NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Climbers rescued from the Totem Pole at Cape Huoy

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Climbers rescued from the Totem Pole at Cape Huoy

    Thursday, 13 February 2025 – 10:52 am.

    Two climbers were rescued from the top of the Totem Pole at Cape Huoy on the Tasman Peninsula overnight.
    “About 6pm last night, Police Search and Rescue were notified that two climbers had become stuck at the top of a feature known as the Totem Pole at Cape Huoy on the Tasman Peninsula,” said Senior Constable Callum Herbert from Police Search and Rescue.
    “The climbers reported that due to high winds their ropes had become entangled and they were unable to reach safety.” 
    “Initial attempts to rescue the climbers by helicopter with deployment of a vertical rescue team was aborted due to high winds.”
    “In partnership with the Climbing Club of Tasmania Vertical Rescue Team, members of Police Search and Rescue and Ambulance Tasmania attempted to gain access to the Totem Pole via nearby cliffs using a police vessel, this was also unsuccessful due to a significant and dangerous swell.”
    “About 11:30pm, rescue teams departed from Fortescue Bay on foot and  found the climbers at the top of the Totem Pole.”
    “Members from the Climbing Club of Tasmania Vertical Rescue Team conducted a complicated vertical rescue of the two climbers. This involved members of the club partially scaling the Totem Pole in wet, dark and windy conditions. After communication and contact was made with the climbers they were secured to rescue ropes, moved to cliffs on the mainland and as dawn broke they were hauled approximately 50 metres to safety.” 
    “The climbers were treated at the scene by a wilderness paramedic but aside from being hungry, tired and cold, they had no injuries.”
    The climbers were from interstate and had reasonable climbing experience.
    “This was a particularly complicated rescue from a sheer sided standing rock 60 metres in the air. It was done at night in cold, wet and windy conditions by a team of dedicated volunteers and they have ours and the climbers heartfelt thanks.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon sentenced after hiding firearm under child’s mattress

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 34-year-old Laredo felon has been ordered to federal prison for possessing ammunition and firearms, one of which he hid under his son’s mattress, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  

    Miguel Angel Ferreyro Jr. pleaded guilty June 20, 2024. He was also convicted in 2022 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. As such, he was unable to possess weapons or ammunition per federal law. He was still on his term of supervised release when he was arrested on this case. 

    U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen has now ordered Ferreyro to serve 37 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. 

    In imposing the sentence, the court commented about him leaving firearms in his child’s bedroom, calling it “crazy” and “insane.” He further noted the circumstances were “fraught with the risk of danger.” 

    Authorities arrived at Ferreyro’s residence Feb. 14, 2024, after learning there was a gun hidden there. At that time, they recovered three firearms, approximately 184 rounds of ammunition as well as three 30-round high-capacity rifle magazines and one rifle scope. They found one of the firearms, a Palmetto State Armory, Model Halloween-15, multi-caliber pistol, under the mattress of his 12-year-old son’s bed.

    The rest of the items were found in the minor’s closet.  

    Forensic examination of Ferreyro’s cell phone revealed he instructed another one of his minor children to hide two of the firearms, one of which was loaded. 

    Ferreyro has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Oliver and Ann Booth prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal jury convicts Florida man of attempting to coerce minor for sex in Missoula undercover investigation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MISSOULA — A federal jury today convicted a Florida man of attempting to coerce a minor for sex after he was arrested in Missoula in an undercover investigation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

    After a three-day trial that began on Feb. 10, the jury found the defendant, Stevenson Metelus, 36, of Margate, Florida, guilty of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Metelus faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

    U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 24. Metelus was released pending further proceedings.

    “Metelus was a truck driver passing through Montana when he used social media to attempt to coerce a minor to have sex with him. The problem for him was he was unwittingly talking to an undercover law enforcement officer. This is the kind of critical work our office and our law enforcement partners are doing across the state to keep kids safe. Our work will continue, and it can only be done effectively due to the diligence, brilliance, and dedicated service of the people in our office and our law enforcement partners,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

    The government alleged at trial and in court documents that in October 2023, an FBI special agent, using a persona identified as Child 1, posted on MegaPersonals an advertisement for prostitution services in Missoula, listed the age of Child 1 as “99” and a phone number at which to contact Child 1. Metelus responded to the ad on Nov. 16, 2023 and asked Child 1 what her “specials” were. Metelus spoke with Child 1, eventually negotiating a price and sexual acts to engage in with her. Child 1 noted she was a minor girl. Ultimately, Metelus asked Child 1 to meet him in his truck when he arrived, but Child 1 said she had a room at the hotel and would leave the door open for him. Child 1 then said that she could meet him at a nearby gas station when he expressed concern about the plan. The undercover FBI agent had confidential source call Metelus and, acting as Child 1, spoke briefly with him. The confidential source again told Metelus that she was a minor. The parties then confirmed their plans to meet. Shortly thereafter, Metelus texted Child 1 that he had arrived at the gas station, where law enforcement arrested him. Metelus eventually admitted to law enforcement his intention was to meet Child 1 for commercial sex.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, Missoula Police Department and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Cook Islands opposition files no-confidence motion against PM

    By Melina Etches of the Cook Islands News

    A motion of no confidence has been filed against the Prime Minister and his Cabinet following the recent fiasco involving the now-abandoned Cook Islands passport proposal and the comprehensive strategic partnership the country will sign with China this week.

    Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather said Prime Minister Mark Brown should apologise to the people and “graciously” step down, or else he would move a no-confidence vote against him in Parliament.

    Clerk of Parliament Tangata Vainerere today confirmed that a motion of no confidence has been filed, and he had placed the notice with the MPs.

    Parliament will convene for the first time this year next Monday, February 17, to consider various bills and papers, including the presentation of the supplementary budget.

    Heather, an Opposition MP, is concerned with Brown’s lack of consultation regarding the passport issue, which the Prime Minister later confirmed was “off the table”, and the China agreement with New Zealand.

    New Zealand has raised concerns that it was not properly consulted, as required under their special constitutional arrangement.

    However, PM Brown said he had advised them and did not believe the Cook Islands was required to provide the level of detail New Zealand was requesting.

    ‘Handled the situation badly’
    “He [Brown] has handled the situation badly. He has to step down graciously but if he doesn’t, I’m putting in a no confidence vote in Parliament — that’s the bottom line,” Heather told the Cook Islands News.

    “I will move that motion and if there’s no support at least I’ve done it, I’ve seen it through.”

    Heather also said that he believed the Prime Minister should apologise to the people of the Cook Islands.

    “A simple apology, he made a mistake, that’s it.”

    Cook Islands News asked the Leader of the Opposition Tina Browne for comment on Heather’s no confidence motion.

    Browne on Sunday told PMN that residents were angry, and there was mounting pressure and strong feeling that the PM Brown “should go” (step down).

    Backed by cabinet ministers
    The Prime Minister has the confidence of his Cabinet Ministers, who are backing their leader and the China agreement, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Tingika Elikana.

    Brown is in China on a state visit with his delegation. Yesterday marked the third day of the visit, during which he will oversee the signing of a Joint Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with China.

    He is also expected to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping.

    The content of the agreement and its signing date remain unknown.

    “At this stage, discussions regarding the agreement are still ongoing, and it would be premature to confirm a signing date at this time. However, once there are any formal developments, we will ensure updates are shared through an official MFAI media release,” a spokesperson for the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration told Cook Islands News.

    Public protest march
     A public protest march will convene at Parliament House on Monday to challenge the government’s direction for the people of the Cook Islands.

    Heather is spearheading the “peaceful” protest march, rallying citizens against PM Brown’s controversial proposal to introduce a Cook Islands passport.

    More than 100 people attended Heather’s public meeting last Monday evening at the Aroa Nui Hall to voice their concerns about government’s actions disregarding the voices of the people.

    “Do we just sit around no. Te inrinaki nei au e te marama nei kotou te iti tangata,” Heather said.

    “We have to do this for the sake of our country. This is not a political protest, it’s people of the Cook Islands uniting to protest, if you understand the consequences, you will understand the reason why.”

    Although Brown has since ditched the proposal after New Zealand warned it would require holders to renounce their New Zealand one, “the damage is done”.

    This has sparked heated debates about national identity, sovereignty and the implications for the Cook Islands relationship with New Zealand.

    Concerns of citizens
    Heather has taken onboard the concerns of citizens and argued that such a move could undermine the historical ties and shared citizenship that have long defined the relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand.

    He has no confidence in Brown’s statement that the proposed Cook Islands identity passport is “off the table”.

    “I think it is off the table for now . . .  but for how long?” Heather questioned.

    “Then there’s the impact of what he has done with our relationship with New Zealand so we are very much concerned about that.

    “We are making a statement. The march is actually to show the government of New Zealand that we the people of the Cook Islands don’t agree with the Prime Minister on that.

    “We want New Zealand to see that the people of the Cook Islands – that we love to keep our passport, that we care about our relationship as well.”

    Heather said they are also concerned about New Zealand’s reaction to the Cook Islands proposed agreement with China.

    ‘Peaceful’ protesters welcomed
    He welcomes members of the community to join the “peaceful” protest.

    On Monday morning, drummers will be located on both sides of Parliament House on the main road.

    At 10.45am, the proceedings will start when people start moving towards Parliament. Heather wants all protesters to bring along their New Zealand passports.

    Heather would like to remind people not to use dirty language at the protest — “auraka e autara viiviii, don’t bring your dirty laundry . . . ”

    First published by the Cook Islands News and republished with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Holds a Press Conference on Immigration Enforcement Action

    Source: United States Department of Justice (video statements)

    Attorney General Pamela Bondi held a press conference to announce a new Department of Justice legal action on immigration enforcement.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca7_Hdq53iY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police hammer home security warning

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police in Counties Manukau South say a recent increase in burglaries from construction sites is a timely reminder to builders to ensure security is up to standard.

    In the past week, Police have charged four people in relation to industrial burglaries in areas including Pukekohe, Pōkeno and Papakura.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor, of Counties Manukau South CIB, says items including tap wear, light fittings, building materials, tools and appliances yet to be installed have been the targets of most burglaries.

    “As a result of our investigations, four people have been charged with various offences in connection to these burglaries in the past week, on top of others last month.

    “One of the four has also been charged with seven separate shoplifting charges and other driving matters.

    “Forensic evidence, CCTV and other investigative methods have been used to progress our enquiries.

    “It’s pleasing we have been able to hold these offenders to account for their actions, while also returning some of the stolen goods to their rightful owners.”

    Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says the burglaries are a reminder to all those involved in the construction industry to ensure appropriate steps are made to secure building sites.

    “We also encourage anyone who is the victim of a burglary to report it to Police straight away.

    “Burglaries, thefts or any suspicious behaviour should be reported to us on 111 if it’s happening now, or 105 after the fact.”

    Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says enquiries remain ongoing and Police are not ruling out further arrests or charges.

    Four men, aged between 26-45, have been charged with the respective burglaries Police have linked to them.

    TOP TIPS

    Police recommend a variety of measures to secure your building site:
    •             Install security gates
    •             CCTV
    •             Security patrols
    •             Labelling/marking/engraving valuable items (like tools)
    •             Recording serial numbers
    •             Ensure building materials and appliances are secured and/or installed soon after delivery

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrests illegal Guatemalan national charged with forcibly raping Massachusetts minor

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an illegally present Guatemalan national charged with three counts of forcible rape of a child and three counts of aggravated rape of a child when officers arrested Jose Fernando-Perez, 49, in Framingham, Massachusetts, Feb. 2.

    “Jose Fernando-Perez has been charged with some horrific crimes against a minor in our commonwealth,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “He is exactly the type of alien we are targeting with our ‘worst first’ policy. He posed a significant danger to the children of Massachusetts, and we will not tolerate such a threat to our community. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by arresting and removing egregious alien offenders from our New England communities.”

    Fernando illegally entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

    The Lynn District Court in Massachusetts arraigned Fernando Dec. 6, 2005, for leaving the scene of an accident with property damage and for attaching inaccurate license plates. The court convicted him of those charges Oct. 19, 2012.

    The Lynn District Court arraigned Fernando April 19, 2022, for rape of a child by force. The court later dismissed the case due to an indictment in the superior court.

    ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Fernando May 16, 2022, with the Essex County House of Correction.

    The Essex County Superior Court in Salem, Massachusetts arraigned Fernando on three counts of rape of a child by force and three counts of aggravated rape of a child.

    The Essex County Superior Court ignored the immigration detainer against Fernando and released him on pre-trial conditions Oct. 6, 2022.

    ICE officers served Fernando with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge following his arrest, and he remains in ICE custody.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X: @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 274 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Today’s scheduled rotation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team currently based at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) was cancelled as a result of intense military activity in the region, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

    Despite written assurances received from both sides that the planned rotation could take place safely, the situation proved to be too dangerous for the teams to continue and the mission was aborted.

    “I deeply regret today’s cancellation of the carefully prepared and agreed rotation of our staff, who are carrying out vital work in very challenging circumstances to help prevent a nuclear accident during the military conflict. It is completely unacceptable that the safety of our staff is jeopardised in this way,” Director General Grossi said.

    “As a result of these extremely concerning events, I am in active consultation with both sides to guarantee the safety of our teams and to secure the continued presence of the IAEA at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant to enable our staff to continue their indispensable mission, helping to maintain nuclear safety and security,” he said.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Ernst Work to Protect Farm Families’ Access to Higher Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer, joined Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to protect farm families’ access to higher education. The Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act would amend the FAFSA Simplification Act to restore the original exemption of non-liquid, farm and small business assets when determining a family’s FAFSA eligibility.  
    “Farm assets can’t be cashed out in the same way traditional investments can,” Grassley said. “Last Congress, I worked with the Department of Education to ensure the FAFSA asset test is only applied to investment farms, not family farms. Our bipartisan legislation would codify this guidance to ensure farm kids and other small business operators get a fair shake when applying for need-based financial aid.” 
    “No one should have to sell off the farm – or their small business – to afford college. As a farm kid myself, I know the enormous impacts grants and financial aid have on rural students’ decision to go to college,” Ernst said. “I’m fighting for Iowa families, so unfair policies don’t hold them back from investing in their child’s education.” 
    Additional cosponsors include Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). 
    Download audio of Grassley discussing the bill HERE.  
    Find bill text HERE. 
    Background:
    Under the original FAFSA contribution formula, the expected family contribution didn’t factor in the non-liquid assets of family farms and small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. However, the 2020 FAFSA Simplification Act, which went into effect last year, created a new formula that didn’t explicitly exempt family farms and small businesses from declaration.
    The value of a farm family’s assets – including land, buildings, livestock, unharvested crops and machinery – could total millions of dollars, but the family’s annual salary is significantly less. Per Iowa College Aid, if the value of family farms is included in the FAFSA asset test, a family making $60,000 a year could face over $41,000 in annual college tuition costs, compared to $7,600 previously. 
    Grassley has voiced strong concerns about the new FAFSA contribution formula’s impact on Iowa families. An overview of Grassley’s FAFSA-related efforts follows: 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Longtime Champion of the False Claims Act, Urges AG Bondi to Fully Review Biden-Harris DOJ’s Pending Qui Tam Case Dismissals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and author of legislation that significantly strengthened the False Claims Act (FCA), is urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to immediately halt pending FCA qui tam case dismissals issued under the Biden-Harris administration and conduct a full review to ensure decisions were made appropriately and in accordance with the facts and law. According to the DOJ, in 2024 qui tam FCA cases yielded the lion’s share of recoveries, recouping $2.4 billion out of the $2.9 billion recovered.
    “The False Claims Act (FCA) is our Nation’s greatest tool to fight and deter government fraud and return money to the taxpayers. A critical part of the FCA is its qui tam provision, which allows whistleblowers who typically have inside knowledge of fraudulent conduct to sue on the government’s behalf,” Grassley wrote.
    Last year, Grassley wrote two letters to the Biden-Harris DOJ requesting information on the Department’s standards for dismissing FCA qui tam cases in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling that DOJ may dismiss at any point during the litigation. Grassley raised concerns that the DOJ will be emboldened to dismiss qui tam cases, even years into the process and for reasons unrelated to the merits, after initially declining to intervene. The Biden-Harris DOJ failed to respond to either letter.
    “The Biden-Harris Justice Department’s failure to provide transparency into the process and standards it used to dismiss qui tam cases after initially declining to intervene raises questions with respect to whether fraudsters were potentially let off the hook at significant cost to the taxpayers,” Grassley continued.
    In her response to Grassley’s questions for the record, AG Bondi confirmed that she “will ensure the Department makes [FCA] dismissal decisions only as appropriate and in accordance with the relevant facts and law.” Grassley cited Bondi’s response in his letter and urged the DOJ to withdraw motions that do not align with the facts and the law.
    Text of Grassley’s letter to Attorney General Bondi follows: 
    February 7, 2025
    VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION
    The Honorable Pamela J. BondiAttorney GeneralDepartment of Justice
    Dear Attorney General Bondi:
    The False Claims Act (FCA) is our Nation’s greatest tool to fight and deter government fraud and return money to the taxpayers.  A critical part of the FCA is its qui tam provision which allows whistleblowers, who typically have inside knowledge of fraudulent conduct, to sue on the government’s behalf.[1]  Since the updates I authored to the qui tam provision were enacted into law, the FCA has recovered over $78 billion in taxpayer dollars and saved billions more by deterring would be fraudsters.[2]  According to Justice Department statistics, in 2024 FCA cases recovered more than $2.9 billion lost to fraud.[3]  Of that $2.9 billion, over $2.4 billion came from qui tam cases.[4]
    On March 6 and May 9, 2024, I wrote to the Biden-Harris Justice Department requesting information and statistics concerning the Department’s dismissal of FCA qui tam cases after the Supreme Court’s June 16, 2023, decision in United States Ex Rel. Polansky v. Executive Health Resources, Inc., et al.[5]   In that case, the Supreme Court ruled that the Justice Department may dismiss a qui tam case at any point, so long as they first intervene.[6]  I am concerned that the Justice Department, after initially declining to intervene in a case, will now be emboldened to intervene at any point in litigation – even years into litigation – and dismiss FCA cases for reasons unrelated to the merits.[7]  My March and May letters were similar to my September 4, 2019, letter to then-Attorney General Barr requesting information about the Justice Department’s implementation of their new FCA dismissal policy, known as the “Granston Memorandum,” and its vague instructions that could potentially lead to a greater number of qui tam cases being dismissed for reasons unrelated to their merits.[8]  On December 19, 2019, then-Attorney General Barr responded to my letter and provided the list of cases I requested where the government moved to dismiss.[9]   However, the Biden-Harris Justice Department failed to respond to both of my letters. 
    The Biden-Harris Justice Department’s failure to provide transparency into the process and standards it used to dismiss qui tam cases after initially declining to intervene raises questions with respect to whether fraudsters were potentially let off the hook at significant cost to the taxpayers.  The process and standards the Biden-Harris administration used in determining whether to intervene and dismiss FCA cases post-Polansky may not align with the priorities of the current administration.
    In your response to my questions for the record about FCA dismissals, you stated “I will c decisions only as appropriate and in accordance with the relevant facts and law.”[10]  Accordingly, I strongly urge you to immediately halt all pending dismissals and conduct a review of all qui tam cases from June 2023 to the present with pending Biden-Harris Justice Department motions to dismiss to ensure that the decisions were made “only as appropriate and in accordance with the relevant facts and law.”  Should these motions to dismiss not align with the facts and the law, the Justice Department must withdraw them. In addition, I request that you provide responses to my March 6 and May 9 letters, which the Biden-Harris Justice Department failed to answer, which I’ve enclosed along with copies of my September 2019 letter to Attorney General Barr and his response.
    Thank you for your prompt review and responses. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Randolph on my Committee staff at (202) 224-7708.
    Sincerely,
    Charles E. GrassleyChairmanCommittee on the Judiciary

    [1] 31 U.S.C. § 3730(c).
    [2] Department of Justice, False Claims Act Settlements and Judgments Exceed $2.9B in Fiscal Year 2024, Press Release (Jan. 15, 2025) https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/false-claims-act-settlements-and-judgments-exceed-29b-fiscal-year-2024.
    [3] Id.
    [4] Id.
    [5] United States, ex rel. Polansky v. Exec. Health Res., Inc., 599 U.S. 419, 143 S. Ct. 1720, 216 L. Ed. 2d 370 (2023) https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/21-1052_fd9g.pdf.
    [6] Id.
    [7] G. Norman Acker III, John H. Lawrence, Michael H. Phillips, Supreme Court Affirms Government’s Broad Dismissal Authority In False Claims Act Suits, US Health Care and FDA Alert (Jul. 5, 2023) https://www.klgates.com/Supreme-Court-Affirms-Governments-Broad-Dismissal-Authority-in-False-Claims-Act-Suits-7-5-2023; see also Tirzah S. Lollar and Megan Pieper, DOJ Flexes Its Post-Polansky (c)(2)(A) Muscles and Moves To Dismiss Qui Tam Midway Through Discovery, Qui Notes: Unlocking the False Claims Act (Mar. 19, 2024) https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/perspectives/blogs/fca-qui-notes/posts/2024/03/doj-flexes-post-polansky-muscles; Brenna E. Jenny and Matt Bergs, First Court of Appeals to Apply Polansky Upholds DOJ’s Dismissal, FCA Blog (Aug. 8, 2024) https://fcablog.sidley.com/2023/08/08/first-court-of-appeals-to-apply-polansky-upholds-dojs-dismissal/; Paula Ramer and Alejandra C. Uria, Another One Bites the Dust: The Government Secures Its Third Federal Qui Tam Dismissal Under Its Broad (c)(2)(A) Authority Since Polansky, Qui Notes: Unlocking the False Claims Act (Apr. 23, 2024) https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/perspectives/blogs/fca-qui-notes/posts/2024/04/another-one-bites-the-dust.
    [8] Letter from Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles E. Grassley to Attorney Barr re: Granston Memo, (Sep. 4, 2019) https://www.grassley.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2019-09-04%20CEG%20to%20DOJ%20(FCA%20dismissals).pdf.
    [9] Letter from the Justice Department to Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles E. Grassley re: Granston Memo, (Dec. 19, 2019) https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/-/media/files/perspectives/publications/2020/01/doj-response-to-senator-grassley.pdf.
    [10] On file with Committee staff.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing For Justice Department Executive Nominees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 12, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of Todd Blanche to be Deputy Attorney General (DAG), and Gail Slater to be Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division (AAG-Antitrust).
    Key Quotes:
    “President Trump has vowed to use the Justice Department to advance his own interests and to seek ‘retribution’ against ‘the enemy within.’”
    “The Trump Administration already purged dozens of senior career leaders at the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation… And, the Administration has forced career law enforcement officers to retire, resign, or be fired simply for executing tasks that were assigned to them. These actions are nakedly partisan.”
    “Many members on the Democratic side of the aisle expressed fears that Attorney General Pam Bondi would put her loyalty to the President ahead of anything else. Our fears have been realized.”
    “On her first day as Attorney General, Pam Bondi issued 14 memos to Department of Justice staff that reflect the most extreme of President Trump’s priorities, including far-right Project 2025 policies. Attorney General Bondi established a ‘Weaponization Working Group’ that is a clear effort to make good on her pledge to ‘investigate the investigators.’”
    “Given the political retribution that is already being carried out with the blessing of the President at the Justice Department, Mr. Blanche’s nomination deserves heightened scrutiny. If confirmed, he will serve as the second-in-command at the Department, overseeing the day-to-day operations.”
    “With Ms. Bondi’s unyielding loyalty to President Trump already disclosed, we must ask ourselves whether Mr. Blanche would be willing to act as an independent voice within the Department’s leadership.”
    “Mr. Blanche, I enjoyed meeting with you in my office… You told me repeatedly that your true loyalty is to the rule of law. That’s the right answer from my point of view. But I am afraid I need to ask you more to conclude that you would be able to arise to the occasion which is likely to present itself.”
    “What is happening at the Federal Bureau of Investigation should give Republicans and Democrats pause. That great agency is entrusted with the safety and security of the United States of America. Making it political does not help.”
    Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Todd Blanche, Trump’s Nominee To Be Deputy Attorney General, During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 12, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Todd Blanche, nominated by President Donald Trump to be Deputy Attorney General (DAG), during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing. Mr. Blanche represented President Trump in multiple criminal cases, including the hush money prosecution brought by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for which Trump was convicted on 34 counts. Mr. Blanche also represented President Trump in the criminal investigations and prosecutions pursued by Special Counsel Jack Smith regarding Trump’s mishandling of classified documents in Florida and his role in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
    Durbin’s questions focused on reports that Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove ordered Acting Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Brian Driscoll to compile a list of all current and former FBI employees who were assigned “at any time” to a January 6 investigation “to determine whether any additional personnel actions are necessary.”
    Durbin began by asking Mr. Blanche about the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
    “As a former prosecutor, when you saw those scenes, did it cross your mind that it should be investigated?” Durbin asked.
    Mr. Blanche responded, “absolutely.”
    Durbin then asked Mr. Blanche, “If you are going to have a federal prosecution of the people who assaulted the Capitol, it would be understandable that you would turn to FBI agents to conduct the investigation. True?”
    Mr. Blanche responded, “Well, yes.”
    “Of course, during the course of conducting the largest criminal investigation in the history of the Department of Justice, it is no surprise that some 5,000 FBI agents were called on and assigned duties to investigate those crimes,” Durbin said.
    Durbin continued, “Do you understand what is going on now? They are asking for the names of all of the FBI agents who were engaged in that investigation to be disclosed… I am just wondering, in this situation, how you can justify disclosing the identities of these individuals, many of whom were given an assignment. Didn’t you tell me that when you were a U.S. Attorney you didn’t have the luxury of picking the cases you worked on? You were told, at least at the beginning, that this is what you’ll do.”
    Mr. Blanche responded, “That is true.”
    Durbin went on to detail the crimes that January 6th insurrectionists, recklessly pardoned by President Trump, committed during the storming of the U.S. Capitol, including the violent assaults on law enforcement officers. Guy Reffitt was the first defendant to stand trial on charges related to the January 6 insurrection. He was sentenced to 87 months in prison for bringing a firearm to the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Reffitt’s 19-year-old son, Jackson, turned him into law enforcement after the attack. Jackson also indicated that Reffitt had threatened to shoot him and his sister, Peyton, if they reported him to authorities.
    Just weeks after his pardon, Reffitt returned to the Capitol to support Kash Patel, who has been nominated to serve as FBI Director despite a troubling record of peddling conspiracy theories about January 6 and whistleblower reports that he is personally involved in the ongoing purge of senior law enforcement officials at the FBI. Reffitt posted on social media: “Present and in support of @KashPatel as the leftist commies continue to spew lies, misinformation and disinformation. My man Klean House Kash…!!!”
    “Can you understand why the FBI agents would be reluctant to disclose not only their names but perhaps the locations of their families in an effort to justify keeping their jobs if this kind of person is on the loose?” Durbin said. “Let me lay it on the table. Are you prepared to say that if your nomination is approved by the United States Senate, you would stop any effort to disclose this information that might jeopardize the safety of FBI agents?”
    Mr. Blanche responded, “I cannot sit here and commit to anything beyond that statement that we will never do anything to put the lives of the family or the agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in danger.”
    Durbin concluded, “There were 5,000 agents involved in this investigation, and they are now being asked to disclose if they were involved in it. I don’t think there is any precedent at the FBI of that kind of effort. And the impact it’s going to have on morale and the operation of that agency will not benefit the safety of Americans.”
    Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Leads Resolution Calling on NATO Members to Meet Defense Spending Commitments for Leadership Roles

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced a resolution that expressed the view that, to maintain leadership roles within NATO and continue receiving benefits from NATO, Allies must now, at a bare minimum, meet the current required commitment with an eye towards likely increases in burden sharing to come. 

    In 2006, NATO Defense Ministers agreed to commit at least two percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense spending to ensure the Alliance’s military readiness. This resolution asserts that countries not meeting this goal should be excluded from holding leadership positions within NATO or hosting significant NATO events, including summits or foreign ministers’ meetings. Additionally, it calls for members to either meet the two percent commitment or have a plan to do so by the NATO Summit in The Hague in June 2025.

    “Given the increased aggression from Russia in Ukraine, provocations from China, and other rising threats, it is crucial that our partner nations not only meet but exceed the current defense spending goals,” said Senator Tillis. “The existing two percent commitment is the bare minimum necessary. We must aim for higher targets, such as the proposed five percent from President Trump, to bolster and strengthen NATO.”

    “Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and tensions in the Indo-Pacific threaten our global stability and security,” said Senator Cornyn. “It’s critical for NATO nations to honor their commitments to spend two percent of their GDP on national defense, ensuring military readiness within the NATO alliance.”

    “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, many of our European allies are finally pulling their weight when it comes to defense spending,” said Senator Daines. “However, the world remains dangerous and it’s time for the remaining European countries to step up. Raising defense spending is an important part of deterrence and the time to act is now.”  

    Full text of the resolution is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Cortez Masto Introduce Legislation to Protect Critical Mineral Production in the West

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today introduced the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act to allow critical mineral production to continue in the West.

    This legislation would provide clarity that mine support activities, like waste storage or processing, can proceed on lands that do not contain economically valuable minerals. Recent litigation has upended the long-held interpretation of the Mining Law and, without congressional action, will significantly impede critical mineral production on public lands across the West.

    “Domestic mineral production is critical to everyday energy, technology, and national security needs,” said Risch. “For too long, Idaho’s minerals have been tied up in red tape, preventing responsible use of our natural resources. The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act ensures mining projects in Idaho and across the West can proceed and provide invaluable support to our communities and country.” 

    “We need to streamline our federal permitting process to unleash the full potential of Nevada’s critical mineral economy,” said Cortez Masto. “I’m continuing my bipartisan push to pass this commonsense bill that will cut red tape, protect mining jobs in Nevada, help support clean energy projects nationwide.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Moran, Scott Join Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Ease Burdens on Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON. – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined nine of their Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to ease burdens and shield small businesses from excessive legal red tape. The Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025 would extend the filing deadline for businesses to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) until January 1, 2026, giving the U.S. Department of Treasury more time to educate business owners on the new reporting requirements, assess Biden administration BOI decisions and make certain small businesses are not overburdened or penalized for violating unclear and unnecessarily complicated regulations.

    The senators were joined by Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.).

    “Small businesses are the backbone of our rural communities, and with limited staff and resources, the current reporting requirements place an unnecessary burden on our businesses,” said Sen. Moran. “Extending the filing deadline allows small businesses the additional time they need to comply with updated guidelines and avoid harmful penalties.”

    “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we need to ensure they have the necessary time and information to comply with reporting requirements from the federal government,” said Sen. Scott. “This commonsense bill will ensure small businesses are protected and not overly burdened by unclear and unnecessarily complicated regulations – allowing them to focus on serving their customers while following the law.”

    Representative Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) led companion legislation in the House, which passed on Monday by a vote of 408-0.

    BACKGROUND:

    • The Corporate Transparency Act was signed into law as part of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act and established new reporting requirements around beneficial ownership for businesses.
    • During implementation of the rule, the U.S. Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) failed to notify small businesses of the new reporting requirements. According to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), 80% of NFIB members have never heard of the new reporting requirements.
    • On January 23, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to block the enforcement of these filing requirements. Now, small businesses across the country are expected to comply immediately or face harsh penalties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Puruatanga Road, Martinborough

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Four people on a shared bicycle have been injured in a serious crash with a car in Martinborough.

    The collision happened on Puruatanga Road, between Regent Street and Todds Road, about 10.45am.

    At least one person is being flown to hospital with critical injuries. Three others have serious injuries.

    The driver of the vehicle is uninjured and is being spoken to by Police. 

    The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and the road will likely remain closed for some time. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prison Term of 18 Years Handed to Man Who Sexually Abused 13-Year-Old

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Damion Brown, 33, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 18 years in prison and lifetime supervision, for sexually abusing the 13-year-old daughter of his long-time girlfriend in February of 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                The defendant was convicted on May 7, 2024, by a Superior Court jury of ten felony charges, including first-degree sexual abuse and first-degree child sexual abuse following a multi-day jury trial. The Honorable Judge Anthony Epstein also ordered Brown to stay away and have no contact with the victim or her mother.

                According to the government’s evidence, on February 24, 2023, the 13-year-old victim was home alone with the defendant, who was the victim’s mother’s live-in boyfriend. While the victim was changing clothes, the defendant came into her room and began hugging and kissing her and pushed her onto her bed. The defendant performed a number of sexual acts on the child, then left the room laughing. The victim immediately left the apartment and reported to her aunt, who called the police. The defendant was still in the apartment when police arrived.

                Subsequent DNA testing determined that the defendant could not be excluded from the positive results of DNA found on the victim after the abuse.           

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Victim Advocate Veronica Vaughn; former Forensic Child Interviewer Tracy Owusu; Paralegals ReShawn Johnson and Garcia Clarke; and Katina Washington-Adams, who assisted with witness travel, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Folse and Robert Platt, who prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Four charged over alleged aggravated armed robbery at Perth

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Four charged over alleged aggravated armed robbery at Perth

    Thursday, 13 February 2025 – 10:17 am.

    Four people have been charged over a targeted armed robbery at Perth.
    Police received a call from the victim of the alleged robbery on Tuesday evening after four people known to him forced their way into his residence.
    The victim was physically assaulted by one offender who was in possession of a baseball bat, but not seriously injured.
    The alleged offenders then left the scene with the victim’s vehicle, wallet and phone and a large amount of his property.
    Police quickly responded, and located the stolen vehicle a short time later at a Newnham residence.
    Four people – including a 32 Newnham woman, 29 year old Westbury man, 35 year old Newnham man, and 20 year old Launceston man, were located with the vehicle and arrested by police.
    All four have been charged with aggravated armed robbery and motor vehicle stealing and appeared in the Launceston Magistrates Court yesterday.
    They are due to appear again on March 11.
    Police would like to reassure the public this was a targeted incident involving people known to each other and there was no threat to the wider community.
    Investigations are ongoing.
    Anyone with information should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Perryton Coach Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of Teenage Student

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

    A Perryton ISD coach who sexually abused a 15-year-old student was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham.

    Cole Underwood, 29, was charged via criminal complaint in June 2024 and indicted later that same month. In September 2024, he pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor. He was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk to 30 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. 

    According to court documents, Perryton ISD’s superintendent reached out to law enforcement in May 2024 to report a possible inappropriate relationship between Mr. Underwood and a female student. According to the superintendent, surveillance video allegedly showed Mr. Underwood meeting with the girl alone after hours, despite being given a specific directive not to be alone with her.

    Agents reviewed the footage and observed Mr. Underwood propping an exterior door open and then shutting off lights. Approximately 15 minutes later, the girl entered the darkened building through the propped door and walked into Mr. Underwood’s office.

    In interviews with law enforcement, the child said Mr. Underwood had sex with her in his office more than a dozen times between February and May.

    She said that after she added him as a contact on Snapchat, he established a personal friendship with her, and even invited her to his office to confide in him. She said that Mr. Underwood began messaging her in a flirtatious and sexual manner in December, and eventually used Snapchat to arrange sexual encounters.

    A search of the girl’s cell phone revealed multiple late-night conversations – some lasting more than six hours – between her and Mr. Underwood, who allegedly occasionally referred to the child as “wifey” and told her he loved her.

    At Thursday’s sentencing hearing, the student detailed how the situation escalated from the defendant acting as a confidant during a stressful period to isolating her and continually pressuring her for sex:

    “I had no idea that he was slowly in the process of grooming me, I genuinely thought that he actually cared about me,” she said in a victim impact statement. “I didn’t know how to stop it… He convinced me to shut everyone out. I felt like I seriously had no one but him.”

    “I hope if there is a girl out there who is going through what I have been through, she has the chance to hear my story to know it’s okay to speak up. There are people who want to help,” she bravely added. “Just because you have one bad chapter does not mean your story is over.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office – Amarillo Resident Agency, the Ochiltree County Sheriff’s Office, and the Perryton Police Department conducted the investigation with the full cooperation of the Perryton Independent School District. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Hampshire Registered Sex Offender Sentenced for Attempting to Purchase a Gun in Maine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Brandon Pinard checked “No” on ATF form to having a felony conviction despite 2013 conviction in Massachusetts

    PORTLAND, Maine:  A New Hampshire man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for making false statements to acquire a firearm.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Brandon Pinard, 33, to time served, approximately 9 months, followed by three years of supervised release. Pinard pleaded guilty on November 19, 2024.

    According to court records, in May 2024, the Seabrook (N.H.) Police Department received a firearms denial notice showing that Pinard was denied a purchase of a long gun in Bath, Maine. When attempting to purchase the Daniel Defense DDM4 assault rifle, Pinard listed a Dover, N.H. address and checked “No” next to the question on the ATF Form 4473 that read, “Have you ever been convicted in any court, including a military court, of a felony, or any other crime for which the judge could imprison you for more than one year, or are you a current member of the military who has been charged with violations(s) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and whose charge(s) have been referred to a general court-martial?” At the time of the attempted purchase, Pinard was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2013 conviction in Massachusetts for a felony sex offense. He had been a registered sex offender in Seabrook since relocating from Dover in November 2022. 

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the Seabrook (N.H.) Police Department.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wisconsin Rapids Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Illegally Possessing Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Bradly Rosenthal, 42, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to nine years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution and possessing two loaded firearms as a felon.

    Rosenthal sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant three times in February 2024. On March 13, 2024, law enforcement received a report of suspected drug activity at a car wash located in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. Officers responded to the car wash where they encountered Rosenthal. After a K9 alerted to the presence of illicit substances, law enforcement searched Rosenthal’s vehicle and found 266 grams of methamphetamine, two loaded firearms, a Taser, $2,000, and drug distribution paraphernalia. Rosenthal is prohibited from legally possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction.

    At sentencing, Judge Conley expressed concern at Rosenthal’s “repeated serious crimes,” which include prior drug trafficking and firearms offenses, and his continued “endangerment of others.”

    The charges against Rosenthal were the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force and the Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa Police Departments. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local agencies including the Dane County and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices and the Fitchburg, Madison, Sun Prairie, and La Crosse Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Remington and Megan Stelljes prosecuted this case.

    This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Child Predator Sentenced to 84 Months’ Imprisonment

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Randall Walker Holland, 51, of West Jordan, Utah, was sentenced today to seven years’ imprisonment and a life term of supervised release after he admitted to distributing images of child sexual abuse.

    According to court documents and statements made at Holland’s change of plea and sentencing hearing, from May 2, 2024 thru May 9, 2024, Holland used his cellphone to communicate via social media and text messaging with an individual he believed had access to, and was abusing, a 12-year-old victim. The individual Holland was communicating with was an undercover officer.  During Holland’s communication he sent over 1,000 videos files of child sexual abuse materials to the undercover officer. Holland also discussed his interest in engaging in sexual acts with the 12- year-old victim. When Holland arrived at the meeting location, he was arrested by law enforcement.

    United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah made the announcement.

    The case was investigated by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol A. Dain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Inmate Sentenced to One Year for Possessing Methamphetamine in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Marco Cota-Tamaura, 44, Oxford, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to one year and one day in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine in prison. Cota-Tamaura pleaded guilty to this charge on December 2, 2024.

    On March 22, 2024, Cota-Tamaura was serving a prison sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution, Oxford, Wisconsin (FCI Oxford). During a drug test that day, he tested positive for methamphetamine and then prison staff found him in possession of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is prohibited in federal prisons.

    At the sentencing hearing, Judge Conley expressed disappointment that Cota-Tamaura abused his placement at FCI Oxford after achieving a reduced security level during his current prison term. He noted that Cota-Tamaura’s possession of methamphetamine presented a grave risk to inmates and guards, and that this justified adding a year to Cota-Tamaura’s current sentence.

    The charge against Cota-Tamaura was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala prosecuted this case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: United nations Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai: 35 UN entities, 15 Secretariat Departments, Offices to Gather under Theme “United for a Better Future”

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Two months from today, the United Nations will welcome visitors to a dedicated pavilion in the Empowering Zone of Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan under the theme “United for a Better Future”.  The United Nations Pavilion is proud to host exhibits and programming that represent the work of 35 UN entities and 15 UN Secretariat departments and offices.

    The United Nations pavilion will feature highlights of eight decades of impact, current efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to address global challenges and humanitarian crises, as well as a vision of a sustainable future that is possible only through collective action and multilateral collaboration.  The UN Pavilion will also host special weekly exhibits and events aligned with the Expo’s theme weeks, United Nations international days and other priorities to promote sustainable development, human rights, climate action and peace and security.  Visitors can also purchase UN and SDG-related merchandise at the giftshop located inside the pavilion.

    Confirmed participating UN entities include:

    • United Nations Secretariat
      • Department of Global Communications
      • Department of Economic and Social Affairs
      • Department of Peace Operations
      • Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
      • Development Coordination Office
      • Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
      • Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
      • United Nations Global Compact Office
      • United Nations Mine Action Service
      • United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
      • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
      • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
      • United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
      • United Nations Road Safety Fund / Special Envoy for Road Safety
      • United Nations Youth Office
    • Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
    • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
    • International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
    • International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
    • International Labour Organization (ILO)
    • International Maritime Organization (IMO)
    • International Organization for Migration (IOM)
    • International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
    • International Trade Centre (ITC)
    • Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
    • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
    • Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
    • Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific)
    • United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
    • United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
    • United Nations Development Programme
    • United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
    • United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women)
    • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
    • United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
    • United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
    • United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
    • United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
    • United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
    • United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
    • United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)
    • United Nations University (UNU)
    • United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV)
    • United Nations Water*
    • Universal Postal Union (UPU)
    • World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism)
    • World Food Programme (WFP)
    • World Health Organization (WHO)
    • World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

    The UN Pavilion will also host prominent guest speakers, including senior UN officials, leading experts, celebrities and advocates, who will share their insights and experiences on global challenges and solutions.

    “In the year that the United Nations will turn 80 years old, the UN Pavilion presents key milestones since 1945 that have reshaped values and the world as we know it.  We will also showcase examples of the UN in our daily lives and a vision of a world in which everyone thrives in peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet,” said Maher Nasser, Commissioner-General of the United Nations at Expo 2025.  “It is our hope that our pavilion will serve as a dynamic platform for learning, collaboration and inspiration for action.” 

    The video interview of Mr. Nasser is available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MBS_DOB_k8.

    Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, will run from 13 April to 13 October and is expected to attract over 28 million visitors.  The UN Pavilion will be open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

    For additional information about the United Nations presence at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, please contact Naomi Ichikawa, UN Department of Global Communications (New York), at email:  nichikawa@un.org.

    __________

    * UN Water is a coordination mechanism, comprising United Nations entities (members) and international organizations (partners) working on water and sanitation issues.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals in Maine Arrest a Florida Man in Bangor for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Bangor, ME — A Florida man was arrested in Bangor, ME today by the U.S. Marshals Service Maine Violent Offender Task Force (MVOTF) for failing to register as a sex offender.

    Christopher David Peet, 34, was arrested today on a warrant issued on January 9, 2025 from Pasco County, FL for failure to register as a sex offender. Peet’s requirement to register as a sex offender stems from a 2014 conviction in NY for incest – 3rd degree. Peet also has a prior 2020 conviction for failure to register as a sex offender in FL. The conviction in 2014 designated Peet as a lifetime offender in the State of Florida.

    The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in the Middle District of Florida requested the assistance Marshals Service in Maine with locating and apprehending this fugitive.

    Through a collaborative law enforcement effort, authorities developed information which led investigators to Bangor, ME. USMS Task Force members were able to identify Peet at a residence in Bangor and were able to safely apprehend him without incident. Peet is charged as a fugitive from justice and will be arraigned in Maine pending his extradition back to Florida.

    The USMS in Maine received significant assistance from the USMS Middle District of Florida. The USMS Maine Violent Offender Task Force is comprised of members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Maine Department of Corrections, Biddeford Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Maine National Guard Counter Drug Task Force.

    If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of any state or federal fugitive please contact the United States Marshals Service, District of Maine at MED.TIPLINE@usdoj.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Scott, Rosen Introduce Antisemitism Awareness Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which directs the Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating antisemitic acts on campus. This bill ensures that the Department of Education has a clear definition of antisemitism when determining whether an antisemitic incident on campus crosses the line from free speech into harassing, unlawful, or discriminatory conduct. Congressmen Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) are leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives. 

    “In the continued aftermath of the October 7th attacks on Israel by Hamas and Iran, we have seen college campuses across our nation become hotbeds of antisemitism where Jewish students’ rights are being threatened,” said Senator Scott. “It’s critical the Department of Education has the tools and resources it needs to investigate antisemitism and root out this vile hatred wherever it rears its ugly head. There can be no equivocating when it comes to the issue of anti-Jewish violence and harassment.”

    “Antisemitism is on the rise across the nation, particularly on college campuses, and Congress has a responsibility to do everything in its power to fight back against this hate,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation today with Senator Tim Scott to help protect Jewish students from antisemitic bigotry. I’ll keep working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this bill passed and signed into law.”

    “The House overwhelmingly passed my bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act last session, and today I am proud to reintroduce this critical legislation in the new Congress. Since the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7th, 83% of college students said they witnessed or experienced antisemitism on campus,” said Congressman Lawler upon introducing the House version of the bill. “This is unacceptable. No person should feel unsafe, targeted, or ostracized because of their faith – and the Antisemitism Awareness Act will stop it from happening. When I met with Jewish students at Columbia University last spring, their fear was palpable. Many wondered if they could ever feel safe on campus again. They deserve better—as does every student, and that’s what this bipartisan bill will accomplish.”

    “Since the heinous October 7 attacks on Israel, we have seen an explosion of antisemitic violence and intimidation on college campuses and in communities across New Jersey and the nation. Far too many in our community no longer feel safe in their own homes or classrooms,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “That’s why I’m reintroducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which will give state officials and law enforcement a clear framework for identifying and addressing antisemitism to hold harassers accountable. Our bipartisan bill adopts the most widely recognized definition of antisemitism in the world, already used by more than 40 countries and 35 states. Hate and discrimination have no place in New Jersey or the country, and we must act now to protect our Jewish students and families from threats, intimidation, and violence.”

    “The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations thanks Sens. Scott and Rosen for re-introducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act (AAA). It comes at an important time–Since Hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel, there has been a dramatic increase in antisemitism on college campuses. We continue to see university administrators show they have little understanding of how to identify antisemitism.  The AAA will adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism into U.S. law, enabling university leaders to support Jewish students and accurately determine – and discipline those who engage in—antisemitic discrimination on college campuses. The Conference of Presidents urges swift passage of AAA,” said Stephanie Hausner, COO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations (COP). 

    “Antisemitism isn’t just a Jewish problem. It’s everyone’s problem. Despite the hollow arguments of some, this legislation neither outlaws antisemitism nor is it anti-Christian. The Antisemitism Awareness Act, like President Trump’s 2019 executive order combatting antisemitism and his order last month doubling down on the same,  provides students, parents, teachers and administrators alike with a clear definition of the world’s oldest and most prevalent hatred. Advancing this legislation is  important in making American campuses safe and welcoming for all. We must defeat the vile cancer of antisemitism and defining it under US law is a critical step in that righteous effort,”said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Hagee Parker.

    “As ADL data shows, antisemitism is at crisis levels in the United States, creating the urgent need for decisive action,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. “The Antisemitism Awareness Act makes clear that antisemitism, including anti-Zionist harassment, has no place in our schools or society and, importantly, reinforces the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as a critical tool for the U.S. Department of Education. We urge Congress to act swiftly and send a powerful message that combating antisemitism remains a national priority and deeply appreciate the effort by Senators Tim Scott and Jacky Rosen to quickly reintroduce this bipartisan bill.”

    “According to American Jewish Committee’s upcoming State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report, three in ten American adults are either unsure of what antisemitism means or never heard the term. This number jumps for young Americans (ages 18-29): 41% of young Americans are unsure of what antisemitism means or never heard the term, while, at the same time, young American Jews (ages 18-29) are more likely to have experienced antisemitism in the past year than Jews ages 30 and older. These numbers show why it is critical to have a clear understanding of what antisemitism is and why it matters for American society because to even begin to solve the problem of antisemitism, there must be clarity about what it is and what it isn’t. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism is a clear and concise description of antisemitism in its various forms. AJC has supported efforts by both Republican and Democratic Administrations to use this definition at the Department of Education when investigating Title VI complaints. We applaud Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) for introducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act, for prioritizing the continued use of this important educational tool and ensuring the safety of Jewish students across the country,” said Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee.

    “As antisemitic incidents continue to rise, Jewish Federations of North America are grateful to Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) for introducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act today. This bill provides a clear framework for identifying antisemitism, offering concrete examples to help distinguish between constitutionally protected speech and targeted attacks against Jewish individuals. Congress must act now to send a strong message that antisemitism has no place in our society,” said Karen Paikin Barall, Vice President, Government Relations, Jewish Federations of North America.

    Joining Senators Scott and Rosen in cosponsoring the legislation are Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).

    In addition to introducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act during the 118th Congress, Senator Scott has worked relentlessly to push back on the alarming rise of blatant and vile antisemitism on college campuses by:

    • Leading a resolution to condemn the explosion of antisemitism on U.S. college campuses, call out university presidents who have enabled and refused to take action against this antisemitism, and urge the Biden Department of Education to take necessary actions to ensure that colleges and universities are complying with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to protect Jewish students;
    • Calling on the president of Columbia University to resign over rampant antisemitism on campus;
    • Introducing the Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act to defund colleges and universities that enable violent antisemitism on their campuses; and
    • Forcefully condemning antisemitism and supporting Israel’s right to self-defense in a speech at the Orthodox Union’s Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitehorse — Repeat offender arrested and charged with numerous property related offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Whitehorse RCMP have charged an individual with multiple charges, including break and enter of three downtown Whitehorse businesses.

    On February 3, 2025 Whitehorse RCMP located Christopher Schafer in possession of a stolen vehicle. Mr. Schafer was arrested and charged with possession of stolen property over $5000 and fail to comply with a probation order. He was held in custody for court February 3, 2025, and was released from custody.

    Between February 4 and February 6, 2025, Whitehorse RCMP responded to four separate calls for service related to incidents of break and enter, mischief under $5000, and uttering threats. Evidence gathered from the scenes led police in identifying a suspect.

    On February 8, 2025, RCMP arrested Christopher Schafer. Mr. Schafer appeared in court on February 12, 2025 and has been remanded until February 26, 2025. He has been charged with the following offences:

    • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
    • Possession of break-in instruments with intent to be used (3 counts)
    • Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose
    • Uttering threats to cause bodily harm (2 counts)
    • Fail to comply with a probation order (5 counts)
    • Disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence (3 counts)
    • Break and enter to business (3 counts)
    • Mischief under $5000

    If you were a witness to a crime or have information about any crimes, please contact the RCMP at 867-667-5555.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Bakersfield Man Pleads Guilty to Aiming a Laser at a Sheriff’s Helicopter

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

    FRESNO, Calif. — Jesse Torres-Alonso, 35, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to aiming the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on Sept. 28, 2023, Torres struck a Kern County Sheriff’s Office helicopter (Air One) 12 times with a dangerously bright green laser beam. The laser strikes interfered with the pilot’s ability to see and avoid other aircraft and effectively monitor the aircraft instrument panel. Law enforcement officers were able to locate and seize the laser device, which bore a prominent warning label, stating, “DANGER,” and warned against shining the light in the eyes.

    In the year that Torres committed this offense, the Federal Aviation Administration received 13,304 reports of laser strikes from pilots, marking a 41% increase over the 9,457 reported during 2022 and setting a record for the growing hazard.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.

    Torres is scheduled for sentencing on May 20, 2025, by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez. Torres faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Aggravated Felon Federally Charged with Illegal Re-Entry in Austin

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    AUSTIN, Texas – A Mexican national previously removed as an aggravated felon was transferred to federal custody in Austin on criminal charges related to his alleged illegal re-entry.

    According to court documents, Ruben Tinoco-Jaimes was located in the Travis County jail on Oct. 24, 2024, and taken into federal custody Feb. 7, 2025. He had previously been removed from the United States to Mexico after he was convicted in December 2017 for possession of cocaine and sentenced to 37 months in federal prison.

    Tinoco-Jaimes is charged with illegal re-entry. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Harding is prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Hunting Outfitter Pays $500,000 to Resolve Allegations Related to the Cow Creek Fire in Ouray County, Colorado

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DENVER—The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced today that Jackson Outfitters, LLC, a hunting outfitter based in Placerville, Colorado, has agreed to pay $500,000 to resolve allegations that it is liable for the ignition of a wildland fire, which became known as the Cow Creek Fire and which burned 850 acres on the Uncompahgre National Forest in Ouray County, Colorado, in October 2019.

    The United States alleges that the Cow Creek Fire was caused by a wood-burning stove located inside a wall tent in the Green Mountain Camp, which is owned and operated by Cow Creek Outfitters, an affiliate of Jackson Outfitters.  At the time of the incident, the Green Mountain Camp was occupied by a party that had booked a self-guided elk hunt through Cow Creek Outfitters.  Jackson Outfitters operates its business in the National Forest under a Special Use Permit, which states that Jackson Outfitters has an affirmative duty to protect the land, property, and other interests of the United States—including fire suppression costs—from damage.

    The United States alleges that the Cow Creek Fire started at Green Mountain Camp when embers and other ignited material exited a stovepipe attached to the wood-burning stove and landed on the ground, igniting dry vegetation.  The Cow Creek fire ultimately burned approximately 850 acres of National Forest System lands. The United States incurred significant suppression costs fighting the fire.  The United States alleges that by not ensuring that the wood-burning stove was equipped with a functional, properly-installed spark arrestor, Jackson Outfitters breached its duty to ensure that its activities did not result in an escaped fire.

    “Outfitters must ensure that the equipment they use in National Forests is safe and protects public lands for all of us,” said Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell.  “We appreciate that this resolution was cooperative and reimburses the United States for costs incurred in fighting the fire.”

    The claims against Jackson Outfitters are allegations, and in agreeing to settle this matter, the company did not admit to any liability.

    This matter was investigated by U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Ross.

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