NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI USA: Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Cost Efficiency Initiative

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-left”>     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.  This order commences a transformation in Federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans to ensure Government spending is transparent and Government employees are accountable to the American public.
         Sec. 2.  Definitions.  As used in this order:(a)  “Administrator” means the Administrator of the United States DOGE Service, as defined in Executive Order 14158 of January 20, 2025 (Establishing and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency”).(b)  “Agency” has the meaning given to that term in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code, except that such term does not include the Executive Office of the President or any components thereof.(c)  “Agency Head” means the highest-ranking official of an agency, such as the Secretary, Administrator, Chairman, or Director.  Agency Heads may select designees within their agencies to carry out the responsibilities specified in this order.(d)  “Covered contracts and grants” means discretionary spending through Federal contracts, grants, loans, and related instruments, but excludes direct assistance to individuals; expenditures related to immigration enforcement, law enforcement, the military, public safety, and the intelligence community; and other critical, acute, or emergency spending, as determined by the relevant Agency Head.  Notification shall be made to the agency’s DOGE Team Lead.(e)  “DOGE Team Lead” means the leader of the DOGE Team at each agency, as defined in Executive Order 14158.Sec. 3.  Cutting Costs to Save Taxpayers Money.  each Agency Head shall, with assistance as requested from the agency’s DOGE Team Lead, build a centralized technological system within the agency to seamlessly record every payment issued by the agency pursuant to each of the agency’s covered contracts and grants, along with a brief, written justification for each payment submitted by the agency employee who approved the payment.  This system shall include a mechanism for the Agency Head to pause and rapidly review any payment for which the approving employee has not submitted a brief, written justification within the technological system. (i)   Once the system described in subsection (a) of this section is in place, the Agency Head shall issue guidance, in consultation with the agency’s DOGE Team Lead, to require that the relevant agency employee promptly submit a brief, written justification prior to that employee’s approval of a payment under covered contracts and grants, subject to any exceptions the Agency Head deems appropriate.(ii)  To the maximum extent permitted by law, and to the maximum extent deemed practicable by the Agency Head, the payment justifications described in subsection (a)(i) of this section shall be posted publicly.(b)  Review of Covered Contracts and Grants.  Each Agency Head, in consultation with the agency’s DOGE Team Lead, shall review all existing covered contracts and grants and, where appropriate and consistent with applicable law, terminate or modify (including through renegotiation) such covered contracts and grants to reduce overall Federal spending or reallocate spending to promote efficiency and advance the policies of my Administration.  This process shall commence immediately and shall prioritize the review of funds disbursed under covered contracts and grants to educational institutions and foreign entities for waste, fraud, and abuse.  Each Agency Head shall complete this review within 30 days of the date of this order.(c)  Contract and Grant Process Review.  Each Agency Head, in consultation with the agency’s DOGE Team Lead, shall conduct a comprehensive review of each agency’s contracting policies, procedures, and personnel.  Each Agency Head shall complete this process within 30 days of the date of this order and shall not issue or approve new contracting officer warrants during the review period, unless the Agency Head determines such approval is necessary. (d)  CoveredContract and Grant Approval.  (i)   Following the review specified in subsection (c) of this section, and prior to entering into new contracts, each Agency Head shall, in consultation with the agency’s DOGE Team Lead, issue guidance on signing new contracts or modifying existing contracts to promote Government efficiency and the policies of my Administration.  The Agency Head may approve new contracts prior to the issuance of such guidance on a case-by-case basis. (ii)  Each DOGE Team Lead shall provide the Administrator with a monthly informational report on contracting activities.  As soon as an agency’s contract and grant justification process described in subsection (a) of this section is established, this report shall include all payment justifications provided pursuant to that process, to the extent consistent with law.(e)  Non-Essential Travel Justification.  Each Agency Head shall, with assistance from the agency’s DOGE Team Lead, build a technological system within each agency that centrally records approval for federally funded travel for conferences and other non-essential purposes.  Once an agency’s system is in place, the Agency Head shall prohibit agency employees from engaging in federally funded travel for conferences or other non-essential purposes unless the travel-approving official has submitted a brief, written justification for the federally funded travel within such system.  Each DOGE Team Lead shall, to the extent consistent with law, provide the Administrator with a monthly informational report listing each agency’s justifications for non-essential travel.  Such justifications shall be posted publicly unless prohibited by law or unless the Agency Head grants an exemption from this requirement.(f)  Credit Card Freeze.  To the maximum extent permitted by law, all credit cards held by agency employees shall be treated as frozen for 30 days from the date of this order, except for any credit cards held by employees engaged in, or charges related to employees utilizing such credit cards for, disaster relief or natural disaster response benefits or operations or other critical services as determined by the Agency Head, and subject to such additional individualized or categorical exceptions as the Agency Head, in consultation with the agency’s DOGE Team Lead, deems appropriate.(g)  Real Property Disposition.  Agencies shall take the following actions:(i)    Real Property Report.  Within 7 days of the date of this order, each Agency Head shall confirm to the Administrator of General Services or his designee that the Agency Head has submitted updates to the Federal Real Property Profile Management System to ensure the system reflects a complete and accurate inventory of real property subject to the agency’s administration.(ii)   Real Property Leases.  Within 30 days of the date of this order, each Agency Head shall promptly identify all termination rights the Agency Head may have under existing leases of Government-owned real property and, in consultation with agency’s DOGE Team Lead and the Administrator of General Services or his designee, determine whether to exercise such rights.(iii)  Real Property Disposition.  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Administrator of General Services shall submit a plan to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the disposition of Government-owned real property which has been deemed by the agency as no longer needed.
         Sec. 4.  General Exclusions.  This order does not apply to:(a)  Law enforcement officers, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 5541(3) and 5 C.F.R. 550.103, or covered contracts and grants directly related to the enforcement of Federal criminal or immigration law;(b)  U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the Department of Homeland Security;(c)  the Uniformed Services, as defined in 20 C.F.R. 404.1330;(d)  any other covered grant or contract, agency component, or real property that the relevant Agency Head exempts in writing from all or part of this order, in consultation with the agency’s DOGE Team Lead and the Director of OMB; or(e)  classified information or classified information systems.
         Sec. 5.  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 or 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.
    THE WHITE HOUSE,    February 26, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Announces Indictment of Queens Residents for Deed Theft and Forgery Scam That Stole Over $1.5 Million from Elderly Queens Resident

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the indictment and arraignment of Satwattie Martinez, 58, of Queens, and Joseph Uwagba, 68, of Queens, for their roles in stealing the home and personal funds of Martinez’s elderly and vulnerable neighbor. Martinez used forged documents notarized by Uwagba to steal her neighbor’s home and approximately $790,000 of the neighbor’s personal funds. Martinez then used the stolen funds for personal expenditures, including paying off credit card balances, shopping, travel, and remodeling the home that she stole. Martinez and Uwagba were each charged for forging documents and Martinez was separately charged with additional crimes for stealing her neighbor’s home and money. Using the documents that she forged and Uwagba falsely notarized, Martinez stole her elderly neighbor’s home and personal funds, together totaling more than $1.5 million.

    “Deed theft is a heartless, terrible crime that robs innocent people of their most valuable possession: their home,” said Attorney General James. “No one should ever have to fear their home being stolen out from underneath them, especially not from their own neighbor. Satwattie Martinez targeted her elderly neighbor to steal generational wealth that he built for himself and his family. I will continue to fight for New York homeowners and do everything in my power to keep them in their homes.”

    The Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) investigation found that starting in November 2021, Martinez preyed upon her elderly and vulnerable neighbor, who had been hospitalized and was residing in a nursing home prior to his death. Martinez allegedly forged a deed and filed falsified documents, which were notarized by Uwagba, to transfer her neighbor’s home located at 133-12 128th Street in Queens to herself as sole owner.

    In addition to forging the deed and stealing her elderly neighbor’s home, Martinez also falsified a power of attorney and appointed herself as the legal agent for her neighbor by forging the names of unsuspecting friends as witnesses. Martinez then used the power of attorney to steal more than $790,000 from her neighbor’s investment account and unsuccessfully attempted to steal additional funds from his bank account and other accounts. Martinez used part of the stolen funds for personal expenditures, including remodeling the stolen home, which her daughter and son-in-law moved into and currently reside in.

    Martinez also created a joint bank account using her neighbor’s personal information to steal additional funds. She deposited checks that were payable to her elderly neighbor and used these stolen funds for personal expenses.

    After forging the deed to her neighbor’s home and stealing his personal finances, Martinez also falsified a last will and testament for him by forging the signatures of the same two unsuspecting friends. In the will, Martinez falsely indicated that her neighbor had no family and that all of his property was bequeathed to her. Martinez was communicating with her neighbor’s brother, who resides outside the United States, and represented herself as his caregiver and friend.

    Upon discovery of Martinez’s thefts by a concerned citizen who reported the suspected crimes to the New York City Sheriff’s Office, Martinez tried to move her neighbor to a different nursing home and directed nursing home staff not to let anyone visit him. The deed, power of attorney, last will and testament, and other forged documents were falsely notarized by Uwagba, a notary qualified in Queens County.

