NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hopkinsville Felon Indicted by Federal Grand Jury For Distributing Cocaine and Illegally Possessing Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah returned an indictment on March 11, 2025, charging a Hopkinsville, Kentucky man with distributing cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.

    According to the indictment, DeMarcus McCarley, 41, was charged with distributing a cocaine mixture and being a felon in possession of a firearm. On May 15, 2024, McCarley, possessed a Glock, model 22 Gen. 4, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. McCarley is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On or about August 4, 2010, in Christian Circuit Court, McCarley was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, cocaine.

    On or about December 15, 2009, in Christian Circuit Court, McCarley was convicted on 2 counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, cocaine.

    On or about January 15, 2015, in Christian Circuit Court, McCarley was convicted on 4 counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, cocaine, less than four grams.

    The defendant made his initial court appearance this week before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The Court ordered the defendant detained pending trial. If convicted, McCarley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case is being investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty Office, ATF Bowling Green Field Office, and the Hopkinsville Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.

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

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals in Maryland Arrest Woman Wanted for Child Abuse

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Martinsburg, WV – Members of the U.S. Marshals Mountain State Fugitive Task Force, with the assistance of the Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) arrested a woman on an outstanding felony warrant issued out of Berkeley County, West Virginia.

    Rhonda Shannon Cox, 36 was charged with one count of child abuse resulting in injury in Berkeley County, West Virginia in November 2022. In September of 2024, the warrant was referred to the U.S. Marshals Service task force for apprehension.

    Upon receipt of the case, Investigators from the U.S. Marshals Mountain State Fugitive Task Force developed information Cox had fled the area. Investigators believed she was now residing in Maryland. Earlier today, the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) received additional information, which led officers to the Wood Spring Suites in Camp Springs, Maryland. Officers located Cox at the hotel and arrested her without incident.

    Cox was charged as a fugitive from justice and taken to Prince Georges County Jail and awaits extradition back to West Virginia. Questions regarding this case should be directed to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department.

    “The Sheriff’s office did an outstanding job investigating the abuse of the children and obtaining a warrant for the alleged perpetrator.” Said Acting U.S. Marshal Terry Moore, “Their Deputy on our task force was able to use our extended resources to locate and arrest the subject of the investigation.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Milwaukee Judge Obstructed Arrest of Illegal Alien Accused of Strangulation, Battery, and Domestic Abuse

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested for obstructing the arrest of Eduardo Flores-Ruiz. This criminal illegal alien has a laundry list of violent criminal charges including strangulation and suffocation, battery, and domestic abuse. Ruiz has illegally entered the U.S. twice.  

    On April 18, 2025, ICE assisted by deputized FBI law enforcement officials carried out a targeted operation to arrest Ruiz at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. 

    Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected ICE agents away from this criminal illegal alien to obstruct the arrest and try to help him evade arrest. Thankfully, our FBI partners chased down this illegal alien, arrested him and removed him from American communities.

    Statement From Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin: 

    “This criminal illegal alien has a laundry list of violent criminal charges including strangulation and suffocation, battery, and domestic abuse. Ruiz illegally entered the US twice.    

    “Since President Trump was inaugurated, activist judges have tried to obstruct President Trump and the American people’s mandate to make America safe and secure our homeland— but this judge’s actions to shield an accused violent criminal illegal alien from justice is shocking and shameful.

    “We are thankful for our partners at the FBI for helping remove this accused criminal from America’s streets.  

    If you are here illegally and break the law, we will hunt you down, arrest you and lock you up. That’s a promise.” 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard interdicts six aliens one mile off the coast of San Diego

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 04/25/2025 04:30 PM EDT

     

    04/25/2025 01:10 PM EDT

    Coast Guard crewmembers from Station San Diego interdicted six aliens, off the coast of San Diego one mile west of Sunset Cliffs, between Mission Bay and Point Loma, Thursday.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Bouchard (Phoenix pay system) class action: Notice of approval of settlement agreement

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Bouchard (Phoenix pay system) class action: Notice of approval of settlement agreement – Canada.ca

    Please read this notice carefully as it may affect your rights

    Notice of approval of a national settlement agreement in the Bouchard class action concerning the implementation of the Phoenix pay system.

    On this page

    Summary of the Bouchard Class Action

    On April 3, 2018, the Superior Court authorized a class action in connection with the implementation of the Phoenix pay system put in place by the federal government in 2016. The action applies to any person who meets the definition of “Member” below, anywhere in Canada, without having to register as a member of the class action.

    “Member” is as defined in the judgment authorizing the class action without distinguishing between Members of the First Subclass and Second Subclass: “All persons who had an employment relationship with the Government of Canada at any time during the Class Period, excluding those subject to the grievance procedure under Part 2 (sections 206, 208 and 209) of the Public Service Labour Relations Act” (now the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act, S.C. 2003, c. 22, s. 2). For greater certainty, former public servants (retired, resigned or otherwise) are Members only to the extent that they are not excluded under this definition.

    Without any admission of liability on the part of the Attorney General of Canada (AGC), the parties negotiated and accepted a national settlement agreement (the Agreement) after their counsel had thoroughly evaluated the facts of this case, having taken into account a variety of factors such as the burden and costs of litigation as well as the risk and uncertainty associated with the litigation.

    On April 15, 2025, the Superior Court of Quebec approved the settlement. If you are eligible, you will need to submit a claim in order to receive compensation.

    Eligibility

    The Agreement applies to you if you are a Member of the Bouchard Class Action; that is, a person:

    1. who was employed by the Government of Canada, in Canada, regardless of your province or territory of residence:
      1. on a casual basis, as a student, on a term basis of less than three months, or on a part-time basis (not ordinarily required to work more than one third of the normal period for persons doing similar work), or appointed by the Governor in Council, under an Act of Parliament, to a position described in that Act
      2. for one or more of the departments and organizations listed, and
      3. for at least one day during one or more of the following fiscal years:
        1. 2016–17 (February 24, 2016, to March 31, 2017),
        2. 2017–18 (April 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018),
        3. 2018–19 (April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019),
        4. 2019–20 (April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020), and
    2. who had a pay problem

    This Agreement does not apply to persons locally engaged outside Canada or to members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who have not been paid using the Phoenix pay system, nor to public servants subject to the grievance procedure provided for in Part 2 of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act, S.C. 2003, c. 22, s. 2.

    Amount of compensation

    The amount of compensation is based on eligibility for each fiscal year as follows:

    • A maximum amount of $350.00 for the 2016–17 fiscal year (February 24, 2016, to March 31, 2017)
    • A maximum amount of $175.00 for the 2017–18 fiscal year (April 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018)
    • A maximum amount of $175.00 for the 2018–19 fiscal year (April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019)
    • A maximum amount of $175.00 for fiscal year 2019–20 (April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020)

    Exclusions

    If you have received, or are eligible to receive, compensation from one or more of the following agreements (or one or more of the similar agreements with the separate agencies) for a given fiscal year, you will not be eligible for compensation under the settlement agreement for that same fiscal year:

    In accordance with section 42 of the Act respecting the Fonds d’aide aux actions collectives and section 1 of the Regulation respecting the percentage deducted by the Fonds d’aide aux actions collectives, a deduction of 2% will be taken from the gross amount payable to any Member residing in Quebec.

    The compensation to which a Member may be entitled will be used to reduce any amount owing to the federal government. The compensation will not be deducted from any amount received under programs established by the federal government to compensate for out-of-pocket expenses.

    Compensation will be awarded without admission of liability on the part of the defendant, the Attorney General of Canada (AGC) and does not constitute an admission of fact or law. The allegations made in the class action have not been proven in a court of law and remain disputed by the AGC.

    The AGC will receive a full and final release from all Members.

    Submit a claim

    To claim compensation, a Member must complete an application online or by mail no later than October 24, 2025.

