NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Whitehouse Seek Answers & Return of Maryland Father Wrongfully Deported to El Salvador

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Justice admitted the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia — a father who was living legally in the United States under protected status — was an “administrative error.”  Mr. Garcia, 29, who fled El Salavador in 2006 and migrated to the U.S. in 2011, is married with a five-year old child and two step children who are all U.S. citizens.  According to USA Today: After finishing a shift working as a sheet metal apprentice and picking up his son from his grandmother’s house, Mr. Garcia was pulled over by ICE officers in several vehicles and erroneously told that his status had changed.  He was handcuffed and placed in an ICE vehicle and eventually sent to an out of state detention facility before being flown out of the country to a notorious prison in El Salvador known as the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT).
    In 2019, an immigration judge granted Mr. Garcia protection from deportation on the grounds that he might be at risk of persecution from local gangs in his home country.  ICE officials under the Trump Administration in 2019 did not object to the judge’s ruling.
    Last week, Justice Department lawyer Erez Reuveni told a federal judge that Mr. Garcia “should not have been removed.”  The judge agreed and wrote a scathing opinion finding that the Trump Administration’s actions “shocks the conscience” and that the government had acted “without any lawful authority” and was holding Mr. Garcia in “direct contravention” of U.S. law.  The judge ordered the U.S. to return Mr. Garcia to the United States.  However, the Trump Administration contended Mr. Garcia could not be returned to the U.S. because he is in Salvadoran custody and U.S. courts have no jurisdiction there, even though the U.S. is reportedly paying the El Salvadoran government $6 million to house deportees from the United States.  Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the Trump Administration’s request to temporarily block a lower court order.
    Today, 25 U.S. Senators, including Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) wrote to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Tedd Lyons urging them to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States. 
    In their letter, the Senators call on the Trump Administration to comply with the lower court order requiring that they facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return and ask for responses to a series of questions regarding ICE’s enforcement policies that may have led to this grave error – and what measures they will take to ensure such an incident does not occur again.
    “We write to express our concerns regarding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, an action which the Administration admitted in a recent court filing was an “administrative error.” It is unacceptable that anyone would be deported without proper due process, especially where an immigration judge has granted the individual protected status that explicitly prohibits his return to El Salvador. We demand that the Administration bring Mr. Abrego Garcia home immediately,” the 25 U.S. Senators wrote.
    “Per court filings, Mr. Abrego Garcia came to the United States in 2011 as a teenager fleeing gang threats in his home country of El Salvador. In 2019, ICE arrested Mr. Abrego Garcia over an unfounded and anonymous allegation that he was involved with MS-13, which placed him in deportation proceedings. The U.S. immigration judge in the case ultimately found that it was in fact Mr. Abrego Garcia who was at risk of being the victim of gang violence,” the Senators continued. “This ruling was made under the Trump Administration in 2019 and was in fact required by law under section 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act once the immigration judge made the factual determination that Mr. Abrego Garcia faced a likelihood of torture in El Salvador. At the time, the Trump Administration made no effort to appeal the judge’s ruling or pursue Mr. Abrego Garcia’s deportation further. Court filings attest that Mr. Abrego Garcia has complied with regular ICE check-ins, has no criminal charges, and has had no contact with any other law-enforcement agency since his release in 2019.
    “Mr. Abrego Garcia is currently being held at CECOT, a maximum-security prison in El Salvador notorious for human rights abuses, after being deported in violation of the law to the very country where his return was impermissible,” they noted. “And when the Administration makes a mistake as severe as sending an individual with protected status to a foreign prison, it cannot simply shrug off responsibility and allege that there is nothing it can do to reunite him with his wife and child, who are American citizens.
    “On Friday, a U.S. District Court judge in the District of Maryland ordered the government to return Mr. Abrego Garcia to the United States, and on Monday the Fourth Circuit denied the government’s motion to stay the order. The Administration should promptly comply with the district court’s order,” the Senators urged.
    In addition to Van Hollen, Reed, and Whitehouse, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators: Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    The Senators closed the letter with a series of questions to Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons:
    The standard and legal course for the government to take to deport someone with protected status would be to reopen the case, introduce evidence that grounds for terminating the protected status exist, and then allow an immigration judge to make a determination as to their status. Why was that course of action not taken in this case?  
    In the past, DHS and ICE worked to quickly return people to the U.S. who were erroneously deported. Why is DHS and ICE no longer following these well-established procedures and practices?   
    Vice President J.D. Vance and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have both claimed that Mr. Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang member, but the government was unable or unwilling to provide any evidence to substantiate that claim to the court. Please provide any evidence of Mr. Abrego Garcia’s membership in MS-13.
    Given that the Administration is reportedly paying $6 million to El Salvador to detain deported immigrants at CECOT, why does it believe that there is nothing it can do to return Mr. Abrego Garcia to his family in the United States? Please provide a copy of the agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador on the detention of people deported from the U.S. in CECOT.
    Are there any other cases that the Administration is aware of in which an immigrant with protected status was illegally deported without due process? If so, identify those cases and explain what, if anything the government is doing to rectify those errors. 
    Will the Administration commit to reviewing all of the cases of its deportees to ensure that it has appropriately identified all of the errors? 
    What actions will the Administration take in the future to ensure that immigrants with protected status are afforded their appropriate due process? 
    Full text of the letter follows:
    Dear Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons,?? 
    We write to express our concerns regarding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, an action which the Administration admitted in a recent court filing was an “administrative error.” It is unacceptable that anyone would be deported without proper due process, especially where an immigration judge has granted the individual protected status that explicitly prohibits his return to El Salvador. We demand that the Administration bring Mr. Abrego Garcia home immediately.  
    According to court filings, on March 12, 2025, shortly after Mr. Abrego Garcia had picked up his son from the boy’s grandmother’s house, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stopped Mr. Abrego Garcia, inaccurately telling him that his protected status had changed. After giving his wife a few minutes to arrive to take custody of his son, ICE arrested and detained him without any further explanation as to the reason for his arrest. ICE then transferred Mr. Abrego Garcia and other detainees to Texas, where on March 15, 2025, they were loaded onto planes and deported to El Salvador. Mr. Abrego Garcia was reportedly on the only plane that was not sent under the authority of the Alien Enemies Act but instead was transporting migrants with formal removal orders signed by a judge. This occurred despite the fact that ICE knew, as the Administration conceded in court, that his protected legal status specifically prohibited his removal to El Salvador.  
    Per court filings, Mr. Abrego Garcia came to the United States in 2011 as a teenager fleeing gang threats in his home country of El Salvador. In 2019, ICE arrested Mr. Abrego Garcia over an unfounded and anonymous allegation that he was involved with MS-13, which placed him in deportation proceedings. The U.S. immigration judge in the case ultimately found that it was in fact Mr. Abrego Garcia who was at risk of being the victim of gang violence. The judge found that Mr. Abrego Garcia and his relatives credibly testified that gang members had been trying to extort his family and recruit him and his brother to join the gang, forcing his family to move multiple times, ultimately compelling both him and his brother to flee to the United States out of fear.  
    The immigration judge agreed that Mr. Abrego Garcia would likely face persecution if deported back to El Salvador and thus granted him a form of legally mandated protection known as “withholding of removal.” Withholding of removal, which may only be granted by an immigration judge, provided Mr. Abrego Garcia the ability to stay and work in the United States despite being the subject of a deportation order. This ruling was made under the Trump Administration in 2019 and was in fact required by law under section 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act once the immigration judge made the factual determination that Mr. Abrego Garcia faced a likelihood of torture in El Salvador. At the time, the Trump Administration made no effort to appeal the judge’s ruling or pursue Mr. Abrego Garcia’s deportation further. Court filings attest that Mr. Abrego Garcia has complied with regular ICE check-ins, has no criminal charges, and has had no contact with any other law-enforcement agency since his release in 2019.  
    Mr. Abrego Garcia is currently being held at CECOT, a maximum-security prison in El Salvador notorious for human rights abuses, after being deported in violation of the law to the very country where his return was impermissible. Though the Administration has admitted in court that his deportation was a mistake, it alleges that there is nothing it can do to address this injustice, given that Mr. Abrego Garcia is now in the jurisdiction of the government of El Salvador as part of an agreement to imprison U.S. deportees in exchange for financial compensation.  
    Your unwillingness to immediately rectify this “administrative error” is unacceptable. Under multiple Democratic and Republican administrations, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE followed the rule of law and worked to quickly return people who were wrongfully deported, in the rare instances where such “administrative errors” occurred. The Administration’s mass deportation agenda does not transcend immigration law or the need for due process. And when the Administration makes a mistake as severe as sending an individual with protected status to a foreign prison, it cannot simply shrug off responsibility and allege that there is nothing it can do to reunite him with his wife and child, who are American citizens. On Friday, a U.S. District Court judge in the District of Maryland ordered the government to return Mr. Abrego Garcia to the United States, and on Monday the Fourth Circuit denied the government’s motion to stay the order. The Administration should promptly comply with the district court’s order.
    To address our concerns about this matter and to provide clarity on the Department of Homeland Security and ICE’s policy regarding the immigration enforcement actions against immigrants with protected status, we ask that your Administration answer the following questions by April 22, 2025: 
    The standard and legal course for the government to take to deport someone with protected status would be to reopen the case, introduce evidence that grounds for terminating the protected status exist, and then allow an immigration judge to make a determination as to their status. Why was that course of action not taken in this case?  
    In the past, DHS and ICE worked to quickly return people to the U.S. who were erroneously deported. Why is DHS and ICE no longer following these well-established procedures and practices?   
    Vice President J.D. Vance and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have both claimed that Mr. Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang member, but the government was unable or unwilling to provide any evidence to substantiate that claim to the court. Please provide any evidence of Mr. Abrego Garcia’s membership in MS-13.
    Given that the Administration is reportedly paying $6 million to El Salvador to detain deported immigrants at CECOT, why does it believe that there is nothing it can do to return Mr. Abrego Garcia to his family in the United States? Please provide a copy of the agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador on the detention of people deported from the U.S. in CECOT.
    Are there any other cases that the Administration is aware of in which an immigrant with protected status was illegally deported without due process? If so, identify those cases and explain what, if anything the government is doing to rectify those errors. 
    Will the Administration commit to reviewing all of the cases of its deportees to ensure that it has appropriately identified all of the errors? 
    What actions will the Administration take in the future to ensure that immigrants with protected status are afforded their appropriate due process? 
    We appreciate your prompt attention to this vital matter and look forward to reviewing your fulsome, timely response. 
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Whitehouse Seek to Raise Federal Minimum Wage to $17 by 2030

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – The last time the federal minimum wage was raised it was July of 2009 – Barack Obama had just been elected president, iPads hadn’t come out yet, and the world was experiencing a global recession.  Since then, corporate profits have risen as has the costs of goods, but the federal minimum wage — which is supposed to ensure workers can afford the basic necessities — remains stuck at $7.25 an hour.
    U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are looking to ensure American workers can earn a living wage, drive economic growth, and reduce income inequality by raising the minimum wage to $17 by 2030 for all workers and gradually raise the minimum wage for tipped workers, workers with disabilities, and youth workers.
    Today, Reed and Whitehouse teamed up with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), to introduce the Raise the Wage Act.  This bill would incrementally raise the federal minimum wage to $17 an hour by 2030, benefiting an estimated 64,000 Rhode Islanders.  
    Rhode Island is among 30 states and the District of Columbia that have enacted higher wage floors.  Currently, the minimum wage in Rhode Island is $15 an hour.  Servers in the restaurant industry and other hospitality workers who derive a large portion of income from tips have had their hourly wages capped at $3.89 since 2017.
    Last year, nearly one in four workers in the U.S. made less than $17 per hour. The Raise the Wage will raise the federal minimum wage to $17 over five years, eliminate the tipped subminimum wage over seven years, eliminate the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities over five years, and eliminate the subminimum wage for youth workers over seven years. According to analysis by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), passing the Raise the Wage Act of 2025 would provide raises to over 22.2 million workers across the country by 2030.
    If the federal minimum wage had increased with worker productivity over the last 57 years, it would be over $23 an hour today, not $7.25 an hour, which translates to a full-time salary of about $15,000 per year.
    “The $7.25 an hour minimum wage is a starvation wage. It must be raised to a living wage – at least $17 an hour,” Senator Sanders said. “In the year 2025, a job should lift you out of poverty, not keep you in it. At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, we can no longer tolerate millions of workers trying to survive on just $10 or $12 an hour. Congress can no longer ignore the needs of the working class of this country. The time to act is now.”
    “The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 for too long.  No one in today’s economy can make ends meet working for such meager pay.  Rhode Islanders deserve a raise and workers deserve to be fairly compensated.  Right now, those making minimum wage can’t afford housing, food, and transportation so taxpayers end up subsidizing employers that pay so little.  When all businesses have to operate on a level playing field with fair pay it helps prevent costly turnover and re-training of workers.  The Raise the Wage Act would help strengthen families, businesses, and our economy,” said Senator Reed.
    “As rising costs squeeze families across Rhode Island, it’s well past time to increase the federal minimum wage,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “Our legislation will help more Americans get a foothold in the middle class by paying them a livable wage.”
    Today, the value of the current federal minimum wage – $7.25 per hour – is the lowest it has been since 1956 and has declined by over 32 percent since it was last increased in 2009. While approximately four million tipped workers in the U.S. depend on tips for as much as half of their income or more, the tipped sub-minimum wage has remained stagnant at just $2.13 per hour since 1991. The current median wage for at least 37,000 workers with disabilities is just $3.50 per hour.
    Meanwhile, across every state in the country, a living wage for a worker in a family with two working adults and one child is greater than $17 per hour, according to the Economic Policy Institute’s (EPI) Family Budget Calculator. Many of these low-wage workers face persistent economic insecurity, struggling to put food on the table and afford basic necessities, including housing, health care, and childcare. Black and Hispanic workers disproportionately feel the burden of these low wages as compared to their white counterparts, and that disparity is even worse for women of color. Nearly 40 percent of Hispanic women and 35 percent of Black women make less than $17 per hour.
    Joining Sanders, Reed, and Whitehouse on this legislation are U.S. Senators: Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-A), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    More than 85 organizations endorsed the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, including: Service Employees International Union (SEIU), AFL-CIO, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Economic Policy Institute (EPI), Equal Pay Today, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), National Education Association (NEA), National Employment Law Project (NELP), The National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), One Fair Wage, Oxfam America, Patriotic Millionaires, UNITE HERE, United Autoworkers (UAW), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), United for Respect, and United Steelworkers (USW).
    Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Services moving to new Canberra Hospital building

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Emergency Department will be located at street level.

    When Canberra Hospital’s Critical Services Building opens in August, it will house a range of hospital services.

    While services will stay where they are until August, many critical care services will move to the new building, to be known as Building 5.

    This will transform the hospital campus. So, it’s important to have an idea of what is moving and where, so you’ll know where to find things next time you visit.

    The Critical Services Building will include Canberra Hospital’s main reception.

    You will also find the following services there.

    Emergency Department (ED) with dedicated children’s emergency area

    The Emergency Department will be located on street level.

    Its dedicated entrance will have improved features to make pick-up and drop-off safer and easier.

    The ED will have room to grow in the years to come.

    Its location will allow for better connections between acute services, as well as direct lift access to the new Helipad.

    The dedicated children’s emergency area will have its own triage and waiting area, enabling paediatric patients, carers and families to stay together, separate to the rest of the ED.

    Operating theatres
    The building’s new operating theatres will be located on Level 3.

    These will include state-of-the-art hybrid and interventional radiology suites to allow use of the latest advances in medical technology.

    Sterilising Services Unit
    Located on Level 4, the centralised Sterilising Services Unit will have the latest equipment and machinery.

    It will also have direct lift access from the building’s operating theatres to improve efficiency.

    Intensive Care Unit (ICU) The Intensive Care Unit will be located on Level 5.

    Bed capacity in the ICU will increase over time, ensuring it can grow with the community’s health needs.

    Two outdoor terraces connected to the ICU will enable patients to go outside as part of their healing and recovery.

    One of these terraces will also have a dedicated visitor courtyard that can be accessed through a visitor’s lounge.

    This will help support families and carers at a vulnerable and stressful time.

    Inpatient cardiology services
    Cardiology services will be located on Level 6.

    These will comprise the Acute Cardiac Care Unit, the Cardiac Catheter Lab, and the Cardiac Day Unit.

    Locating these services together will help patients transfer smoothly between them.

    The Acute Cardiac Care Unit will expand. The number of Cardiac Catheter labs and Cardiac Day beds will also increase.

    There will also be a dedicated lab for cardiac electrophysiology procedures, which evaluate the electrical activity of the heart and diagnose arrhythmias. Another larger lab will be able to accommodate more complex procedures such as TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation).

    Inpatient wards
    Inpatient wards will be located on levels 6 and 7.

    There will be five inpatient wards throughout, including the Acute Cardiac Care Unit, providing both surgical and medical inpatient beds.

    The wards will include the Acute Medical Unit, Emergency General Surgery and Trauma, Neurosurgery and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, and Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery.

    Medical imaging
    While the hospital’s main medical imaging suites will remain in Building 12, there will be additional medical imaging facilities in the Critical Services Building.

    This will include X-ray, CT, ultrasound and MRI.

    This state-of-the-art new building will create a better-connected hospital.

    It has been built to future-proof acute care services. As the Canberra community grows over time and into the future, so too will hospital services.

    Find out more on the Built for CBR website.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The bookworm’s guide to Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Support a small Canberra business by shopping at your local bookstore.

    Is it just us, or is reading having a moment? Whether it’s more book chats at work, Booktok taking over your social feed or simply walking past a new book shop or cafe, all signs are pointing to yes.

    If you’re looking for a way to get into reading, from reading on a budget to joining a book community, there is something for everyone in Canberra.

    Shop at Canberra local bookshops:

    Wanting to support a small Canberra business? Check out the bookshops in your region:

    North Canberra:
    South Canberra:

    Head to your local library:

    Canberra is home to many libraries with one in every region.

    Libraries are a great way to read without over-consuming and enjoy books for free.  There are also home library services to deliver books to your door and multicultural services available in select libraries.

    Check out the Lifeline Bookfair: 

    The Lifeline Bookfair is a book-lovers dream event. Not only are you getting second-hand books, but you are also donating to Lifeline.

    There are multiple events throughout the year at EPIC and at Tuggeranong, but if you can’t wait you can always check out Lifeline’s permanent store, Book Lovers Lane at the Fyshwick Markets. Lifeline also accepts book donations at their warehouse in Mitchell. Just make sure you read the checklist to ensure your books are resalable.

    Join or create a book club:

    Canberra has some amazing book clubs to join, you can find them through Facebook, or you can join and create one through ACT Libraries.

    Café Stepping Stone host a monthly silent book club at its Strathnairn cafe. This isn’t your ordinary book club. It is silent, and there is also no assigned reading. Participants simply bring along whatever they like and read along quietly with fellow readers. Hours of uninterrupted reading time? Yes please! Find out when the next event is.

    Tough Guy Book Club is a network of men’s book clubs in local pubs. They are scattered all over Australia, with Canberra home to a few different meet ups. They get together, read, chat and have a good meal at a pub. See when and where they are meeting next.

    Canberra Fantasy Book Club is all about reading fantasy! If you love dragons, witches, fairies and all things mythical, then this might be the group for you. Join the Facebook page here.

    ACT Libraries allows you to register and create a book club at your preferred branch. You can access 12 copies of the same book from their collection of 375 titles, create an online account and membership card, and get discussion guides. Sign up for a book club or learn more.

    Follow and find a street library:

    Did you know you can find libraries on several Canberra streets? Street libraries allow you to bring a book and swap it with one already in the library.

    If a street library is missing from your suburb, you can create your own!

    Read from Canberra authors:

    Civic Library regularly showcases Canberra authors and their books. You can find copies of recent books, and all can be borrowed from the library. Books from local authors are held for two years in the showcase before getting added to the ACT Heritage library or placed in the general lending collection within libraries ACT.

    Book cafes: 

    Wanting to sip on a delicious drink or enjoy a tasty treat while indulging in a new book? Pulp Book Café is a cosy coffee shop with an added focus on books!

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Belco skatepark half-pipe now open

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The new skate park is an exciting new space for Canberrans to be active.

    A new competition half-pipe at the Belconnen skatepark is now open.

    The original Belconnen skatepark was built more than 30 years ago.

    The new half-pipe – or vert ramp – is seven metres tall and adds to the parks appeal. It will be an exciting new space for Canberrans to be active and learn new skills including:

    • skateboarding
    • freestyle BMX.

    The half-pipe was built in sections, which were transported to site and then craned into place and put together.

    The project also includes lighting, minor landscaping and two murals.

    The first mural was painted by James Houlcroft. The pigeon-headed figures represent the range of skaters who are part of the Canberra skateboarding community. James was exploring the common environments of skaters and pigeons, such as public areas with concrete and corners.

    The second mural was painted by Eddie Mo in collaboration with Paul Licayan, known as ‘PAW’ in the street art world. Eddie’s mural replicates the shape and style of the underside of a skateboard. It reflects the culture and history of the Belconnen skatepark, where the practice of decorating the underside of a board is popular.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Age lowered to 45 for free bowel cancer screening

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The kit contains everything you need to do the test in the privacy of your home.

    Canberrans aged 45 to 49 can now order a free bowel cancer screening test.

    Previously available to those aged 50 to 74, the free kit is a simple test that can save your life.

    Early detection

    While checking your poo sounds a bit uncomfortable, it really is serious business.

    Bowel cancer ranks as the second-deadliest cancer in Australia. It can also develop without obvious symptoms.

    But here’s the good news – more than 90 per cent of bowel cancers can be successfully treated when detected early.

    Free kits for those aged 45+

    As of 1 July 2024, the eligible age for a free bowel cancer screening kit has been lowered to 45.

    This means if you’re aged 45 to 49, you too can request a free kit .

    People aged 50 to 74 will continue to get their free kit in the mail every two years.

    Quick, easy and private

    The kit contains everything you need to do the test in the privacy of your own home.

    People who have done it have mentioned how pleasantly surprised they are by how quick and easy it is to do.

    You can order your kit here.

    Next steps

    If your kit hasn’t arrived as expected or it’s damaged, misplaced or expired, call the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program on 1800 627 701 or fill out the form online.

    You can also ask your doctor for a kit.

    You will automatically receive your next test kit in the mail every two years after your last screening test is completed.

    People with signs, symptoms, or a family history of bowel cancer, should talk with a doctor before screening with the program.

    More information

    Order your free bowel test kit today.

    Learn more about the National Bowel Cancer Screening program on the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Northbourne Avenue road safety camera to be moved

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The camera will monitor for speed and red-light offences.

    From Wednesday 10 July, there will be a fixed road safety camera in place at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue and Bunda Street.

    This camera will monitor for speed and red-light offences.

    The camera is not an additional one in the fixed camera network. It is a relocation of an existing camera previously installed at the intersection of London Circuit and Northbourne Avenue.

    The new location was chosen for several reasons including its proximity to the bus interchange and light rail stop and high level of pedestrian movement in that area.

    Road safety cameras detect and deter unsafe driving behaviours and improve pedestrian safety in town centres throughout Canberra.

    “Road safety cameras play an important role in supporting road safety in the ACT by reducing speeding on our roads and supporting the ACT Government’s Vision Zero strategy,” Access Canberra’s Executive Branch Manager of Service Delivery and Engagement Emily Springett said.

    “Speed limits are set to balance the need for safe and expedient travel as numerous studies have shown that ‘low level’ speeding contributes to a significant percentage of road casualties and fatalities in the ACT.”

    For more information on the ACT Road Safety Camera program visit the Access Canberra website.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: A day in the life of a DAS Ranger

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    “It’s amazing to be an advocate for the voiceless while also connecting with community members,” says Ranger Elly.

    Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a Domestic Animal Services (DAS) ranger looks like? For Ranger Elly, every day is different.

    The work DAS rangers do is fast-paced and challenging. Rangers like Elly often work on an 11-hour four-day roster, working on-call which means no day is the same. Rangers tend to perform several different duties, spending some time in the office. Most of the time, however, they are out in the field completing hands-on work. Some day-to-day duties may involve responding to dog attacks, animal nuisance complaints or assisting with lost and impounded dogs.

    Elly has been working as a ranger for a couple of months. What you might not expect is that she has a Communications and Media degree.

    “I applied for the role after uni and went through the competitive online application process. I wanted to do something that was challenging and rewarding. I believe they look for a diverse skillset in the role. I also decided that I didn’t want to be working in an office all day. The work I do as a Domestic Animal Services ranger has a positive impact on the community. The role is so diverse, and I know I’m making a tangible difference,” Elly said.

    “The field work is often dynamic and compassionate. I love working with animals. It’s amazing to be an advocate for the voiceless while also connecting with community members,” Elly said.

    Elly enjoys being a ranger. Like any job, it does have its difficulties.

    “Being a Domestic Animal Services ranger can have its challenges as well. We deal with confronting situations, like dog attacks. A small percentage of the community don’t always work with rangers in a safe or appropriate way. We work daily with members of the community who don’t meet key elements of compliance in pet ownership. An important reminder to the community is, all cats and dogs need to be registered,” Elly said.

    Many Canberrans understand the work the rangers do. However, there are certain myths about her work that Elly hopes to bust.

    “I think some people think we go out of our way to infringe people or take their dog away, but we don’t. This is only done when necessary. We spend a lot of time working with the community. One of our priorities is to educate the community first and foremost,” she said.

    Besides Rangers, there are a lot of other people working behind the scenes at DAS too. There is a kennel team who care for the dogs at the shelter. There are also team members who manage adoptions, work with the community and run educational programs.

    “I sometimes think people misunderstand our work. We’re a big team which involves lots of different people doing great things. We’re fortunate to have a lot of dedicated volunteers. They help walk the dogs and enrich their lives while they are with us,” Elly said.

    The next intake of Domestic Animal Services volunteers will be in August. It will bring fresh faces and new energy to the volunteer team.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Engineered stone banned in the ACT

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    If you have an engineered stone benchtop in your home, there is no need to remove it.

    The ACT Government has banned engineered stone benchtops, slabs and panels.

    From 1 July 2024, working with these engineered stone products is  prohibited.

    What you need to know

    • If you have an engineered stone benchtop already installed in your home, there is no need to remove it if left undisturbed.
    • Work on engineered stone, such as cutting with a power tool, generates harmful silica dust and should be conducted by a qualified tradesperson.
    • It is now illegal for any engineered stone benchtop, slab or panel to be installed regardless of whether a building contract exists, an alternative product will need to be used.

    This ban follows a national agreement  from Work Health and Safety Ministers in December 2023 and strengthens work health and safety laws.

    It prohibits the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, slabs and panels.

    There is no transition period for the ban due to the significant health and safety risks of working with engineered stone products.

    Engineered stone benchtops, slabs or panels already installed before 1 July 2024 in your home or at a workplace do not need to be removed. If left undisturbed, they do not pose a health risk.

    As the ban only applies to benchtops, slabs and panels, it does not include finished engineered stone products that do not need to be processed or modified. These include jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures and kitchen sinks.

    The new laws build on ACT silica safety rules introduced in 2022 to protect workers and strengthen safety standards.

    Work involving engineered stone, such as cutting with a power tool, generates airborne crystalline silica (silica dust) and poses a significant health hazard to workers.

    This can lead to debilitating respiratory diseases such as silicosis.

    The ACT Government will continue to work closely with industry and business to ensure workers remain safe and to assist with the ban.

    For more information, visit:

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CIT Woden Campus hits maximum height

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    This milestone brings the campus another step closer to completion.

    The main building at the CIT Woden Campus has reached its full height.

    This brings the project another step closer to completion.

    This major milestone was celebrated today with a topping out ceremony on the building’s fifth floor.

    The topping out ceremony finished with the tradition of placing a tree atop the new building. This marks the completion of the structural framework.

    For a project with sustainability at its core, it was fitting that the ceremonial tree was crafted from timber frame offcuts.

    The tree will become part of on-campus public art for students, staff and the community to enjoy.

    The main building’s structure and architectural finish are made from sustainably sourced engineered wood products, manufactured in Australia.

    Visible throughout the building, the MASSLAM columns and beams, and cross-laminated timber floors showcase construction innovation and environmental responsibility.

    The building’s roof and glazed timber façade will also be finished in the coming months.

    The focus will then turn to its internal fit out, landscaping and art before building commissioning and preparing to welcome staff and students.

    The CIT Woden Youth Foyer and new Public Transport Interchange will also open alongside the campus.

    The project is a key part of revitalising Woden Town Centre as a place to live, work, visit, commute and now study.

    The CIT Woden Campus will open to students in semester 2, 2025.

    It will support up to 6,500 students each year, and offer the skills and training required for tomorrow’s careers in IT, cybersecurity, business and hospitality.

    Canberrans can take advantage of the campus’s student-operated facilities, including:

    • a café
    • a restaurant
    • a hair and beauty salon
    • retail spaces.

    The project is a collaboration between the ACT Government, CIT, delivery partners Lendlease, local businesses and the community.

    It has already delivered over 450 jobs for Canberrans. It has also created over 5,000 hours of training for students, apprentices and trainees.

    The project will create more new jobs as the campus prepares to open.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Booker, Nehls, Dean Introduce Bill to Help Law Enforcement Better Prosecute Child Abusers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representatives Troy Nehls (TX-22) and Madeleine Dean (PA-04) today introduced the Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act, which would close loopholes in existing criminal child sexual abuse statues to help law enforcement better prosecute offenders and protect victims:

    “Perpetrators who attack our children must face consequences for their heinous actions,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By closing loopholes in current law, our legislation would ensure these dangerous offenders aren’t able to escape accountability on a technicality and are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “Last Congress, Senator Cornyn and I introduced and passed this bipartisan legislation in the Senate to ensure that those who exploit and abuse children are held accountable,” said Sen. Booker. “This bill would close loopholes in current law to better allow us to protect our nation’s most vulnerable from predators. I urge my colleagues in both chambers to pass this critical legislation so we can better protect children from exploitation and sexual abuse and provide justice for victims.”

    “Any existing loopholes in United States federal law that allow child predators to escape justice must be closed immediately,” said Rep. Nehls. “The abuse of a child, in any form, is completely unacceptable. As a father and a former Texas Sheriff, I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing bipartisan legislation that will empower our nation’s law enforcement and our justice system to hold bad actors who abuse our children, here at home and abroad, accountable.”

    “As lawmakers, we have the solemn duty of protecting our nation’s children from kidnapping and sexual exploitation,” said Rep. Dean. “Yet under current law, there are loopholes that allow bad actors to evade prosecution. This legislation clarifies and strengthens federal law to ensure offenders are held accountable. I’m grateful to Congressman Nehls, Senator Booker, and Senator Cornyn for their partnership to ensure our kids are kept safe.”

    Background:

    In 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, which made a series of recommendations for Congress to strengthen federal enforcement of child exploitation laws. The Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act aims to incorporate those recommendations and define the DOJ’s authority to prosecute perpetrators by:

    • Closing the kidnapping loophole by clarifying that kidnapping of a child can occur by deceiving a third party and the circumstances where consent can be used as a defense;
    • Closing the international travel loopholes by clarifying that traveling to sexually abuse a child includes crossing international lines and that committing a sexual abuse felony against a child while abroad is a crime;
    • Closing the sexual contact loophole by clarifying that causing a child to commit a sexual act themselves is also a crime;
    • And closing the attempt loophole by clarifying that attempting to commit the sexual contact offenses is also a crime.

    The Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act is endorsed by the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Major County Sherriff’s of America, Rights4Girls, Hope for Justice, Street Grace, 3Strands Global Foundation, Fraternal Order of Police, the National Children’s Alliance (NCA), Protect All Child from Trafficking (PACT), and the National District Attorney’s Association (NDAA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder of Supreme Court Justice in Maryland

    Source: US State of California

    Nicholas John Roske, 29, of Simi Valley, California, pleaded guilty today to attempting to kill a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

    “This calculated attempt on the life of a sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justice was a heinous attack on the Court itself,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Anyone who thinks they can use violence or intimidation to influence our courts will be met with the full force of the law and face up to life in prison.”

    “Nicholas Roske sought to commit a despicable, premeditated attack on a Supreme Court Justice and today is another step toward accountability,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “No violent attacks can be tolerated, whether those targeted are public officials or private citizens – and the FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate and bring to justice all those who engage in such plots.”

    “The attempted assassination of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice is an extreme, brazen act, one that we — along with our federal, local, and state law-enforcement partners — will not tolerate,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “It’s through these partnerships that we’re able to hold criminals accountable and uphold the rule of law. We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and prosecuting those who are involved in planning and executing acts of violence against others.”

    As part of his guilty plea, Roske admitted that on June 7, 2022, he flew from Los Angeles International Airport to Dulles International Airport with a firearm and ammunition in his checked baggage. He then took a taxi from the airport to Montgomery County, Maryland, with the intent to kill the Supreme Court Justice.

    According to the criminal complaint and the Government’s factual allegations, on June 8, 2022, at approximately 1:05 a.m., two Deputy U.S. Marshals, protecting the residence of a Supreme Court Justice, observed Roske arrive in and get out of a taxi in front of the residence. Roske wore black clothing and had a backpack and suitcase. Upon observing Roske, the two Deputy U.S. Marshals started to get out of their vehicles as the defendant proceeded to walk down the street.

    Shortly after, Roske told a Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center call taker that he was having homicidal and suicidal thoughts, had a gun in his suitcase, and flew from California to kill a specific Supreme Court Justice.

    Montgomery County Police Department officers responded to the location and took Roske into custody. A search of Roske’s suitcase and backpack revealed a firearm; black tactical chest rig and tactical knife; two magazines, each containing 10 rounds of ammunition; 17 additional rounds of ammunition; pepper spray; zip ties; a hammer; screwdrivers; a nail punch; a crowbar; a pistol light; duct tape; hiking boots with padding on the outside of the soles; and lock-pick tools, along with other items.

    Law enforcement transported Roske to a Montgomery County Police Department station where he was read his Miranda rights. Roske then stated that he was upset about a recently leaked Supreme Court draft decision on abortion as well as the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The defendant also admitted that he came from California with the intent to use the firearm and burglary tools and to kill the Supreme Court Justice.

    Roske faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman scheduled sentencing for Oct. 3. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, MCPD, and Police Department for the U.S. Supreme Court for their work and cooperation in the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Coreen Mao for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from Trial Attorney John Cella of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fraudulent firearms purchases lead to federal prison sentence

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 43-year-old Corpus Christi man has been sentenced for directing the fraudulent purchase of 40 firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Jaime Eduardo Cano pleaded guilty June 27, 2024, to making false or fictitious statements to a licensed firearms dealer.

    U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Cano to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence detailing how Cano had directed his employee to fraudulently purchase firearms. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Cano could have legally purchased the firearms himself, but chose not to do so, because he must have known they would be illegally disposed.  

    The investigation revealed that between May 6, 2021, and June 10, 2022, Norma Andrade had purchased 40 guns from a local firearms dealer at Cano’s direction.

    Authorities conducted surveillance June 10, 2022, at which time they witnessed her pick up an order of 10 pistols and drive them to Cano’s place of business. He then came outside to retrieve them.  

    Text messages in Cano’s phone revealed communications regarding the sale of the firearms Andrade had purchased. Cano had directed her to purchase the firearms and lie on the required purchase forms. Authorities also discovered other messages between Cano and another individual with details about how much Cano would be paid and when the firearms would be exchanged.

    As part of the investigation, law enforcement discovered and confiscated in Acapulco, Mexico, three of the firearms for which Cano arranged purchase.

    Andrade, 56, Corpus Christi, also pleaded guilty and was previously sentenced to 15 months in prison.

    Cano was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Martin and John Marck prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secret Service Seizes Another Web Domain Used in Furtherance of a Cryptocurrency “Pig Butchering” Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – The U.S. Secret Service in the Northern District of New York has seized a second web domain used in a recent cryptocurrency confidence crime known as “pig butchering.”  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, and Jeffrey Burr, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of the United States Secret Service (USSS), made the announcement.

    In pig butchering schemes, scammers encounter victims, often but not always elderly victims, through a variety of ways, including on dating applications and social media websites, and even random text messages masquerading as a wrong number. Scammers initiate relationships with victims and slowly gain their trust, eventually introducing the idea of making a business investment using cryptocurrency. Victims are then directed to other members of the scheme running fraudulent cryptocurrency investment platforms, where victims are persuaded to invest money. Once the money is sent to the fake investment application, the scammer vanishes, taking all the money with them, often resulting in significant losses for the victim.

    According to court records, between November 2023 and March 2024, scammers induced a Warren County victim to wire monies to the now-seized domain NFT-UNI.com.  The scammers — using the confidence-building techniques described above — convinced the victim that he/she was investing in a legitimate cryptocurrency opportunity. After the victim transferred investments into the deposit addresses that the scammers provided in connection with the seized domain name, the victim’s funds were immediately transferred through numerous bank accounts in an effort to conceal the source of the funds. In total, the victim lost approximately $172,405.61.  Other victims of the NFT-UNI.com fraud reported approximately $4,564,936.47 in losses.

    Previously, in May 2024, the U.S. Secret Service seized the web domain OKEX-NFT.net, which was also used in a pig butchering scheme in Warren County. 

    United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “by seizing this website, we are able to strike a blow to a criminal organization that financially victimized numerous individuals, including a member of our community and senior citizens around the country.”

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Conger and Alexander Wentworth-Ping represented the U.S. Attorney’s Office in this matter.

    Related court documents and information are located on the online docket for the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York (available via www.pacer.gov), by searching for Case No. 1:25-SW-78 (PJE). 

    If you believe you are a victim of this type of scheme, please contact CryptoFraud@SecretService.gov or IC3.gov to file a report. Please provide detailed information in your report, including any purported investment websites visited, telephone numbers, email accounts, and social media profiles used by scammers, and any cryptocurrency addresses, transaction hashes, and dates of transactions. Your responses are voluntary. Based on the information provided, you may be contacted by the Secret Service or another law enforcement agency and asked to provide additional information.

    This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative. The mission of the Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target our nation’s older adults. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving elders can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Senior Member of Violent D.C. Drug Crew Is Sentenced to 420 Months in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON –Broadus Jamal Daniels, 30, of Washington, D.C. was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 420 months (35 years) in prison in connection with drug and gun charges related to a drug-trafficking conspiracy.

                The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Washington Field Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                Daniels, aka “Wardy,” was found guilty by a federal jury on September 16, 2024, of possessing machine guns in furtherance of drug trafficking, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, unlawful possession of machine guns, and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

                In addition to the 35-year prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered Daniels to serve four years of supervised release.

                According to the evidence presented at trial, Daniels, was a “big homie” or senior member in a street gang known as Jugg Gang, or “JG.”  In approximately August 2018, the Jugg Gang became allied with a neighboring D.C. street crew known as “Push Dat Shit” or “PDS.”  PDS maintained gang territory in the 3300 – 3500 blocks of Wheeler Road, Southeast, and adjacent areas, and operated an open-air drug market outside a grocery located on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, Southeast.

                Between August 2018 and April 2023, members of the allied PDS/JG street crew sold drugs from Holiday Market and from “trap houses” that they maintained in apartment buildings surrounding that location. As their drug business grew, PDS/JG became the target of drive-by shootings conducted by rival gangs – shootings they referred to as “spinning the block.” Beginning in August 2019, a PDS/JG member began assembling AR-pistol assault rifles from kits purchased from online retailers and modified them to be capable of fully automatic fire. Such firearms are defined as “privately made firearms” by the ATF but are frequently referred to as “ghost guns” on the street.

                As proved at trial, PDS/JG members used, carried, and possessed these “ghost gun” AR-pistol machine guns to defend their territory from rival gangs, and also to “spin the block” on rival gangs to deter their rivals from entering PDS/JG territory.

                This sentencing is part of an ongoing joint investigation which has resulted in 26 convictions, and the seizure of two vehicles, 35 firearms, four machine guns, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, approximately 60 pounds of marijuana, 41 grams of cocaine base, dozens of oxycodone pills, and approximately $500,000 in cash.

                Daniels’ co-defendant, Andre Alonte Willis, who was a leader of PDS, was sentenced February 20, 2025, to 20 years in prison on five felony convictions related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

                The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the ATF’s Washington Field Division, and the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James B. Nelson and Justin F. Song and Paralegal Specialist Melissa Macechko.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Acting Chairman Pham Lauds DOJ Policy Ending Regulation by Prosecution of Digital Assets Industry and Directs CFTC Staff to Comply with Executive Orders

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Commodity Futures Trading Commission Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham today praised a recently-announced Justice Department policy ending the practice of regulation by prosecution that has targeted the digital asset industry in recent years, and directed CFTC staff to comply with the President’s executive orders and Administration policy, consistent with DOJ’s digital assets enforcement priorities and charging considerations. The DOJ policy comes as Acting Chairman Pham has similarly refocused the CFTC’s enforcement resources on cases involving fraud and manipulation. 
    “For far too long, lawfare from multiple federal agencies against innovators in the digital asset space has created unfairness and uncertainty that has undermined trust in the regulatory process and impeded American competitiveness,” Acting Chairman Pham said. “I welcome the Justice Department’s policy to focus on holding bad actors accountable while allowing regulators to set clear rules that foster responsible innovation. The CFTC is committed to complying with the President’s executive orders at the heart of this policy and has already taken important steps to end regulation by enforcement and direct limited resources toward fighting fraud and helping victims.
    “Today, pursuant to my sole authority as Acting Chairman to exercise the executive and administrative functions of the Commission, I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement to comply with Executive Order 14219 on the use of the agency’s enforcement discretion to ensure lawful governance. 
    “In accordance with the President’s executive orders and Administration policy, I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement to adhere to the Justice Department’s policy on digital assets enforcement priorities and digital assets charging considerations set forth in the Deputy Attorney General’s memorandum, Ending Regulation by Prosecution, dated April 7, 2025, with respect to ongoing investigations, litigation including the agency’s litigating position and arguments, and other enforcement matters. 
    “In order to finally end the CFTC’s regulation by enforcement over the past several years, I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement, consistent with DOJ policy, to not seek to ‘charge regulatory violations in cases involving digital assets,’ in particular ‘violations of registration requirements under the Commodity Exchange Act,’ unless ‘there is evidence that the defendant knew of the licensing or registration requirement at issue and violated such a requirement willfully,’ as set forth in DOJ’s Ending Regulation by Prosecution.
    “Under Executive Order 14219, agency heads are required to ‘direct the termination of all such enforcement proceedings that do not comply with the Constitution, laws, or Administration policy.’ For ongoing CFTC litigation matters in U.S. federal court, pursuant to administrative law and precedent, the CFTC cannot dismiss a case or enter into a settlement consent order to terminate the enforcement proceeding, without agency action by the Commission requiring a majority vote. Currently, no party holds a majority on the Commission.
    “Therefore, I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement, pursuant to Executive Order 14219, with respect to ongoing CFTC litigation matters in U.S. federal court, to ‘preserve [the CFTC’s] limited enforcement resources’ by ‘de-prioritizing actions’ involving violations of registration requirements under the Commodity Exchange Act unless there is evidence that the defendant knew of the licensing or registration requirement at issue and violated such a requirement willfully, consistent with DOJ policy. I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement to not take any litigating position or arguments that do not comply with the President’s executive orders, Administration policy, or DOJ policy on digital assets enforcement priorities and digital assets charging considerations.”
    At Acting Chairman Pham’s direction, the CFTC has taken decisive action to ensure lawful governance and enforcement. Shortly after becoming Acting Chairman, Pham realigned the CFTC Division of Enforcement task forces to end regulation by enforcement and refocus on fighting fraud and helping victims. Under her leadership, the Division of Enforcement has also issued a new advisory on the CFTC’s new policy going forward to promote self-reporting, cooperation, and remediation. 
    Pham also launched an initiative aimed at expeditiously resolving a backlog of noncompliance matters that do not involve customer harm or market abuse. The initiative provides the opportunity to bring closure and clarity to firms in a timely manner while freeing up agency resources to focus on catching fraudsters and scammers and helping victims. Thus far, nearly two dozen firms have reached out to participate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Work well underway on Acton Emergency Services Station

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The new station will house ACT Fire and Rescue and ACT Ambulance services.

    Construction is progressing well on Acton’s new state-of-the-art emergency services station.

    The new station will house ACT Ambulance Service and ACT Fire & Rescue. It will further improve response times in the city centre and inner north.

    Construction is on schedule to be complete in December 2024.

    While the building may look finished at that point, there will still be more to do. The station is expected to be operational by June 2025.

    The new station will:

    • house one Fire and Rescue pumper and one aerial appliance, with two crews per shift.
    • be able to house up to six ambulance vehicles, including EV-charging capacity for our hybrid single response unit (SRU) fleet, and at this stage, one 24/7 ambulance crew.

    The station’s design emphasises energy efficiency and aligns with the ACT’s Climate Change Strategy goals.

    Its EV chargers will meet the needs of the agency’s electric vehicle fleet.

    Solar panels on the roof are expected to create 142MWh per year.

    The station is located between Clunies Ross Street and Parkes Way.

    Once open, it will equip ACT first responders with the facilities and infrastructure they need to carry out their vital work.

    Find out more about Acton Emergency Services Station on the Built for CBR website.

    The station is located between Clunies Ross Street and Parkes Way.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New Inner South Health Centre set for Griffith

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Inner South Health Centre is one of four new health centres for the ACT.

    The ACT Government’s new Inner South Health Centre will be located in Griffith.

    Consultation is now open on what types of services the centre will provide.

    The Inner South Health Centre will be on the corner of Throsby Crescent and Throsby Lane in Griffith. The location is adjacent to the Griffith Shops.

    It is one of four new health centres for the ACT.

    Centres will also be at South Tuggeranong (Conder), North Gungahlin and West Belconnen.

    The ACT Government already opened a health centre in Molonglo in 2022. The centre provides women’s and family health care to the region.

    The Government is in the early planning and design stages. The community can now share what services they would like to see available at this new health centre.

    The Inner South Health Centre will complement existing services available in Canberra’s public health system including:

    • nurse-led walk-in centres
    • the public hospital system.

    In the 2024–25 Budget, the ACT Government committed $52.8 million over four years to:

    • construct the new health centres in North Gungahlin and the Inner South
    • undertake design work for the health centre in West Belconnen.

    The ACT Government will continue to invest in health services and infrastructure across the ACT.

    This includes more investment in Canberra’s health workforce, including recruitment, upskilling and committing to nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios.

    Share your thoughts at YourSay Conversations.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Increased access to abortion services

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Nurse Practitioners and authorised midwives will be able to prescribe abortion medication.

    ACT Nurse Practitioners and authorised midwives will be able to prescribe abortion medication.

    The Health (Improved Abortion Access) Amendment Act 2024 has been passed in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

    Up until now, only doctors have been allowed to prescribe abortion medication. The new legislation removes barriers to nurse practitioners and authorised midwives who choose to do so.

    This follows positive changes made by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) last year.

    The TGA removed restrictions on health practitioners who prescribe and dispense the abortion medication MS-2 Step (mifepristone and misoprostol).

    The Bill also requires health practitioners who decline to provide abortion services – on religious or other conscientious grounds – to refer individuals to another practitioner or facility that can provide an abortion in a timely manner. Alternatively, they can give their patients information on how to find such a provider.

    The amendments relating to conscientious objection bring the ACT into line with other states and territories. They balance the clients’ rights to access timely abortion care with health practitioners’ rights to not participate in the provision of services that conflict with their beliefs.

    Improved access to abortion services will allow Canberrans to obtain appropriate, safe care, and to avoid potentially detrimental impacts to their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

    The changes further ensure that women and people who can become pregnant can make decisions about their health care based on what is best for them and their body.

    The amendments complement the ACT Government’s accessible abortions scheme, which

    • supports the provision of no-cost abortions to ACT residents, including to those without access to Medicare.
    • offers ACT residents free long-acting reversible contraceptives at the time of abortion, if wanted.

    These no-cost services have been available through MSI Australia since April 2023.

    More recently, participating general practices, pharmacies, pathology services and medical imaging services across the Territory have been included in the scheme.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder of Supreme Court Justice in Maryland

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Nicholas John Roske, 29, of Simi Valley, California, pleaded guilty today to attempting to kill a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

    “This calculated attempt on the life of a sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justice was a heinous attack on the Court itself,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Anyone who thinks they can use violence or intimidation to influence our courts will be met with the full force of the law and face up to life in prison.”

    “Nicholas Roske sought to commit a despicable, premeditated attack on a Supreme Court Justice and today is another step toward accountability,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “No violent attacks can be tolerated, whether those targeted are public officials or private citizens – and the FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate and bring to justice all those who engage in such plots.”

    “The attempted assassination of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice is an extreme, brazen act, one that we — along with our federal, local, and state law-enforcement partners — will not tolerate,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “It’s through these partnerships that we’re able to hold criminals accountable and uphold the rule of law. We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and prosecuting those who are involved in planning and executing acts of violence against others.”

    As part of his guilty plea, Roske admitted that on June 7, 2022, he flew from Los Angeles International Airport to Dulles International Airport with a firearm and ammunition in his checked baggage. He then took a taxi from the airport to Montgomery County, Maryland, with the intent to kill the Supreme Court Justice.

    According to the criminal complaint and the Government’s factual allegations, on June 8, 2022, at approximately 1:05 a.m., two Deputy U.S. Marshals, protecting the residence of a Supreme Court Justice, observed Roske arrive in and get out of a taxi in front of the residence. Roske wore black clothing and had a backpack and suitcase. Upon observing Roske, the two Deputy U.S. Marshals started to get out of their vehicles as the defendant proceeded to walk down the street.

    Shortly after, Roske told a Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center call taker that he was having homicidal and suicidal thoughts, had a gun in his suitcase, and flew from California to kill a specific Supreme Court Justice.

    Montgomery County Police Department officers responded to the location and took Roske into custody. A search of Roske’s suitcase and backpack revealed a firearm; black tactical chest rig and tactical knife; two magazines, each containing 10 rounds of ammunition; 17 additional rounds of ammunition; pepper spray; zip ties; a hammer; screwdrivers; a nail punch; a crowbar; a pistol light; duct tape; hiking boots with padding on the outside of the soles; and lock-pick tools, along with other items.

    Law enforcement transported Roske to a Montgomery County Police Department station where he was read his Miranda rights. Roske then stated that he was upset about a recently leaked Supreme Court draft decision on abortion as well as the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The defendant also admitted that he came from California with the intent to use the firearm and burglary tools and to kill the Supreme Court Justice.

    Roske faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman scheduled sentencing for Oct. 3. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, MCPD, and Police Department for the U.S. Supreme Court for their work and cooperation in the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Coreen Mao for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from Trial Attorney John Cella of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Protecting American Energy From State Overreach

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1.  Purpose.  My Administration is committed to unleashing American energy, especially through the removal of all illegitimate impediments to the identification, development, siting, production, investment in, or use of domestic energy resources — particularly oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, geothermal, biofuel, critical mineral, and nuclear energy resources.  An affordable and reliable domestic energy supply is essential to the national and economic security of the United States, as well as our foreign policy.  Simply put, Americans are better off when the United States is energy dominant. American energy dominance is threatened when State and local governments seek to regulate energy beyond their constitutional or statutory authorities.  For example, when States target or discriminate against out-of-State energy producers by imposing significant barriers to interstate and international trade, American energy suffers, and the equality of each State enshrined by the Constitution is undermined.  Similarly, when States subject energy producers to arbitrary or excessive fines through retroactive penalties or seek to control energy development, siting, or production activities on Federal land, American energy suffers.Many States have enacted, or are in the process of enacting, burdensome and ideologically motivated “climate change” or energy policies that threaten American energy dominance and our economic and national security.  New York, for example, enacted a “climate change” extortion law that seeks to retroactively impose billions in fines (erroneously labelled “compensatory payments”) on traditional energy producers for their purported past contributions to greenhouse gas emissions not only in New York but also anywhere in the United States and the world.  Vermont similarly extorts energy producers for alleged past contributions to greenhouse gas emissions anywhere in the United States or the globe.Other States have taken different approaches in an effort to dictate national energy policy.  California, for example, punishes carbon use by adopting impossible caps on the amount of carbon businesses may use, all but forcing businesses to pay large sums to “trade” carbon credits to meet California’s radical requirements.  Some States delay review of permit applications to produce energy, creating de facto barriers to entry in the energy market.  States have also sued energy companies for supposed “climate change” harm under nuisance or other tort regimes that could result in crippling damages.These State laws and policies weaken our national security and devastate Americans by driving up energy costs for families coast-to-coast, despite some of these families not living or voting in States with these crippling policies.  These laws and policies also undermine Federalism by projecting the regulatory preferences of a few States into all States.  Americans must be permitted to heat their homes, fuel their cars, and have peace of mind — free from policies that make energy more expensive and inevitably degrade quality of life.These State laws and policies try to dictate interstate and international disputes over air, water, and natural resources; unduly discriminate against out-of-State businesses; contravene the equality of States; and retroactively impose arbitrary and excessive fines without legitimate justification.These State laws and policies are fundamentally irreconcilable with my Administration’s objective to unleash American energy.  They should not stand.
    Sec. 2.  State Laws and Causes of Action.  (a)  The Attorney General, in consultation with the heads of appropriate executive departments and agencies, shall identify all State and local laws, regulations, causes of action, policies, and practices (collectively, State laws) burdening the identification, development, siting, production, or use of domestic energy resources that are or may be unconstitutional, preempted by Federal law, or otherwise unenforceable.  The Attorney General shall prioritize the identification of any such State laws purporting to address “climate change” or involving “environmental, social, and governance” initiatives, “environmental justice,” carbon or “greenhouse gas” emissions, and funds to collect carbon penalties or carbon taxes.(b)  The Attorney General shall expeditiously take all appropriate action to stop the enforcement of State laws and continuation of civil actions identified in subsection (a) of this section that the Attorney General determines to be illegal.(c)  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General shall submit a report to the President, through the Counsel to the President, regarding actions taken under subsection (b) of this section.  The Attorney General shall also recommend any additional Presidential or legislative action necessary to stop the enforcement of State laws identified in subsection (a) of this section that the Attorney General determines to be illegal or otherwise fulfill the purpose of this order.
    Sec. 3.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. 
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP
    THE WHITE HOUSE,    April 8, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Whitesides, Levin Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral CA Delegation Push to Preserve ARCHES Hydrogen Hub Funding

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Schiff, Whitesides, Levin Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral CA Delegation Push to Preserve ARCHES Hydrogen Hub Funding

    The network of hydrogen hubs promotes American energy independence, lowers costs for consumers, and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs across California
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with Representatives George Whitesides (D-Calif.-27) and Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), led a bipartisan, bicameral delegation of 45 lawmakers in urging the Department of Energy (DOE) to preserve funding for hydrogen production hubs, specifically California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). The letter follows reports that DOE is considering eliminating funding for the development of four hydrogen hubs, including ARCHES.
    These cuts would break existing agreements while leading to significant job losses and a reduction in growth of new energy resources. With federal, private, and state matching funds, ARCHES is projected to create over 200,000 jobs in California and generate more than $2.95 billion annually in economic value by 2030.
    “As bipartisan members of the California delegation, we write with concern about reports that the U.S. Department of Energy is planning to cancel the hydrogen hub award commitment made to California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES),” wrote the lawmakers. “As the administration evaluates existing energy investments and pathways to make energy affordable, we respectfully urge you to continue supporting the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems Hub in California. ARCHES plays a critical role in securing American energy dominance, advancing world-leading energy technology, creating new manufacturing jobs, and lowering energy costs for American families.”
    “The investment is already being used to bring together private industry, local governments, and community organizations to collaborate and build a secure, American-made energy future,” continued the lawmakers. “We view ARCHES as a strategic investment in American energy innovation, an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and energy independence and competitiveness.”
    In addition to Padilla, Schiff, Whitesides, and Levin, the letter was also signed by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11) and Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (D-Calif.-31), Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Vince Fong (R-Calif.-20), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Adam Gray (D-Calif.-13), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Young Kim (R-Calif.-40), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25), Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), David Valadao (R-Calif.-22), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43).
    Senator Padilla has been a strong supporter of the development of clean hydrogen power in California. Padilla secured up to $1.2 billion for the ARCHES hydrogen hub from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and sent a letter to former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm urging the Department of Energy to support ARCHES’ proposal as part of its Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program. Last week, Padilla, Senator Schiff, and 25 other Democratic Senators sounded the alarm on DOE’s “hit list” of key energy projects, demanding Secretary of Energy Chris Wright follow the law and preserve the hydrogen hub program. Padilla also questioned President Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary of Energy on the hit list, highlighting the importance of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program to “jumpstart” the national hydrogen economy and urging him to protect vital funding for ARCHES.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Wright:
    As bipartisan members of the California delegation, we write with concern about reports that the U.S. Department of Energy is planning to cancel the hydrogen hub award commitment made to California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). As the administration evaluates existing energy investments and pathways to make energy affordable, we respectfully urge you to continue supporting the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems Hub in California. ARCHES plays a critical role in securing American energy dominance, advancing world-leading energy technology, creating new manufacturing jobs, and lowering energy costs for American families.
    In July 2024, the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) awarded $30 million to the California Hydrogen Hub through the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems to initiate hydrogen hub projects, following its selection as one of seven regional hubs in October 2023. These projects – and the economic growth and American jobs they support – are dispersed across the State of California from the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland to the reservation of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians to Lancaster, California. The investment is already being used to bring together private industry, local governments, and community organizations to collaborate and build a secure, American-made energy future. As California’s Hydrogen Hub, ARCHES anticipates the creation of 220,000 good paying jobs, from research and development (R&D) to manufacturing and maintenance of renewable hydrogen systems. This, in turn, promotes public-private partnerships to expand our STEM workforce.
    We view ARCHES as a strategic investment in American energy innovation, an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and energy independence and competitiveness. With that, we respectfully request that you continue supporting ARCHES and provide time for the California hub and its member organizations to further justify their vital role in meeting the energy goals of the administration.
    Thank you, and we look forward to your response.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Teacher Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

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

    HOUSTON – A 31-year-old former College Station resident has been ordered to federal prison after he shared multiple images on various online platforms containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

    Daniel Byrd pleaded guilty Nov. 25, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt has now sentenced Byrd to a total of 60 months in prison. In handing down the sentence, the court stated that the defendant may never have control of his addictive conduct, but the responsibility lies with Byrd himself. He was further ordered to serve 10 years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Byrd will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

    The investigation began after authorities discovered Byrd shared multiple CSAM images on various online platforms. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Byrd’s residence and seized his electronic devices.

    Some images depicted sexual contact between prepubescent males, while others showed adult males having sex with prepubescent males.  

    Byrd admitted to using online platforms Telegram and Kik to view and download CSAM utilizing his smart phone. He also stated he created a Mega account, a cloud-based storage and file hosting service, to save the child pornography. He would then distribute it to others by sending them links. 

    At the time of his arrest, Byrd was a teacher in the Navasota area. 

    Previously released on bond, Byrd was taken into custody following the sentencing today where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance from College Station Police Department and the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Leo and Jay Hileman prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Visalia Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Machine Guns to Undercover Agents

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — Shawn Saesee, 20, of Visalia, pleaded guilty Monday to selling machine guns in violation of the National Firearms Act and dealing and manufacturing firearms without a license, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, Saesee sold an undercover agent eight firearms, including five machine guns on four separate occasions. Saesee sold the undercover agent the firearms despite being told that the buyer could not legally possess firearms.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.

    Saesee is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Aug. 4, 2025. Saesee faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Snohomish County men indicted for drug trafficking conspiracy involving cocaine, fentanyl, and firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Two of the three defendants received commutations of long sentences in state court for serious violent crimes

    Seattle – Three Snohomish County men remain in federal detention tonight following their indictment last week for conspiracy, drug trafficking, and gun crimes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Percy Levy, 54, Eugene Smith, 69, and Robert O. Baggett, 60, remain at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac. At a hearing today Magistrate Judge Michelle Peterson ordered Baggett held pending trial. The other two defendants have detention hearings later this week and next week.  Jury trial is scheduled in front of Judge John H. Chun on June 9, 2025.

    According to records filed in the case, as early as 2023, Levy and Baggett were on the radar of the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force for dealing cocaine. Baggett repeatedly sold cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine to an undercover officer and identified his boss as Percy Levy. Later, surveillance by law enforcement identified Smith as another conspirator. On March 13, 2025, Smith was arrested after he delivered cocaine and fentanyl powder to an undercover officer at a drug deal at a local casino.

    Shortly after Smith’s arrest, officers served a search warrant on Levy’s residence where they found bricks of cocaine,

     fentanyl powder, digital scales, and packaging materials. They also seized a loaded firearm from under the pillow on the bed in the room where they discovered the drugs.

    Baggett allegedly repeatedly sold not only drugs but firearms in his dealing with undercover officers.

    All three defendants have significant criminal history and are prohibited from possessing firearms. Levy has a criminal history dating back to 1988 with convictions for burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, and robbery. Levy was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison in 2003 but was granted conditional clemency in 2019.

    Baggett’s criminal history dates to 1983 and includes 14 felonies including theft and assault.

    Smith has criminal history dating back to 1976. He has convictions for robbery, drug trafficking and assault. In 1996 he was sentenced to life in prison under the state’s Third Strike law.  His sentence was conditionally commuted in 2020.

    All three men are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Levy is also charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute for the cocaine and fentanyl found in his home and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Both Levy and Baggett are charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

    The charges against Levy are punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years to life in prison.  The charges against Baggett and Smith are punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison to life in prison. 

    The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The case is being investigated by the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force (SRDTF) and the FBI.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Wynne and Cindy Chang.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Myrtle Beach Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FLORENCE, S.C. —Michael David Brown, 44, of Myrtle Beach, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Jan. 10, 2024, officers with the Myrtle Beach Police Department spotted a vehicle in a motel parking lot with a man slumped over behind the wheel. Officers stopped to check on the man and determined he was intoxicated. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a loaded handgun on the passenger seat.

    Brown is a felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms. He has previous convictions for domestic violence, assault and battery.

    Brown faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine, restitution, and supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Brown after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report from the U.S. Probation Office.

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

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vernon Man Admits Receiving Sexually Explicit Images from Minors on Snapchat

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARYL TODD, 44, of Vernon, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a child exploitation offense.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force revealed that Todd used Snapchat to communicate with minor girls and entice them to send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves, sometimes in return for money that Todd sent the victims using the mobile payment service Cash App.  Todd also sent sexually explicit images of himself to the minor victims.

    After Todd was arrested on March 7, 2024, analysis of his cellphone revealed sexually explicit images of minor females.

    Todd pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1.

    Todd is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

    This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

    For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Groton Man Admits Producing and Possessing Child Sex Abuse Videos

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Mark H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL W. LANDON, 38, of Groton, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to child exploitation offenses.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 4, 2023, law enforcement seized Landon’s iPhone.  Forensic analysis of the phone revealed a video of Landon engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a minor under the age of 12, and other videos depicting child sexual abuse.

    Landon pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for July 2.

    Landon has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 28, 2023.

    This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Town of Groton Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean P. Mahard and Nancy V. Gifford through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the New London State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

    To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jefferson City Man Indicted for Unlawful Firearm Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

      JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo. man has been indicted today by a federal grand jury for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.  

    Latrell Dashon Batts, 27, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City.  The indictment alleges that Batts was in possession of a Smith & Wesson pistol and ammunition on March 10, 2025.

    Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.  Batts has prior felony convictions for assault in the second degree and accessory forcible stealing.

    The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

    Under federal statutes, if convicted, Batts is subject to a sentence of up to fifteen years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cecily L. Hicks. It was investigated Jefferson City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina U.S. Attorneys Host Ceremony In Observance Of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week , April 6-12, 2025

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C – In April, the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). This year’s observance takes place April 6-12, 2025.

    NCVRW began in 1981 to honor crime victims, promote victims’ rights, and recognize those who work with and advocate on behalf of victims of crime. It also serves to promote policies and programs that help victims of crime. This year’s NCVRW theme, “Connecting < KINSHIP > Healing,” recognizes that shared humanity should be at the center of supporting all survivors and victims of crime.

    To commemorate NCVRW, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Western, Middle, and Eastern Districts of North Carolina hosted a ceremony in Raleigh, to promote community engagement, raise awareness, and support and honor crime victims. The ceremony featured music by “The 100 Men in Black Ensemble” and remarks by victim advocates and survivors. The program also included a remembrance ceremony for crime victims and an award ceremony to recognize individuals for their superior service and work with victims and survivors. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Randall Galyon (MDNC), U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson (WDNC), and Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar (EDNC) attended today’s NCVRW Ceremony in Raleigh 

    “We wish there were no victims of crime, and eliminating crime is our goal and motivation.  During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we reaffirm our commitment to that goal, and to crime victims, survivors, and their families,” said Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “My Office will continue to work closely with our community partners, advocates, and law enforcement to uphold victims’ rights, and to ensure that victims’ voices are heard not just this week, but every day of the year.”

    “Each year during National Crime Victims’ Week, we recognize people whose physical, financial, and emotional well-being has been shattered by crime, and those who work to support them. By reflecting upon and honoring victims, victim advocates, and law enforcement professionals, we renew our commitment to seeking justice and giving hope to victims and their families,” said Randall Galyon, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. “Throughout the coming year, we will continue to bring our very best efforts to this work, protecting the fundamental human rights to ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’”

    “Today we honor the victims of crimes and celebrate those who work to restore hope in the face of loss and tragedy,” said Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “We greatly appreciate the sacrifices that our law enforcement partners and victim advocates make to serve, creating the community necessary to build the healing victims deserve.”

    For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist crime victims in your community, please visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.

    Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Assistance Program can be found here. 

    MIL Security OSI –