NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Security: Trilateral Maritime Exercise Supports Allied Interoperability

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    CARIBBEAN SEA  –  

    Showing the benefits of maritime presence in the Caribbean, three warships and one aircraft from three allies conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) on Mar. 3 designed to increase interoperability and enhance capability.

    The U.S. Navy Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60) and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116) joined the United Kingdom (U.K.) Royal Navy River-class offshore patrol vessel HMS Medway (P223) and a NH90 Neptune helicopter assigned to the Royal Netherlands Navy Holland-class offshore patrol vessel HNLMS Groningen (P843) for the PASSEX.

    The trilateral maritime PASSEX is part of U.S. and allied collaboration in the Western Hemisphere. Adopted in 2023, allies and partners from the U.K., Canada, France, the Netherlands, and the United States committed to more frequently share information and work more closely together on aligned strategic interests, specifically in the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility (AOR). The collaboration includes maritime operations and exercises at sea and Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) port visits designed to meet that commitment.

    “One of the best ways to address today’s security challenges is with shared maritime presence in our region, operating at sea with our allies and partners,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, the operational commander of the trilateral maritime exercise. “We know that through operations and exercises like this one in coordination with committed allies, we strengthen U.S. and regional security.”

    A PASSEX is an exercise conducted between two or more navies to ensure best practices for communicate and cooperation and normally include communication and maneuvering drills. This trilateral maritime PASSEX also included an air defense event, a low-slow flyer event, and Sailor crossdecks among the four warships.

    “We always look forward to any opportunity to operate alongside partners and allies like the Royal Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy,” said Capt. Nathan Diaz, USS Normandy Commanding Officer. “Maritime exercises such as these provide a great opportunity for Normandy Sailors to improve their skills and work closely with their counterparts from partnered and allied naval forces.”

    “We relish at sea exercises as they allow us to build our team as we operate with allies and partners,” said Cmdr. Cameron Ingram, USS Thomas Hudner Commanding Officer. “It was an honor to meet, operate and collaborate with the other commands’ leadership and teams, and a reassurance of our collaborative capabilities and resolve.”

    U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet serves as a trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South American maritime forces, promoting unity, security, and stability in the region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update over appeal into ongoing investigation

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have had a positive response from the public over an appeal released on 6 March as part of an ongoing investigation.

    The appeal was over an incident of a sensitive nature that occurred in Auckland City last year.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Kathy Bostock, of Auckland City CIB, says Police are no longer seeking further nominations from the public.

    “I would like to thank the community for their prompt response to our appeal and for their assistance in our enquiries, which remain ongoing,” she says.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Leads Colleagues in Demanding Answers on National Security Impacts of Trump’s Tariffs on Canadian Goods

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) led five of her Senate colleagues in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent demanding answers on the national security impacts on President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. On Tuesday, the Trump Administration implemented a 25 percent tariff on all goods imported from Canada, taxing working families for their food, energy, and car purchases.
    “By targeting a partner that is critical to U.S. mineral, food, and energy security, these measures threaten to undermine American national security,” wrote the Senators. “Canada provides essential minerals that power our weapons systems, nourish our crops, and heat our homes. Blanket tariffs that restrict our ability to source these minerals and make us more reliant on adversarial partners like Venezuela, China, and Russia raise fundamental national security questions.”
    Specifically, the Senators demanded answers to the following questions:
    How will the administration ensure that the additional 10 percent tariff on Canadian critical minerals does not increase costs and lead to shortages or reduced supply?
    How will the administration ensure that the additional 25 percent tariff on Canadian minerals such as potash [common in agricultural fertilizer] does not increase the cost of food production and impair the ability of American farmers to fill our dinner tables with affordable and abundant food?
    How will the administration ensure that new tariffs on Canadian minerals and energy products do not lead the United States to increase our sourcing from China, Russia, Belarus, and Venezuela?
    Are there any precautionary or preemptive actions that the administration has taken or plans to take to ensure that potential Canadian restrictions or bans on the export of critical minerals do not impair U.S. national security?
    How will the administration ensure that the additional 10 percent tariff on nickel imports from Canada does not lead additional Western miners to shutter and increase U.S. reliance on Chinese companies?
    How will the administration ensure that new tariffs on Canada do not work counter to delivering affordable, reliable energy to U.S. consumers?
    In 2023, the United States imported $47 billion in minerals from Canada, like the nickel alloys necessary for the production of military equipment and weapons. Canadian minerals help reduce America’s reliance on trade with China.
    Canada is also the world’s largest producer and exporter of potash, a critical component for fertilizer. More than 90 percent of the potash imported for use by American farmers comes from Canada, and a decrease in trade with Canada likely results in increased trade with Russia, Belarus, and China – the world’s next three largest potash producers.
    Additionally, the United States relies on Canadian crude oil imports to supplement its own energy production. Reducing the importation of Canadian crude oil increases America’s reliance on less friendly foreign oil sources, such as Venezuela.
    Additional signatories to the letter include Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
    Read the full letter here.
    Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts in Congress to strengthen our national security and supply chains. She has consistently blocked burdensome taxes on mining and wrote important provisions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bolster Nevada’s critical mineral supply chain. She’s also introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the domestic supply chain for rare-earth magnets, which are critical components of cell phones, computers, defense systems, and electric vehicles, but are almost exclusively made in China.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government pledges to protect more women from violence

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Government pledges to protect more women from violence

    This International Women’s Day, the government has reiterated its commitment to halving violence against women and girls in a decade.

    This International Women’s Day, as statistics show that a woman is killed on average every 3 days in the UK, the government has reiterated its commitment to halving violence against women and girls in a decade.

    For the past 10 years, Jess Phillips has read the names of women suspected of being killed by men on International Women’s Day, provided by the Femicide Census. But today she read out the names for the first time from the front benches as a Home Office Minister, and reiterated that ensuring our streets and homes are safer for women is now a top government priority. 

    This comes as the data shows that 1 in 5 homicides are domestic homicides and that over the last decade there were:

    • 898 female victims of domestic homicides
    • of these, 698 victims (78%) were killed by a partner or ex-partner
    • and over 9 in 10 female homicide victims were killed by a man (92%)

    These are numbers that the government has committed to change.

    Following the toxic influence we have seen on and offline from misogynistic figures, Minister Phillips also pledged that the government’s milestone violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy, expected to be published in the summer, will include actions specifically addressing the root causes of abuse – including underlying behaviours held by some men and boys.

    Under the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, the government has already set out a number of initiatives to tackle these appalling numbers and the scourge of abuse suffered by women and girls in this country.

    Work is already under way to improve the policing and criminal justice system response, relentlessly pursue dangerous perpetrators and provide enhanced support for victims, and includes:

    • a cross-government approach to tackling VAWG: to deliver transformational change and ensure efforts remain coordinated and effective, we are spearheading a cross-government approach to tackling VAWG through the Safer Streets Mission Board

    • Raneem’s Law: last month, domestic abuse specialists were embedded in 999 control rooms in the first five police forces under ‘Raneem’s Law’, to help improve the police response to domestic abuse – these specialists are advising on risk assessments, working with officers on the ground and ensuring that victims are referred to appropriate support services swiftly

    • measures to tackle spiking: in November, the Prime Minister announced a raft of measures to tackle spiking including a new criminal offence for spiking and new spiking training for up to 10,000 staff in the night-time economy to ensure they have the skills to support victims and prevent incidents

    • new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders: in November, we launched these orders in select police forces and courts and in the short time since they have launched, we have seen them being used to protect victims, including those experiencing coercive and controlling behaviour – we are going even further and onboarding an additional two sites over the next two months

    • measures to protect stalking victims: in December, we announced a package of new measures to protect victims of stalking, including helping ensure victims have the right to know the identity of online stalkers and widening the use of Stalking Protection Orders which can ban stalkers from going within a certain distance of victims or force them to attend behaviour programmes

    Today, the Home Office lit up in the colours of green, purple and white to mark International Women’s Day across four estates in the UK in a symbol of how crucial this priority is for Keir Starmer’s government.

    For the first time, each of the 95 women’s names provided by the Femicide Census were displayed in the Home Office’s headquarters in London for staff to view.

    Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips said:

    Today, for the first time from the front benches as a Home Office minister, I have performed the heavy task of reading out the names of women suspected of being killed by a man over the last year, provided by the Femicide Census. The statistics show that a woman is killed in the UK on average every 3 days – a number that is unacceptably high.

    Each had more of their life to live and was unfairly torn away from their loved ones, and each deserves to be recognised.

    The government’s commitment to halving violence against women and girls in a decade is not an abstract goal – it is a top priority. From embedding domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms to launching new domestic abuse protection orders, we are taking action. But the names on today’s list remind us we must do more, and we must do it faster.

    Julie Davey, Killed Women Trustee, said:

    Each and every year too many women are murdered by violent men. That has to stop and we welcome the government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade and the action it is taking to stem this devastating tide.

    The reading out of the names of killed women has become a sombre but important tradition – and we are pleased to see that duty move to the government front benches where it belongs. We know ministers are focussed on protecting the women we are here to fight for, and delivering justice for those whose loved ones have been cruelly snatched away.

    But this must be just the beginning – we hope government will deliver urgent action to address hidden homicides so that the lives of all women are recognised in the future. We look forward to working with ministers as they work to deliver justice.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Hunters urged to be extra sure this Roar

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    With the main deer hunting season – the Roar – about to go into full swing, New Zealand’s firearms regulator is reminding hunters everywhere of the need to identify their target beyond all doubt.

    Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority, in co-ordination with members of the Recreational Firearms User Group, is running a hunter safety advertising campaign prompting hunters everywhere to “be extra sure this Roar”.

    Te Tari Pureke Director of Partnerships and Communities, Mike McIlraith, says while the campaign offers a number of simple actions related to hunter safety, the core message responds to the risk of mis-identifying a target.

    “We want all hunters to have a great Roar and for everyone to come home safely,” he says. “Hunting deer whether for food or sport is an activity enjoyed by many, but we know firearms can be unforgiving.

    “That’s why we are urging hunters to be 100 percent sure they have identified their target. If they have any doubts, then don’t shoot. Hunters shouldn’t feel pressured to take the shot – no meat or no trophy is better than no mate!”

    Mike McIlraith says hunters are lucky to be hunting in a time of high deer numbers in many parts of New Zealand, with lots of opportunities for deer. This means hunters don’t need to be in a rush to shoot the first deer they see, they should take their time, and wait until they see the whole animal.

    “Keeping themselves and others in their hunting area safe takes more than luck,” says Mike McIlraith. “We’ve boiled it down to three key reminders for hunters this year – make a plan for your hunt and stick to it; always treat every firearm as loaded; and identify your target beyond all doubt.

    “Whether they are using optical or thermal imaging devices, they must follow Firearms Safety Rule 4 and identify their target beyond all doubt before firing. That’s what we mean when we say, be extra sure this Roar.”

    ENDS.

    Notes for Editors:

    The Recreational Firearms Users Working Group was formed to help align the important messaging of the various stakeholder groups involved in recreational hunting in New Zealand.

    This group consists of Department of Conservation, Federated Farmers of New Zealand, Fish & Game NZ, Game Animal Council, Mountain Safety Council, NZ Deerstalkers Association and Te Tari Pūreke.

    The Roar is the name given to the time of year when hunters target Red Deer stags which are at their most vocal attracting mates.

    Other great resources can be found on:

    Te Tari Pūreke has a ‘Roar safety’ webpage

    The Mountain Safety Council website – Big Game hunting section

    The Game Animal Council of New Zealand – ‘Hunter Safety’ page

    New Zealand Deerstalkers Association

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE ATM/EBT fraud operation yields 15 arrests in Orange County

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LOS ANGELES – From March 1-2, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Orange County and its Los Angeles El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, along with multiple law enforcement partners, conducted county wide operations targeting Romanian organized theft rings and other criminals responsible for conducting numerous unauthorized ATM transactions utilizing counterfeit/cloned EBT cards at various financial institutions in Orange County. During this operation, ICE and local police identified and arrested 15 individuals for the violation of federal law involving the use/manufacturing of an access device with the intent to defraud. In addition to the federal arrests, two state arrests were also made for subjects involved in EBT fraud. Approximately 42 counterfeit/cloned EBT cards and bulk U.S. currency was seized pursuant to the operation. The cases were presented to the United States Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California and District Attorney’s Office for both federal and state prosecution.

    “This type of fraud that is occurring in our communities cannot be combatted alone,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “Our El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force and HSI Orange County’s collaboration with our federal, state and local partners is paramount to effectively stopping ATM and EBT fraud.”

    Operational partners included the Diplomatic Security Service, Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General, Los Angeles, District Attorney’s Office, California Department of Social Services, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Westminster Police Department, Inglewood Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Garden Grove Police Department, El Monte Police Department, Orange Police Department, Huntington Beach Police Department, La Habra Police Department, Cypress Police Department and the Brea Police Department.

    Indictments contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Anyone with information on ATM/EBT fraud are encouraged to call the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

    Learn more about ICE HSI’s mission to protect the U.S. economy in your community on X at @HSILosAngeles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Enhancing Safety and Reducing Fatalities on Roadways

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that $90 million is now available to help local governments enhance safety and reduce fatalities on their roads, part of a comprehensive “Safe System” approach toward zero deaths being deployed by the State Department of Transportation to reduce fatalities on all highway systems across New York. The funding will support projects intended to prevent vehicles from inadvertently straying from their lanes and to lessen the severity of crashes that result from those instances. In New York State, about 40 percent of crash fatalities occur when a vehicle departs from its lane. The initiative is part of a multi-year, multi-agency action plan released last year by the New York State Department of Transportation to reduce such incidents and minimize the injuries and fatalities that result from them.

    “Safe highways save lives and through the adoption of a ‘Safe System’ approach, we are holistically looking at our highway systems to see where our safety investments can make the biggest difference in reducing fatalities,” Governor Hochul said. “The funding we are making available today will help local governments design and implement projects that will enhance the safety of their roadways and make it more likely that drivers reach their destination unharmed.”

    Striving to achieve a Safe System Approach toward Zero Deaths, the New York State Department of Transportation in the summer of 2024 released the Roadway Departure Safety Action Plan, which calls for comprehensive approach to be undertaken by NYSDOT and its partner agencies to reduce fatalities and serious injuries that result when vehicles inadvertently depart their lanes or the roadway. Under the plan, NYSDOT is focusing on engineering improvements, public education and awareness campaigns, and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is coordinating law enforcement activities.

    State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “From day one, Governor Hochul has been laser focused on improving public safety, and that’s what our ‘Safe System’ approach toward zero deaths on highways is all about — reducing and preventing fatalities and serious injuries on our highways. Highway safety is a shared responsibility and the funding we are making available for local governments, combined with complementary enhancements to the state highway system, will hopefully have a major impact in reducing fatalities and serious injuries on New York’s highways.”

    Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said, “Investing in innovative and effective programs like New York’s ‘Safe System’ will save lives and lower costs related to crashes. I was proud to lead the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law to passage, which boosted funding for this critical road-safety program. Today Governor Hochul is ensuring local governments have the resources they need to lay the foundation for a safer future on our roads.”

    State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Millions of New Yorkers rely on our highway system every day to get from point A to point B. It’s only right that we do everything we can to keep these drivers safe. I’m grateful for the partnership of Governor Hochul and Commissioner Dominguez in keeping our roads safe and for their commitment towards pursuing zero highway fatalities in New York.”

    Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, “Safety on our local roads and highways is of paramount importance. This funding made available from Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation will help local governments prioritize safety and give motorists and the public more peace of mind when they travel on their local roads and highways in New York State.”

    New York State Association of Counties President Benjamin Boykin II said, “Counties are responsible for maintaining thousands of miles of roads and highways across New York State, and ensuring the safety of our residents is a top priority. This funding from Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation will help local governments make roadway improvements designed to reduce accidents and fatalities and make our roads safer for everyone.”

    New York State Association of Towns Executive Director Chris Koetzle said, “Safe roads are essential to thriving communities and a priority for towns. We deeply appreciate every dollar the State invests in helping local governments build and maintain safer roadways, ensuring the well-being of all who travel them.”

    New York State Conference of Mayors Executive Director Barbara Van Epps said, “Safer roads lead to safer communities. NYCOM thanks Governor Hochul for advancing this grant funding opportunity for our cities and villages. We look forward to partnering with her and the State Legislature to further enhance critical transportation funding for our local roads.”

    Funding for these projects is available through the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Improvement Program and may be used to support the design and construction of countermeasures intended to reduce roadway/lane departures and lessen the likelihood that departure-related crashes cause death or serious injury. Such countermeasures include, but are not limited to, enhanced striping, curve warning signs, rumble strips and median barriers. The funding compliments an additional $90 million that has also been set aside for NYSDOT to make safety enhancements on roads in the state highway system.

    A portion of the funds — about $10 million — has been set aside to support local municipalities in developing Local Road Safety Plans, which identify and analyze problem areas and prioritize potential safety improvements.

    Minimum available funds per local project is $250,000 and additional information about the funding and how local governments can propose projects is available here. The following entities are eligible to sponsor a project:

    • Counties, towns, villages and Native Nations
    • Metropolitan Planning Organizations
    • Counties interested in sponsoring a project on behalf of one or more municipalities within their county are also eligible to apply.

    About the Department of Transportation

    It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment and supports the economic well-being of New York State.
    Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!

    For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on X or Instagram, or visit our website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Manchester Man Pleads Guilty for His Role in a Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine to New Hampshire through the United States Postal Service

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CONCORD – A Manchester man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord for his role in a conspiracy to traffic cocaine to New Hampshire through the United States Postal Service (USPS), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

    David Orme, age 52, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, namely, cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for June 23, 2025. The defendant was indicted on December 20, 2023, along with five other defendants. To date, Orme is the fourth defendant convicted in the conspiracy. 

    According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, the defendant was involved in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that shipped cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester, New Hampshire. A coconspirator in Puerto Rico sent a package that contained approximately 500 grams of cocaine to an address in Manchester and the defendant signed for it using a fictitious name in a controlled delivery. Ultimately, law enforcement seized the package. Between September 2020 and December 2021, the DTO shipped over 5.6 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester for redistribution. 

    The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case. 

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Second Defendant Admits to Role in Bank Fraud Conspiracy Targeting Banks in Ten States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – A second individual has admitted to a federal judge that he participated in a conspiracy to defraud banks in Rhode Island and at least nine other states of more than $140,000, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Jaymark Larios, 23, of Bronx, NY, pleaded guilty today to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    According to information presented to the court, Larios and other members of the conspiracy recruited and organized individuals and obtained their photographs and personal identifying information (PII). The information was used by conspirators to create fraudulent IDs that contained their own photographs and the PII of some of the recruits.

    As part of the scheme, Larios and others obtained the PII of at least 28 victim individuals, including their names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers, and bank account information. They also obtained information of at least 20 business entities, including business names and banking information. The information collected was used to create fraudulent IDs and checks. Members of the conspiracy then traveled with their recruits to banks in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, and elsewhere to cash fraudulent checks created by members of the conspiracy.

    Through the scheme, conspirators attempted to defraud banks of a total of approximately $143,000, successfully defrauding twenty-two banks of a total of approximately $93,200.

    On February 27, 2025, Paul Keenan, 54, of Bronx, NY, admitted to his role in the conspiracy, pleading guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 2025.

    The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christine Lowell.

    The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the East Providence Police Department, with the assistance of the Portsmouth Police Department.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Frankfort Attorney Sentenced for Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Money Laundering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Frankfort attorney, Brian Logan, 51, was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Gregory VanTatenhove to 36 months, for wire fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering.  

    According to court documents, Logan prepared a will for a client in August 2018.  After the client passed away, Logan was appointed executor of the client’s estate, which included real property and cash.  The will directed that the majority of the estate’s assets be distributed among certain charities.  Instead, Logan transferred $239,600 from the estate bank account to his personal bank accounts in a series of transactions from October 10, 2018, to August 31, 2023.  Logan then used these funds for personal expenses, including to make payments on his credit card.

    Logan also used fraudulent transactions to transfer the ownership of the estate’s real property to himself.  Using his role as executor, he caused the estate to conduct a fictitious transaction selling the property to a friend, then effected a second fictitious transaction causing the friend to sell the property to an entity Logan owned.  In each transaction, Logan forged the friend’s name and signature on the deeds. Logan then collected rent on the property for nearly six years, using the funds to make payments on personal credit cards.

    In addition, Logan submitted fraudulent documents to a bank in connection with a loan application for the property.  He provided the bank with one of the forged deeds and a fraudulent lease that again used his friend’s name and forged signature.  Logan used the loan proceeds, totaling $116,000, for his personal benefit.

    Under federal law, Logan must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Additionally, as part of his sentencing, Logan is required to pay $178,381 in restitution. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Robert Holman, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service; and Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service and the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Mattingly Williams is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    – END –

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indictment Charges Former Federal Correctional Officer in Chicago With Sexually Abusing Inmates

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A former correctional officer at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly sexually abusing four inmates while on duty.

    BRITTANY HALL, 31, of Chicago, sexually abused the inmates inside the MCC in December 2023, according to an indictment returned Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  At the time, Hall was a correctional officer for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, responsible for supervising inmates in Unit 12 of the MCC. Hall resigned from the BOP in 2024.

    The indictment charges Hall with five counts of sexual abuse of a ward, each of which is punishable by up to 15 years in federal prison, and three counts of abusive sexual contact, each of which is punishable by up to two years in federal prison.  Arraignment is scheduled for today at 1:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain.

    The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and William J. Hannah, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Midwest Regional Office of the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Shih.

    The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Puerto Rico Man Pleads Guilty for His Role in a Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine to New Hampshire through the United States Postal Service

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CONCORD – A man living in Puerto Rico pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord for his role in a conspiracy to traffic cocaine to New Hampshire through the United States Postal Service (USPS), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

    Joshua Baez Core, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, namely, cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for June 9, 2025. The defendant was indicted on December 20, 2023, along with five other defendants. To date, two co-conspirators have been convicted.

    According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, the defendant was involved in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that shipped cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester, New Hampshire. The defendant, based in Puerto Rico, would use fictitious sender information to send packages of cocaine through the mail to Manchester at the direction of his father, the leader of the DTO. The cocaine was often packaged in 500-gram or 1,000-gram bundles and hidden inside children’s games. After the defendant shipped each package, he would relay tracking information to his father, who would employ co-conspirators to track and retrieve the packages of cocaine for him at various addresses in Manchester. His father also sent the defendant suspected drug proceeds, in one instance sending him a parcel containing $11,000. Between September 2020 and December 2021, the DTO shipped over 5.6 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester for redistribution. 

    The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case. 

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Buffalo removes 2 illegal aliens, sexual predators to Honduras

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed two illegally present Honduran nationals convicted of felony sexual offenses, March 3.

    Rito Emanuel Reconco-Castro, 28, illegally entered the United States on an unknown date at an unknown location without being admitted or paroled by a U.S. Immigration official. The U.S Border Patrol encountered Reconco March 29, 2014, issued him a notice to appear, and placed him into removal proceedings. Suffolk County Court convicted Reconco of attempted rape in the first-degree June 11, 2021, and sentenced him to seven years in prison. An immigration judge issued Reconco a final order of removal Nov. 20, 2024. ICE arrested Reconco Feb. 7 upon his release from Wende Correctional Facility in Alden, New York.

    Hugo Abraham Aguilar, 45, illegally entered the U.S. on an unknown date and location without being admitted by an immigration official. The Morris County prosecutor in Morristown, New Jersey arrested Aguilar Feb. 7, 2014, for sexual assault of a victim under 13 and he was found guilty of the charges. The Dover Police Department arrested Aguilar Nov. 6, 2017, for violating a judicial restraining order and he was found guilty of the charges.

    An immigration judge ordered Aguilar removed to Honduras May 11, 2018. Aguilar filed an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals, but the appeal was dismissed, Oct. 1, 2018. Aguilar then filed an appeal with the U.S Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, but the court denied the appeal July 10, 2024. ICE arrested Augilar during a traffic stop Feb. 2 and detained him, pending removal, to fulfill the judge’s order.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing ICE’s online tip form.

    Learn more about ERO Buffalo’s mission to preserve public safety on X, @EROBuffalo.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Los Angeles, multiple agency case results in 2 Cuban nationals sentenced for fraudulent dispute scheme

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LOS ANGELES – Two local area men were sentenced Feb. 24, in the Central District of California for their involvement in a fraudulent dispute scheme. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force conducted this investigation collaboratively with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

    “This conviction highlights our agency efforts to safeguard our economy as well as take dangerous criminals off the street,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Los Angeles Al Rossi. “The El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force will work tirelessly to ensure that perpetrators who prey on innocent victims and decide to undermine our financial infrastructure are brought to justice and held accountable for their actions.”

    Alejandro Munoz and Abel Pena-Garcia, who are identical twins, were involved in a fraudulent dispute scheme that targeted third party payment platforms, like PayPal and Square.

    Additionally, the two were suspected of defrauding the United States Treasury Department. Munoz was sentenced to 75 months confinement for Aggravated Identity Theft, with three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $477,396.74 in restitution. Pena-Garcia was sentenced to 41 months confinement for Attempt and Conspiracy, with three years of supervised release.

    Anyone with information on financial fraud are encouraged to call the Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

    Learn more about ICE HSI’s mission to protect the U.S. economy in your community on X at @HSILosAngeles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 7 March : INTERPOL International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Officers

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    6 March 2025

    On Friday 7 March, the world unites to honour the courage and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who have laid down their lives in the line of duty.

    The International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Officers, created by INTERPOL in 2019, is more than a tribute—it is a solemn reminder that every officer lost in the line of duty was not only protecting their community but also strengthening the foundations of global security. Their dedication transcended borders, ensuring safer societies and a more secure world for all.

    Across continents, police forces stand together in remembrance. Flags at INTERPOL duty stations are lowered to half-mast, and tributes take place worldwide—each one a testament to the profound respect and gratitude owed to these fallen officers. Their sacrifice is a stark reminder that security is never guaranteed; it is upheld daily by those willing to stand on the front lines against crime, violence, and threats that endanger us all.

    You can join this global tribute by sharing their legacy. Use the hashtag #FallenOfficers to spread awareness, honour their memory, and stand in solidarity with those who continue to serve—protecting lives and defending the stability that allows societies to thrive

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Conference – It’s In Your Hands

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Lord Mayor Councillor Sarah Duffy and Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Kyle Savage launch It’s In Your Hands conference to support Ending Violence Against Women & Girls. Pictured along with Gary Scott, Safeguarding Officer and Alison Beattie from the Community Development Team.

    Violence against women and girls is a very serious challenge in our society. It is a problem that is hidden in plain sight and every day we see how it is affecting the lives of women and girls, wherever they learn, live, and work.

    Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council have been consistently campaigning for an end to violence against women and girls.

    As part of this campaign, they are hosting a conference designed to assist local organisations in addressing this issue and really making a difference.

    Entitled ‘It’s In Your Hands’, the conference aims to support organisations within the community to better understand the issues around ending violence against women and girls, to support them in changing attitudes and ultimately to help end this violence.

    A number of speakers will cover different topics including coercive control, partner violence, what a healthy relationship should look like and how we can educate everyone in our communities to prevent abuse and harm against women and girls.

    Dr Ngozi Anyadike-Danes is a Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Ulster University and was part of the research team that authored ‘Every Voice Matters! Violence Against Women in Northern Ireland’ Research Report. This research explores women’s experience of violence and abuse across their lifetime and the impacts that this has had on mental health, well-being and social functioning.

    Marcella Leonard MBE assists organisations strategically and operationally to have robust safeguarding for children and adults at risk. She will be considering the issue of sexual violence against women and girls in the context of exploring the signs and symptom of those experiencing this form of abuse, how they may present, the impact of trauma on individuals, and consideration of appropriate measures organisations/groups can implement to support the reporting/disclosure of abuse.

    “I am a huge advocate for this campaign and in our collective responsibility to end violence against women and girls,” commented the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy.

    “This conference which is free to attend, is a really important step as it is about making sure everyone understands that we all have a part to play in ending this. By coming together and having these conversations, we can help create a safer world where women and girls are treated with the respect they deserve.”

    The conference will take place on Monday 31 March, 9.30am to 4pm at Armagh City Hotel. To attend, please register here: https://evawgconference2025.eventbrite.co.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for rape of 12-year-old following Metropolitan Police investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been jailed for 16 years for grooming and raping a child – after investigators from the Metropolitan Police Service tracked him down using only phone data and CCTV footage.

    Richard Bosworth, 40 (13.07.1983), from Coalville in Leicestershire, was sentenced on Tuesday, 4 March, at Kingston Crown Court. He previously pleaded guilty on Wednesday, 23 October, 2024 to two counts of rape as well as seven other sexual offences, including sexual assault on a child under 13, engaging in sexual communication with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, meeting a child following sexual grooming, and assault by digital penetration.

    Detective Inspector Kieran Curry, who led the investigation, said:

    “I commend the young survivor in this case for her courage. She found the strength to confide in officers, and her account of this appalling assault proved crucial in securing Bosworth’s conviction. Her and her family’s cooperation has put this dangerous predator behind bars.

    “Bosworth travelled from Leicestershire to abuse his victim in Twickenham. He is a devious offender, who ensured he left very little evidence for police to pursue.

    “It is a testament to our investigative teams that they succeeded in identifying Bosworth, combing over large amounts of CCTV evidence and phone data in order to apprehend him and secure a conviction.”

    On Monday, 23 September, 2024, police were contacted by the victim’s mother. She said her 12-year-old daughter had spoken to friends at school about being abused by a man who had reached out to her on the BeFriend social media platform, presenting himself as a young teenager.

    Investigators spoke to the girl, who said the man picked her up in his car in the early hours of Thursday, 19 September, 2024. He used a fake profile when communicating with the victim, grooming her for a month prior to the meeting. He left little evidence of his true identity.

    Officers in the case reached out to the Met’s Operation Atlas team, which specialises in digital manhunts. Having obtained the number associated with the fake BeFriend profile, investigators were able to trace the movement of a phone through London to the victim’s home, as it citied off various telecom masts. They then paired this with CCTV footage from the areas in question.

    Through these enquiries, investigators were able to single out a car. This was found to belong to Bosworth. On Tuesday, 1 October, officers arrested him at his home in Coalville. On the same day, he was charged with 10 counts of rape, all relating to the same incident on Thursday, 19 September.

    As well as serving 16 years in prison, Bosworth will be made to register for life as a sex offender.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Unified response: an inside look at nearly 300 Coast Guardsmen responding to the Potomac River plane crash

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    03/06/2025 11:18 AM EST

    In a unified effort, 278 Coast Guard service members and Auxiliarists from 33 units across the East Coast responded to the incident with an urgent mission—search, recover, and bring closure to a nation reeling from disaster. 

    For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rhode Island Businesswoman Sentenced for Failing to Pay Over Employee Payroll Taxes to the IRS

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE –  A Rhode Island businesswoman who collected but failed to pay over to the government eight years’ worth of employee federal withholding taxes and properly report her own personal income to the IRS has been sentenced to two years of probation, the first six months to be served in home detention, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Gail M. Hynson, 59, president of Hynson Electrical Services, Inc., pleaded guilty in October 2024 to ten counts of failure to account for and pay over payroll taxes and three counts of filing a false tax return. In addition to a term of probation and home detention, U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., ordered Hynson to perform 100 hours of community service.

    Court documents detail that from 2016 through 2024, Hynson, who also acted as the company bookkeeper, withheld employment taxes from its employees’ paychecks, to include federal income taxes, Medicare, and Social Security taxes, but failed to provide the funds to the IRS.

    Much of the money deducted from her employees’ paychecks was transferred to her own personal bank accounts and used to pay for personal expenses, including her mortgage, car payments, and her daughter’s student loans.

    In addition, court records provide that Gail Hynson and her husband submitted false personal tax returns to the IRS, failing to reflect their actual income, to include the employees’ withholdings she transferred to her personal bank accounts and used for personal expenses.

    Between 2016 and 2024, Hyson failed to remit a total of approximately $1.22 million dollars to the IRS.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ly T. Chin and Milind M. Shah.

    The matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Foreign Nationals Indicted For Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of six indictments charging Cesar Antonio Geronimo-Morales (34, Guatemala), Calixto Gomez-Lopez (42, Guatemala), Fermin Diaz (37, El Salvador), Lenar Donaldo Martinez-Garay (32, Honduras), Lesman Yohan Lopez-Gamez (33, Honduras), and Juan Jose Resendiz-Gonzalez (47, Mexico) with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. If convicted, each faces up to two years in federal prison. 

    According to court documents, all six individuals have been previously deported from the United States and were found present in Duval County. None have received the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security for the United States to apply for readmission to the United States.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fayette County meth dealer sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a Vandalia woman to 10 years in federal prison after she admitted to possessing methamphetamine for distribution.

    Melissa P. Workman, 52, of Vandalia, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance: meth.

    “This 10-year sentence sends a strong message that federal law enforcement is combating drug crimes all over the district,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Because meth is highly addictive and destructive for families, knowing this dealer is headed to federal prison is a win for Fayette County, and I applaud the FBI agents who worked the case to hold her accountable.”

    According to court documents, Workman sold 10 grams of meth to a confidential source working for the FBI on July 17, 2023. On July 18, 2023, agents executed a search warrant of her residence and recovered meth, a digital scale, packaging supplies and other drug paraphernalia.

    “Drugs have deadly consequences, and the FBI will aggressively investigate the sale and trafficking of illegal drugs to make our communities safer places to live,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “This sentence underscores the consequences of distributing illegal drugs and ensures the offender is unable to cause harm to others for years to come.”

    In additional investigations, agents again searched Workman’s residence on Jan. 8, 2024, and located more methamphetamine. Following her federal indictment on April 18, 2024, agents executed an arrest warrant for Workman. During her arrest, law enforcement uncovered additional amounts of methamphetamine in her home.

    The FBI Springfield Field Office led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Carraway prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bay Roberts — Man discharges firearm outside gas station in Bay Roberts, arrested and charged

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following a report of a man discharging a firearm outside of a gas station in Bay Roberts on March 6, 2025, 25-year-old Curtis Peddle was arrested by Bay Roberts RCMP.

    Shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, police received a report from the business. A man armed with a long gun entered the store, spoke to the clerk and then exited the store. He fired off two rounds from the firearm on the parking lot of the business and departed the area in a pickup truck.

    A short time later, the identified man, Curtis Peddle, was located in the described truck on the Veteran’s Memorial Highway, near Mackinsons. He was provided commands to exit the vehicle, while officers had firearms drawn out at the ready. Peddle was taken into custody without further incident. A firearm and ammunition were located and seized.

    He attends court today and is charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Discharging a firearm while being reckless
    • Careless use of a firearm
    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
    • Unsafe storage of a firearm

    The investigation is continuing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pair Sentenced to More Than 27 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

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

    FORT SMITH – A Van Buren, Arkansas woman and a Los Angeles, California man have been sentenced to more than 324 months, combined, in prison for crimes related to drug trafficking. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings for the United States District Court in Fort Smith.

    According to court documents, in July of 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with investigators with the Fort Smith Police Department, initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in the Fort Smith division responsible for distributing methamphetamine. During their investigations, investigators identified Whitney Laxton-Claybaugh, age 34, as a member of this local group. She was subsequently charged with various drug and money laundering offenses connected to drug trafficking.

    Laxton-Claybaughwas sentenced to 214 months in prison for Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments after she wired thousands of dollars in methamphetamine trafficking proceeds in an attempt to conceal the location, the source, the ownership, or the control of the funds derived from methamphetamine trafficking.

    Laxton-Claybaugh’s co-defendant, Alciviades Alvarado-Juarez, age 21, was subsequently sentenced to 10 years in prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Alvardo-Juarez was indicted by a Grand Jury after a search warrant by the Federal Bureau of Investigations of a Fort Smith hotel showed Alvardo-Juarez to be in possession of over five hundred grams of methamphetamine.

    U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigations, Fort Smith Resident Office, and the Fort Smith Police Department investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Allison prosecuted the case.

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

    Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Salem Man Faces Federal Charge for Illegally Possessing Molotov Cocktails

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

    A Salem, Oregon man was arraigned in federal court today for possessing Molotov cocktails while attempting to destroy property at a Salem car dealership.

    Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, has been charged by criminal complaint with illegally possessing an unregistered destructive device.

    According to court documents, on January 20, 2025, officers from the Salem Police Department responded to a report of an individual throwing Molotov cocktails at a local car dealership. Later, on February 19, 2025, officers returned to the same dealership after a report of damage from what appeared to be bullets fired into a building and vehicle.

    Investigators soon linked Lansky to both incidents. Surveillance footage obtained from the car dealership appeared to show Lansky throwing Molotov cocktails that struck a dealership building and several vehicles, causing fires. Surveillance video from a patrol car captured a vehicle parked near the dealership while Lansky is alleged to have discharged multiple firearm rounds into a building and at least one vehicle. Investigators learned the vehicle was registered to Lansky and observed it at his residence.

    Lansky was arrested Tuesday without incident in Salem and made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Salem Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Parakram Singh, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Crescent City Murderer Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Methamphetamine

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

    Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger today sentenced Francisco Javier Arroyo (31, Crescent City) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Arroyo pleaded guilty on September 25, 2024.   

    According to the plea agreement and other court documents, from February through July 2021, Arroyo distributed methamphetamine and cocaine along with a number of conspirators, including Alejandro Alvarado (30, Crescent City), Miguel Angel Perez (29, Deland), Jose Martinez (43, Crescent City), Jonathan Arroyo Ontiveros (25, Crescent City), Noel Bueno Jr. (27, Crescent City) and others – all of whom lived in close proximity to one another in Crescent City. Miguel Angel Ortiz (29, Crescent City) also served as a courier to deliver multi-kilogram shipments of methamphetamine from Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia to the Crescent City neighborhood in which Arroyo and others operated. Arroyo delivered ounces of methamphetamine and cocaine primarily to Robert Wayne Watson (59, Seville), who operated out of his home in Seville. Watson then redistributed ounces of methamphetamine to mid-level dealers located throughout central Florida, including George Edward Sykes (46, Bunnell), Danny Wayne Holmes (61, Kathleen), Dina Dynnette Kempher (38, Satsuma), and David John Doerr (56, Astor).

    On July 16, 2021, the FBI arrested multiple individuals in Crescent City and Seville as part of this drug conspiracy. Around the same time, Arroyo was arrested in Missouri in connection with a triple homicide on July 13, 2021, in Crescent City. Arroyo was later convicted of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder for the surviving victims. He was sentenced to 22 years in Florida state prison. After his murder conviction in April 2024, Arroyo was transported to federal court to face charges for drug distribution occurring in 2021. Upon completing his state sentence, he will serve an additional 5 years and 10 months in federal prison. To date, 12 individuals have pleaded guilty and were sentenced to federal prison terms in connection with this conspiracy.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.   

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brentwood Man Charged with Making Interstate Threats to Bomb the Nashville Federal Courthouse

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

    NASHVILLE – Alexander Thompson, 35, of Brentwood, Tennessee, was arrested by federal agents and charged by criminal complaint with making threats in interstate commerce and making a threat in interstate commerce to damage or destroy a building or property by means of fire or an explosive, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.

    “We take dangerous threats to public spaces and public servants extremely seriously and will always act swiftly to hold those responsible accountable for their actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “People who work in courthouses, and citizens who attend proceedings there, should be free from threatening behavior.”

    According to the complaint, on March 2, 2025, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) received a notification from a representative of the Tucker Carlson Network (“TCN”), stating that TCN had received an email from Email Address 1 that contained the following verbiage :

    “I wanted to update you. Within 1-2 weeks, I will firebomb the Fred D Thompson Federal building and Courthouse in downtown Nashville. Beyond this singular act of violence, I bear no hostility towards America itself, and would be calm and peaceful to arrest prior to this act (and afterwards). I do not wish to shoot or kill law enforcement, I am rational, nonsuicidal, and would like to live a long life, but the attacks, harassment, torture against myself at the hands of a bunch of criminals has become unbearable. But, the current American Government is no longer lawful and legitimate and must therefore be exposed and overthrown pursuant to Founding documents of the United States. Despite informing thousands of politicians, local and federal law-enforcement, and various other parties, the nightly torture via targeted dream incubation, attacks, harassment, etc. continue. There is a surveillance&control backdoor present on every device in the Country, likely the It is my duty as both a person and as an American to not only stop horrendous physical and digital attacks against myself, but also inform my nation that it is on the brink of totalitarianism. I view my actions through the lens of necessity as I have tried every other available means to cease the torture, attacks, and to inform my Country that it is in the midst of a coup against it(but not by me).

    Thank you, Alex”

    TCN provided a possible X (formerly Twitter) account bearing username @cryptokeeper434, with a display name of “Alex.” This account is believed to be utilized by Thompson due to recent posts made showing the production and testing of a device which resembled a “Molotov cocktail.” A review of the publicly available X account for @cryptokeeper434 showed the following posts and photos of concern:

    A review of the publicly available X page for @cryptokeeper434, revealed photos of the Fred D. Thompson Federal Building and Courthouse, which is located at 719 Church Street, in Nashville. The Thompson Courthouse houses numerous employees, including employees of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, the Office of Probation and Pretrial Services for the Middle District of Tennessee, the United States Marshals Service, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.

    On March 3, 2025, MNPD officers arrested Thompson at his place of work in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. An MNPD officer and a mental health co-op crisis intervention team member spoke with Thompson, after which he stated to another law enforcement officer words to the effect of: You read the email, I was going to bomb the building, I couldn’t change the system from the outside and I need to be arrested to effect change from the inside.

    On March 3, 2025, MNPD officers obtained a search warrant for Thompson’s residence to look for bomb making materials and other evidence of criminal conduct. During the execution of this warrant, investigators found multiple empty jars, wicks, and wax, consistent with the items depicted in the X posts above. Investigators also located a Molotov cocktail that was assembled and just missing a fuel source.

    If convicted, Thompson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Nashville Field Office is investigating the case.

    Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire is prosecuting the case.

    A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    # # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: various locations — Nova Scotia RCMP collaborates on national Project STEEL targeting online child sexual exploitation offenders

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Between February 17 and 28, Nova Scotia RCMP worked with provincial policing partners to participate in Project STEEL by executing search warrants targeting online child sexual exploitation offenders with a goal of safeguarding children. Multiple people were arrested and have been charged as the investigations advance.

    Over the twelve days of Project STEEL, multiple law enforcement partners from across Canada joined together for Project STEEL, which was jointly led by the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Sûreté du Québec (SQ).

    In Nova Scotia, Project STEEL was led by the RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit in partnership with Kentville Police Service. Officers conducted four search warrant executions that led to arrests and the seizure of items containing child pornography.

    • On February 18, Kentville Police Service led the execution of a search warrant at a home on Forest Hill Rd., with support from ICE and RCMP Digital Forensic Services (DFS) and seized a variety of electronic devices. During examination of items seized, investigators found child pornography on a cell phone. One person was arrested and will face charges related to possession and transmission of child pornography; he was released by police pending an upcoming court appearance.
    • On February 19, the ICE Unit, with assistance from RCMP DFS, Interview Assistance Team (IAT), Cybercrime Unit, and Commercial Crime Section, Guysborough County District RCMP, and the RCMP Antigonish Street Crime Enforcement Unit, attended a residence on Hwy. 16 in Boylston with a search warrant. Officers arrested one man and located child pornography on a cell phone that was seized at the scene. James Thornley, 24, of Boylston, has been charged with one count each of Possession of Child Pornography and Transmit Child Pornography. He was released on conditions pending a first court appearance at Antigonish Provincial Court on April 30.
    • On February 20, the ICE Unit, with RCMP DFS, IAT, Cybercrime Unit, Commercial Crime Section, and Eskasoni RCMP, attended a home on Ginger Root Ln. and found a substantial amount of child pornography saved and organized on seized devices. One person will face charges associated to possession and transmission of child pornography; he was released pending an upcoming court appearance. A second person arrested at this location was released without charges and is not believed to be associated to the offences.
    • On February 26, the ICE Unit, again with support from RCMP DFS, IAT, and Cybercrime Unit, Yarmouth Town RCMP, and Yarmouth Rural RCMP, executed a search warrant at a business on Hwy. 3 in Ste. Anne du Ruisseau. Officers arrested one man. While on scene, investigators located multiple computers and media storage devices found to contain child pornography, and two unsecured firearms, which were also seized. Stephen Doucette, 51, of Lower Argyle, is facing charges of Possession of Child Pornography, Accessing Child Pornography, Careless Storage of Firearm, and Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm. He was released pending a first court appearance at Yarmouth Provincial Court on April 28.

    Investigations are ongoing and will include further analysis of computers, phones, and other devices seized.

    Cpl. Oliver Roberts, Provincial ICE Unit, notes that collaboration between agencies is the most effective strategy to combatting online child sexual exploitation. No single agency can police these crimes alone.

    “Project STEEL has been a great success nationally, as well as here in Nova Scotia,” says Cpl. Oliver Roberts. “The coordinated execution of search warrants from Cape Breton to Yarmouth has highlighted the important work being done here and collaboratively across all jurisdictions. All police forces in this province are working hard every day to create and promote safe spaces for everyone, especially children.”

    In Nova Scotia, it is mandatory for citizens to report suspected child pornography; anyone who comes across child pornography material or recordings must report it to the police. Failure to report could result in penalties similar to those for failure to report child abuse under the Child and Family Services Act. Be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting suspected offences to your local police or to Canada’s national tip line: www.cybertip.ca.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recruitment of a Non-Executive Director for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Recruitment of a Non-Executive Director for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate

    We are seeking a Non-Executive Director to join our Management Board and Chair the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC).

    Like many public sector boards, our Board is advisory – its role is to challenge and support executives in delivering strategy, policy and customer objectives, and achieving value for money.

    Critical to the effectiveness of the Board, is its ability to influence its stakeholders and to bring its collective wisdom to help to constantly improve the work and reputation of the Agency. 

    All our non-executives contribute to the Board’s work and the achievement of its objectives through Board and committee meetings, and other tasks assigned by the Chair.  

    For the non-executive Board member/ARAC Chair, the appointed person will:  

    • provide advice about strategy and policy, and the delivery of customer objectives 

    • provide effective oversight of financial and risk management 

    • ensure issues are explored from a range of viewpoints, promoting inclusion and engaging with stakeholders when necessary 

    • review and provide advice about performance, respecting the principles of good governance, supporting and holding the executive to account without becoming involved in the running of the business 

    • make well informed and impactful contributions to debate and discussion at Board meetings to aid collective decision-making 

    • maintain high personal standards in relation to personal behaviour and uphold the Nolan principles of public life 

    • as Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, provide advice to the Board and executives about financial probity, risk management and governance 

    • review and refresh the work of the Committee and effectively chair its meetings.  

    How to Apply 

    More information on the role and how to apply can be found on the Public Appointments page on gov.uk.

    Applications are to be received no later than noon, 31 March 2025. 

    If you have any questions please email director.support@vmd.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fall River — RCMP Southeast Traffic Services seizes cannabis including edibles, liquid extract and shatter

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Southeast Traffic Services (SETS) has arrested a man involved in illegal cannabis distribution.

    On March 1, an officer from RCMP SETS observed on radar a Chevrolet Cruze travelling at 128 km/h in a 100 km/h zone of Hwy. 118. The officer completed a traffic stop on the vehicle.

    During the traffic stop, the officer observed a package containing cannabis within reach of the driver and smelled a strong odor of marihuana coming from the vehicle. The 37-year-old driver from Halifax was subsequently arrested.

    During a search of the vehicle officers found six pounds of fresh cannabis, cannabis edibles, liquid cannabis, shatter, cash and a cell phone.

    The man was later released on conditions. He is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on May 20, at 9:30 a.m. to face a charge of Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling.

    Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

    File: 25-29184

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Update: Cases of drug users becoming unwell in Camden

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police officers and partner organisations, including Camden Council, continue to investigate a series of incidents in which drug users in the Camden area have become unwell after taking what they thought was heroin.

    While enquiries continue, officers believe that 33 people have been taken unwell, with 17 of them having attended hospital. Officers are not aware of anyone in a life-threatening condition, however they continue to liaise with hospitals and other agencies.

    The first cases were reported to emergency service on the afternoon of Monday, 3 March, in the Hampstead Heath, Oval Road and Jamestown Road areas of Camden. Subsequent incidents have remained concentrated in the Camden area.

    Detective Chief Inspector Chris Soole, one of the senior officers policing Camden, said: “We continue to work alongside our partners, including the local council and health professionals, to establish the full circumstances and identify everyone who has been affected.

    “Analysis of substances recovered shows that what users believed to be heroin was in fact a dangerous synthetic opioid. It is clear that this remains in circulation, especially in the Camden area, and it causes an extreme reaction.

    “In one of the most recent cases, just after 8pm on Wednesday evening, Met officers gave emergency first aid to a man in cardiac arrest in Haverstock Road, Camden. He had taken what he thought was heroin and it is likely that the actions of those officers saved his life.

    “This is the fourth day of our response to this critical incident, and it is absolutely clear just how dangerous this substance really is. I urge anyone who may be at risk to take every possible precaution, including seeking support and advice from health professionals about alternatives to acquiring and taking illegal drugs. As I said on day one, my advice remains that people should not buy, sell or consume illegal drugs. They are illegal and the trade is not regulated, so there are always very serious risks. Please seek help.

    “There have been no arrests at this stage but urgent enquiries are ongoing. I urge anyone with information about drug dealers in your area to share what you know with police or, to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

    Cllr Anna Wright, Camden Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said: “These cases are extremely worrying and we are working together with the police and our partners in the community to do all we can to reduce further drug related harm.

    “We have targeted the work of outreach teams to the affected locations and are making additional support readily available to those who may need it, including access to life-saving Naloxone kits. We have also issued a drug alert to our local network of healthcare and accommodation providers.

    “Contaminated heroin continues to be an issue of national concern. In Camden, we are continuing to invest in our drug and alcohol services and raise awareness of how residents can access support including drop-in sessions in community venues, access to dedicated services for women, outreach prescription support and one-to-one support from Keyworkers.

    “If you or someone you know needs support with drug or alcohol use, please contact Change Grow Live on 020 7485 2722 or email Camden.referrals@cgl.org.uk.”

    Change Grow Live, Camden’s Drug and Alcohol Service, have issued the following advice:

    If you are with someone who is overdosing:

    • Call for an ambulance immediately
    • Administer naloxone if you have it. When you use naloxone, you should see it start to work in 2-3 minutes.
    • If the person has not responded after 2-3 minutes, give them another dose and wait for 2-3 minutes again.
    • The effects of naloxone will last for 20 minutes, but after that, they will wear off and the person will begin overdosing again. It’s important that the person still gets medical help during this time.
    • If you would like access naloxone please contact your local drug and alcohol services.

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