    Start your claim online

    Submit by mail
    Download, print and complete the claim form, then mail to:

    Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
    Attention: TBS Claims Office
    90 Elgin St
    Ottawa ON K1A 0R5

    • Deadline for submitting a claim

      Claims will only be accepted between April 24, 2025 and no later than October 24, 2025.

      If you are unable to submit your claim via the online portal, or if you need to submit a claim with supporting documents, you can send it to the following address:

      Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
      Attention: TBS Claims Office
      90 Elgin St
      Ottawa ON K1A 0R5

      Claims submitted by mail must be postmarked by October 24, 2025.

      Do not send original documents, as they cannot be returned to the sender. Certified copies, copies of a document that have been stamped by a Notary Public, are acceptable. Please note that a Member or their representative will not be reimbursed for costs incurred for having a document certified.

    • Incomplete forms

      An incomplete or incorrectly completed claim form shall not constitute grounds for denying compensation to a Member or their representative under the Agreement. Upon receipt of an incomplete or incorrectly completed claim form, the Claims Office will contact the Member or their representative and allow them to correct any errors within 30 days.

      If the claim remains incomplete and more than 30 days have passed since the last communication from the Claims Office, the claim may be rejected.

    • Claim by the representative of a deceased or incapacitated Member

      Claims made on behalf of the estate of a deceased Member or on behalf of an incapacitated Member may be submitted by a legal representative. Copies of documentation attesting to the representative’s eligibility to act on behalf of the Member or estate must be provided in accordance with the applicable laws.

    After you submit a claim

    The Claims Office will begin processing claims within a reasonable time, but no later than October 24, 2025. Compensation will be paid by direct deposit.

    The Claims Office will notify the Member or their representative in writing of any unfavourable decision, with reasons.

    The favourable or unfavourable decision will be posted on the portal for Members who have submitted their claim online or sent by mail for Members who have submitted their claim by mail. Members who have submitted their claim online will be notified by email that the decision has been posted on the portal.

    Denied claims

    Within 30 days of the Claims Office’s written decision denying the claim in whole or in part, the Member or Member’s Representative may request review of this decision by sending a written notice to the Claims Office that they disagree and stating the reasons for requesting a review. The request for review may be sent by email or by mail. The request must be filed with or received by the Claims Office within 30 days of the date of the office’s decision.

    The review will be heard by the Court and will be limited to the interpretation and application of the Agreement by the Claims Office and excludes review of the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement and approved by the Court.

    Upon receipt, within the allotted time of the request for review, the Claims Office will send a copy of the request to the Plaintiff’s counsel and the Court.

    The Court will hear the dispute on a date to be determined by it. The Court’s decision will be final and not subject to appeal.

    In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this notice and the Agreement, the latter shall prevail.

    Bouchard (Phoenix pay system) class action: Notice of approval of settlement agreement – Canada.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Conspiracy That Took Nearly $7M From Investors

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLEVELAND – An Ohio man was sentenced to 17 and a half years in prison by U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese after being found guilty of conspiring to artificially inflate prices on a low-value stock being sold to investors. He was also ordered to pay a $200,000 fine. After imprisonment, he was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release. Restitution amounts are yet to be determined.

    Last September, a federal jury convicted Paul Spivak, 66, of Willoughby Hills, Ohio, of conspiracy to commit securities fraud. Spivak was also found guilty on two counts of wire fraud. He then pleaded guilty to four other counts of wire fraud, two counts of securities fraud, and a separate count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud. The jury also convicted codefendant Charles Scott, 70, of Alexandria, Virginia, of securities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities fraud.

    According to court documents, trial testimony, and exhibits, Spivak was the majority owner and chief executive officer of U.S. Lighting Group, Inc. (USLG), a publicly traded Florida corporation based in Euclid, Ohio. At various times, the company designed and manufactured commercial LED lights, aftermarket auto parts, and fiberglass recreational campers, and boats. USLG traded on OTC Markets as a “penny” stock due to its low market value. Penny stocks are known to be vulnerable to price manipulation due to lower trading volume and because they draw less scrutiny than other stocks.

    Between 2016 and 2019, Spivak and several co-conspirators took USLG public through a reverse merger with a shell company. Using a variety of tactics, they artificially inflated the price of USLG stock to facilitate getting the company listed on a stock exchange.

    When the stock price was artificially high, Spivak had a team of co-conspirators use aliases to act as unlicensed stockbrokers to cold-call potential investors and persuade them to buy restricted stock shares. The brokers offered the stock at a steep discount relative to the apparent market price, convincing investors that the stock purchase was a great investment.

    USLG took in approximately $6.9 million between 2016 and 2019 from investors throughout the country, including many who were elderly. Individuals paid anywhere between $4,000 and $1 million to purchase the restricted stock shares which they were led to believe were a good deal on the investment.

    Spivak rewarded the success of these unlicensed stockbrokers with large, undisclosed commissions. He disguised their compensation as payments on invoices he asked them to submit for purported consulting services. In total, approximately 200 payments worth $2 million in undisclosed commissions were paid out to the unlicensed stockbrokers.

    Additionally, in early 2021 Spivak and Scott worked with co-conspirators to continue manipulating stock value by having them receive USLG shares to sell at inflated prices. They arranged for co-conspirators to manipulate the price of the stock through the use of a call room, also known as a boiler room.

    In covertly recorded discussions with one of the would-be co-conspirators, Spivak explained that, because of how few shares the investing public traded without manipulation, it “wouldn’t take very much to get the stock to go very high. I mean like very high.” Spivak explained that securities regulators “don’t care what we do out of the country.” So, for his long-term plans to get USLG’s stock price “going like crazy,” he hoped to set up a boiler room operation “someplace in Barcelona, someplace outta the United States.” 

    Spivak set up a cyclical arrangement for all participants to profit from this stock manipulation. At Spivak’s direction, co-conspirators Scott and Forrest Church, 62, of Haleyville, Alabama, acting as Spivak’s and USLG’s nominees, would sell stock they had acquired at a low price, to the boiler room operators at a higher price. Those operators would then sell that stock to unsuspecting investors at the inflated prices, also netting a profit. Scott and Church would then send about half of the funds they received back to USLG and receive additional low-priced stock, which they would later sell to the boiler room operators to start the cycle again.

    The defendants would later learn that the co-conspirators who had agreed to run the boiler room and buy the stock from Scott and Church were, in fact, undercover agents investigating the case.

    Spivak took numerous steps to conceal the scheme, hide evidence, and otherwise end the investigation and prosecution. He took many of those steps after he was arrested, which investigators discovered on recorded phone calls that he placed to his wife and employees from jail. For example, he repeatedly pressured his wife to have USLG’s chief financial officer call the FBI agent and offer to pay $200,000 “for this thing to go away.” On another call, Spivak outlined plans for USLG and its shareholders to “sue the FBI.”

    Other co-conspirators involved in the scheme have previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and other charges, including Spivak’s wife, Church, and some of the unlicensed stockbrokers who Spivak employed. Two of those brokers, Larry Matyas, 43, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Christopher Bongiorno, 46, of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, were each sentenced to one year and one day in prison earlier this week. The remaining co-conspirators are scheduled to be sentenced on April 29 and 30, 2025.

    On Feb. 12, 2025, Scott was sentenced to three years and five months in prison after a conviction for securities fraud conspiracy and one count of securities fraud. He was also ordered to pay $500,000.

    The case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliot Morrison, Megan Miller, and Stephanie Wojtasik for the Northern District of Ohio.

    To report investment, financial, and related violations, visit https://www.sec.gov/submit-tip-or-complaint.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Martin Sends Letter to Green Theory Pot Dispensary for Violation of Federal Law

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., of the District of Columbia, sent a letter to the owners and operators of Green Theory, a city-permitted marijuana dispensary located at 4828 MacArthur Blvd., NW, for operating within 1,000 feet of several area schools.

    “I am concerned that you are in violation of federal laws, which are intended to protect children. To that end, the need to address this issue is serious,” Martin said.

    The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia wrote the letter in response to neighborhood concerns expressed to him from parents and other residents regarding the dispensary operating within 1,000 feet of several schools, including: Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, the River School, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School and Little Ivies preschool.

    “As you likely know, there are numerous federal laws governing and even prohibiting the distribution and possession of marijuana, including provisions of the Controlled Substances Act,” he said.

    “Your dispensary appears to be operating in violation of federal law, and the Department of Justice has the authority to enforce federal law even when such activities may be permitted under state or local law,” he said. “Persons and entities owning, operating, or facilitating such dispensaries (as well as premises grow centers) may be subject to criminal prosecution and civil enforcement actions under federal law.”

    In the letter, Martin asked three questions of the dispensary owners:

    • Are you aware of the federal laws related to marijuana dispensaries and their locations near schools?
    • Have you addressed these issues with federal law enforcement officials?
    • Can you produce documentation regarding your compliance with federal law?

    A copy of the letter can be found here.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hopkinsville Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Distributing Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah returned an indictment on March 11, 2025, charging a Hopkinsville, Kentucky man with distributing methamphetamine.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.

    According to the indictment, Tommy Powers, 41, was charged with two counts of distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine in Christian County, Kentucky on October 11, 2014, and October 15, 2024. 

    The defendant made his initial court appearance this week before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The Court ordered the defendant detained pending trial. If convicted, Powers faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case is being investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty Office, the ATF Bowling Green Field Office, and the Hopkinsville Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.

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

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Howe Residents Sentenced To Life In Prison For Crimes Relating To Sexual Abuse Of A Child

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Armondo Joseph Palma, age 23, and Brooklyn Elaine Wilson, age 28, of Howe, Oklahoma, were sentenced in federal district court for sexually abusing a child under the age of 12.

    On April 24, 2025, Palma was sentenced to life in prison for one count of Transportation of a Minor.

    On April 23, 2025, Wilson was sentenced to life in prison for four counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor and to 10 years in prison for one count of Possession of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.  The sentences were ordered to be served concurrently.

    The charges arose from an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations-Tornado Alley Child Exploitation and Trafficking Task Force, the District 16 Drugs and Violent Crime Task Force, the LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office, the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Carl Albert State College Campus Police.

    On November 12, 2024, Palma and Wilson pleaded guilty to the charges.  According to investigators, law enforcement became aware that Palma was sending images of a child being sexually assaulted to another person over the internet.  The ensuing investigation revealed that between November 2023 and March 2024, Wilson and Palma sexually abused a child under the age of 12, often recording or photographing their abuse.  On more than one occasion, Wilson and Palma transported the child across state lines, where the abuse continued.  During the course of the investigation, law enforcement also seized electronic images from the defendants’ cell phones depicting the sexual abuse and the sexual exploitation of additional children.

    The crimes occurred primarily in LeFlore County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    “These defendants routinely abused an innocent child, showing a complete lack of concern for the life-altering physical and emotional damage their sexually exploitative behavior would inflict,” said Travis Pickard, Special Agent in Charge for HSI North Texas and Oklahoma.  “The lengthy healing journey for this child’s unwarranted trauma can now begin with these child predators incarcerated for the rest of their lives.”

    “The sexual abuse the defendants perpetrated on the victim is sickening, and a prison cell is where they deserve to spend the remainder of their days,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.  “Seeking justice for victims is a priority of the Department, and I commend the exceptional investigative work of HSI’s Tornado Alley Child Exploitation and Trafficking Task Force and the other law enforcement agencies that assisted in this case.”

    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.justice.gov/psc.

    We encourage anyone who suspects or has information regarding child sexual exploitation, trafficking of minors, sextortion, child pornography, or any other means of child exploitation to immediately contact law enforcement.  You can file a report through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678 or online at www.cybertipline.com, through the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or through Homeland Security Investigations at 1-877-4-HSI TIP.

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings.  Palma and Wilson will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States at the sentencing hearings.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas City Man Sentenced to Five Years for Fentanyl Conspiracy

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

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

    Colt Justin Draggoo, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to five years in federal prison without parole.

    On September 12, 2024, C. Draggoo plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

    C. Draggoo admitted that he sold fentanyl pills and collected drug money for his brother and co-defendant, Tiger Dean Draggoo. Between December 29, 2021, and October 22, 2022, C. Draggoo either brokered or sold approximately 263 pills containing fentanyl on behalf of his brother.

    C. Draggoo is the third defendant in this case to be sentenced. On Oct. 16, 2024, Tiger Dean Draggoo plead guilty to his role in the fentanyl conspiracy and to three counts of distributing fentanyl resulting in death. Three additional defendants have plead guilty and await sentencing.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Belton, Mo., Police Department, the Raymore, Mo., Police Department, the Cass County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington, Missouri, Man Admits Recording Sexual Abuse of a Minor

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

    ST. LOUIS – A man from Washington, Missouri on Wednesday admitted recording his sexual activity with a 14-year-old.

    Todd Kelly, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography. He admitted making the recordings on his cell phone in June and July of 2023. The victim’s father contacted authorities after learning about the relationship in August of 2023.

    Kelly is scheduled to be sentenced July 28. The U.S. Attorney’s office will recommend a prison sentence of 25 years.

    The Warren County Sheriff’s Department, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Becker is prosecuting the case.

    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 Department of Justice Criminal Division’s 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 www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ten Defendants Plead Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Charges in Connection with Transnational Criminal Operation

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

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Ten individuals from Arizona, Ohio, Washington, and Mexico—including a member of the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) Cártel de Sinaloa and one person illegally residing in the United States—pleaded guilty in federal court this week to charges of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws in relation to an international drug trafficking organization (DTO), Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The defendants were among 35 individuals charged through a Second Superseding Indictment unsealed in January 2024 for their participation in a domestic and international narcotics and money laundering conspiracy involving substantial quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine (read the Second Superseding Indictment news release here).

    Pleading guilty this week before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan were:

    Plea Date

    Defendant

    Age

    Residence

    April 21

    		 Humberto Arredondo-Soto

    25

    		 Culiacan, Mexico

     

    		 Jaime Ledesma

    27

    		 Phoenix, Arizona

     

    		 Stephanie Ortiz

    26

    		 Avondale, Arizona

     

    		  

     

    		  

    April 22

    		 Samuel Aguirre

    23

    		 Phoenix, Arizona

     

    		 Jesus Lopez

    24

    		 Phoenix, Arizona

     

    		 Diego Monarrez

    23

    		 Phoenix, Arizona

     

    		 Adrian Lopez Rivera

    24

    		 Phoenix, Arizona

     

    		  

     

    		  

    April 23

    		 Donnell Collins

    29

    		 Cleveland, Ohio

     

    		 Luis Fentanes

    24

    		 Phoenix, Arizona

     

    		 Mohamed Kariye

    36

    		 Kent, Washington

    In connection with the guilty pleas, the Court was advised that, on various dates from in and around August 2021 to in and around June 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and/or methamphetamine. Specifically, Arredondo-Soto, Ledesma (who was residing in Phoenix illegally), Ortiz, Aguirre, Lopez, Rivera, and Monarrez each conspired to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, with all except Monarrez also having conspired to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Similarly, from in and around August 2021 to in and around March 2023, Collins and Fentanes conspired to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, with Collins also having possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on March 2, 2023, while Kariye conspired to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The defendants were intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that they distributed to others. Further, from in and around April 2022 to in and around March 2023, Aguirre conspired to commit money laundering, packaging drug proceeds and delivering large amounts of U.S. currency to couriers to smuggle into Mexico to pay for re-supplies of drugs.

    Arredondo-Soto, a Mexican national with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, was the source of supply for the DTO and was responsible for trafficking millions of fentanyl pills and hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine that the DTO distributed. Numerous military-grade firearms were trafficked into Mexico for Arredondo-Soto as payment from members of the DTO for the drugs. In coordination with Homeland Security Investigations, Arredondo-Soto was arrested in Mexico in November 2023 by Mexican law enforcement authorities and extradited to the United States in February 2024.

    Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencings for November 3-5, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both, or, for Kariye, not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of each defendant.

    With this week’s 10 guilty pleas, 19 of the 35 defendants charged in the Second Superseding Indictment have now pleaded guilty in the case, with six defendants having been sentenced thus far. Included among those sentencings is Mark Camacho, 26, of Phoenix, Arizona, who Judge Ranjan sentenced this week to 57 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Arnold P. Bernard Jr. and Tonya S. Goodman are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of the defendants. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition from Mexico of Arredondo-Soto.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, 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).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colombian National Extradited to Houston to Face Narco-Terrorism and International Cocaine Distribution Charges

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

    HOUSTON – A 45-year-old Colombian national will make his initial appearance in U.S. federal court on charges of narco-terrorism and distributing kilogram quantities of cocaine from Colombia, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Adrian Alberto Cano Gomez, an alleged member of the National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional aka ELN), was extradited from Colombia and is now in Houston. He will make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo April 25 at 2 p.m.

    The now unsealed indictment, returned March 23, 2023, alleges ELN is a Colombian guerrilla group officially designated as a foreign terrorist organization Oct. 8, 1997. It allegedly continues to operate as one of the largest narco-terrorism organizations in the world.

    Cano Gomez is charged with international cocaine distribution conspiracy. He is also charged with distribution of a controlled substance and knowing or intending to provide anything of pecuniary value to a person or organization that engages in terrorism or terrorist activity (narco-terrorism).

    “This is not a routine drug case, nor is the ELN the typical drug trafficking organization,” said Ganjei. “Rather, this terror group has used American communities to fund its violent activities and destroyed countless lives in the process. This extradition is a big step towards this office’s goal of dismantling the narcotics-to-terrorism pipeline, and a clear demonstration that no matter where you are, no matter who you are, you are not beyond the reach of the American justice system.”

    “The extradition of suspected narco-terrorists like Cano Gomez to the United States is another example of how FBI Houston’s reach extends beyond geographic borders,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI. “For years, Cano Gomez has allegedly been a liaison of international drug trafficking for the ELN-drugs that are smuggled into the United States and make their way onto our streets. His arrest and extradition are a giant step into disrupting the drug trafficking operations and mass violence carried out at the hands of his foreign terrorist organization.”

    “For over a decade, this ELN foreign terrorist organization allegedly profited off American communities by trafficking in cocaine and devastating countless lives,” said acting Special Agent in Charge William Kimbell of the Houston division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “Gomez, who is an alleged ELN member believed to have facilitated cocaine distribution from Colombia, is now on American soil to face justice.”

    According to the indictment, Cano Gomez and others were involved in an ongoing 16-year conspiracy to distribute cocaine from Colombia to the United States knowing or intending to provide pecuniary support to the ELN.

    In November 2021, Cano Gomez and others allegedly participated in distributing approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine in Colombia, knowing it would be imported into the United States.

    Colombian authorities took him into custody at the request of the United States in March 2024.

    The indictment remains sealed as to those charged but not as yet in custody.

    The Houston Field Offices of the FBI and DEA conducted the investigation with assistance of U.S. Marshals Service as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). FBI and DEA agents in Bogota provided substantial support as did the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) multi-agency Special Operations Division, including assigned attorneys from the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) and National Security Division, as well as the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division’s NDDS’ Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia, with the cooperation of Colombian authorities and international partners including the Colombian Army, Colombian National Police, National Prosecutor’s Office and Technical Body of Investigation.

    The operation, dubbed Operation Selva Roja, is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations 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 and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal Alaniz of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jasper County Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking in Newton County

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

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A Jasper man has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Jeremy O’Quinn Brown, 34, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 264 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 17, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, in October 2023, Brown was identified by law enforcement as a drug trafficker distributing large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana in Newton County. A search warrant was executed at Brown’s residence resulting in the discovery of methamphetamine; cocaine; $94,997 in U.S. currency; and two firearms.  Brown is believed to have been responsible for distributing 497.44 grams of “actual” methamphetamine.

    This case was investigated by the FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety, Jasper Police Department, Newton County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: San Antonio Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Cocaine Trafficking

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

    SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman was sentenced in federal court to 50 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kgs or more of cocaine.

    According to court documents, Gisselle Cabrera Rodriguez, 25, was pulled over by Bexar County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Feb. 6, 2024, for committing multiple traffic violations. A search of her vehicle resulted in the discovery of 1.2 kgs of cocaine located in the front passenger compartment. Two cell phones were also seized in the search. Rodriguez was arrested and a federal search warrant was executed on her residence, leading to the discovery of another 2.3 kgs of cocaine packaged in two bundles. Agents also located $45,700 in cash, which was determined to be proceeds from Rodriguez’s drug trafficking activity. Rodriguez also admitted to trafficking at least five kgs of cocaine per week during the five to six months leading up to her arrest.

    Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of a two-count indictment. In addition to the imprisonment, Rodriguez was ordered to forfeit the $45,700 located in the search warrant.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    The FBI investigated the case with valuable assistance from BCSO and the San Antonio Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fedock prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals-led Operation Triple Beam Targets Violent Criminals in Baltimore

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Baltimore, MD – The U.S. Marshals Service has concluded a high-impact fugitive apprehension initiative aimed at combating violent crime in Baltimore and the surrounding communities. The United States Marshals Service’s Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF), in close collaboration with the District of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department, and other task force partners launched Operation Triple Beam (OTB) in December 2024. OTB was a community-focused, strategic initiative focused on the reduction of violence and the disruption of organized criminal activity within Baltimore communities. The operation, which concluded on April 14th, resulted in the arrest of 318 fugitives, violent criminals, sex offenders and self-identified gang members.

    “Ensuring public safety is at the very heart of our mission and Operation Triple Beam is a great example of what the Marshals Service, together with its state and local law enforcement partners can achieve,” said District of Maryland’s United States Marshal Clinton J. Fuchs.  “Our community is safer today as a result of these efforts.”      

    From the months of December through April 14th, the U.S. Marshals Service used its broad arrest authority and network of task force partners to arrest individuals wanted on charges including 36 for homicide, 54 for attempted murder, 65 for robbery, 86 for assault, 20 for sexual offenses, and 20 for weapon offenses. Law enforcement officials closed 330 warrants during the operation and seized 88 firearms and 3.62 kilograms of narcotics. The operation also resulted in the arrest of 74 confirmed gang members.

    “The success of this operation is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when law enforcement agencies work together with a shared mission to arrests those responsible for violence in our city and making out communities safer,” said Police Commissioner Richard Worley. “I want to thank the U.S. Marshals, the men and women of the Baltimore Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners for their dedication and collaboration in targeting violent offenders. Reducing violent crime and protecting our residents requires a united effort and this operation reflects our unwavering commitment to that goal.”

    “These mass arrests demonstrate how relentless our federal, local, and state law-enforcement partners are with combating crime.  This show of force allows us to keep those who drive violence and other criminal activity out of our communities,” said Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. “We’re committed to working with our partners to keep our communities safe, so we’re holding accountable the bad actors who insist on breaking the law.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Defendants Sentenced for Violent Robbery of Hopkins Grocery Store

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. PAUL, Minn. – The fourth defendant in a Hobbs Act Robbery case has been sentenced to 34 months in federal prison for their role in an “inside job” armed robbery of a grocery and tobacco store, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, Darius Curtis Elam, 30, Ryan Michell Elam, 30, Katrice Rene Sanders, 32, and Kynesha Jhaunae Jones, 34, conspired together to rob the U.S. Grocery and Tobacco store in Hopkins, Minnesota. On February 15, 2024, Darius and Ryan Elam entered the store before 10:00 p.m., both armed with firearms. They bound three employees’ hands to their eyes with duct tape, demanded the code to the safe, and pistol-whipped the manager.

    According to court documents, the robbery was planned over a period of two weeks. Jones worked at the store and provided details about the store layout and how cash was handled. Sanders helped plan and owned the getaway vehicle used after the robbery. The robbery resulted in a $45,000 total loss to the store.

    Sanders was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court. Jones was previously sentenced to 32 months in prison; Darius Elam received a sentence of 112 months, and Ryan Elam was sentenced to 109 months. Each defendant pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, and all were sentenced by Judge Donovan W. Frank.

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Hopkins Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney William C. Mattessich prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Windham Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Federal Prison for Scheme to Defraud the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CONCORD – A Windham man was sentenced today in federal court in connection with his ownership of an international technology (IT) company that contracted with the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley (United Way) while being employed by United Way, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

    Imran Alrai, age 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 36 months in federal prison and 1 year of supervised release. Alrai was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2.3 million. In October 2024, Alrai was convicted by a federal jury of 12 counts of wire fraud and 6 counts of money laundering.

    “For six years, the defendant carried out a calculated and sophisticated scheme to steal millions from a non-profit dedicated to uplifting our most vulnerable communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “He exploited the organization’s trust, fabricating companies, employees, and invoices– all to line his own pockets at the expense of those the non-profit was meant to serve.”

    “The usual reward of nonprofit work is personal fulfillment, not financial enrichment,” said James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Imran Alrai, however, treated the United Way of Massachusetts and Merrimack Valley like his very own ATM, stealing millions of dollars and shortchanging their efforts and the community in the process. To anyone else engaged in a scheme like this, know that the FBI will work to shut you down and ensure you are held accountable for your actions.”

    “Alrai’s ploy to enrich himself with millions of dollars stolen from an organization focused on improving the lives of those in need ended today. He used his technical expertise to craft an elaborate fraud scheme that went undetected for years, allowing him to siphon millions to fulfill his own greed,” said Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “After today’s sentence, he’s finally facing the consequences of his crimes— a long term in federal prison.”

    Between 2012 and June 2018, Alrai, an IT professional at the United Way, obtained approximately $6.7 million in payments for IT services supposedly provided to United Way by an independent outside contractor, DigitalNet Technology Solutions, Inc. Alrai misrepresented material facts about DigitalNet and fraudulently concealed that he owned and controlled DigitalNet. Through DigitalNet, Alrai overcharged United Way for the services he provided.  In early 2013, Alrai rigged the bidding process for a major contract to provide managed IT services at the United Way so that DigitalNet was chosen. Alrai then gave fake references and false information about DigitalNet to United Way.

    For the next five years, while serving as United Way’s Vice President for IT Services, Alrai steered additional IT work to DigitalNet, so that his company soon became United Way’s second largest outside vendor, receiving more than $1 million annually. Alrai concealed his connection with DigitalNet from his colleagues. He routinely sent emails with attached invoices from a fictitious person to himself at United Way.

    After the fraud came to light, in June 2018, officials at the United Way confronted Alrai and terminated him. Federal agents executed search and seizure warrants and seized incriminating documents and data from Alrai’s home office in Windham, as well as approximately $2.2 million in fraud proceeds in bank and investment accounts.

    Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. The Internal Revenue Service provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles L. Rombeau and John J. Kennedy prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Grand Jury in Louisville Indicts 7 Foreign Nationals For Money Laundering and Firearms Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned a multi-count indictment on April 16, 2025, charging seven foreign nationals with money laundering related offenses and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.   

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Cincinnati Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge Quincy R. Barnett of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

    According to the indictment, Jose Malagon Castro, 49, a citizen of Mexico, operated three grocery stores in the Western District of Kentucky and offered, among other things, international money transmission services at each location. Yeimi Hernandez Barahona, 34, Kenia Hernandez Barahona, 35, Kelin Hernandez Barahona, 31, all citizens of Honduras, and Suri Rosmeri Hernandez Del Cid, 27, a citizen of Guatemala, were employed by Castro and conducted wire transfers as part of the money transmission service. Vanessa Avila Galaviz, 28, and Jose Martin Romero, 32, both citizens of Mexico, along with other individuals, were narcotics traffickers, who directed monetary wire transfers conducted at Castro’s stores to send drug proceeds to Mexico.

    The indictment alleges that between at least January 2020 and continuing until at least December 2024, all the named defendants engaged in a conspiracy to knowingly conduct, and attempt to conduct, millions of dollars’ worth of financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce, knowing that the transactions were designed in whole or in part to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the drug proceeds and to avoid federal and state reporting requirements for the transmission of those proceeds.

    The indictment further alleges between August 6, 2024, and August 30, 2024, all the named defendants, aided and abetted by each other and others, knowingly conducted financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce, which involved approximately $62,042 in proceeds from the sale and distribution of controlled substances knowing that the transactions were designed in whole and in part to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds of the drug trafficking and to avoid Federal and State reporting requirements for the transmission of those proceeds.

    The indictment further alleges that on April 23, 2024, Jose Malagon Castro, Kenia Hernandez Barahona, and Suri Rosmeri Hernandez Del Cid, aided and abetted by each other and others, knowingly conducted financial transactions, with undercover law enforcement agents acting as alleged narcotics traffickers, to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of property represented to be the proceeds of drug trafficking, and to promote the carrying on of the alleged drug trafficking, and to avoid a transaction reporting requirement under state and federal law.

    The indictment further alleges that, Jose Malagon Castro, possessed firearms on December 4, 2024, in Jefferson County, Kentucky, knowing he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. On that date he illegally possessed the following firearms: an Aguirre y Aranzabal (AYA), model 4/53, 12-gauge shotgun; a Marlin Firearms Company, model 336W, 30-30 rifle; a Henry Repeating Rifle Company, model H004GE Golden Eagle, .22lr rifle; a Maverick Arms, model 88, 12-gauge shotgun; a Colt, model King Cobra, .357 magnum revolver; a Smith & Wesson, model CSX, 9mm pistol; and ammunition.

    On April 24, 2025, defendants Jose Malagon Castro, Yeimi Hernandez Barahona, Kelin Hernandez Barahona, Suri Rosmeri Hernandez Del Cid, and Jose Martin Romero each made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Defendants Kenia Hernandez Barahona and Vanessa Avila Galaviz remain fugitives with outstanding warrants for their arrest.

    If convicted, Jose Malagon Castro faces a maximum sentence of 475 years in prison and Yeimi Hernandez Barahona, Kenia Hernandez Barahona, Kelin Hernandez Barahona, Suri Rosmeri Hernandez Del Cid, Vanessa Avila Galaviz, and Jose Martin Romero each face a maximum sentence of 460 years in prison. The United States is seeking forfeiture of $516,800.00 in United States Currency seized from Jose Malagon Castro. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case is being investigated by the IRS, ATF, DEA, HSI, FBI, and LMPD.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mac Shannon and Joseph Ansari are prosecuting this case.

    This investigation is a part of the IRS-CI’s Cincinnati Field Office’s Third Party Money Laundering (3PML) Project. This project focuses on Complicit Money Service Businesses (MSB) working for Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations. The purpose of this project is to develop high-impact 3PML cases for IRS-CI and other agencies across the United States, by utilizing data analytics.

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

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Statement on FBI’s Arrest of a Judge in Wisconsin 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    BURLINGTON, VT—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, issued the following statement in reaction to the FBI’s arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan, a Milwaukee county circuit court judge: 
    “The FBI cannot be allowed to arrest a judge because she won’t assist President Trump in carrying out his illegal deportation agenda. This is a gross violation of the power of the executive. President Trump is using the once-independent Justice Department to run roughshod over the Judiciary. Every one of my colleagues must stand up against this assault on the rule of law, and call this what it is: a constitutional crisis.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pressley Joins Warren, Massachusetts Lawmakers Sounding Alarm on Trump Cuts to National Endowment for the Humanities Staff, Grants

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    “We write to seek answers about why you are crippling an agency that punches so far above its weight and is essential to enabling access to libraries, museums, archives, historic sites and more for Massachusetts residents and Americans in every state.” 

    Lawmakers highlight Massachusetts impacts, including canceled projects which helped state capture and preserve history and culture, promote learning, make humanities more accessible

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) joins Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ed Markey (D-MA), along with Representatives Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Bill Keating (MA-09), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Richard Neal (MA-01), and Lori Trahan (MA-03), in sending a letter to Michael McDonald, Acting Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), regarding the impacts of recent staffing cuts and attempts to cancel grants in Massachusetts and across the country.

    During the week of April 1, 2025, following the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) recommendations, a majority of NEH staff were placed on administrative leave and hundreds of grants were canceled. In the following days, state humanities councils and other grant recipients received emails notifying them that their funding would be terminated immediately and that the Trump administration would be “repurposing its funding allocations in a new direction in furtherance of the president’s agenda.”

    “We write to seek answers about why you are crippling an agency that punches so far above its weight and is essential to enabling access to libraries, museums, archives, historic sites and more for Massachusetts residents and Americans in every state,” wrote the lawmakers.

    Congressionally appropriated NEH program funds directly benefit local communities. The NEH was founded by Congress in 1965 to “promote progress and scholarship in the humanities and the arts in the United States,” and the agency enables work in the humanities by funding libraries, museums, archives, historic sites, media outlets, research institutions, educators and independent scholars. These cuts will have devastating impacts on cultural institutions and scholarship in Massachusetts and across the country.

    The Trump administration’s actions put tremendous financial strain on researchers, universities, and institutions. According to one institution in Massachusetts, the termination notices sent to individual recipients of NEH grants included language that the individuals will remain “subject to audit.” Grant recipients now face concerns that they will have to repay their funds to NEH at an undetermined time.

    NEH-funded projects in Massachusetts — including research projects to better understand the impact of war on naval veterans and their families, projects to understand the role of historic textile mills in the American industrial revolution, and programs supporting museums’ efforts to digitize, archive, and modernize the products of Massachusetts art and culture — have enriched the state’s ability to capture and preserve history and culture, promote new knowledge and learning, and make the humanities more accessible.

    “These actions at NEH mark another instance of overreach by the Trump administration, causing more destruction and devastation to research institutions and scholars across the country, but providing little in savings,” wrote the lawmakers.

    A copy of the letter is available here.

    Congresswoman Pressley has been a leading voice in Congress speaking out against Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s unprecedented assault on our democracy and federal agencies, and she has been a steadfast advocate for protecting the essential services that federal workers and agencies provide.

    • On April 14, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined the Massachusetts delegation in sending a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy demanding answers on staff cuts to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a critical home energy program supporting vulnerable households.
    • On April 9, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined the Massachusetts delegation in sending a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding answers after the abrupt shuttering of the entire HHS Regional Office in Boston.
    • On April 9, 2025, Rep. Pressley led lawmakers in sending a letter to Trump’s trade official demanding he resign from holding multiple positions with clear conflicts of interest that would further harm federal workers.
    • On March 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming Trump’s executive order to end collective bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of federal employees.
    • On March 21, 2025, Rep. Pressley led Massachusetts lawmakers in a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sharply criticizing and demanding answers about the impact of the Musk-Trump Administration’s mass firings of federal workers in Massachusetts.
    • On March 11, 2025, Rep. Pressley spoke out against the U.S. Department of Education’s mass layoffs of over 1,300 workers, which effectively guts the agency.
    • On March 11, 2025, Rep. Pressley voted against Republicans’ shameful government budget bill, which would harm vulnerable families and provide a blank check for Elon Musk and Donald Trump to continue their unprecedented assault on our democracy. She later issued a statement condemning its final passage in the Senate.
    • On March 11, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined 13 of her colleagues on a letter to the Department of Homeland Security demanding answers and the immediate release of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, whose illegal abduction is an attack on his constitutional right to free speech and due process.
    • On March 4, 2025, Rep. Pressley walked out of the House chamber in protest during Donald Trump’s presidential joint address to Congress.
    • On March 4, 2025, Rep. Pressley welcomed Claire Bergstresser, an Everett constituent, dedicated public servant, AFGE union member, and former HUD worker who was unjustly terminated as part of Musk and Trump’s assault on federal agencies as her guest to the presidential joint address to Congress.
    • On February 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley led 85 lawmakers in a letter urging the Office of Special Counsel to immediate reinstate and expand protections for all unfairly fired federal workers.
    • On February 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined over 200 Democrats in filing an amicus brief defending the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau before a U.S. District Court.
    • On February 26, 2025, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley discussed what true government efficiency looks like and denounced Elon Musk and Donald Trump for utilizing DOGE to gut the essential services that keep people safe, fed, and housed.
    • On February 25, 2025, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley condemned Elon Musk’s abuse of government efficiency through the fraudulent Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
    • On February 25, 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she railed against Republicans’ cruel budget resolution that would slash Medicaid by nearly $1 trillion.
    • On February 20, 2025, Rep. Pressley and her Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs issued a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
    • On February 13, 2025, in a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley emphasized the critical role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in safeguarding consumers and sharply criticized Donald Trump and Elon Musk for halting the critical work of the agency.
    • On February 10, 2025, Rep. Pressley rallied with Senator Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member Maxine Waters, and advocates to protest Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s unlawful takeover of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
    • On February 11, 2025, in a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley criticized the Trump-Musk administration for halting the critical work of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) with crypto scams on the rise.
    • On February 10, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming the Trump Administration’s harmful cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding to support hospitals, universities, and research institutions conducting lifesaving research.
    • On February 10, 2025, as Trump and Musk threaten to dismantle the essential work of the U.S. Department of Education, Rep.  Pressley delivered a powerful floor speech to affirm the role of public education in American democracy.
    • On February 6, 2025, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful rebuke of Republicans’ efforts to gut diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and eliminate essential services for vulnerable communities.
    • On February 5, 2025, Rep. Pressley rallied outside the U.S. Department of Treasury to protest Elon Musk’s unlawful assault on federal agencies and our democracy.
    • On January 30, 2025, Rep. Pressley slammed Donald Trump for blaming the tragic plane crash at Reagan National Airport, which killed over 60 people, including some families from Massachusetts, on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
    • In January 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming Trump’s illegal freeze on federal grants and loans and its harmful impact on vulnerable communities.
    • On January 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned floor speech condemning Republicans’ cruel anti-abortion bill that criminalizes providers and denies families care.
    • On January 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues to reintroduce the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, a bill to repeal an outdated law that has been used to target innocent immigrants without due process rights.
    • On January 22, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s harmful executive actions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Corrects Past Administration’s Manipulation of Legal System that Sought to Force States to Provide Surgery to Transgender Inmates

    Source: US State of California

    In a pair of filings today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, the Justice Department undid the past administration’s abuse of the legal system that pushed an agenda driven by politics, not law. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division withdrew an incorrect statement of interest in one case and submitted a new statement of interest in a separate case brought by inmates seeking to force the state to provide — and taxpayers to fund — dangerous, elective surgery as treatment for inmates’ gender dysphoria claims. The Justice Department’s new filings lay bare the past administration’s manipulation of supposed medical guidelines to try to create an inmate’s right to optional surgeries where no such entitlement exists.

    “The prior administration’s arguments in transgender inmate cases were based on junk science. There has never been an Eighth Amendment right for inmates to demand elective and experimental surgeries. States’ limited resources need not be wasted to provide these dubious surgeries to inmates,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The prior administration’s nonsensical reading of the Americans with Disabilities Act was an affront to the very people the statute intended to protect”

    In both Fuller v. Georgia Dep’t. of Corrections and Doe v. Fuller v. Georgia Dep’t. of Corrections, the plaintiffs sought sexual reassignment surgeries at state expense. The prior administration portrayed such claims as necessary medical care for gender dysphoria under the ADA. That portrayal was based on guidelines that were political motivated and based on junk science. The administration has now corrected the record by removing the statement that was filed in Doe and filing a new statement in Fuller that correctly explains the extent of the ADA and the Eighth Amendment.

    For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. Complaints about discriminatory practices may be reported to the Civil Rights Division through its internet reporting portal at civilrights.justice.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Corrects Past Administration’s Manipulation of Legal System that Sought to Force States to Provide Surgery to Transgender Inmates

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    In a pair of filings today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, the Justice Department undid the past administration’s abuse of the legal system that pushed an agenda driven by politics, not law. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division withdrew an incorrect statement of interest in one case and submitted a new statement of interest in a separate case brought by inmates seeking to force the state to provide — and taxpayers to fund — dangerous, elective surgery as treatment for inmates’ gender dysphoria claims. The Justice Department’s new filings lay bare the past administration’s manipulation of supposed medical guidelines to try to create an inmate’s right to optional surgeries where no such entitlement exists.

    “The prior administration’s arguments in transgender inmate cases were based on junk science. There has never been an Eighth Amendment right for inmates to demand elective and experimental surgeries. States’ limited resources need not be wasted to provide these dubious surgeries to inmates,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The prior administration’s nonsensical reading of the Americans with Disabilities Act was an affront to the very people the statute intended to protect”

    In both Fuller v. Georgia Dep’t. of Corrections and Doe v. Fuller v. Georgia Dep’t. of Corrections, the plaintiffs sought sexual reassignment surgeries at state expense. The prior administration portrayed such claims as necessary medical care for gender dysphoria under the ADA. That portrayal was based on guidelines that were political motivated and based on junk science. The administration has now corrected the record by removing the statement that was filed in Doe and filing a new statement in Fuller that correctly explains the extent of the ADA and the Eighth Amendment.

    For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. Complaints about discriminatory practices may be reported to the Civil Rights Division through its internet reporting portal at civilrights.justice.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Foreign National Arrested for Making False Statement During Attempted Firearms Purchases

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paducah, KY – A federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant was issued this week charging an illegal alien with making false statements during multiple attempts to purchase firearms as well as falsely claiming to be a U.S. Citizen.  

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville, made the announcement.

    According to the complaint, Ulises Macario Gonzaga-Guillen, age 32, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with making multiple false statements during attempts to purchase firearms from licensed dealers between January 15 and February 16, 2025, in McCracken and Marshall Counties, Kentucky. Gonzaga-Guillen, during one of the attempted purchases, also falsely claimed to be a U.S. Citizen. Gonzaga-Guillen was not able to successfully purchase a firearm from any of the firearm dealers involved.  

    This case is being investigated by the ATF Paducah Satellite Office and the HSI Paducah Office.

    The defendant was taken into federal custody this week and will make his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky on April 28, 2025. If convicted on the charges in the complaint, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 43 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.

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

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 5 Defendants Arrested on Complaints Alleging They Submitted Fraudulent Claims Seeking FEMA Funds for Wildfire Disaster Relief

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Five defendants have been arrested on federal criminal complaints alleging they fraudulently obtained federal disaster-relief funds by falsely claiming their properties were damaged in the wildfires that struck Los Angeles County in January 2025, the Justice Department announced today.

    The allegedly false claims were made in the wake of the Eaton and Palisades fires that started on January 7. Together, the wildfires burned nearly 60,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures, and resulted in the deaths of 30 people. As a result, the President approved a Major Disaster Declaration, which prompted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop a program to provide financial assistance to fire victims.

    Victims of the Eaton and Palisades fires, including renters who lost their residences, could qualify for a one-time payment of $750 noted as a FEMA relief payment, $43,600 for other needs assistance (personal property, transportation, medical, etc.), and housing assistance for up to 18 months at varying rates. Homeowners are also potentially eligible for additional relief up to $43,600 for home repair.

    Each defendant listed below – four of whom were arrested on Thursday; one of whom was in state custody in Arizona on Wednesday – is charged with fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.

    • United States v. Hogan

    Deanniah Hogan, 32, of Compton, on January 26 allegedly submitted a false claim for federal disaster assistance related to the Palisades Fire, listing an address in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles as the purportedly damaged dwelling in which she claimed to live and rent. After approving the application, FEMA sent a total of approximately $17,351 to Hogan, including for personal property damage and displacement assistance.

    The actual Pacific Palisades homeowner – and resident who lost the property in the fire – later confirmed to law enforcement that the property was not being rented out at that time.

    Hogan was arrested and made her initial appearance Thursday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. A federal magistrate judge ordered her released on $10,000 bond. Her arraignment is scheduled for May 20.

    Assistant United States Attorney Solomon Kim of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.

    • United States v. Johnson

    Delvonne Dashon Johnson, 31, of the East Hollywood area of Los Angeles, on February 4 allegedly submitted a fraudulent claim for FEMA benefits related to the Palisades Fire, listing an address in Pacific Palisades as his purported dwelling that he owned. Later in February 2025, FEMA sent Johnson a total of approximately $64,138 in federal disaster relief.

    On April 2, law enforcement interviewed the property’s actual owner, who stated she had lived at that residence since 2015, that it was her primary residence, and she was living there at the time of the Palisades Fire. She also said she never rented the property out to anyone and did not know Johnson. She further said when she submitted a disaster assistance application to advise authorities that her house had been destroyed, FEMA notified her that someone already filed such a claim on her property’s behalf.

    Johnson was arrested Thursday and is scheduled to make his initial appearance this afternoon in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

    Assistant United States Attorney Steven M. Arkow of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.

    • United States v. Lowe

    Keandre Lowe, 21, of Long Beach, on January 22 allegedly submitted a fraudulent claim for FEMA benefits, claiming that he rented an Altadena property that was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. By February 13, FEMA had submitted approximately $28,286 in disaster relief to Lowe. 

    The actual property owner later confirmed to law enforcement that they were residing in the home at the time and since 2007 had not rented the property out to anyone.

    Lowe was arrested and made his initial appearance Thursday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. A federal magistrate judge ordered him released on $10,000 bond. Lowe’s arraignment is scheduled for May 27.

    Assistant United States Attorney Steven M. Arkow of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.

    • United States v. McIntre

    Zenalyn McIntre, 38, of Sherman Oaks, on January 20 allegedly submitted a false claim for federal disaster relief by claiming that she was a renter of a residence in Pacific Palisades that was destroyed in the Palisades Fire. Eight days later, she submitted additional documents online to FEMA, including her California driver’s license – which listed a Sherman Oaks address – and a natural gas utility bill that appeared to be fake.

    Based on her false claim, FEMA distributed approximately $25,229 in disaster-relief funds to McIntre.

    McIntre was arrested Thursday and is scheduled to make her initial appearance this afternoon in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.

    Assistant United States Attorney Sarah S. Lee of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.

    • United States v. Woods

    Katrina Woods, 33, of Maricopa, Arizona, on January 30 allegedly submitted a fraudulent claim for disaster assistance, listing a nonexistent Altadena address as her primary residence that purportedly was destroyed in the Eaton Fire.

    FEMA eventually disbursed approximately $23,441 in disaster relief to Woods, who also made reservations through FEMA to stay at two hotels – one in downtown Los Angeles, the other in Hawthorne – during February and March of 2025 paid for by FEMA. On March 10, FEMA discontinued lodging for Woods at the hotel in downtown Los Angeles where she was staying.

    Woods has been in state custody in Arizona since Wednesday on an unrelated matter and is expected to make her initial appearance in federal court in the coming weeks.

    Assistant United States Attorney Steven M. Arkow of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.

    Complaints contain allegations of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

    One defendant arrested last month, Hedeshia Robertson, 36, of Lakewood, is scheduled to plead guilty on May 2 to one count of fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits. Robertson admitted in her plea agreement that she filed a fraudulent application for FEMA benefits on January 28, seeking disaster relief for a Pacific Palisades property that she neither owned nor rented. As a result of her fraudulent application, Robertson fraudulently obtained approximately $24,899 in FEMA benefits.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Paetty and Roger Hsieh of the Major Frauds Section are prosecuting this case.

    Another defendant, Jaime Arturo Carrillo, 48, of South Los Angeles, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits. On January 13, Carrillo falsely stated to FEMA on an application for wildfire-relief benefits that he rented property in South Los Angeles – approximately 20 miles from the Palisades and Eaton fires – and had suffered personal property damage and a disruption in his utilities. Carrillo was not renting at the South Los Angeles residence.

    As a result of Carrillo’s false statements, FEMA authorized him to receive transitional sheltering assistance. Using these benefits, Carrillo received free lodging for 13 nights at two Los Angeles County hotels, with a total cost of approximately $2,173. Carrillo also charged approximately $107 to the room paid for by FEMA at an El Segundo hotel for food and incidental costs.

    Carrillo’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 11.

    Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth S.P. Douglas of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.

    The cases announced today were investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency task force that includes federal and state investigators who are focused on financial crimes in Southern California, including the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG).

    To report fraud related to FEMA disaster-relief public assistance, please contact the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) hotline at (800) 323-8603. The HSI tip line may be contacted at (866) 347-2423.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, Marton

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can now release the name of the woman who died in a crash on State Highway 1, Marton on 26 March.

    She was 24-year-old My Marie Harder Clemensen, from Khandallah, Wellington.

    Police send our condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Californians Report Over $2.5 Billion in Losses According to IC3 Annual Report

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

    LOS ANGELES—The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has released its latest annual report. The 2024 Internet Crime Report combines information from 859,532 complaints of suspected Internet crime and details reported losses exceeding $16 billion – a 33% increase in losses from 2023.

    According to the 2024 report, California ranked #1 out of all states in the number of complaints received by the public. Moreover, California residents 60 and over, suffered the most losses at over $800 million and submitted the greatest number of complaints.

    The top three cybercrimes in California, by number of complaints reported by victims in 2024 were: Cryptocurrency Fraud, Extortion, and Phishing/Spoofing.

    “This report is a sobering reminder that we in California, especially our seniors, remain prime targets for scammers who will jump at every opportunity to defraud potential victims” said Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “It’s important for the public to remain vigilant to guard against ever-increasing cyber threats. At home, practicing good cyber hygiene is an effective way to create a safer online environment for you and your family. If anyone suspects they or someone they know may be a victim of fraud, we encourage them to report it to the FBI by calling our Los Angeles Field Office at 310-477-6565, online at tips.fbi.gov and submitting a report to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.”

    To promote public awareness, the IC3 produces an annual report to aggregate and highlight the data provided by the general public. The quality of the data is a direct reflection of the information the public provides through the IC3 website. The IC3 standardizes the data by categorizing each complaint and analyzes the data to identify and forecast trends in Internet crime. The annual report helps the FBI develop effective relationships with industry partners and share information for investigative and intelligence purposes for law enforcement and public awareness.

    The IC3, which was established in May 2000, houses nine million complaints from the public in its database and continues to encourage anyone who thinks they’ve been the victim of a cyber-enabled crime, regardless of dollar loss, to file a complaint through the IC3 website. The more comprehensive complaints the FBI receives, the more effective it will be in helping law enforcement gain a more accurate picture of the extent and nature of Internet-facilitated crimes.

    The FBI recommends that everyone frequently review consumer and industry alerts published by the IC3. If you or your business is a victim of an Internet crime, immediately notify all financial institutions involved in the relevant transactions, submit a complaint to www.ic3.gov, contact your nearest FBI field office, and contact local law enforcement.

    Learn more about the history of IC3 by listening to this previously released podcast: FBI podcast episode “Inside the FBI: IC3 Turns 20.”

    The full 2024 Internet Crime Report can be found here: https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdf

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Representatives of the State University of Management became winners of the federal competition “Leaders of Law”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The results of the VIII federal scientific and educational competition of draft laws among young lawyers “Leaders of Law” have been summed up; representatives of the State University of Management won.

    Over the course of six months and three stages, 50 teams from Moscow, Saratov, Penza, Altai Krai, Nizhny Novgorod, Veliky Novgorod and other regions competed for the title of best legislator. The works were assessed by a strict and competent jury of active judges, prosecutors, justice generals and other highly qualified specialists.

    The team of the State University of Education “AzBukiVedi”, headed by the 4th year student of the “Jurisprudence” program Karina Meshcheryakova, presented a draft law on the legal regulation of spiritual and moral security and protection of the Russian language, and in a difficult fight became the winner! The team also included Varvara Yupatova.

    Karina Meshcheryakova received a well-deserved winner’s diploma, a certificate from the deputy of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg Lyubov Mendeleyeva and was awarded a valuable gift.

    In addition, the scientific supervisor of our legislators – candidate of legal sciences, associate professor, associate professor of the Department of Private Law Svetlana Titor was recognized as the winner in the nomination “Mentor in Law”.

    But that’s not all! The organizers of the “Leader of Law” competition invited the winners to take part in the XIII St. Petersburg International Legal Forum (youth section), which will be held from May 19 to 21, where our team will be able to present their draft law.

    The competition was organized by the Interregional Public Organization of Graduates “Association of Graduates of SYU-SGAP-SGUA” together with the Saratov State Law Academy and the Association of Lawyers of Russia.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/25/2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Owhata

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Owhata overnight.

    The two-vehicle crash on the corner of Te Ngae Road and Tennyson Drive was reported at about 9:10pm.

    One person died at the scene. A second person received serious injuries.

    Police would like to speak with anybody who witnessed the crash. This includes any dashcam or CCTV footage around the area.

    If you have any information, please contact Police via 105, either online or over the phone.

    Please reference file number 250426/9296.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Visa and Marriage Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendants allegedly facilitated numerous sham marriages.

    Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has charged four individuals, Ella Zuran, 65, Tatiana Sigal, 74, and Alexandra Tkach, 41, all from New York City, New York — along with Shawnta Hopper, 33, of Sicklerville, New Jersey — with conspiracy to commit visa and marriage fraud.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore, and Field Office Director Elizabeth Grant, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Baltimore Field Office.

    “The defendants’ greed led them to concoct an illegal-marriage scheme that compromises the integrity of our immigration system,” Hayes said.  “This indictment sends a clear message: the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue and hold accountable those who try to exploit our immigration system through fraud and deception.”

    “Marriage fraud is not a victimless crime — it compromises the integrity of our immigration system, diverts critical resources, and erodes public trust in a process that countless individuals follow legally and in good faith,” McCarthy said. “These arrests mark a critical milestone in our broader effort to dismantle a criminal network that has sought to undermine our nation’s immigration laws. HSI remains committed to safeguarding the lawful immigration process and holding accountable those who seek to exploit it.”

    “Some marriages are made in heaven. Some are just made up,” said USCIS Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser. “Our work with ICE crushed a marriage fraud ring where U.S. citizens were paid to marry aliens. Under Secretary Noem, fraudsters are walking out in handcuffs. Buying a spouse doesn’t make you a citizen.” 

    According to the indictment, the defendants induced United States citizens, residing in Maryland and elsewhere, to enter sham marriages with aliens living in the U.S. in exchange for payment. The defendants paired U.S. citizens with aliens seeking immigration benefits that the non-citizens were not entitled to, including permanent residency in the United States. The defendants then allegedly arranged for the preparation of false documentation to submit to USCIS and received money in exchange for arranging the fraudulent marriages.  

    If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in federal prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force and USCIS’s Fraud Detection and National Security Unit – Baltimore for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Spencer Todd and Michael Aubin who are prosecuting the case.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –