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

    RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to seven years in prison for distribution of cocaine and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

    According to court documents, on Jan. 16, 2024, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Demario Avanti Henderson, 39. On Jan. 24. 2024, agents arranged another controlled purchase where Henderson sold cocaine and fentanyl. During the transaction, Henderson was openly carrying a handgun. Upon completion of the transaction, agents arrested Henderson and recovered the handgun, which was loaded.

    Henderson was previously convicted of 17 criminal offenses, including, among other crimes, for larceny, eluding police causing endangerment, assault and battery of a family member, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and assault on law enforcement.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman prosecuted the case.

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

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the 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-73.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Inland Empire Man Sentenced for Possessing Trade Secrets Belonging to U.S. Employer to Build Business with China Company

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

    A San Bernardino County man was sentenced Thursday for illegally possessing sensitive technologies that he downloaded from his Southern California-based employers and used to market his own competing company to a China-based company.

    Liming Li, 66, of Rancho Cucamonga, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by United States District Judge John A. Kronstadt, who also fined Li approximately $14,000 and ordered him to pay an additional $17,000 in restitution. LI was ordered to self-surrender by August 12, 2025.

    Li pleaded guilty to one count of possession of trade secrets in February.

    According to his plea agreement, from 1996 to 2013, Li worked for a Southern California-based business identified in court documents as “U.S. Company #1,” which specialized in precision measuring instruments and metrological technology and equipment. The company designed and sold a range of products such as micrometers, calipers, coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), and optical measurement systems.

    Li worked at U.S. Company #1 as a senior software engineer, then as a program manager. From 2013 to 2018, Li worked as chief technologist at a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Company #1. During his employment at U.S. Company #1 and its subsidiary, Li worked on the development of the source code for one of the company’s software programs, which was considered its proprietary information.

    In July 2013, Li signed an employee handbook and confidentiality agreement with U.S. Company #1 that required him to turn over all writings, records, files, technology, trade secrets or data containing any proprietary information belonging to the company. The agreement also prohibited Li from copying the company’s proprietary information without written permission.

    Li admitted in his plea agreement that he occasionally downloaded the company’s proprietary information onto his personal devices without permission. Li failed to return all the proprietary information belonging to U.S. Company #1 after its subsidiary terminated him in January 2018.

    In February 2018, Li operated a consulting company named JSL Innovations Inc. and in March 2020, he signed an employment agreement with Suzhou Universal Group Technology Co. Ltd., a China-based chain-and-bearing manufacturer. Li continued to work for Suzhou Universal until his arrest in May 2023. During this period, Li continued to knowingly possess U.S. Company #1’s proprietary information and – more than once – accessed this information without that company’s authorization.

    Li admitted that he used the proprietary information for his own economic benefit and that it would injure U.S. Company #1’s interests.

    The FBI investigated this matter with substantial assistance from the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, Bureau of Industry and Security.

    The case against Li was brought under the auspices of the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, which is co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce. The Strike Force seeks to counter efforts by hostile nation-states to illicitly acquire sensitive U.S. technology to advance their authoritarian regimes and facilitate human rights abuses.

    Assistant United States Attorney Aaron B. Frumkin of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, Solomon D. Kim of the Major Frauds Section, and David T. Ryan, Chief of the National Security Division are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: SIRT Investigating in Custody Death at Melfort RCMP Detachment

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 9, 2025

    On Tuesday May 6, 2025 at approximately 7:13 p.m., the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) received a notification from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) regarding an in-custody death at the Melfort RCMP Detachment. 

    SIRT’s Civilian Executive Director accepted the notification as within SIRT’s mandate and directed an investigation by SIRT.

    On May 6 at approximately 9:48 a.m., members of the Melfort RCMP detachment responded to a disturbance call at a residential address in Melfort, where they encountered a 44-year-old man who was acting erratically and had sustained an injury to his hand. The man was taken into custody pursuant to the provisions of The Mental Health Services Act. The man was transported to the Melfort RCMP Detachment, where at 10:14 a.m., he was lodged in a cell, pending the arrival of EMS who had been contacted on the drive to the detachment. At approximately 10:18 a.m., the man was assessed by EMS, and following that examination was transported to hospital by EMS. The man was unrestrained during transport in the ambulance. The EMS vehicle transporting the man was accompanied to hospital by a member of the RCMP in an RCMP vehicle.

    The man arrived at hospital at approximately 10:27 a.m. While the man was being examined, a further disturbance occurred and he was taken back into custody by the accompanying RCMP member. During the process of taking the man back into custody, a physical altercation occurred. The man was handcuffed and transported back to the Melfort RCMP Detachment, and at approximately 10:44 a.m., was once again placed in a cell.

    The man remained in custody at the Melfort RCMP Detachment until approximately 5:10 p.m., when he was observed to have gone into medical distress. RCMP members entered the man’s cell, commenced first aid, and contacted EMS. The man was moved into the cellblock hallway by RCMP members to allow for more room for first aid. At approximately 5:16 p.m., EMS arrived and assumed responsibility for the man’s care before transporting him to hospital at 5:36 p.m. The man was treated at hospital, but despite resuscitation efforts, was pronounced deceased. 

    Following the notification, a SIRT team consisting of the Civilian Executive Director and five SIRT investigators was deployed to Melfort to begin their investigation. A community liaison will also be appointed pursuant to S.91.12 (1) (a) of The Police Act, 1990. SIRT’s investigation will examine the conduct of police during this incident, including the circumstances surrounding the man’s arrest and the cause of his death. The RCMP will maintain responsibility for any investigation into the original incident. No further information will be released at this time. A final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.

    SIRT’s mandate is to investigate alleged cases of serious injury, death, sexual assault or interpersonal violence arising from the actions or omissions of on and off-duty police officers, or while an individual is in police custody.

    For updates on SIRT investigations, follow SIRT on X, formerly known as Twitter, at Serious Incident Response Team – Saskatchewan (@SIRT_SK) / X.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Portage — RCMP Northeast Traffic Services investigates vehicle-pedestrian collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Northeast Traffic Services (NETS) is investigating a vehicle-pedestrian collision that occurred in Portage.

    On May 6, at approximately 7:45 a.m., RCMP officers, fire services, and EHS, responded to a report of a collision near the 3000 block of Kings Rd. At the scene, a 30-year-old woman, who sustained life-threatening injuries, was located in the ditch. She was transported to hospital by EHS.

    The vehicle involved, a gray Dodge 3500 with a black dump box, failed to remain at the scene.

    Later that morning, the driver of the vehicle, 41-year-old man, turned himself into police. He was safely arrested at a home in Big Pond.

    The man was later released on conditions. He’s scheduled to attend Sydney Provincial Court on August 7, 2025, to face charges of Failure to Stop After Accident Resulting in Bodily Harm, Aggravated Assault.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    Anyone with information about this incident or dashcam footage of the area is asked to contact RCMP Northeast Traffic Services at 902-794-5800. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 2025-605798

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mobile Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MOBILE, AL – Michael Jerome Elder, age 50, was sentenced today to 180 months in prison after entering a guilty plea to a count of Distribution of Child Pornography.  Elder entered his guilty plea on January 16, 2025.

    According to court documents, a Mobile County Sheriff’s Office deputy was conducting an investigation to identify individuals in the Southern District of Alabama who demonstrate a sexual interest in children. To do so, he utilized law enforcement software to investigate users sharing files of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) via a file-sharing network. The investigator located an IP address that was involved in the sharing of numerous files of CSAM.  He was able to identify Elder as a resident at the residential address associated with the IP address.  The investigator obtained a search warrant and located Elder in the home, and a search team was able to discover a cell phone that Elder had hidden in a vent.  The cell phone was examined and found to contain CSAM.

    Elder had previously been convicted of five counts of Being in Possession of Obscene Material of Minors, violations of Alabama Code 13-A-012-0192(B), in the Circuit Court of Mobile County.  He had been released from custody on that offense on November 15, 2022, less than a year before the MCSO investigator discovered him distributing child pornography.

    At sentencing, Judge DuBose imposed the 180-month sentence of incarceration and a 15-year term of supervised release upon his future release. During his term of imprisonment, Elder will be subject to sex offender treatment, substance abuse testing and treatment, and mental health treatment.  Elder will be required to register as a sex offender and is to have no contact with minors.  Elder was ordered to pay $5,100 in special assessments.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigations and Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kacey Chappelear and Tandice Blackwood prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Charged with Defrauding Connecticut Resident

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MARC ANTHONY ALEXANDER, 44, of formerly of Milford, and MELANIE HAM, 40, of Norwalk, with conspiracy and fraud offenses.

    As alleged in the indictment, in 2022, a business known as “Traveling Graces, LLC” was registered with the State of Connecticut with Ham as its registered agent and “Dr. Marc Anthony Alexander” as its manager.  Between July 2023 and December 2023, Alexander and Ham misrepresented to a Connecticut resident (the “victim”) that Traveling Graces was legitimate business and they were looking for investors.  The victim provided two bank checks totaling $167,000 to Alexander and Ham, which they used for their own purposes.

    The indictment charges Alexander and Ham with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud.  Each offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

    The indictment was returned on April 22, 2025.  Alexander appeared yesterday in Hartford federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  He is currently incarcerated in federal custody.

    Ham previously pleaded not guilty to the charges and is released on a $100,000 bond.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Sounds Alarm on DOJ Threats to Journalists, Joins Resolution Condemning Trump Attacks on Free Press

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Sounds Alarm on DOJ Threats to Journalists, Joins Resolution Condemning Trump Attacks on Free Press

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined his colleagues in blasting President Trump’s continued attacks on the freedom of the press, a fundamental First Amendment right guaranteed by the Constitution. Padilla joined a letter pressing Attorney General Pam Bondi on her decision to change Justice Department policies to make it easier for the Department to subpoena journalists to obtain confidential information about their sources and potentially harass journalists who write stories critical of the Trump Administration. He also cosponsored a resolution calling for the Executive Branch to respect the rights of journalists and demanding they be allowed to perform their duties “without fear of retaliation.”
    “We write to express our deep concern with the Department of Justice’s April 25, 2025 memorandum changing the guidance that set limitations on the Department’s ability to subpoena materials from journalists and news organizations,” wrote the Senators in their letter to Attorney General Bondi. “The free press is a bedrock of our democracy and reporters must be able to do their jobs without fear of being investigated or prosecuted.”
    “When asked at your confirmation hearing to commit to ‘respect the importance of a free press,’ you said ‘absolutely,’” continued the Senators. “Yet your decision to rescind important limits on the Justice Department’s ability to compel information from the press threatens the ability of journalists to fully perform their critical jobs, as guaranteed by the First Amendment.” 
    The letter was led by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and signed by Senator Padilla and every other Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee: Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
    The bicameral resolution Padilla cosponsored was led by Senator Whitehouse in the Senate and cited President Trump’s various attacks on the operations of the press, including:
    Accusing media outlets such as The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, MSNBC, CNN, ABC, CBS and NBC of “illegal” behavior during a speech at the Department of Justice;
    Claiming CNN and MSNBC networks are “political arms of the Democrat Party” during a speech at the Department of Justice; 
    Excluding the Associated Press from White House press pool access due to disputes over naming conventions, leading to legal challenges concerning First Amendment violations;
    Filing a lawsuit against CBS News over a “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, alleging biased editing and calling for CBS to lose broadcast licenses;
    Seeking to defund National Public Radio and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), including launching a Federal Communications Commission probe and issuing an executive order instructing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to cease providing direct and indirect funds to either broadcaster;
    Refusing to take questions from NBC News reporters, claiming the network is “discredited;” 
    Seeking to impose the Administration’s policy preferences on independent news organizations by forcing PBS to eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion office using threats of government funding cuts and ignoring reporters who list pronouns in their email signatures; and
    Rescinding a Department of Justice policy against subpoenaing journalists, exposing journalists’ sources to the threat of possible identification and punishment.
    The resolution is endorsed by PEN America, National Press Photographers Association, American Governance Institute, Radio Television Digital News Association, and Society of Environmental Journalists.
    Full text of the resolution is available here.
    Full text of the letter to Attorney General Bondi is available here and below:
    Dear Attorney General Bondi:
    We write to express our deep concern with the Department of Justice’s April 25, 2025 memorandum changing the guidance that set limitations on the Department’s ability to subpoena materials from journalists and news organizations.
    The free press is a bedrock of our democracy and reporters must be able to do their jobs without fear of being investigated or prosecuted. When asked at your confirmation hearing to commit to “respect the importance of a free press,” you said “absolutely.” Yet your decision to rescind important limits on the Justice Department’s ability to compel information from the press threatens the ability of journalists to fully perform their critical jobs, as guaranteed by the First Amendment. 
    Under the previous guidance, the Justice Department was authorized to subpoena journalists engaged in news gathering only “[w]hen necessary to prevent an imminent or concrete risk of death or serious bodily harm.” Under the 2025 guidance, Justice Department officials can take the extraordinary step of subpoenaing journalists merely to investigate “unauthorized disclosures that undermine President Trump’s policies,” extending far beyond disclosures of classified information. In other words, under this new guidance, there is little protection for journalists who publish any story critical of the Administration from being threatened with a subpoena and litigation to enforce the subpoena. The threat to journalists is especially concerning given Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel’s claims prior to his confirmation that the news media is “the most powerful enemy the United States has ever seen” and that he would “come after the people in the media . . . criminally or civilly.” 
    Nor does it appear that the Justice Department would subpoena reporters’ records only as a last resort. Under the guidelines, the Justice Department may subpoena journalists after the Attorney General has made only a few subjective determinations, such as whether the information sought is “essential to a successful prosecution,” whether “reasonable attempts” to obtain the information from alternative sources were made, and whether engaging in negotiations would threaten “the integrity of the investigation.” These factors make it far too easy for the Attorney General to compel journalists to reveal sources. 
    This change will also deter whistleblowers from coming forward with information to the news media, depriving the public of valuable information about its government. Whistleblowers that violate the law—for example by disclosing classified information—should be subject to the legal consequences of that action, but the government should not be allowed to intimidate or harass journalists who lawfully report the news. 
    As the Office of Legal Policy prepares regulations to implement your memorandum, we respectfully request that you provide responses to the following questions:
    1. What protections are in place to ensure that journalists are not targeted because they published a news article critical of the Administration?
    2. Will you commit to ensuring that issuing a subpoena to a journalist or news organization will be used only as a last resort when there is a compelling and overriding interest in the information, such as protecting national security?
    3. Will the regulations require the Department to comply with state shield laws?
    4. Is the Department consulting with outside organizations, including organizations representing journalists, as part of the preparation of regulations? If so, what organizations?
    5. What measures will the regulations put in place to ensure that the White House is not allowed to order or influence the issuance of a subpoena to a journalist or news organization?
    6.  What process for review, if any, will be put in place to ensure the new regulations are being followed and are not being abused for political or any other inappropriate purpose?  
    7. Has the Justice Department issued any subpoenas to journalists or news organizations under this new guidance? If so, to whom and seeking what information?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Signs FY26 Budget – Providing Hurricane Helene Relief and Important Investments in Education, Healthcare, and Public Safety

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp, joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, House Appropriations Chairman Hatchett, constitutional officers, and members of the Georgia General Assembly, and state leaders today signed the budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

    Excerpt of Governor Kemp’s Remarks

    I’m proud to be here with the nation’s best First Lady, Marty Kemp!

    And we’re both thankful for the great legislative partners you see behind us and next to me, including Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Chairman Matt Hatchett, and the members of the General Assembly from both chambers and parties who overwhelmingly voted for this commonsense and balanced budget.

    Speaker Jon Burns and Chairman Blake Tillery couldn’t join us today, but they also worked very hard on this budget and I know they send their regards.

    We’re also glad to be joined by the Constitutional Officers here with us who serve as great partners in safeguarding taxpayer money and keeping government lean and efficient.

    I want to thank OPB Director Rick Dunn and his team, as well, for all the time and hard work they put into the budget process each year alongside our partners in the House and Senate Budget offices. That hefty document on that table that represents our state’s priorities is the result of their hard work and dedication.

    Today, I’ll sign the budget for Fiscal Year 2026 – a budget that makes important investments to meet the needs of our growing state without growing government or adding to our long-term liabilities.

    It represents an impact across so many different areas of our state – including investments in education, public safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and much more.

    Through this budget, we’re again fully funding our schools. We’re also committing:

    • Over 300 million additional dollars for enrollment and expense growth for K-12 education…
    • 49.7 million dollars to promote our students’ mental health and wellbeing…
    • 13 million dollars in new funding to improve literacy for our elementary students…
    • 267 million dollars to fund higher education growth at the University and Technical College Systems, furthering their ability to provide the workforce we need to meet demand…
    • 20 million dollars to replace 227 school buses…
    • And over 141 million dollars to fund the Promise Scholarship Program, delivering on the promise we made last year to students and their families who deserve an education that is right for them.

    We’re also working to promote the health and wellbeing of all Georgians, with:

    • 257 million additional dollars in support for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids expense and enrollment growth… just in case someone tries to tell you we don’t spend more each year on Medicaid…
    • 10 million dollars for significant capital repairs at state hospitals…
    • Over 5 million dollars for salary enhancements for social services eligibility caseworkers, building on previous pay raises for these critical employees…
    • And over 4.5 million dollars to improve maternal health.

    In Fiscal Year 2026, we’re also building on our past work to make Georgia safer, to keep our communities and businesses secure, and to take criminals off our streets.

    This budget includes 200 million dollars for the Department of Corrections to increase Corrections Officer salaries and number of positions… to increase salaries for non-security staff… and to meet other operational needs that will make our prison facilities safer.

    This was a priority for both my administration and leaders in the legislature, and I’m proud we worked together to deliver these investments.

    Other key investments in public safety within this budget include:

    • Over 1.7 million dollars for additional positions and technology at the GBI’s Crime Labs across the state…
    • Over 1 million dollars for two crime scene technical leaders and three digital forensic investigators…
    • 1 million dollars for a gang case management system and gang enforcement efforts statewide…
    • Over 268,000 dollars for Attorney General Chris Carr to expand the Gang Prosecution Unit in the Savannah region… and over 748,000 dollars to expand the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit to the Macon and Augusta regions…
    • And over 421,000 dollars to improve operations of the 24/7 hotline to report human trafficking and serve victims through the CJCC… a measure championed by the first lady.

    Last but not least, this budget makes considerable investments in infrastructure statewide… an important factor in keeping us the best place for business and opportunity.

    With 290 million dollars in additional funding going toward transportation projects… and 715 million dollars going to capital projects, including some for K-12 school systems… we are using the funds we have from years of growth to build stronger communities and encourage further investment and success.

    I’m especially proud we’re doing so – for the second straight year – with cash, meaning for two straight years we have not added any new debt.

    That brings our state’s debt service-to-revenue ratio to the lowest level in Georgia history!

    And it ultimately means we’ll save taxpayers 150 million dollars per year for the next 20 years in future debt service costs we won’t have to pay… on top of the billions saved in tax refunds and tax cuts we’ve implemented over the past several years.

    We’re able to take these steps because of our conservative approach to budgeting.

    We don’t follow the path that states like California, New York, Illinois, and others do… They’re growing government and raising taxes to cover budget deficits.

    But here in Georgia, we’re keeping government in check, cutting taxes, and returning taxpayer money where it belongs – back to hardworking Georgians!

    We balance our budgets and encourage economic growth statewide without growing government.

    That’s thanks to this team you see up here that is committed to being good stewards of what Georgians entrust us with.

    So, thank you all, again, for helping us keep Georgia the best place to live, work, and raise a family through budgets like this.

    “This budget is a result of deliberate and effective work by Senate Appropriations Chairman Tillery, the subcommittee Chairs and all members of the Senate Appropriations Committee,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “Governor Brian Kemp’s recommendations at the beginning of session provided a great foundation for our work to begin and for us to ultimately pass a budget focused on Georgia’s children, families and future, while reducing unnecessary or redundant government spending. In Georgia, we are continuing to keep government spending in check, while giving money back to taxpayers – where it belongs. I want to thank everyone for their hard work to ensure our state remains fiscally sound, our reserves remain healthy and our citizens get back their hard-earned money with a reduction in the state income tax. I look forward to continuing to prioritize a fiscally conservative philosophy as we look at budgets next session.”

    “This year’s budget reflects the unwavering commitment of the General Assembly to championing strategic investments that will keep our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come—all while putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking Georgia taxpayers,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “Thank you to Governor Kemp, Chairman Hatchett, and each member of the House who worked tirelessly to get this budget across the finish line, securing the current and future success of our great state.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: THE REAL STORY: DHS Sets the Record Straight on Terrorist Sympathizer and Leader of the Columbia Pro-Terrorist Riots Mohsen Mahdawi

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    The mainstream media fawned over this terrorist sympathizer and claimed his arrest was an attack on First Amendment Rights

    WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today set the record straight on Columbia University riots ringleader Mohsen Mahdawi. In recent days, misleading and lazy reporting painted the leader of pro-terrorist demonstrations as a “peacemaker.” Court records allege that Mahdawi told a gun shop owner that he used firearms to “kill Jews.”

    In a brief filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on April 28 in the United States District Court for the District of Vermont, Mohsen Mahdawi was cited as admitting to being involved in and supporting pro-terrorist acts of violence. Mahdawi also allegedly admitted to familiarity with firearms per a police report. The federal filing reveals: 

    • Mahdawi supposedly told a gun shop owner “that he had considerable firearm experience” and used guns to “kill Jews while he was in Palestine.”
    • Mahadawi was cited as having experience building firearms, including modified 9mm submachine guns.
    • Another member of the community recalled Mahdawi stating “I like to kill Jews.”
    • In a police report, a concerned individual reported that Mahdawi requested to purchase a sniper rifle and a machine gun. He also claimed that he said he used to make guns for Hezbollah.

    Below is an excerpt of the DOJ’s brief:

     

    This week, Mahdawi also accused the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of staging a citizenship interview as a trap in order to arrest him. Many in the media failed to report the real story here, which is that this terrorist sympathizer allegedly bragged to a gun shop owner that he had considerable firearms experience as he used to “kill Jews while he was in Palestine.”

    Statement Attributable to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin:

    “As the media works overtime to glorify a ringleader of the Columbia pro-terrorist riots, court documents show Mahdawi allegedly told a gun shop owner that he had considerable firearms experience and he ‘used to kill Jews.’ The media tried to paint Mohsen Mahdawi as a martyr for free speech. The truth is he is a terrorist sympathizer and national security threat who does not belong in this country. Why does the media continue to defend terrorist sympathizers?” 

    Below are just a handful of examples of misleading headlines.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP investigates community vandalism

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP is investigating a recent spree of vandalism that occurred in the community during the night of May 7 and the morning of May 8, 2025.

    So far, 12 residential properties have been identified as being tagged with graffiti where spray paint was used. Graffiti was also discovered in the same area on roadways, signs, and other property owned by the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The vandalism occurred in the areas of Mesher, Learning, and Lethbridge Streets, which are all within three blocks of one another.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP at 709-896-3383 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Secures Commitment from RFK’s Deputy Nominee to Review Chemical Abortion Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Thursday, May 08, 2025

    Today in a hearing in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) secured a commitment from Jim O’Neill – President Trump’s nominee to serve as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services – to conduct an updated safety review on the chemical abortion drug mifepristone if he were confirmed. The promise comes on the heels of a new study showing that 1 in 10 women who take the drug suffer from adverse health effects.

    O’Neill agreed with Senator Hawley that the new study warranted review, for the health and safety of women across the nation.

    “The Secretary [Robert F. Kennedy Jr.] has pledged to do a safety review of mifepristone, and I strongly support that view,” O’Neill said.

    Senator Hawley has been a staunch advocate for women across the nation, from introducing legislation to reinstate safeguards on mifepristone that the Biden Administration eliminated to urging the Department of Justice to reconsider its position in Missouri’s mifepristone litigation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Inquest into the Death of Ashwin Poggenpoel

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 9, 2025

    A public inquest into the death of Ashwin Poggenpoel will be held June 9 to 13, 2025, at the Saskatoon Inn and Conference Centre, 2002 Airport Drive, in Saskatoon.

    The first day of the inquest is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Subsequent start times will be determined by the presiding coroner.

    Poggenpoel, 32, was observed in an apartment in Saskatoon on June 18, 2022. Members of the Saskatoon Police Service attended after receiving a 911 call. Police located Mr. Poggenpoel, and he became unresponsive. Lifesaving efforts were continued in the Royal University Hospital Emergency Department but were unsuccessful and he was pronounced deceased. 

    Section 19 of The Coroners Act, 1999 states that the Chief Coroner may direct that an inquest be held into the death of any person.

    The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, unexpected deaths. The purpose of an inquest is to establish who died, when and where that person died and the medical cause and manner of death. The coroner’s jury may make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.

    Coroner William Davern will preside at the inquest.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Reports on Success of Operation Relentless Pursuit One Month After the Anti-Crime Effort Began Operations

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MAY 9, 2025

    Jefferson City — In its first four weeks of operations across Missouri, Operation Relentless Pursuit (ORP) has arrested or assisted in the arrest of 148 fugitives wanted for outstanding felony warrants. One-hundred twelve of the arrests were made by ORP officers, and ORP officers assisted other law enforcement agencies in the arrest of 36 other wanted fugitives. The 148 arrests resulted in clearing 251 outstanding arrest warrants.  

    Original arrest charges have included rape, kidnapping, voluntary manslaughter, sex trafficking of a child under 18, sexual misconduct involving a child, possession of child pornography, drug trafficking, domestic assault, assault, burglary, felony stealing, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and probation violation.

    ORP is a component of Governor Kehoe’s Safer Missouri public safety initiative announced on his first day in office, January 13, 2025. As outlined in Executive Order 25-02, it is a regional anti-crime effort that emphasizes intelligence-led policing and cross-jurisdiction collaboration to apprehend the most dangerous fugitive felons.

    Data analysis showed there were over 17,600 active felony arrest warrants across Missouri in January, which poses a significant threat to public safety since studies show that individuals evading felony warrants are likely to engage in additional criminal activities, further endangering Missourians.      

    “We are extremely impressed with the outstanding work of our joint crime-fighting teams of Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers and sheriffs’ deputies across the state,” Governor Kehoe said. “It has been incredible to see the enthusiasm that law enforcement agencies have for Operation Relentless Pursuit and how many more agencies are joining, or planning to join, these efforts. Taking felons off the streets is dangerous work, but officers are, once again, running toward danger to keep others safe.”

    “These numbers are even more impressive when you consider the amount of intelligence gathering and surveillance work that goes into making these arrests. These are felons who have been avoiding arrest, sometimes for years,” Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James said. “What is making ORP a success is the incredible buy-in we are receiving from law enforcement leadership and the tremendous collaboration, team-effort, and hard work of the officers assigned to this vitally important mission.”

    The 148 ORP arrests and ORP-assisted arrests occurred in 37 counties across the state. Six of the arrests required SWAT team activations because the suspects barricaded themselves to avoid arrest. Six firearms have been seized during the arrests.  

    The initial 37 counties with ORP arrests include:

    • Adair
    • Audrain
    • Bollinger
    • Boone
    • Buchanan
    • Butler
    • Camden
    • Cape Girardeau
    • Cass
    • Clay
    • Crawford
    • Franklin
    • Greene
    • Howell
    • Jackson
    • Laclede
    • Lincoln
    • Madison
    • Miller
    • Mississippi
    • New Madrid
    • Pemiscot
    • Phelps
    • Platte
    • Polk
    • Pulaski
    • Randolph
    • Reynolds
    • Shannon
    • St. Charles
    • St. Francois
    • St. Louis
    • Stoddard
    • Taney
    • Texas
    • Washington
    • Wayne

    There are nine regional ORP teams composed of Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control officer and a local deputy sheriff in each of the nine Patrol troops. These leaders act as liaisons with local law enforcement in the regions. Through May 4, ORP has made arrests or assisted in making arrests with participation from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, at least 24 sheriffs’ offices, at least 11 police departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

    Highlights of ORP arrests include:

    • One of the very first fugitives arrested in Pulaski County, as ORP operations began on April 7, was wanted for five counts of possession of methamphetamine. While taking the  suspect into custody, three other fugitives with possession of methamphetamine warrants were located hiding in the residence and also taken into custody. One of the suspects at the residence was in possession of methamphetamine at the time of his arrest and faces that additional charge.
    • One of the oldest cases cleared was a parole absconder wanted for over 12 years, who was captured in Howell County.
    • On April 28, the Platte County Prosecutor’s Office requested that ORP assist in apprehending a suspect wanted for domestic assault who was allegedly continuing to stalk, harass and threaten the victim. ORP, working with the U.S. Marshal for Western Missouri Task Force, located and surveilled the suspect. When officers attempted to arrest him at a residence, he attempted to escape through a bedroom window and was taken into custody after a foot pursuit. He faces the additional charge of resisting arrest by flight.    

    “Sheriffs and deputies across Missouri see the importance of this effort to rid our state of wanted felons who continue to pose a threat to our communities,” Sheriff Brad Cole, Christian County Sheriff and Operation Relentless Pursuit Co-Coordinator said. “Hunting down and taking the felons into custody takes considerable effort, but our ORP team members and partnering agencies are committed to this program. We are seeing more  sheriffs’ offices participating in ORP and I expect that to continue based on the success of the program.”

    “Partnerships across the state enable us to do what we do best, and we’re just getting started” said Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Michael A. Turner. “We are proud to work with many outstanding sheriffs’ offices for our shared mission of working together to make a safer Missouri. The combined resources of troopers and deputies working together during these operations is truly a force multiplier.”

    Last week, DPS Director James, Highway Patrol Col. Michael Turner, Sheriff Cole, U.S. Marshal John Jordan of the Eastern District of Missouri, Acting U.S. Marshal Josh Hillard of the Western District, and other ORP leaders of Missouri met to review early operations and plans for potential expansion due to ORP’s strong start.

    State funds have been requested in Governor Kehoe’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget to pay the cost of the deputy sheriff liaison within each region and overtime costs of participating local law enforcement agencies. Each of the regional liaisons received training from the U.S. Marshals Service.

    Members of the public with information that could lead to the capture of a Missouri fugitive can share it with the ORP team at this link.

    Future data and updates on ORP will be provided by the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Secures Conviction of Former Mortgage Broker for Role in Queens Deed Theft Ring

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that she won her case against former mortgage bank branch manager Stacie Saunders for her role in a Queens deed theft ring that stole homes in Jamaica and St. Albans, Queens, owned by elderly or disabled New Yorkers or their estates. Saunders was part of a deed theft ring that fraudulently sold three homes without the knowledge and permission of the rightful property owners, yielding over $1 million from the sale proceeds. After a two-week trial, a jury in Queens found Saunders guilty of all charges. Saunders is the final defendant to be convicted in the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) investigation into the Queens deed theft ring led by Marcus Wilcher. All five defendants charged by OAG have since been convicted.

    “Deed theft is a heartless crime that targets the most valuable assets in vulnerable communities,” said Attorney General James. “With the conviction of Stacie Saunders, my office is proud to have secured justice for the elderly New Yorkers that Saunders and her co-conspirators targeted with their predatory scheme. We will always work to combat deed theft and keep New Yorkers in their homes.”

    Saunders, who was also a licensed real estate salesperson, is the last to be convicted in a deed theft ring that stole three homes in Jamaica and St. Albans, Queens, and attempted to steal an additional home from an elderly homeowner in Jamaica in 2019. The ring included Wilcher, disbarred attorney Anyekache Hercules, Jerry Currin, and Dean Lloyd. Wilcher located homes in Jamaica and St. Albans in poor or run-down condition with absentee owners. Hercules created forged legal documents used to steal and sell the properties and Saunders then marketed the homes to investors at prices significantly below the market rate for quick sales. After an investor expressed interest in purchasing a home, Wilcher would secure personal information about the real owners, including Social Security numbers and birth dates, to create falsified driver’s licenses, social security cards, and bank cards. Wilcher then found people to impersonate the owners of the properties at contract signings and closings. Saunders arranged attorneys, collected closing documents, and scheduled the closings to fraudulently sell the homes. 

    After the sales were finalized, the defendants opened bank accounts in the names of the homes’ real owners and used these bank accounts and other entities and LLCs they controlled to funnel more than $1 million in proceeds to themselves.

    After a two-week trial, a jury in Queens convicted Saunders of 18 total counts, including:

    • Three counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class C felony;
    • Two counts of Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class D felony;
    • One count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a class E felony;
    • Five counts of Money Laundering in the Second Degree, a class C felony;
    • Two counts of Forgery in the Second Degree, a class D felony;
    • Three counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class E felony; and
    • Two counts of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a class E felony.

    The maximum sentence on the top count is five to 15 years in prison, with the possibility of consecutive sentences. Saunders will be sentenced on June 11, 2025 by Judge Leigh Cheng.

    In December 2022, Attorney General James announced the arrests and indictments of Wilcher, Saunders, Hercules, Currin, and Lloyd. Hercules, who was previously convicted of Grand Larceny in Kings County in 2018, pleaded guilty to Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree and was sentenced to one and a half to three years in prison. Wilcher pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and sentenced to three to nine years in prison for the thefts of five homes in July 2024. Jerry Currin and Dean Lloyd pleaded guilty to felony counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree.

    This is the latest in Attorney General James’ efforts to protect New York homeowners from deed theft and other housing-related scams. In February, Attorney General James announced the indictment and arraignment of Satwattie Martinez and Joseph Uwagba for their roles in a deed theft and forgery scam that stole the home and personal funds of an elderly Queens resident. In October 2024, Attorney General James announced the arrests and indictments of Marcia Campbell, her husband Fred Campbell, and their associate Frank Palmer for their roles in a deed theft scheme and a series of real estate investment scams that stole over $250,000 from vulnerable New Yorkers. In September 2024, Attorney General James announced a win after the New York County Supreme Court denied Joseph Makhani’s motion to dismiss the case against him for deed theft. In April 2023, Attorney General James announced two pieces of legislation to strengthen protections and remedies for victims of deed theft, which have both been signed into law. In February 2021, Attorney General James announced an $800,000 grant to combat deed theft in vulnerable neighborhoods. Attorney General James also launched the Protect Our Homes initiative in January 2020 and announced the formation of an interagency law enforcement task force to respond to deed theft and other real estate fraud. 

    The case was investigated for OAG by Detective Supervisor Anna Ospanova, Assistant Chief Samuel Scotellaro, and Deputy Chief Juanita Bright of the Major Investigations Unit. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes.

    Assistant Attorneys General Nicholas Kyriacou and Aida Vernon handled the prosecution in this matter under the supervision of Public Integrity Bureau Chief Gerard Murphy, Deputy Bureau Chief Kiran Heer, and Real Estate Enforcement Unit Section Chief Nick Batsidis, with assistance from Senior Analyst Crystal Bisbano. The audit was undertaken by Principal Auditor Investigator Danielle Dudley under the supervision of Deputy Chief Auditor Sandy Bizzarro. The audit team is led by Chief Auditor Kristen Fabbri. Both the Investigations Bureau and the Public Integrity Bureau are part of the Division for Criminal Justice. The Division for Criminal Justice is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. 

    MIL OSI USA News –