    Martinez and Uwagba were arraigned today before Supreme Court Judge Leigh Cheng in Queens County. Following the arrests and arraignments, Martinez was ordered to surrender her passports and released on supervised release. Uwagba was released on his own recognizance.

    Martinez was charged with the following crimes:

    • Grand Larceny in the First Degree, a class B felony;
    • Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the First Degree, a class B felony;
    • Burglary in the Second Degree, a class C violent felony;
    • Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class C felony;
    • Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Second Degree, a class C felony;
    • Money Laundering in the Second Degree, a class C felony;
    • Forgery in the Second Degree, a class D felony;
    • Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, a class D felony;
    • Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class E felony; and
    • Identity Theft in the Second Degree, a class E felony.

    The maximum sentence on the top count is 25 years. Uwagba was charged with Forgery in the Second Degree, a class D felony. The maximum sentence is seven years. The charges against the defendants are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    This is the latest action in Attorney General James’ efforts to protect New York homeowners from deed theft and other housing-related scams. In October 2024, Attorney General James and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark announced the arrests of three real estate scammers for stealing over $250,000 from New Yorkers and for their roles in a deed theft scheme to steal the childhood home of a Bronx resident. In July 2024, Attorney General James announced the conviction and sentencing of the leader of a Queens deed theft ring that stole homes in Jamaica and St. Albans, Queens. In July 2023, she announced the indictment and arraignment of Joseph Makhani of Long Island for deed theft. In April 2023, Attorney General James announced two pieces of legislation to strengthen protections and remedies for victims of deed theft, which have both been signed into law. In February 2021, Attorney General James announced an $800,000 grant to combat deed theft in vulnerable neighborhoods. Attorney General James also launched the Protect Our Homes initiative in January 2020 and the formation of an interagency law enforcement task force to respond to deed theft and other real estate fraud.

    The OAG thanks the New York State Police for the criminal referral and its assistance with this investigation and prosecution. The OAG also thanks the New York City Sheriff’s Office and the New York City Department of Finance for their assistance.

    The case was investigated by Detectives Sal Ventola and Teresa Russo under the direction of Supervising Detectives Anna Ospanova and Walter Lynch, and all under the supervision of Deputy Chief Juanita Bright. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes. The audit function was undertaken by Senior Auditor Investigator Brenna Magruder under the supervision of Deputy Chief Auditor Sandy Bizzarro. The audit team is led by Chief Auditor Kristen Fabbri.

    Assistant Attorney General Lauren Sass is handling the prosecution in this matter under the supervision of the Real Estate Enforcement Unit Section Chief Nicholas John Batsidis, Public Integrity Bureau Chief Gerard Murphy, and Deputy Chief Kiran Heer, with assistance from Legal Support Analyst Meredith Youngblood and Legal Assistant Glenis Biscette. Both the Investigations Bureau and the Public Integrity Bureau are part of the Division for Criminal Justice. The Division for Criminal Justice is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Pam Bondi Dismisses DEI Lawsuits Involving Police Officers and Firefighters, Advances President Trump’s Mandate to End Illegal DEI Policies

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    This week, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to dismiss lawsuits against various jurisdictions across the country involving the hiring of police officers and firefighters. These lawsuits, launched by the previous administration, unjustly targeted fire and police departments for using standard aptitude tests to screen firefighter and police officer candidates.

    “American communities deserve firefighters and police officers to be chosen for their skill and dedication to public safety – not to meet DEI quotas,” said Attorney General Bondi.

    Despite no evidence of intentional discrimination — only statistical disparities — the prior administration branded the aptitude tests at issue in these cases as discriminatory in an effort to advance a DEI agenda. And it sought to coerce cities into conducting DEI-based hiring in response and spending millions of dollars in taxpayer funds for payouts to previous applicants who had scored lower on the tests, regardless of qualifications.

    President Trump and Attorney General Bondi are dedicated to ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity nationwide, and in all sectors. But doing so is particularly important for front-line public-safety workers who protect our nation, including firefighters and police officers. Prioritizing DEI over merit when selecting firefighters and police officers jeopardizes public safety.

    Today’s dismissal is an early step toward eradicating illegal DEI preferences across the government and in the private sector. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Convicted of Fraud Offenses in 2017 Sentenced to 2 More Years in Prison for Violating Conditions of Supervised Release

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARC ANTHONY ALEXANDER, 44, recently residing in Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, the statutory maximum sentence, for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed prior convictions for conspiracy offenses related to two separate fraud schemes. 

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2017, Alexander was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 96 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his involvement in a scheme related to the theft and negotiation of postal money orders that defrauded the U.S. Postal Service of more than $300,000, and his role in a separate scheme that involved the fraudulent sale of financed vehicles, which defrauded lenders of more than $1 million.  Alexander was released from federal prison in February 2023.

    In February 2024, while on supervised release, Alexander was arrested by Stamford Police for illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, illegal operation of a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, and failure to drive in a proper lane.  In November 2024, Alexander is alleged to have used a bank statement he manipulated with false information to facilitate the purchase of a vehicle from a car dealership in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.  Alexander also falsely reported his address to his probation officer, left Connecticut without permission, and opened nine new lines of credit, all in violation of the terms and conditions of his supervised release.

    Alexander, whose criminal history includes convictions for additional fraud offenses, has been detained in federal custody since January 13, 2025.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Attorney General Pam Bondi Dismisses DEI Lawsuits Involving Police Officers and Firefighters, Advances President Trump’s Mandate to End Illegal DEI Policies

    Source: United States Attorneys General 2

    This week, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to dismiss lawsuits against various jurisdictions across the country involving the hiring of police officers and firefighters. These lawsuits, launched by the previous administration, unjustly targeted fire and police departments for using standard aptitude tests to screen firefighter and police officer candidates.

    “American communities deserve firefighters and police officers to be chosen for their skill and dedication to public safety – not to meet DEI quotas,” said Attorney General Bondi.

    Despite no evidence of intentional discrimination — only statistical disparities — the prior administration branded the aptitude tests at issue in these cases as discriminatory in an effort to advance a DEI agenda. And it sought to coerce cities into conducting DEI-based hiring in response and spending millions of dollars in taxpayer funds for payouts to previous applicants who had scored lower on the tests, regardless of qualifications.

    President Trump and Attorney General Bondi are dedicated to ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity nationwide, and in all sectors. But doing so is particularly important for front-line public-safety workers who protect our nation, including firefighters and police officers. Prioritizing DEI over merit when selecting firefighters and police officers jeopardizes public safety.

    Today’s dismissal is an early step toward eradicating illegal DEI preferences across the government and in the private sector. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 6)

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    1. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Article 2232 of the Federal Law “On Insolvency (Bankruptcy)”

    The development of the bill is due to the need to provide additional support to participants in the special military operation.

    2. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Articles 28 and 2137 of the Federal Law “On Insolvency (Bankruptcy)”

    The bill is aimed at regulating the issue of the date from which the ten-day period for the execution by the bankruptcy trustee of the obligation to include in the Unified Federal Register of Bankruptcy Information a notice of completion of the procedure applied in the bankruptcy case should be calculated.

    3. On amendments to certain acts of the Government of the Russian Federation (in terms of amendments to the Regulation on the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation)

    The draft act is aimed at updating the normative legal regulation in the area of preferential regimes for the implementation of economic activities.

    4. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On Veterans””

    The bill is aimed at granting the status of veteran and disabled person of combat operations to military personnel (employees) who carried out tasks to repel an armed invasion of the country’s territory, as well as during an armed provocation on the state border of Russia and in the territories of the country’s subjects adjacent to the areas where a special military operation is being conducted.

    5. On the draft federal law “On Amending Article 26 of the Federal Law “On Road Safety””

    The bill is aimed at improving the quality of training for vehicle drivers.

    6. On amendments to the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 20, 2011 No. 590 (in terms of amendments to the Regulation on the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation)

    The draft resolution is aimed at ensuring that the activities of the Ministry of Culture of Russia comply with the provisions of the Federal Law of December 13, 2024 No. 472 “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On Cultural Heritage Sites (Historical and Cultural Monuments) of the Peoples of the Russian Federation”.

    7. On the allocation of budgetary allocations for the financial support of the one-time payment to certain categories of citizens of the Russian Federation established by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of January 15, 2025 No. 15 in connection with the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.

    The draft order is aimed at providing support to disabled people and participants of the Great Patriotic War, as well as categories of citizens equivalent to them.

    Moscow, February 26, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Homicide investigation launched, Kawerau

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man in Kawerau yesterday.

    Emergency services were called to the Onslow Street property around 8:45am yesterday, after a man was located deceased on the front doorstep of the address.

    A scene guard remains in place at the property while enquiries are carried out.

    If anyone has information that may assist, please contact Police via 105, either by calling or online, and reference file number 250226/5646.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Further appeal for information about missing person, Geoffrey Kelly

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police working to locate missing person Geoffrey Kelly are urging members of the public to get in touch if they saw any unusual activity in the area of Hikimutu, since 20 February.

    Geoffrey’s car – pictured – was located at 7am on Friday 21 February in a ditch on Makokomiko Road, without any occupants.

    He was last seen on Thursday 20 February, wearing grey knee-length shorts, a tan sweatshirt and glasses, and it is believed he may have become disorientated and has either taken shelter somewhere or has gotten a lift from a passerby.

    Constable Mark Bolten says “Since then, Police have carried out a number of enquiries including extensive searches of the surrounding area with the assistance of a drone, Police Search and Rescue, Land Search and Rescue volunteers, local farmers and residents, and a private helicopter, however he has yet to be located.

    “Police and Geoffrey’s family have grave concerns for his welfare.

    “We are wanting to hear from anyone who was in the area of Makokomiko Road or its surrounding and saw any unusual activity.

    “Even the smallest piece of information could be the thing we need to assist in locating him,” says Constable Bolten.

    If you have any information that might help us locate Geoffrey, please call 105 and quote reference number 250222/1771.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ashland Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – An Ashland, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for the sexual exploitation of a child.

    Scott Alan Barker, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes on Tuesday, Feb. 25, to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Barker to 15 years of supervised release following incarceration. Barker will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

    On Aug. 8, 2024, Barker pleaded guilty to producing child pornography.

    The investigation began on July 11, 2023, when federal agents received a video recovered by law enforcement in the United Kingdom from the device of a suspect in their own investigation. The video portrayed a man (later identified as Barker) with an approximately 1-year-old child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The child sex abuse video was traced to Barker and, on July 17, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Barker’s residence.

    Agents observed and photographed the interior of the home, which matched the background of the child sex abuse video. Barker admitted to using online live video chat webpages to chat with adults in a sexually explicit manner.

    According to court documents, Barker was video chatting online with an individual he knew as “Emma Long.” In reality, “Emma Long” was an online persona used by an adult male to encourage male children to expose themselves and where possible involve younger male friends or family to sexually assault. Using this persona, the adult male would also encourage adults to abuse children in their care. The adult male manipulated images and videos of a female to appear live to the end user, so they believed they were talking to a 17-year-old female. He also used a video of a 5-year-old being sexually abused, stating it was “Emma Long’s” sister.

    Barker admitted the video obtained by law enforcement showed him engaged in a sexual act with the child victim while video chatting with this individual, whom he believed to be a teenage girl.

    Additionally, during a forensic analysis of Barker’s cell phone, investigators found several videos that depicted him covertly using the iPhone camera to record young women underneath their skirts or dresses. He is seen recording these videos in Mobile, Alabama, at an awards dinner for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Tennis Championships, at Disney World Park in Orlando, Florida, and at public retail stores in Jefferson City, Columbia, Chesterfield, and St. Louis, Mo.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Turner. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

    Project Safe Childhood

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 75 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SOUTH BEND – Makai Boyce, 19 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to possessing a machinegun, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Boyce was sentenced to 75 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

    According to documents in the case, in December 2023, Boyce possessed a stolen handgun with an extended magazine and a machinegun conversion device, or “switch,” capable of firing multiple bullets automatically. Boyce fired the machinegun and struck an occupied residence. Two days later, he led police on a lengthy foot chase during which he discarded the machinegun in a backyard doghouse surrounded by children’s toys.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Indiana State Police, the South Bend Police Department, and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph P. Falvey and Katelan McKenzie Doyle.

    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: Ohio County Man Sentenced to Decade for Role in Drug Trafficking Operation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Daryl Smith, 50, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for the distribution of cocaine base.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Smith was selling cocaine base in Ohio County and was involved with a drug trafficking operation that spanned from Las Vegas, Nevada to the Ohio Valley. Smith has prior drug and assault convictions.

    Smith will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, Marshall County Drug Task Force, and the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, all HIDTA-funded initiatives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; West Virginia State Police; Wheeling Police Department; Ohio County Sheriff’s Office; and the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

    U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

    Press release on the associated case: www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/federal-grand-jury-indicts-twenty-six-drug-trafficking

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shelbyville Woman Pleads Guilty To Employment Tax And Wire Fraud Charges; Agrees To Pay More Than $1.1. Million In Restitution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On February 26, 2025, Rebekah Proctor, 33, of Shelbyville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee in Chattanooga to one count of willful failure to collect, account for, and pay over a tax, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202, and one count of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.               

    Proctor will be sentenced on July 11, 2025, by the Honorable Travis R. McDonough, United States District Judge. She faces up to five years of imprisonment on the tax offense and up to 30 years of imprisonment for wire fraud.

    According to the plea agreement filed in this case, Proctor operated Franklin Springs Academy, a daycare business in middle Tennessee.  Although she withheld income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) taxes (commonly known as Social Security and Medicare taxes) from her employees’ paychecks and additionally owed the employer’s portion of the FICA taxes, Proctor willfully failed to truthfully account for and pay such taxes to the IRS for the first quarter of 2022.  For that quarter alone, she owed tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes.

    Proctor also fraudulently applied for and received a COVID-relief Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan to which she was not entitled.  Proctor made several false certifications on her April 4, 2020, application for over $100,000 in PPP funds, including that she was current on her federal tax obligations and that the loan funds would be used to retain workers and for other business expenses.  In fact, Proctor used the funds for her own personal expenses and for her husband’s personal expenses.

    As set forth in her plea agreement with the government, Proctor agreed that the restitution owed to the IRS, for her employment taxes only, is $893,232.26, which includes unpaid taxes plus penalties and interest required by law.  She further agreed that the restitution owed to the Small Business Association is $223,800, which is comprised of the $105,800 in PPP loan proceeds she received in April 2020 and $118,000 in additional fraudulently obtained PPP loan proceeds she received in February 2021.

    United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins of IRS Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office, made the announcement.

    Assistant United States Attorney Joseph G. DeGaetano represents the United States.  

                                                                                                       ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Finds New Haven Man Guilty of Drug Trafficking and Firearm Possession Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found WILLIE FRANCO, 36, of New Haven, guilty of narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses.  The trial began on February 20 and the guilty verdicts were returned this afternoon.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2016, Franco was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 80 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine and heroin.  The investigation also revealed that, in January 2015, Franco distributed heroin to an individual in East Haven who died after ingesting the drug.  Franco was released from federal prison in December 2020.

    In December 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating resumed narcotics trafficking activity by Franco and his then girlfriend, Daniella Fox.  The investigation revealed that, beginning in approximately July 2021, parcels originating in Arizona and California that likely contained narcotics had been mailed to addresses associated with Franco and Fox.  Investigators also determined that two overdose deaths in August 2021 in Branford and Guilford, and one overdose death in September 2021 in Milford, were connected to Franco’s drug activities.

    According to the evidence introduced during the trial, in early March 2022, investigators intercepted a U.S. Postal Service parcel destined for an address in East Haven associated with Franco and Fox.  A court-authorized search of the parcel revealed approximately one kilogram of cocaine and one kilogram of fentanyl.  On March 7, 2022, investigators made a controlled delivery of the intercepted parcel to the East Haven address.  Franco and Fox, who were waiting in a car that was parked on the street, were arrested after Fox retrieved the package.  A subsequent search of Franco and Fox’s New Haven residence resulted in the seizure of more than one kilogram of fentanyl, a quantity of crack cocaine, digital scales and other narcotics packaging paraphernalia, a loaded Glock .40 pistol with an obliterated serial number, a drum extended magazine for a high-capacity rifle, a bulletproof vest, ammunition, and more than $300,000 in cash.

    Subsequent analysis of cellphones seized from Franco revealed hundreds of videos, several of which were entered into evidence during the trial, depicting Franco’s drug trafficking activity and possession of firearms.

    The jury found Franco guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Franco faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

    Franco has been detained since his arrest.

    Fox previously pleaded guilty to a related charge and awaits sentencing.

    This investigation has been conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the New Haven Police Department, East Haven Police Department, and Connecticut State Police.  The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Hal Chen.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lexington Man Sentenced for Armed Fentanyl Trafficking and Illegal Firearm Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington man, Sam Connor, Jr., 30, was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove to 180 months, for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

    According to his plea agreement, on April 27, 2023, law enforcement officers received information that Connor was a possible supplier of fentanyl in Fayette County and had arranged a sale of 500 pills containing fentanyl.  Upon contacting Connor, law enforcement found a stolen firearm on his person, and Connor admitted to possessing drugs as well.  Officers then found a plastic bag on Connor’s person containing pressed fentanyl pills, and located an unloaded firearm and digital scales in his vehicle. 

     Connor admitted to being in possession of the firearm and knew that he had been convicted of a felony, robbery second degree in Fayette Circuit Court in 2015, and was prohibited from possessing the firearm. 

    Under federal law, Connor 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 eight years. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; AJ Gibes, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by ATF and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities.  It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts.  In the Eastern District of Kentucky, Acting U.S. Attorney McCaffrey coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

    – END –

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Under President Trump ICE Arrests Have Increased by 627%

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    “Hundreds of thousands of criminals were let into this country illegally. We are sending them home, and they will never be allowed to return.” – Secretary Noem 

    WASHINGTON–Today, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that in a single month under President Trump more than 20,000 illegal aliens were arrested.  

    That’s a 627% increase in monthly arrests compared to just 33,000 at large arrests under Biden for ALL of last year.  

    A statement from Secretary Noem is below:  

    “President Trump and this Administration are saving lives every day because of the actions we are taking to secure the border and deport illegal alien criminals. Hundreds of thousands of criminals were let into this country illegally. We are sending them home, and they will never be allowed to return.”  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Reed-backed Bill to Combat Crypto ATM Fraud

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – With scams using crypto kiosks (also known as ‘crypto ATMs’ or ‘Bitcoin ATMs’) to steal from older Americans on the rise, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is stepping up efforts to help fight fraud and prevent criminal from preying on senior citizens.  Federal law enforcement officials have referred to these crypto kiosks as ‘payment portals for scammers.’
    Reed is teaming up with U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Peter Welch (D-VT) to introduce the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act (S. 710) to help prevent scammers from stealing Americans’ savings through cryptocurrency schemes.  The bill would improve fraud warnings on all crypto kiosks; make cryptocurrency ATM operators develop a comprehensive anti-fraud policy, which must be submitted to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN); and protect new customers — who are most likely to be victims of fraud — by limiting initial transaction amounts, requiring  verbal confirmation of major transactions, and making victims of fraud eligible for refunds if they file a report within 30 days.
    “Crypto kiosk operators need to ensure their machines aren’t being used to victimize vulnerable citizens and launder money for illegal activities.  This bill takes commonsense steps to ensure the businesses that profit from these machines are doing their part to prevent fraud.  It’s a positive first step towards stopping the surge in crypto kiosk scams and cracking down on criminals,” said Senator Reed.  “We must also continue working to educate vulnerable populations, especially older Americans, to recognize and avoid crypto scams.”
    Today, there are over 30,000 crypto kiosks nationwide, which are largely unregulated.  Many of them are placed in locations such as gas stations, vape shops, and laundromats.  These entities are paid a monthly fee by the crypto kiosk owner to allow the crypto kiosk to be operated on site.  While crypto ATMs are touted by operators as an easy way to change cash into crypto, in reality, they have become a preferred payment platform for international criminal enterprises who utilize the machines to carry out millions of dollars’ worth of anonymous, irreversible fraud – especially against older Americans.
    The proposed federal legislation would replace a patchwork of state regulations with a uniform national standard that would defer to state regulations as long as they don’t weaken or conflict with federal law.
    The Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act, which is led by Senator Durbin, will require crypto ATM operators to warn consumers about scams and take reasonable steps to prevent fraud at their machines.  It will also put in place measures to limit the amount that new consumers lose when they do fall victim to scams and will give law enforcement new tools to track down scammers.
    Often, crypto scammers will contact elderly Americans, and using threats, intimidation, and fabricated backstories, try to coerce them into depositing large sums of money into the criminals’ crypto wallets via cryptocurrency ATMs.  According to data recently released by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the amount consumers reported losing annually in this form of fraud increased nearly tenfold between 2020 and 2023—from $12 million to $114 million and topping $65 million in the first half of 2024.  In 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received nearly 2,700 crypto ATM fraud complaints from individuals aged 60 and older—more than all other age groups combined.
    Specifically, the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act will:
    Require warnings about the risk of fraud: This bill would require cryptocurrency ATM operators to provide clear warnings to consumers about the risk of fraud, including warnings of common types of scams and that consumers should never send money to someone they have never met.
    Require operators to develop fraud prevention policies: For the first time, cryptocurrency ATM operators would be required to appoint a chief compliance officer and develop comprehensive anti-fraud policies, which must be submitted to the FinCEN Network.  Operators also would be required to provide live customer support during all operating hours.
    Special protections for first tim-users and new customers—who are most likely to be victims of fraud: New customers, defined as a customer within 14 days of their first transaction, would be protected by the following provisions:
    – Transaction limits of $2,000 per day, and $10,000 total over the first 14 days.
    – Full refunds for fraudulent transactions if the customer makes a report within 30 days.   
    – Requiring live, verbal confirmation for any transaction greater than $500.
    Require crypto ATM operators to register and disclose ATM locations: Cryptocurrency ATM operators would be required to register with the U.S. Treasury Department and to disclose and regularly update the locations of all their ATMs.  Operators also would be required to provide a point of contact to relevant regulators and law enforcement agencies.
    Require receipts and information sufficient to trace the transaction: Operators would be required to provide receipts for each transaction, including information sufficient to trace the transaction, such as the time, place, and amount of the transaction, and a transaction hash.  Receipts also would have to include contact information for relevant law enforcement and a link to the operator’s refund policy.
    The bill has earned the endorsement of Americans for Financial Reform, National Consumers League, Public Citizen, Better Markets, and the National Consumer Law Center on behalf of its low-income clients.
    To spot and avoid scams visit ftc.gov/scams. Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 02.26.2025 Sen. Cruz Reintroduces Eric’s Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) reintroduced Eric’s Law. The legislation would allow prosecutors to impanel a new sentencing jury if an original jury fails to reach a unanimous decision in a capital sentencing hearing.
    Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “Eric Williams was a dedicated federal officer who was murdered in the line of duty. His killer was not punished for the crime because the killer was already serving a life prison sentence and a single jury member would not vote for the death penalty, leaving Eric’s family in limbo. Honoring his legacy requires creating a justice system that never does so again to any family. Eric’s Law empowers federal prosecutors to impanel a second sentencing jury when the first panel fails to reach a unanimous verdict in capital cases, ensuring that every victim’s family receives the justice they deserve.”
    Read the bill text here.
    BACKGROUND
    Sen. Cruz previously introduced the legislation in 2023.
    The bill is named in honor of Eric Williams, a federal correctional officer who was murdered by an inmate at the U.S. Penitentiary, Caanan in Wayne County, Pa. in 2013. The inmate was already serving a life sentence for murder when he murdered Officer Williams. A jury found the prisoner guilty of murder, however the inmate received no additional punishment for this crime because one out of 12 members of the jury refused to vote for a death penalty sentence. Eric’s Law would allow, but not require, prosecutors to impanel a second jury in these instances. The bill is modeled after state laws in California and Arizona.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Questions Trump’s Unfit Department of Justice Nominees

    US Senate News:

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

    WATCH: Padilla questions nominees Harmeet Dhillon, John Sauer, and Aaron Reitz on their alarming track recordsWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned three of President Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) nominees. The nominees before the Senate were John Sauer, to be Solicitor General of the United States, Harmeet Dhillon, to be Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, and Aaron Reitz, to be Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy.
    Padilla opened his questions with concerns over Republican DOJ nominees’ apparent willingness to disregard the rule of law and ignore court orders they disagree with.  
    “There’s been a number of Department of Justice nominees that have come before us, most, if not all, echoing over and over again, the respect for the Constitution, the commitment for the Constitution, a commitment to the rule of law, yet, when pressed about whether or not they would be loyal to the Constitution versus potential directives or decisions contrary to existing law in the Constitution, they don’t give strong answers, at least none that give us the comfort level that we, the American people, need and deserve.”
    Padilla also called out Harmeet Dhillon, a San Francisco-based lawyer nominated to lead the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, for her alarming track record of restricting the right to vote, spreading disinformation about the 2020 election, and perpetuating discriminatory laws. He also criticized Dhillon for her failed 2019 lawsuit against California’s Department of Motor Vehicles, alleging issues with the state’s motor voter program. An audit found no widespread voter fraud, and Dhillon’s lawsuit was unsuccessful, along with all of her other voting-related lawsuits brought against California while Senator Padilla was Secretary of State.
    “As a fellow Californian, I’ve seen your work closely. You’ve opposed key voting rights protections over the years, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. You fought against the use of [the] Voting Rights Act to challenge discriminatory laws. You’ve also spread disinformation about the 2020 election, and you’ve defended restrictive voting laws in multiple states. … How can you convince us that, based on this track record, that you would equally enforce, fairly enforce voting rights through the Department of Justice?”
    Padilla also pressed Solicitor General nominee John Sauer, Missouri’s former Solicitor General, on President Trump’s unlawful Executive Order attempting to end birthright citizenship for certain children born in the United States in direct violation of the text of the Constitution and binding Supreme Court precedent. If confirmed, Sauer would be tasked with representing the United States before the Supreme Court, including for a potential case on birthright citizenship. Sauer refused to answer the Senator’s question.
    “As an attorney, though, admitted to any state bar in the country, you’re tasked with obeying and defending the Constitution of the United States. Now, the President’s already defied the Constitution and Supreme Court precedent in issuing an Executive Order in regards to birthright citizenship. We talked about this in my office, I told you I was going to ask you in this hearing, can you please articulate for the committee the current binding Supreme Court precedent with respect to birthright citizenship and the 14th Amendment?”
    Additionally, Padilla criticized Aaron Reitz — who is nominated to lead the DOJ Office of Legal Policy — for his since-deleted tweets attacking landmark LGBTQ+ civil rights decisions in Bostock v. Clayton County and Obergefell v. Hodges, denouncing constitutional birthright citizenship, spreading false claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, and even seemingly praising McCarthyism. Reitz admitted that each of these hateful tweets were his.
    Video of Padilla’s remarks is available here.
    More information on the hearing is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Southend — Southend RCMP investigating fatal collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On February 25, 2025 at approximately 9:25 a.m., Southend RCMP received a report of a two-vehicle collision on Highway #102, approximately seven kilometers outside of Southend, SK.

    Officers responded along with local medical personnel. Investigation determined a truck and semi collided. An occupant of the truck was declared deceased at the scene. He has been identified as a 31-year-old male from Southend, SK. His family has been notified.

    Two other adult male occupants in the truck were taken to a medical clinic for treatment of their injuries. Their injuries were described to police as non-life threatening.

    The driver of the semi did not report injuries to police.

    Southend RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: High-Ranking Sinaloa Leader Extradited to El Paso, Faces up to Life in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EL PASO, Texas – A high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel was extradited from Mexico to El Paso, indicted for criminal charges related to his alleged federal racketeering, narcotics, money laundering, firearms, and continuing criminal enterprise offenses.

    According to court documents, Daniel Franco Lopez aka “Micha” aka “Neon” aka “Fer,” 40, of Mexico, allegedly coordinated the shipments of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and thousands of kilograms of marijuana into the United States, along with the pickup of drug proceeds, and kidnappings and murders.

    Lopez was indicted in April 2012 along with Joaquin Guzman Loera aka “Chapo,” Ismael Zambada Garcia “Mayo,” and over a dozen other codefendants. He was arrested Aug. 14, 2012, and remained in Mexican custody until his extradition. Lopez made his initial appearance in federal court Monday.

    “The extradition of this defendant is a of many significant pieces in a very large cartel case that spans more than a decade,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “Not only are we grateful for the enduring and successful efforts our federal law enforcement partners at the DEA, FBI and ATF, but I want to emphasize our goal to put an end to these organizations is shared by this U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Justice Department and our counterparts in Mexico.”

    “Daniel Franco Lopez was defendant #16 on DEA’s RICO indictment that included Joaquin ‘Chapo’ Guzman and Ismael ‘Mayo’ Zambada,” said Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division. “This extradition demonstrates that the men and women of DEA will never tire of pursuing the most violent, drug traffickers responsible for thousands of deaths in our country. We thank our domestic and international partners for their assistance on this case.”

    “The extradition is one more step towards dismantling and ending violence perpetrated by criminal drug trafficking organizations such as the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Special Agent in Charge John Morales for FBI El Paso. “The FBI and our partners will endlessly pursue and prosecute cartel members and associates who attempt to control and intimidate their communities through violence.  This extradition starts the justice process to all of those who have suffered as a result of Franco Lopez’s criminal actions as a member of the Sinaloa Cartel.” 

    “This case reads like a Hollywood movie script. You know the film…cartels, guns, drugs, money, feds,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C Boshek II for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Dallas Field Division. “Fortunately for the citizens of the United States, the good guys prevailed in this one. Mr. Lopez, an alleged underground criminal mastermind, left a path of destruction in his path. The American people are safer with this bandit in handcuffs and behind bars.”

    Lopez is charged with one count of RICO conspiracy; two counts related to conspiracy to possess and import over five kgs of cocaine and over 1,000 kgs of marijuana; one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; one count of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and aid and abet; and one count of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted, Lopez faces up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The DEA, FBI, and ATF are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antonio Franco, Kyle Myers and Suzanna Martinez are prosecuting the case for the Western District of Texas. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Lopez.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 114 Months for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON – Rashid Lamont McFadden, 29, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court to 114 months in prison for distributing videos depicting the violent rape of prepubescent children by adults, images of young children engaged in sadistic and masochistic acts, and images of children engaging in sexual acts with animals. 

               The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean T. Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.

               McFadden pleaded guilty on May 29, 2024, to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the 141-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols ordered McFadden to serve 15 years of supervised release. ­­­

              According to court documents, on February 16, 2023, an undercover officer (UC) from the FBI Washington Field Office was monitoring an online messaging application where individuals met, discussed, and traded sexually explicit images and videos of children. The UC observed an individual identified as “tng6” post a video of child sexual exploitation to the group. Shortly thereafter, tng6 responded to a conversation about meeting other likeminded pedophiles and their children. At that point, the UC initiated a private chat with tng6, who was later identified as McFadden.

               As the UC chatted with McFadden, McFadden continued to post child sex videos to the group. McFadden told the UC that he knew the children in the videos and had produced some of the videos himself. The UC then claimed to be the father of an 8-year-old daughter and that he would show McFadden images of the purported girl on FaceTime.

               On February 17, 2023, Baltimore Police arrested McFadden on an unrelated matter. On February 21, law enforcement executed a search warrant at McFadden’s home in Baltimore and seized McFadden’s cell phone. McFadden refused to provide the passcode for the phone. Law enforcement reviewed the contents of McFadden’s cloud storage account and found several videos and images of children being sexually abused by adults.

               McFadden is currently facing additional criminal charges for possession of child pornography in a separate case pending in the Circuit Court for Maryland in Baltimore County.

               This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Division, and the Baltimore Police Department. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.

               The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Shinskie.

               This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    23cr0165

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hardin County, Kentucky Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Mailing Threats to Kill and Extort

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY – A Hardin County, Kentucky man was sentenced yesterday to 4 years in prison for mailing letters with threats to kill and extort.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Chief Jeremy Thompson of the Elizabethtown Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court documents, Kyle Miller, 21, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years supervised release, for mailing threatening communications with threats to kill and extort. On July 6, 2023, August 28, 2023, and October 16, 2023, Miller mailed letters to a victim containing threats to kill. On January 28, 2024, Miller mailed letters to a victim containing threats to kill and extort. On October 13, 2023, Miller mailed a letter to a victim containing a threat to kill.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case was investigated by the FBI, KSP and Elizabethtown Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Anti-DEI guidance from Trump Administration misinterprets the law and guts educators’ free speech rights

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul M. Collins Jr., Professor of Legal Studies and Political Science, UMass Amherst

    The Trump administration letter aims to stop teachers from discussing many topics with students. Hill Street Studios, DigitalVision/Getty Images

    The Trump administration’s attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion have continued in the form of a “Dear Colleague” letter from the Department of Education to educational institutions – from preschools through colleges and universities.

    This letter demands that schools abandon what the Trump administration refers to as “DEI programs” and threatens to withhold federal funding if schools don’t comply.

    According to President Donald Trump, these so-called DEI programs – found in the government, corporate and educational sectors and intended to reduce discrimination and promote the equitable treatment of people – are a form of antiwhite racism that hurt national unity and violate antidiscrimination laws.

    Although the letter does not have the force of law, it nonetheless signals how the Trump administration plans to aggressively take legal and financial action against educational institutions that refuse to comply, starting on Feb. 28.

    As a result, the Trump administration’s threat to remove federal funding, which both public and private educational institutions rely heavily on, is likely to coerce compliance, at least to some degree.

    As the letter explains, “The Department will vigorously enforce the law on equal terms as to all preschool, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educational institutions, as well as state educational agencies, that receive financial assistance.”

    Thus, these directives have the potential to fundamentally change education in America.

    As professors of legal studies, we’ve taken a close look at the “Dear Colleague” letter. Here’s how the letter infringes on free speech, misunderstands the law and undermines education.

    Will professors still be able to teach about America’s history of racism?
    Jeff Gritchen/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images

    Restricting free speech

    The First Amendment to the Constitution protects the right of the people to express viewpoints without fear of punishment by the government.

    The Trump administration’s attacks on DEI are part of a broader assault on freedom of speech in which Trump targets media, businesses and everyday Americans the president disagrees with.

    By directing schools, colleges and universities to stop DEI policies, the “Dear Colleague” letter clearly restricts free speech rights. That’s the case because creating and pursuing DEI policies is a type of freedom of expression. Banning DEI practices is a form of viewpoint discrimination, which is prohibited by Supreme Court precedent that covers the speech of educational institutions as well as their faculty and staff.

    For instance, the letter aims to prevent educational institutions from pursuing missions and policies that promote the concepts of DEI. Such missions are common in higher education and can be found in universities from the conservative Brigham Young University to the liberal University of Vermont.

    Frequently, these missions are pursued by requiring students to take courses that encourage them to learn about perspectives or cultures that are different from their own.

    While the letter is not clear about which courses it would consider a problem, targeting any topics serves to suppress the free speech rights and academic freedom of faculty, including their freedom to design and teach courses.

    This vagueness may be part of the threat. After all, if teachers aren’t sure what they might get punished for, they may be extra cautious and censor themselves.

    Misunderstanding the law

    Aside from being vague, the letter also seems to willfully misrepresent the 2022 Supreme Court decision ending race-based affirmative action in higher education, Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College.

    In that case, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote a narrow majority opinion declaring simply that university admissions policies could not aim to create incoming classes with particular racial balances.

    Roberts’ opinion was silent on any other type of educational policy. It also states explicitly that “nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise,” so long as they are evaluated for admission as an individual.

    And yet, the “Dear Colleague” letter takes this decision and runs with it in multiple different directions. First, it falsely claims that the decision prohibits schools from eliminating standardized testing in their admissions process, something many schools have chosen to do in recent years.

    Second, the letter falsely states, in contradiction with the ruling’s own text, that the decision applies much more broadly than the context of admissions, to “hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life.”

    Thus, according to the letter, any program that targeted a particular group for differential treatment based on their race would come under government scrutiny, including programs designed to assist students of color, to house students according to affinity groups, and to diversify university faculty.

    There is simply no reading of the Students for Fair Admissions decision that suggests such an encroachment on the inner workings of educational institutions. Roberts’ majority opinion says only that students should be evaluated as individuals when applying to colleges and universities.

    Effort to undermine education

    What history will the Trump administration letter stop from being taught?
    Tomasz Śmigla, iStock/Getty Images Plus

    In sum, the letter places educators, especially those of us who teach about American law and government, in an impossible position.

    It states that “educational institutions have toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon ‘systemic and structural racism,’” suggesting that the U.S. does not have such a history.

    But, for example, in order to teach why affirmative action is now unconstitutional, we would have to explain the concept of strict scrutiny to our students. Strict scrutiny is when a court examines a law very carefully to make sure that it does not promote an unconstitutional racial or religious classification. It is a kind of review that is used routinely and appropriately by courts, and was used to strike down affirmative action in Students for Fair Admissions.

    That level of judicial review exists because, in the words of Roberts in Students for Fair Admissions, “for almost a century after the Civil War, state-mandated segregation was in many parts of the Nation a regrettable norm. This Court played its own role in that ignoble history, allowing in Plessy v. Ferguson the separate but equal regime that would come to deface much of America.”

    In other words, the Supreme Court created strict scrutiny as a judicial antidote to the systemic racism that it had helped perpetuate.

    Even more basically, it is impossible to teach constitutional law without acknowledging the Three-Fifths Compromise or the Fugitive Slave Clause, both of which embedded the property rights of slaveowners into the founding documents of this country, denying enslaved people full citizenship and its rights.

    To not teach students about such topics is, we believe, to fail in our role as educators. To forbid teaching it is an attack on the core mission of educational institutions in a democracy. And even more, this letter aims to prevent teachers from critiquing what the letter itself says and from explaining its own context and history.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Anti-DEI guidance from Trump Administration misinterprets the law and guts educators’ free speech rights – https://theconversation.com/anti-dei-guidance-from-trump-administration-misinterprets-the-law-and-guts-educators-free-speech-rights-250574

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights Council: Gaza ceasefire must hold, Türk insists

    Source: United Nations 4

    Human Rights

    UN human rights chief Volker Türk issued a strong appeal on Wednesday for the fragile ceasefire in Gaza to hold, amid delays to talks between Hamas and Israel on extending the truce into the second phase.

    Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva on conditions inside the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Mr. Türk condemned the Hamas-led terror attacks on Israel that sparked the war in October 2023.

    The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also said there was no justification for Israel’s devastating military operations in Gaza, which have left more than 48,000 Palestinians dead, according to local authorities.

    Search for a better future

    “At this tenuous moment the world must ask itself how to resolve this decades old conflict and stop the cycle of violence,” he said.

    “Any plans for a better future must deal with the past, so accountability and justice for violations are crucial.”

    The High Commissioner added that each phase of the ceasefire must be implemented “in good faith, and in full. All of us must do everything in our power to build on it.”

    He said it must be for the Palestinians themselves to determine their own future.

    According to news reports, the delayed release by Israel of Palestinian prisoners is expected to go ahead imminently, in exchange for the return of the bodies of four hostages.

    ‘Unprecedented disregard’

    Summing up the “raft of human rights violations” inside the Occupied Palestinian Territory and lack of accountability, he said there had been “an unprecedented disregard” for basic principles of international humanitarian law by both sides since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023.

    Mr. Türk maintained there were serious doubts over Israel’s capacity and will to deliver full accountability, notably in relation to unlawful killings in Gaza and the West Bank.

    With Hamas and other Palestinian militants who have taken and tortured hostages, fired indiscriminate projectiles into Israel – amounting to war crimes – there are concerns that they may also have committed serious breaches “including the intentional co-location of military objectives and Palestinian civilians.”

    “Any attempts at shaping a peaceful future where such horrors do not recur must ensure that perpetrators are held to account,” said the High Commissioner. 

    Impunity when given free rein, harms not only those directly impacted but generations down the line, he contended.

    In an apparent response to the outlawing of the UN Palestine refugee relief agency, UNRWA, by Israel and the sanctions against the International Criminal Court by the US earlier this month, the UN rights chief said that “delegitimising and threatening international institutions that are there to serve people and uphold international law also harms us all.”

    He also said any attempt to annex Palestinian land or “forced transfer” of civilians must be resisted.

    “This is the moment for voices of reason to prevail; for solutions that will deliver justice and make space for compassion, healing and truth telling,” said Mr. Türk.

    ‘Systemic’ repression in Nicaragua

    Investigators tasked by the UN Human Rights Council to track alleged grave abuses of power by top Nicaraguan officials insisted on Wednesday that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) should prosecute what they called the systematic and systemic repression of the country’s people.

    The Group of Experts on Nicaragua – who act in an independent capacity and are not UN staff – have previously reported that the Government’s violations appear to constitute crimes against humanity of murder, imprisonment and torture – including rape.

    Their latest report will be presented later this week to the Council.

    The group maintains that President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, have created “an authoritarian State where no independent institutions remain, opposition voices are silenced and the population…faces persecution, forced exile, and economic retaliation”.

    Stifling dissent

    It was in response to grave concerns about the severe repression of civil rights in Nicaragua that the international community decided in 2018 to establish an investigative body to report back to the Council.

    “We call on States to hold Nicaragua accountable for its violations of the UN Convention on Torture and the UN Convention on Statelessness before the International Court of Justice…the international community cannot just bear witness. It needs to take concrete measures,” said Reed Brody, member of the Group of Experts.

    “No country in the world has used the arbitrary detention of nationality against political opponents at the same scale that Nicaragua has done; and this is a violation of its obligations under international law under the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness,” Mr. Brody continued.

    ‘Machine of repression’

    According to the panel’s chair, Jan-Michael Simon, State machinery and the ruling Sandinista party “have virtually fused into a unified machine of repression with domestic and transnational impact.”

    This development – which has reduced the judicial, legislative and electoral powers “to mere bodies coordinated by the presidency” – has resulted in myriad deaths, “arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, torture, expulsion of nationals, arbitrary deprivation of nationality,” Mr. Simon insisted.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 8 Charged in North Charleston Public Corruption Schemes, including 3 City Councilmen

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, S.C. — Eight people have been charged in federal court for a series of bribery, kickback, extortion, and money laundering schemes following a public corruption investigation in North Charleston. Three of the individuals charged are elected members of the North Charleston City Council.

    Four individuals have been charged by Information and have agreed to plead guilty:

    Jerome Sydney Heyward, 61, North Charleston City Councilmember;

    Sandino Savalas Moses, 50, North Charleston City Councilmember;

    Donavan Laval Moten, 46, founder of Core4Success Foundation; and

    Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks, 37, resident of North Charleston.

    A federal grand jury returned indictments against four others:

    Mike A. Brown, 46, North Charleston City Council Member;

    Hason Tatorian (“Tory”) Fields, 51, a Goose Creek resident;

    Rose Emily Lorenzo, 65, a North Carolina resident; and

    Michelle Stent-Hilton, 56, a North Charleston resident.

    Heyward is charged in three separate schemes with corruptly using his position as a North Charleston City Councilman to personally enrich himself through bribes, kickbacks, and extortion and to deprive the citizens and the government of North Charleston of their intangible right to the honest and faithful services of the North Charleston City Council. In the first scheme, Heyward extorted a businessman by soliciting payments in exchange for his official action as a City Councilman. In the second scheme, Heyward conspired with Mike A. Brown and Aaron Hicks to solicit and accept bribes from Aaron Hicks—working on behalf of a company with business before North Charleston City Council—in exchange for his support of the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. In the third scheme, Heyward conspired with Donavan Moten, Rose Lorenzo, and Michelle Stent-Hilton to embezzle funds belonging to North Charleston by soliciting and accepting kickbacks from non-profit organizations run by Moten and Stent-Hilton that received violence reduction grant funds from the City.

    Heyward has agreed to plead guilty to: extortion under color of official right and using fear of economic harm; multiple counts of conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; multiple counts of bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds; and multiple counts of money laundering. Heyward faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. Heyward has agreed to cooperate with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

    Mike A. Brown is charged with conspiring with Heyward and Hicks to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud. The indictment alleges that Mike A. Brown, while serving as a North Charleston City Councilmember, solicited and accepted bribes from Hicks—working on behalf of a company requesting the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site—in exchange for his support of the rezoning application. Mike A. Brown faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. He will be arraigned on these charges in March.

    Aaron Hicks is charged with a conspiracy to pay bribes to Mike A. Brown and Jerome Heyward and a separate conspiracy with Hason Tatorian Fields to bribe Sandino Moses in exchange for their influence on North Charleston City Council and their support of the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. Hicks has agreed to plead guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, and honest services wire fraud. Hicks has agreed to cooperate fully with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Hicks faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Hason Tatorian (“Tory”) Fields is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, and honest services wire fraud. The indictment alleges that Fields conspired with Hicks to pay bribes to Sandino Moses. Thereafter, Fields paid Moses two bribes in an attempt to influence him in connection with his official action regarding the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. Fields faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Sandino Moses is charged with misprision of a felony. The Information alleges that Moses knew that Fields and others attempted to bribe him and paid him bribes but he failed to disclose that criminal conduct and instead took steps to conceal the bribes by returning the money to Fields. Moses has agreed to plead guilty and to cooperate fully with federal state and local law enforcement agencies. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, a fine of $250,000, and a maximum term of supervised release of one year.

    Donavan Laval Moten has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The information alleges that Moten conspired with Jerome Heyward and Rose Lorenzo to kick back a portion of funds that Moten’s nonprofit received from North Charleston to Heyward, who at the time was on North Charleston’s City Council. The indictment further alleges that after receiving the money from North Charleston, Moten laundered Heyward’s portion through Lorenzo. Moten has agreed to cooperate fully with federal, state, and local enforcement officials. Moten faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Michelle Stent-Hilton is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The indictment alleges that Stent-Hilton, who is affiliated with a non-profit and served as Jerome Heyward’s personal assistant, promised to pay Heyward a portion of money the non-profit received from the city of North Charleston. At the time, Heyward was serving on North Charleston City Council and voted on the grant proposal to distribute funds to non-profits, including Stent-Hilton’s. The indictment further alleges that after receiving money from North Charleston, Stent-Hilton laundered Heyward’s kick back through Rose Lorenzo. Stent-Hilton faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Rose Emily Lorenzo is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The indictment alleges that Lorenzo conspired with Jerome Heyward and others to kick back a portion of City of North Charleston grant funds that were awarded to non-profits affiliated with Donavan Moten and Michelle Stent-Hilton to Heyward. The indictment further alleges that Lorenzo agreed to launder the funds by acting as an intermediary who received the funds from Moten and Stent-Hilton, and then wired them to Heyward for the purpose of concealing the true purpose of the transaction. Lorenzo faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Heyward, Moten, Hicks, and Moses are scheduled to plead guilty before the Honorable Richard M. Gergel on Friday, Feb. 28.

    “When elected officials take their oath of office, they make a sacred promise to the people they serve.  They pledge to uphold the law, to act with integrity, and to place the public interest above their own,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “Public service should never merely be a job – it is a public trust. The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of that trust.”

    “Public corruption at any level of government cannot be tolerated,” said Steve Jensen Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “Citizens have a right to expect honesty, fairness, and integrity from their leaders. The FBI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, is dedicated to aggressively investigating corruption and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.”

    “SLED Agents worked hand-in-hand with our federal partners to ensure that justice will be served,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “No matter who you are, or what position you hold, you will be held accountable for breaking the law. Elected officials and citizens should be working together to better their community, not exploiting others.”

    The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Whit Sowards are prosecuting the case.

    All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charlotte Man Convicted At Trial Of Illegal Firearm Possession Is Sentenced To Prison

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

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Daniel Wood, 48, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron in making today’s announcement.

    According to evidence presented at Wood’s trial, witness testimony, and filed court documents, on May 1, 2022, Wood attempted to enter a Charlotte nightclub with a loaded firearm in his pants pocket. The security of the nightclub found the firearm when they patted down Wood prior to entering the club. Security removed the firearm and turned it over to an off-duty CMPD officer. While the CMPD officer was in his patrol vehicle examining the firearm, Wood spoke to the officer and explained that he received the gun from someone else and that he had forgotten it was in the pocket of his pants. Court records show that Wood has prior felony convictions, and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    Wood will remain in federal custody until he is transferred to a facility designated by the Federal Bureau of Prison.

    The ATF and CMPD investigated the case.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) William Wiseman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Regina Pack of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. Mr. Wiseman is a state prosecutor with the office of the 26th Prosecutorial District and was assigned by District Attorney Spencer Merriweather to serve as a SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte. Mr. Wiseman is sworn in both state and federal courts. The SAUSA position is a reflection of the partnership between the District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    The 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. For more information about PSN in the Western District, please visit our website. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Thirteen Individuals Charged As Part Of International Ring Targeting Cell Phone Shipments For Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – Thirteen members of an international network that stole thousands of shipments of iPhones and other electronic devices around the United States were charged today, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna, District of New Jersey, announced.

    Demetrio Reyes Martinez, a/k/a “CookieNerd,” 37, of the Dominican Republic, Andrickson Jerez, 28, of Bronx, NY, Edickson Lora Castillo, 24, of New York, NY, Raimond Cabrera De Leon, 31, of New York, NY, Luis Marte Tavares, 33, of Brooklyn, NY, Frederick Duverge Guzman, 26, of New York, NY, Julio Vasquez Sanchez, a/k/a “BotTrack,” 30, of Brooklyn, NY, Alejandro Then Castillo, 45, of Paterson, NJ, Wilson Peralta Tavarez, 28, of Belleville, NJ, Ecker Montero Hernandez, 25, of Paterson, NJ, Jean Luis Diaz Dominguez, a/k/a “Botija,” 24, of Paterson, NJ, Luis Nunez, 23, of Paterson, NJ, and Joel Suriel, a/k/a “La Melma,” 31, of Brooklyn, NY, were each charged in Count One of the Criminal Complaint unsealed today with conspiracy to transport and receive stolen property.

    In addition, Then Castillo and Peralta Tavares were charged in Count Two of the Criminal Complaint with wire fraud conspiracy.  Finally, Jerez (Count Three) and Lora Castillo (Count Four) were each charged with one count transportation of stolen property.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    The defendants were part of an international and nationwide ring involved in the widespread theft of electronic device shipments from FedEx and other carriers.  The ring identified valuable packages to steal through two primary means:  (1) the creation and use of automated computer scripts, developed by Reyes Martinez and others, to scrape data from the public and customer-facing tracking systems of FedEx and Victim-1, a major U.S. cellular provider; and (2) bribing corrupt Victim-1 employees such as Then Castillo and Peralta Tavares to provide confidential information about Victim-1 customers, including orders, names, tracking numbers, and delivery addresses.

    This criminal network operated in layers with some members, referred to as “dispatchers,” obtaining and selling the delivery information and others, referred to as “runners,” purchasing this delivery information and stealing the packages.

    Jerez, Cabrera De Leon, and Marte Tavares operated a major “fence” location out of a residential building in the Bronx, where an almost constant stream of people brought stolen devices for sale.  Suriel ran a fence location in Brooklyn where he received bulk deliveries of devices stolen across the country, including by Ecker Montero, Nunez, and Diaz Dominguez, who traveled around the country stealing iPhones, iPads, Samsung phones and other electronic devices.  On one occasion where FedEx security seized stolen iPhones from a shipment sent by Nunez and Diaz Dominguez, Nunez complained to FedEx customer service that his iPhones had been stolen.

    Then Castillo and Peralta Tavarez were Victim-1 retail store employees who accepted bribe payments in exchange for providing confidential customer information from Victim-1’s order tracking system.

    Lora Castillo, Duverge Guzman, and Vasquez Sanchez were dispatchers who sold and provided runners with delivery addresses, tracking numbers and customer names.  They also directed runners to fence locations to sell the stolen devices.

    Count One carries a maximum prison sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of gain or loss resulting from the offense.  Count Two carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of gain or loss resulting from the offense.  Counts Three and Four each carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of gain or loss resulting from the offense.

    “These defendants are alleged to have worked together as part of an international ring to steal thousands of expensive electronic devices, which caused millions of dollars of losses to the victims. They are alleged to have done so by harnessing technology through the use of computer scripts which gave them access to shipping information, including individuals’ names and their home addresses.  My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue these types of criminals no matter where in the world they are and seek justice for their victims.”

    Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna

    “As alleged, the defendants, both here and abroad, victimized American customers and businesses alike by targeting, tracking, and stealing their valuable electronic shipments. The new-age ‘porch pirates,’ these accused criminals tailored their alleged scheme to the modern times, but were stopped short of doing so successfully. HSI New York and our law enforcement partners continue to adapt as brazen bad actors relentlessly try — and fail — to find new illicit money-making methods. I thank HSI Newark, the NYPD, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the FBI, and our many counterparts for their unified and unwavering support,” stated Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), New York Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso.

    “These alleged members of this international crime ring traveled the country stealing goods, for monetary profit; compromising customers’ privacy and hijacking the cellular providers’ business flow.”  FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly warns that “No matter how elaborate or invasive a criminal ring may be, we will break the chain of criminality and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations, New York Field Office, under the direction Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, the New York City Police Department under the direction of Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Prosecutor William Daniel and Chief Harvey Barnwell with the investigation leading to these charges.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna also thanked the Dominican Republic’s Procuraduría Especializada Contra los Crímenes y Delitos de Alta Tecnología (PEDATEC), (Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for High Technology Crimes and Offenses) and HSI’s Newark Field Office for their collaboration in this matter.

    In 2024 New Jersey experienced a surge of over 400 identified package thefts targeting cellular devices.  To combat this threat, Union County Prosecutor’s Office (NJ) partnered with New Jersey State Police Real Time Crime Center North and FBI Newark to spearhead a task force of investigators from impacted jurisdictions along with federal, state, and county agencies to collaborate on emerging intelligence. Through private sector partnerships, collusive employees were identified. Prospective delivery information was also shared amongst the task force to proactively identify, surveil, and arrest individuals involved in package theft within New Jersey. The following agencies are credited with contributing:

    Cranford Police Department, Sparta Police Department, Moorestown Police Department, Barnegat Police Department,  Paterson Police Department, Belleville Police Department, Department of Homeland Security-U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations, Port Authority Police Department, Edison Police Department, Woodbridge Police Department, Rahway Police Department, Elizabeth Police Department, Kenilworth Police Department, Plainfield Police Department, Westfield Police Department, Summit Police Department, Linden Police Department, Scotch Plains Police Department, Berkeley Heights Police Department, Union County Police Department, Mountainside Police Department, Hillside Police Department, Fanwood Police Department, Clark Police Department, New Providence Police Department, Roselle Police Department, Roselle Park Police Department, Springfield Police Department, Union Police Department, Wayne Police Department, South Amboy Police Department, Brick Police Department, Wyckoff Police Department, Rutherford Police Department, Carlstadt Police Department, Oakland Police Department, Glen Rock Police Department, Fort Lee Police Department, Montvale Police Department, Little Falls Police Department, Wallington Police Department, Englewood Police Department, Leonia Police Department, Bloomfield Police Department, Fair Lawn Police Department, Closter Police Department, Verona Police Department, Elmwood Park Police Department, Clifton Police Department,  Woodcliff Lakes Police Department, Cresskill Police Department, Palisades Park Police Department, Hillsdale Police Department, Franklin Lakes Police Department, Warren Township Police Department, Caldwell Police Department, Fairview Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Bergenfield Police Department, Branchburg Police Department, Wayne Police Department, Paramus Police Department, Jersey City Police Department, Secaucus Police Department, Randolph Police Department, Teaneck Police Department, Middlesex Police Department, Montvale Police Department, Manalapan Police Department, Toms River Police Department, Riverdale Police Department, Morristown Police Department, Dover Police Department, Roxbury Police Department, Montville Police Department, Parsippany Police Department, Denville Police Department, Chatham Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, North Brunswick Police Department, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.

    Defendants Andrickson Jerez, Edickson Lora Castillo, Luis Marte Tavares, Raimond Cabrera De Leon, Alejandro Then Castillo, Wilson Peralta Tavares, Ecker Montero Hernandez, and Joel Suriel, a/k/a “La Melma,” are scheduled to appear before Hon. José R. Almonte, U.S.M.J. this afternoon at the U.S. District Court in Newark.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Malagold of the Cybercrime Unit and Trevor A. Chenoweth of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark

    The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    25-057                        

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Laredoan and two illegals charged in firearms and related conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned a 14-count indictment against three people on various federal firearms, drug trafficking and immigration offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Fernando Patinio, 31, Laredo, and Albert Garcia-Guajardo, 32, and Jose Hernandez-Garza, 25, both illegal aliens unlawfully residing in the country, were previously in custody on charges originally filed in a criminal complaint. They are expected to make an appearance on the allegations in the indictment before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.

    The charges allege Patinio and Garcia-Guarjardo had allegedly sold cocaine and a large number of weapons, to include several machine guns, over the course of an approximately month-long undercover investigation.   

    During the initial transaction involving a pistol, Garcia-Guajardo had also indicated he and Patinio could also offer drugs for sale, according to the charges.

    On Jan. 2, Patinio and Garcia Guajardo allegedly sold the first of two machine guns – a model 22 Glock equipped with a machine gun conversion device. The charges further allege that in the following weeks, Patinio and Garcia-Guajardo arranged to sell cocaine and another machine guns.

    On Jan. 31, authorities executed a search warrant on the 3000 block of Monterrey Street in Laredo where they found Garcia-Guajardo and Hernandez-Garza, according to the charges. Law enforcement also allegedly discovered several more firearms, various narcotics, a scale and many more rounds of ammunition.

    The charges allege Garcia-Guajardo and Hernandez-Garza were both determined to be illegally present in the United States. Garcia-Guajardo was allegedly ordered removed from the country two times, most recently in July 2024. According to the allegations, Hernandez-Garza originally had a B1/B2 visa issued to him, but it had expired. Both not lawfully in the United States, they are not permitted to possess any firearms per the charges.

    Over the course of the undercover investigation, law enforcement has allegedly seized two machine guns, eight pistols – one of which had a filed-off serial number – drum-style magazines, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana and several rounds of .40 S&W caliber and 9 mm caliber rounds.

    If convicted, Garcia-Guajardo and Patino face a mandatory minimum of 30 years and up to life in federal prison for conspiracy to traffic machines guns in the course of drug trafficking offenses and use of a machine gun in drug trafficking, while Hernandez-Garza faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. All could also be ordered to pay up to a $250,000 fine.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration and Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tory R. Sailer and Brandon Scott Bowling are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearms Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A repeat convicted felon was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing a firearm, multiple rounds of ammunition and fentanyl intended for distribution while on federal supervised release.

    Francisco Gabriel Diaz, 33, of Boston, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 10 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. In July 2024, Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Diaz was charged by criminal complaint in December 2021.

    On June 24, 2021, a search of the residence where Diaz was staying resulted in the recovery of a black Taurus G2S 9mm firearm, a 9mm magazine containing seven live 9mm rounds, a 9mm magazine containing one live 9mm round, over 40 grams of fentanyl, several plastic bags containing crack cocaine, a box of sandwich bags and a digital scale. Diaz was on federal supervised release at the time of the search.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Saltzman of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, 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.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Indicted In Connection With 2023 Shooting Using “Ghost Gun”

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Michael Alfonso, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”); and Jessica S. Tisch, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging TERRY BROOKS with three counts of possessing firearms and ammunition after a felony conviction. The charges relate to a November 12, 2023, shooting and the subsequent seizures of the defendant’s firearms and ammunition on August 14 and August 21, 2024. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “As alleged, on November 12, 2023, while on a public sidewalk in the Bronx, Terry Brooks reached into his waistband, pulled out a gun, and began shooting. Brooks missed his target but struck a nearby bystander, causing serious injury. Brooks had purchased more than 50 firearm components online and possessed privately manufactured and unregistered ‘ghost guns,’ but this did not stop law enforcement from catching him. Thanks to the work of the career prosecutors in this Office and our partners at HSI and the NYPD, Brooks has been arrested and will face trial.”

    HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso said: “The defendant’s indictment today underscores the HSI New York El Dorado Task Force’s ability to aggressively pursue investigative leads in whatever forms they take. Violent crime precursors no longer fit one specific mold, and HSI, alongside the NYPD, continues to adapt to target alleged bad actors and predicate felons determined to commit crimes.  New York City is a safer place with Terry Brooks off the streets.”

    NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said: “This indictment makes one thing clear: Untraceable ghost guns will not be tolerated in our city. Thanks to the meticulous work of the NYPD investigators, along with our law enforcement partners at HSI and the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, this armed perpetrator—who terrorized our streets and injured an innocent bystander—will be held fully accountable. Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe, and removing every illegal firearm, whether trackable or disguised, brings us one step closer to achieving that goal.”

    As alleged in the Indictment returned today and the Complaint unsealed on January 30, 2025:[1]

    On November 12, 2023, a man—subsequently identified as BROOKS—fired a gun in the Bronx, New York, near the corner of E. 180th St. and Bathgate Ave.  The bullet struck a bystander, who was rushed to a hospital, received medical treatment, and survived.  Approximately three minutes after the shooting, officers responded.  Officers immediately found a shell casing at the scene of the crime.

    After obtaining surveillance video footage from several sources, officers were able to track the shooter, together with a female companion, from a particular hotel room to the scene of the shooting and back to the same hotel room.  Hotel records identify BROOKS as someone who was staying in the hotel room at that time.  BROOKS drove a red Toyota Corolla to and from the scene of the shooting, and the license plate is visible in some of the surveillance footage.  BROOKS has received moving violations while driving that Corolla, which is registered to a woman with whom BROOKS sometimes resides.

    Officers obtained search warrants for two premises where BROOKS sometimes resides.  On August 14, 2024, while executing the warrants, officers encountered guns, firearm parts, and ammunition in close proximity to objects and documents bearing BROOKS’s name and likeness.  Ballistics testing established that the shell casing found immediately after the shooting in November 2023 had been fired by one of the ghost guns recovered pursuant to these warrants. 

    Finally, on August 21, 2024, officers arrested BROOKS in the same hotel where he had been staying on the night of the shooting. The officers recovered yet another firearm, which was in plain view on a nightstand.

    *                *                *

    BROOKS, 58, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of possessing ammunition on or about November 12, 2023; one count of possessing firearms and ammunition on or about August 14, 2024; and one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition on or about August 21, 2024.  Each count carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

    The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI and the NYPD. 

    This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Grossinger and James Mandilk are in charge of the prosecution.

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –