NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jamontay Brister Imprisoned for Drug Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Jamontay Brister, 29, of Queens, New York, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Burlington to 54 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to charges that he conspired to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. Chief U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered that Brister serve a three-year term of supervised release following completion of his prison sentence. Brister has been detained without bail since his arrest last July.

    According to court records, in June 2024, Burlington Police Department drug investigators and DEA Task Force officers made three controlled purchases of fentanyl from Brister utilizing a confidential source. In July, officers obtained a state court warrant to search the Burlington apartment within which Brister had rented a room. They executed the warrant on the morning of July 17 and arrested Brister, who was alone in a locked bedroom. During the search of Brister’s bedroom, officers recovered more than 950 grams of cocaine, more than 150 grams of fentanyl, about $10,000 in cash and a handgun. Brister is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has a prior attempted robbery conviction in New York state.

    This case was investigated by the Burlington Police Department’s Narcotics Unit and the DEA Task Force.

    Brister is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

    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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Albany Woman Indicted for Money Laundering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Drasana Johnson, age 27, of Albany, has been indicted for laundering over $850,000 in stolen government funds, approximately $200,000 of which she used to purchase a residential property.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) Northeast Region, made the announcement.

    The indictment alleges that from May 25, 2023, through June 30, 2023, Johnson conducted seven monetary transactions each of a value greater than $10,000 and derived from the theft of government property.

    According to a previously filed criminal complaint, Johnson laundered federal funds that Asjid Parvez stole from a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that helped struggling farmers pay off their loans. The charges in the indictment and complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The money laundering charges carry a maximum term of 10 years in prison, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    Parvez, of Albany, was sentenced in May 2024 to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to theft of federal funds.

    The FBI has already seized $516,974.54 traceable to the federal funds that Parvez stole, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Asset Recovery Unit has filed a civil action seeking the forfeiture of a residential property in Albany that Johnson is accused of purchased using approximately $202,675 in stolen funds.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI and the USDA Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Paulbeck is prosecuting the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Conger is representing the United States in the asset forfeiture action.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: West Mifflin Felon Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Prison for Firearms and Drug Trafficking Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 200 months of imprisonment on his conviction of violating federal firearms and narcotics trafficking laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Giante Hilliard, 32, on January 27, 2025.

    According to information presented to the Court, Hilliard—who previously had been convicted of a number of felony offenses in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, including aggravated assault, possession of unlicensed firearms, and terroristic threats—was involved in an exchange of gunfire outside of a McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, bar on March 28, 2023. Video of the incident shows that, moments after Hilliard and another individual left the bar and started to drive off, a third person shot at the car they occupied. Hilliard returned fire from the vehicle’s passenger seat, with several muzzle flashes visible in the video. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

    In a second incident, Hilliard was the passenger in a vehicle that law enforcement attempted to stop on May 8, 2023. Rather than complying, the driver rammed three law enforcement vehicles—allowing one of the officers to observe Hilliard with a black firearm—and sped off. Shortly after, law enforcement located the disabled vehicle abandoned near a convenience store. Nearby surveillance video showed the driver and Hilliard leaving the disabled vehicle together, and then splitting up, with Hilliard holding a black bag that he attempted to conceal under a dumpster. The black bag was recovered by law enforcement and found to contain a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun and approximately 300 doses of what laboratory results later confirmed was a heroin and fentanyl mixture. Ballistic testing of the handgun against nearly a dozen 40 caliber casings from the March 28 shooting determined the firearm to be a match with the one used by Hilliard in that earlier incident. Hilliard’s fingerprints were found both on the firearm ’s magazine and on some of the paper in which the narcotics were wrapped. The gun previously had been reported stolen. Based on evidence recovered in connection with this May 8 incident, including analysis of cell phones seized from within the disabled vehicle, the government obtained an arrest warrant for Hilliard.

    In a third incident, on May 31, 2023, Hilliard posted on social media a video of himself with another firearm. Based on information from that video and other evidence gathered during the investigation, the government obtained a search warrant for a residence where Hilliard was hiding out and the vehicle that he had been seen driving. Law enforcement surrounded the house, but Hilliard refused to come out until several hours after officers fired multiple rounds of tear gas into the home. A subsequent search of the residence resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of controlled substances that laboratory testing later confirmed to be a heroin and fentanyl mixture. In the vehicle, investigators also discovered another loaded firearm—a “ghost gun” without a serial number.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Douglas C. Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and numerous other police department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hilliard.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon Frontline delivering 5G connectivity to New York State Police cruisers

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon Frontline delivering 5G connectivity to New York State Police cruisers

    ALBANY, N.Y. – Verizon Frontline today announced it will provide 5G connectivity across the New York State Police’s fleet of vehicles through the activation of more than 1,800 lines of service.

    The applications and capabilities enabled by the high-speed, low latency and massive capacity provided by mobile broadband will help the troopers of the New York State Police more safely and efficiently perform their duties while deployed across the state.

    Mobile broadband in New York State Police cruisers will provide 5G connectivity and speed to:

    • Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) and associated law enforcement applications
    • Global Positioning System (GPS) applications
    • Radios
    • Wireless Printers/Scanners
    • License Plate Readers
    • Mobile and Fixed Camera Systems
    • Sensors

    These are just some examples of how the New York State Police will leverage mobile broadband in their “connected cruisers” to help improve operational efficiency as they work to achieve their mission of “ensuring the safety of the state’s roadways, preventing and investigating crime, preparing for and responding to emergencies and disasters and providing support to other law enforcement agencies.”

    Connecting their cruiser fleet with 5G speed and reliability is just one of the many ways in which the New York State Police are demonstrating their continued commitment to innovation and modernization in effectively solving and preventing crime.

    Verizon Frontline is the advanced network and technology built for first responders – developed over more than three decades of partnership with public safety agencies on the front lines – to meet their unique and evolving needs.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Cuba Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Rodolfo Benítez Verson, the new Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented his credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    Prior to his appointment to Geneva, Mr. Benítez Verson had been serving as Director-General for Multilateral Affairs and International Law at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba since 2021.  He served as Cuba’s Ambassador to South Africa from 2017 to 2021.  He was also Deputy Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations in New York from 2009 to 2012, where he was also posted from 2006 to 2009 and from 1997 to 2003.

    Mr. Benítez Verson has also held various positions within Cuba’s Foreign Ministry, including as Head of the Department of Multilateral Political Affairs (2012-2017), and Advisor to the Cuban Minister for Foreign Affairs (2004-2006).  In 2017, he was awarded the Order of San Carlos, degree of the Grand Cross, by the President and Government of Colombia for his contribution as Chief Cuban Guarantor to the successful mediation of the Colombian peace process.

    Mr. Benítez Verson carried out Master studies in international relations at the Higher Institute of International Relations Raúl Roa García (2006), and has a degree in international political relations from the same Institute (1991).  He also graduated from various higher studies programmes on disarmament and conflict resolution, including the United Nations Disarmament Fellowship Programme (1995).

    Born in Havana, Cuba, on 3 November 1968, he is married and has two daughters.

    __________

    CR.24.049E

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the information media; not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Message on Recent Executive Orders and Federal Actions

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Dear Colleagues and Students,

    Like every college and university, UConn is contending with directives and new information arriving from the federal government at a rapid pace, which we need time to evaluate and react to. We are best served by thoroughly and methodically determining the facts and then what steps we must take going forward so that we can give our faculty, staff, and students clear and accurate information, guidance, and support.

    To that end, the university is actively reviewing the various executive orders and other actions being taken by the new administration in Washington and assessing their potential impact on higher education and UConn specifically. Some of these actions are straightforward, while others are not and require more intensive analysis, at times aided by external guidance, before their potential meaning and impact can be fully understood.

    Leadership offices around the university are understandably receiving questions about this from members of our community, particularly around immigration and related issues. In response to the most frequent questions being asked on this subject, the university can share the following:

    The effort to end birthright citizenship (which is protected by the U.S. Constitution) has been stalled in the courts. However, even if it were enforced, it would not impact or in any way apply to individuals who currently have U.S. citizenship even if such citizenship was pursuant to birthright citizenship.

    The Department of Homeland Security revoked its “sensitive locations” protocol, which had meant that immigration authorities were not prioritizing college and university campuses or hospitals for immigration enforcement. Homeland Security has not yet issued new protocols. It is unknown how future protocols may impact higher education or healthcare institutions.

    Please refer to the guidance previously issued by the university and the protocols in effect at UConn around this issue, which note, in part:  

    • UConn Police will not ask individuals about immigration status.
    • UConn Police will not detain a person solely on the belief they are in the country illegally.
    • UConn Police will not detain or make arrests solely pursuant to an ICE detainer.
    • UConn, including the UConn PD, is legally required to adhere to arrest warrants or other orders authorized by a judge.

    The university has also received questions and requests for guidance with respect to potential immigration enforcement on our campuses, such as authorities coming to a classroom seeking a specific student. While this is not likely to happen, in part because pursuant to federal law UConn is prohibited from and would not provide information about a student’s class schedule or classroom location, in the event it does, we encourage faculty or staff to contact the UConn Police Department and/or the Office of the General Counsel.  

    UConn is a federal contractor and a recipient of Title IV funding. Therefore, while the executive orders around DEI/DEIA initiatives certainly will have some impact on us, the extent of this is not yet fully understood. For example, the executive order text directs an end to “discriminatory and illegal” preferences and policies or practices and to enforce federal civil rights laws, such as Title VII, Title IX, and Title VI – all of which prohibit discrimination. However, compliance with these civil rights laws is not a new obligation because the university has always been required to comply with these laws. The executive orders contain other language that require further analysis before any potential impact on UConn can be determined.  As we move forward, UConn will continue to support and value every member of our community.

    With respect to research, university leaders, including the Vice President for Research, are analyzing the executive orders and other federal directives that will or may impact research and expect more guidance from the federal government in the coming days.

    It is also important to remember that we are a public institution with a clear mission and values that are unchanging. We know what our priorities are and continue to be, including the success of our students, the impact of our research, providing exceptional patient care, and bringing value to our state and the world at large.

    We are a university with more than 140 years of history behind us and unlimited time ahead of us. We will address the challenges and changing circumstances of today with an eye on both the present and the future.

    The university will continually work to answer or address the frequently asked questions from our community regarding executive orders or other federal actions whenever possible.

    Please note there will almost always be a lag in between a directive or action being issued by the federal government and any communication from the university administration about it. This is because the university must take the time to ensure information is thoroughly analyzed and understood before any communications about it are shared with the community.

    As always, we appreciate your understanding and patience.

    President Radenka Maric

    Provost Anne D’Alleva

    This is full-width content.  Social media bar will not go past here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard holds memorial to honor fallen crew members of Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 01/28/2025 03:15 PM EST

     

    01/28/2025 02:58 PM EST

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Coast Guard crew members from local units held a memorial service honoring the fallen crew members from Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn, Tuesday, at the Blackthorn Memorial site in St. Petersburg.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Olathe Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking

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

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Olathe, Kansas man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in an overdose death.

    Jacob A. Block, 27, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Monday, Jan. 27, to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Block to forfeit to the government $10,000, which represents the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.

    On Feb. 1, 2024, Block pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and to one count of distributing fentanyl. Block admitted that he delivered 10 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) to a confidential informant. Block possessed an additional 150 to 300 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) at the time of this transaction.  Block also admitted he sold a co-defendant approximately seven grams of powder fentanyl and 50 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) five to seven days a week, for six or seven months.

    All 13 defendants in this case have pleaded guilty. Block is the ninth defendant to be sentenced.

    Co-defendant Dmitry Cattell, 25, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on May 2, 2024, to 21 years in federal prison without parole for leading the drug-trafficking conspiracy and for illegally possessing a firearm. Evidence was presented at Cattell’s sentencing hearing related to the delivery of fentanyl, the use of which caused the death of another person on May 18, 2020. The victim of the fatal overdose is not identified in court documents.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen Brackett and Stephanie Bradshaw. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Platte County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Clay County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Kearney, Mo., Police Department, the Olathe, Kan., Police Department, Lenexa, Kan., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Riverside, Mo., Police Department.

    KC Metro Strike Force

    This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bronx Man And Former Postal Employee Admits To Stealing Valuable Trading Cards And Sports Memorabilia From The Mail

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Bronx man formerly employed by the United States Postal Service as a sorting clerk admitted to theft of mail, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Shelby Dozier, 34, of the Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas to an Information charging him with theft of mail by a postal service employee.

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

    In August 2022, Dozier was hired by the United States Postal Service as a sorting clerk and assigned to the Clifton Main Post Office. Shortly after Dozier started his employment, numerous parcels destined for a consignment auction house located in Clifton (“Company-1”) went missing. Company-1 specializes in the sale of trading cards and sports memorabilia that it receives from customers around the world.

    Between September 2022 and December 2022, Dozier stole the contents of at least 10 parcels that were mailed to Company-1. The stolen parcels contained valuable trading cards and sports memorabilia that Dozier sold to either individual customers or sports collectible stores. As part of his plea agreement, Dozier agreed to pay restitution to the victims in the amount of $108,692.49.

    The theft of mail by a postal employee charge carries a maximum potential sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine equal to the greatest of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of any pecuniary gain that any persons derived from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2025.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modaferri in the North East Area Field Office; and postal inspectors from the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher Nielsen with the investigation leading to today’s plea.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.

    25-023                                                              ###

    Defense counsel:  Areeb Salim, Esq.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas man sentenced for assault on federal officer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 72 months in prison for deliberately ramming his vehicle into a federal law enforcement officer who was attempting to take the passenger of the vehicle into custody.

    According to court documents, Diego Almaguer, 19, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of forcible assault of a federal officer.

    On February 23, 2024, members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force went to a home in Kansas City, Kansas, to execute an arrest warrant. They watched the person they were seeking and Almaguer get into a vehicle that had been backed into the driveway with Almaguer in the driver’s seat. Agents pulled up in their law enforcement vehicles with emergency lights flashing. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer, wearing a ballistic vest with police markings, positioned himself in front of the vehicle. Almaguer struck the officer causing him to bounce over the windshield before hitting the ground.

    Almaguer led law enforcement on a high-speed chase across the state line into Missouri, at times reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour. He and the second person were ultimately arrested in Kansas City, Missouri, hiding in an outbuilding behind a residence.

    The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison For Distribution Of Fentanyl Resulting In Death

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

     SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Davon Anthony Beckford, age 30, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced on January 24, 2025, by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani to 240 months’ imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release for the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Beckford relocated from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to Phoenix, Arizona in or about January 2020. Once settled in Arizona, Beckford developed a relationship with an Arizona source of supply for fentanyl pills. Beckford then established a drug trafficking network with drug associates formerly known to him throughout Luzerne County.  He began to distribute hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills via the U.S. Postal Service to those drug associates.  In February of 2021, a 27-year-old female ingested one pill, overdosed, and died. The fentanyl pill ingested by the female had been distributed by Beckford to one of his drug associates in Wilkes-Barre, who sold it to the female.

    Beckford was indicted by a grand jury in Scranton on February 15, 2022. He appeared in federal court in Scranton on March 1, 2023, and plead guilty to the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.

    The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Scranton, and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

    This case is also 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: Two Sentenced And A Third Individual Pleads Guilty For Armed Robbery Of A U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell has sentenced Jordan Murray (20, Tampa) to nine years and six months in federal prison for armed robbery of a postal mail carrier and brandishing a firearm in relation to that crime. Jordan Brown (21, Tampa) was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison for aiding and abetting the theft of a postal key and that a firearm was used during that crime. The court also ordered $1,531.99 in restitution be paid to the mail carrier. A third co-defendant, Darine Underwood, a/k/a “Droc” (Tampa, 20), has pleaded guilty to armed robbery of a postal mail carrier and brandishing a firearm in relation to that crime, and is awaiting sentencing. 

    According to court documents, on September 5, 2023, a United States Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier was delivering mail at an apartment complex in the Tampa area when he was approached by Murray and Underwood who were wearing masks and gloves. Murray and Underwood forcefully took the mail carrier’s postal keys while brandishing a firearm. Murray and Underwood then fled to a vehicle, driven by Brown, to leave the crime scene. The investigation revealed that Brown was going to be paid to drive them to and from the robbery and Murray and Underwood were going to sell the postal keys. 

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Hillsborough County Sheriff Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Augustine Man Sentenced To More Than Five Years In Federal Prison For Illegally Possession Of A Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Wendy D. Berger has sentenced Derrick Walden (42, St. Augustine) to five years and six months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Walden pleaded guilty on August 2, 2024. 

    According to the court documents, on January 18, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Walden’s residence as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. Inside Walden’s bedroom, resting against his nightstand, was a loaded semi-automatic rifle with an extended magazine. When Walden was questioned about the rifle, he admitted that he had purchased it on the “street.” Law enforcement also seized multiple rounds of ammunition, a Kevlar bullet resistant vest, and drug paraphrenia from inside the residence. Walden is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his extensive criminal record, including at least seven felony convictions.  

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. 

    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: Columbia Man Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for the sexual exploitation of a minor and on additional charges related to child pornography.

    William Lee Nichols, 53, was charged in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo.

    Today’s indictment charges Nichols with two counts of using the internet and a cell phone to attempt to persuade a minor victim to engage in illicit sexual activity. Those offenses allegedly occurred between June 1, 2019, and Feb. 6, 2023.

    Nichols is also charged with one count of attempting to use the minor victim to produce child pornography from Jan. 1, 2021, to Feb. 6, 2023; one count of distributing child pornography on Sept. 16, 2021; and one count of possessing child pornography on March 16, 2023.

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

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

    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 Asia-Pac: Mahakumbh 2025: Special Preparations made by Mela Administration and Police for Devotee Safety and Convenience on Mauni Amavasya

    Source: Government of India

    Mahakumbh 2025: Special Preparations made by Mela Administration and Police for Devotee Safety and Convenience on Mauni Amavasya

    Devotees advised to maintain Lane Discipline, avoid rushing by observing Patience at Barricades and Pontoon Bridges; Cooperate with Police in maintaining Order, seek Police Assistance in case of problems

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 6:32PM by PIB Delhi

    Millions of devotees are arriving in Prayagraj on the sacred occasion of Mauni Amavasya at the Mahakumbh 2025. To ensure their safety and convenience, the Mela administration has made special arrangements. In case of emergencies, teams of Mela police, traffic police, and special doctors are stationed 24/7 to assist the devotees.

    Senior Superintendent of Police, Mahakumbh Nagar, Shri Rajesh Dwivedi, mentioned that special preparations have been made for the second Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya. Devotees are being especially encouraged to stay alert and avoid any rumours. They have been urged to cooperate with the police in maintaining order and seek police help if any problem arises. Police and administration are available round the clock to assist the devotees.

    Crowd Management:

    Dos:

    • Use the designated lanes to reach the Sangam Ghat.
    • Stay in your lane while going for the Ganga Snan.
    • After performing the bath and darshan, head directly to the parking area.
    • While visiting temples, stay in your lane and proceed to your destination.
    • Seek police assistance, when necessary.
    • In case of health issues, get checked at the nearest sector hospital.
    • Be patient at barricades and pontoon bridges; avoid rushing.
    • Use paper, jute, or eco-friendly utensils and kulhads (clay cups).
    • All ghats are part of the Sangam; bathe at the ghat you reach.

    Don’ts:

    • Devotees should not stop at any one location in large groups.
    • Avoid having devotees meet face-to-face while arriving or leaving.
    • Do not fall for rumors being spread at the Mela.
    • Do not believe any misinformation spread through social media.
    • Do not rush or show urgency while visiting temples.
    • Avoid stopping on paths instead of holding areas; do not block any routes.
    • Do not fall for misleading suggestions regarding arrangements or services.
    • Avoid spreading misleading news.
    • Do not rush for the sacred bath.
    • Avoid using plastic bags and utensils.

     

    *****

    AD/VM

    (Release ID: 2097102) Visitor Counter : 14

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ICG and Indonesian Coast Guard renew MoU for another three years

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 5:51PM by PIB Delhi

    The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Indonesia Coast Guard (Badan Keamanan Laut Republik Indonesia – BAKAMLA) renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation for another three years during the 2nd High-Level Meeting (HLM) in Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi on January 27, 2025. The meeting was led by Director General ICG General Paramesh Sivamani and BAKAMLA Chief Vice Admiral Irvansyah with an eight-member delegation, who under the MoU provisions are on an official visit to India from January 24-28, 2025. 

    Discussions centered on bolstering operational collaboration in areas like Maritime Search and Rescue, Pollution Response, and Maritime Law Enforcement. Both sides emphasised on sharing best practices and maintaining professional exchanges to enhance the safety and resilience of the Indo-Pacific region. 

    Highlighting the ties between the two nations, ICG Ship Shaunak is currently on a deployment to Jakarta from January 27-30, 2025, to strengthen operational linkages with BAKAMLA. The renewed agreement underscores the commitment of India and Indonesia to fostering a secure and cooperative maritime environment.

     ***

    SR/KB

    (Release ID: 2097082) Visitor Counter : 84

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Lawsuit, Seeks Immediate Court Order to Block Sweeping OMB Directive Freezing up to $3 Trillion in Vital Federal Funding

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    New OMB directive would pause funding for disaster recovery, as well as public health, education, and public safety programs 

    SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, along with New York Attorney General Letitia James, led a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to block implementation of a memo by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) threatening to freeze up to $3 trillion in federal assistance funding effective at 2pm PT / 5pm ET today. The attorneys general are seeking a temporary restraining order to block the memo from taking effect, citing immediate harms to their states, which stand to lose billions in funding essential for the administration of vital programs that support the health and safety of their residents. Already, the order has thrown state programs into chaos and created uncertainty around their administration. Impacted programs include disaster-relief funding necessary for Los Angeles’ recovery from recent wildfires, as well as public health, education, public safety, and government programs.

    “The Trump Administration is recklessly disregarding the health, wellbeing, and public safety of the people it is supposed to serve,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This directive is unprecedented in scope and would be devastating if implemented. Already, it has created chaos and confusion among our residents. I will not stand by while the President attempts to disrupt vital programs that feed our kids, provide medical care to our families, and support housing and education in our communities. Instead of learning from the defeats of his first Administration, President Trump is once again plowing ahead with a damaging – and most importantly, unlawful – agenda. I’m proud to co-lead a coalition of attorneys general in taking him to court.” 

    The OMB directive freezing federal funding less than 24 hours after it was announced will cause immediate and irreparable harm to the states every day that it is in effect — in the form of millions of dollars in funds and mass regulatory chaos. Many states could face immediate cash shortfalls, making it difficult to administer basic programs like funding for healthcare and food for children and to address their most pressing emergency needs. This will result in devastating consequences for California in particular, given the uncertainty around continued disbursement of FEMA funding that is essential for recovery from the Los Angeles wildfires, which have caused an estimated $150 billion in economic losses.

    In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the OMB directive violates the U.S. Constitution, violates the Administrative Procedure Act, and is arbitrary and capricious. Specifically, the attorneys general argue that Congress has not delegated any unilateral authority to OMB to indefinitely pause all federal financial assistance under any circumstance, irrespective of the federal statutes and contractual terms governing those grants, and without even considering them. The directive also violates the “separation of powers” between Congress and the Executive Branch because the Spending Clause of the U.S. Constitution gives the power of the purse exclusively to Congress. The attorneys general seek a temporary restraining order to block the directive from being implemented.   

    Attorney General Bonta is joined by the attorneys general of New York, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia in filing the lawsuit.  

    A copy of the lawsuit and TRO will become available here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Announces New Regional Human Trafficking Task Force in Sacramento

    Source: US State of California

    Tuesday, January 28, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta together with Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho, Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester and the Unites States Department of Homeland Security today announced the official launch of the Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force (SR HTTF). This announcement signifies the formation of the third team within the California Department of Justice (DOJ) dedicated to combating human trafficking. These teams are situated in the greater San Diego and Fresno areas, and now in Sacramento. They have already made significant strides across the state, collaborating with law enforcement to disrupt human trafficking operations and protect children from criminal exploitation, resulting in 707 arrests and assistance extended to nearly 800 victims.
     
    “The objective of this task force is to use our shared intelligence to increase the total number of human trafficking investigations and prosecutions within the Sacramento area, to hold perpetrators of human trafficking accountable, and support survivors along the way,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “It is vital that we carry out our goal in a manner that is trauma-informed and culturally competent. That’s why our task force members receive specialized training and experience to appropriately handle these cases with the sensitivity, compassion, and the care they deserve. I am thankful for these strong partnerships in Sacramento and look forward to all that we can accomplish when we work together.”

    “As we recognize National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, I’m proud to announce the new Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force to protect children and young adults from human trafficking and sex exploitation in our community,” said Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho. “This collaborative effort with the California Attorney General’s Office, Sacramento Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations is based on our shared mission that no child or adult will live in fear of being a victim of sexual or labor exploitation.”
     
    “The Sacramento Police Department stands unwavering in the fight against human trafficking—a crime that strips victims of their freedom, dignity, and humanity,” said Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester. “This is why our partnership with the Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force is so critical. By working alongside our local, state, and federal partners, we are attacking this crisis from every angle—relentlessly pursuing traffickers, rescuing and empowering survivors, and making our communities safer.”

    “When law enforcement agencies unite and focus their collective strength to investigate human trafficking it sends a strong message – we will uncover hidden truths and will bring those responsible for these horrific acts to face justice,” said Tatum King, special agent in charge for HSI San Fransisco. “HSI San Fransisco is a proud member of this newly formed human trafficking taskforce and we look forward to working alongside our partners.”
     
    The DOJ is proud to be a partner with the Sacramento Police Department, Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations in this task force. The mission of SR HTTF is to effectively enforce state and federal laws against all forms of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children and adults. Human Trafficking is the exploitation by force, fraud, fear, or coercion of vulnerable people, for mandatory labor, domestic servitude, or commercial sex operations.
     
    The CA DOJ Victims’ Services Unit (VSU) works in conjunction with victim service providers and all across the state to provide victim-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally-sensitive support services to all crime victims, including underserved, at-risk, underrepresented, and vulnerable populations. More information about VSU is available at oag.ca.gov/victimservices or by calling (877) 433-9069 or visiting  oag.ca.gov/victimservices/contact.
     
    If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to access help and services. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Additional information and resources to support survivors of human trafficking is available here.
     

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Meteghan River — Meteghan RCMP charges man after search warrant execution

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Meteghan RCMP has charged a man in relation to firearms offences, drug trafficking and possession of unstamped tobacco as part of a drug trafficking investigation that began in December 2024.

    On January 24, Meteghan RCMP, with assistance of the Southwest Nova Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU), Nova Scotia RCMP Police Dog Services, and the Department of Service Nova Scotia, executed a search warrant on a residence located in Meteghan River.

    Officers safely arrested a man and seized a quantity of cocaine, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), unstamped cigarettes, and two firearms plus ammunition.

    Yvon Jean Paul Lacombe, 52, of Meteghan, has been charged with:

    • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine)
    • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (2 counts)
    • Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized (2 counts)
    • Careless Use of Firearm (2 counts)
    • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose (2 counts)
    • Possession of Weapon Obtained by Commission of Offence (2 counts)
    • Selling, etc., of Tobacco Products and Raw Leaf Tobacco
    • Possession a tobacco product not stamped (Excise Act)

    Lacombe was released on conditions pending a first court appearance at Yarmouth Provincial Court scheduled for March 21, 2025.

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

    File #: 2024-1835106

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Statement on Trump Administration Efforts to Withhold Approved Federal Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Trump Effort Defies Federal Law, Constitution to Withhold Approved Federal Funding
    Impact on New Mexico Would Be Unprecedented
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s unlawful executive orders and new memoranda from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directing federal agencies to withhold federal funding that Congress has already appropriated: 
    “The Trump administration’s unlawful and unprecedented effort to withhold approved federal funding should cause concern to every American. Every county in New Mexico – our families, businesses, and communities – will be severely impacted and critical services and programs threatened. 
    “Billions of dollars for New Mexico and the nation are at stake. This will have a far-reaching impact across New Mexico, reducing health care access for working families, undercutting education programs for children, threatening research at the National Labs, rolling back our broadband efforts, holding funding for our specialty crop farmers, pausing VA transportation programs that help veterans get to medical appointments, and making it more difficult for law enforcement to keep our communities safe. This will create chaos and threaten local economies.
    “Let’s be clear: the Constitution holds that Congress holds the power of the purse. Congress is an equal branch of government. And now, Congress – Republicans and Democrats – must stand up to the president to ensure that the administration carries out the law.”
    A fact sheet detailing how presidents lack power to unilaterally override spending laws and deny enacted funding to communities through impoundment can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester, Congresswoman McBride statement on Trump federal spending directive

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester and Congresswoman Sarah McBride (all D-Del.) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s late-night directive unilaterally freezing federal funding appropriated by Congress:

    “This blatantly unconstitutional directive will cause massive harm to Delawareans. Police and fire departments up and down the state will go unfunded. Military families stationed at Dover Air Force Base will lose access to critical programs, construction projects will go unfinished as workers are laid off, community health centers will be unable to provide critical primary care, opioid overdoses will rise as prevention programs end, and children of working families will go hungry when free lunch programs stop.

    “These are not partisan programs. They are exactly what the vast majority of Americans want our government to be funding. With the stroke of a pen, President Trump defunded programs already signed into law and has made Delaware and every other state across the country less safe, less healthy, and less stable.

    “We are hearing throughout the day from leaders and constituents across Delaware in state and local government, education, and the non-profit sectors concerned about this directive and are working to address their concerns. We have spoken with Attorney General Jennings about her prompt legal action against this unconstitutional directive and are grateful for her partnership. President Trump must immediately repeal this disastrous policy and return federal funding to working order. We will not stand by while our state suffers.”

    Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Children killed in Darfur hospital attack, date set for US climate pact withdrawal, WHO leads call to fight neglected diseases

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    At least one girl and three boys were killed, and three boys injured, during an attack on the Saudi Hospital in the besieged Sudanese city of El Fasher, North Darfur, on Friday. 

    The children were among the patients being treated in the hospital’s emergency ward for injuries from previous bombings in the area, said the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF.

    “This heinous attack is a blatant violation of children’s rights. Children are being killed and injured in the very places where they should be safest from harm,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

    “Such attacks exacerbate the dire situation for children and families who are trapped in areas affected by conflict, insecurity, and lack of protection.”

    70 per cent of hospitals out of action

    In Sudan, over 70 per cent of hospitals in conflict-affected areas are currently non-operational due to damage, destruction, lack of supplies, or being used as shelters.

    The delivery of medical supplies, vaccines, and routine immunisation has been hindered by ongoing security concerns and lack of access, worsening the humanitarian crisis and putting countless lives, especially those of children, at significant risk.

    Under International Humanitarian Law, hospitals enjoy special protection and must not be targeted. Attacks on them undermine the essential care and relief the facilities provide to civilians, including children. All parties to the conflict have an obligation to ensure the protection of civilians, including children, and refrain from any actions that could impede access to life-saving medical services.

    “Continued attacks on health facilities endanger children’s lives and restrict their access to lifesaving medical care, which can have immediate and long-term impacts on their health,” said Ms. Russell. “The violence must end now. Children in Sudan cannot wait any longer.”

    US with pull out of Paris Agreement 27 January next year

    The United States has officially notified the Secretary-General of its withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, effective 27 January 2026, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday.

    The historic accord reached by 193 countries in December 2015 in a bid to keep temperature rises to below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, was signed by the US on 22 April 2016.

    During the first Trump administration the US withdrew from the Agreement effective 4 November 2020, before his successor took the country back into the accord on 19 February 2021.

    Fight continues against global warming

    The UN Spokesperson said the latest withdrawal would not lead to any slowdown in the UN’s efforts to combat climate change.

    “We reaffirm our commitment to the Paris Agreement and to support all effective efforts to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius,” said Mr. Dujarric.

    The international community continues to work towards the goals set by the Agreement, despite the US’s decision to withdraw.

    UN health agency leads call to fight neglected disease scourge

    Health news now, and an appeal from the UN World Health Organization (WHO) for concerted action to tackle neglected tropical diseases, which impact more than one billion people – often with devastating health, social and economic consequences.

    Every year, around 800 to 900 million people are treated for at least one neglected tropical disease, according to the UN health agency, which warned that global warming has emerged as a threat in this field of medicine.

    Long list

    The list of tropical diseases is a long one and includes Buruli ulcer, Chagas disease, dengue, chikungunya and dracunculiasis. They tend to thrive among vulnerable people who live in poverty and are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins.

    Progress in tackling these diseases remains hampered by a lack of investment and conflict, the WHO said, ahead of World Neglected Tropical Disease Day on Thursday.

    Today, 54 countries have successfully eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease; WHO’s goal is for 100 countries to do the same by 2030. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Discharge 2023 (EP, OIs, JUs): Consideration of Draft Reports – Committee on Budgetary Control

    Source: European Parliament

    On 27 and 28 January 2025, CONT Members considered the draft reports on the financial year 2023 discharge to the European Parliament, the Other Institutions (European Council and Council, Court of Justice of the European Union, European Court of Auditors, European External Action Service, European Economic and Social Committee, European Committee of the Regions, European Ombudsman, European Data Protection Supervisor, European Public Prosecutor’s Office) and the Joint Undertakings.

    The draft discharge reports were presented by their respective Rapporteurs as they discussed the main points for the year 2023 discharge cycle.

    The discharge procedure is the Parliament’s final approval of how the EU budget for a specific year has been implemented. CONT Committee scrutinises how the Parliament, Commission, other EU institutions, agencies and Joint Undertakings are implementing the EU budget and prepares the Parliament’s discharge decision for each budgetary year. Parliament considers the reports prepared by the budgetary control committee, taking into account the Council’s recommendation and decides to grant, postpone or refuse a discharge.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Vote on discharge and exchange of views with Commissioner McGrath – Committee on Legal Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Commissioner Michael McGrath © European Union, 2024 – EP

    On 29 January 2025, the JURI committee will hold a public hearing on Harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law. The Committee will also hold an exchange of views with Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection.

    On 30 January 2025, the JURI committee will vote on 2023 discharge: General budget of the EU – Court of Justice of the European Union. Finally, the Committee will hear a presentation of the EPRS study on the ‘Proposal for a directive on adapting non-contractual civil liability rules to artificial intelligence: Complementary impact assessment’. Th Committee will also hold a hearing on the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on adapting non-contractual civil liability rules to artificial intelligence (AI Liability Directive).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – European aid for Georgia – E-001856/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission stands ready to support the Georgian people on their European path.

    At the same time, in reaction to the developments in Georgia, including targeting civil society and restricting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people, and in line with the European Council’s conclusions[1], the Commission launched a review of its bilateral financial assistance portfolio benefiting Georgia. As a result, over EUR 120 million from the 2022-2024 envelopes were withheld or will be reallocated.

    Ensuring and upholding human rights, including the rights of LGBTIQ people, is at the core of the enlargement process, annually assessed within the Commission’s enlargement report.

    The Commission has repeatedly stressed that the legal initiatives targeting LGBTIQ people undermine the fundamental rights of Georgians, risk further stigmatisation and discrimination of part of the population and are not in line with Georgia’s stated aim to join the EU[2].

    In 2022, the Commission referred Hungary to the Court of Justice of the EU over violation of LGBTIQ rights[3]. It also found that provisions of the so-called child-protection law have a concrete and direct impact on the compliance with the horizontal enabling condition on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights[4], based on the criteria under Annex III of the Common Provisions Regulation[5].

    Therefore, the reimbursement of payment requests related to certain specific objectives of three Cohesion Policy programmes are partly suspended.

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/qa3lblga/euco-conclusions-27062024-en.pdf
    • [2] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/georgia-statement-spokesperson-legislative-package-family-values-and-protection-minors_en?s=221
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_2689
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_23_6466
    • [5] Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of 24 June 2021.
    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former West Virginia Supervisory Correctional Officer Found Guilty Following Jury Trial on Conspiracy and Obstruction Charges

    Source: US State of California

    Following a four-day jury trial, Chad Lester, a former lieutenant at the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia, was found guilty yesterday of conspiracy, witness tampering, and giving false statements to the FBI. The charges arose out of a staff assault of an inmate named Quantez Burks, who later died from injuries he suffered during the assault. Seven correctional officers pleaded guilty in connection with the assault of Burks; several of those former officers testified against the defendant during the trial. The defendant faced charges related to his efforts to obstruct the investigation into the assault.

    According to the evidence presented at trial, the defendant conspired with other officers at the Southern Regional Jail to tamper with witnesses to cover up the assault of Burks. The evidence showed the defendant directed a subordinate correctional officer to leave truthful information out of his report related to the circumstances of Burks’ death. The defendant directed another officer to include in his report false information about Burks. The defendant told a third officer that he would beat him if he discovered that the officer was providing information about the assault to investigators. Finally, the defendant provided false information relating to the assault of Burks to the FBI during an interview.

    Lester is scheduled for sentencing on April 16 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, Charleston Resident Agency, investigated the case.

    Deputy Chief Christine M. Siscaretti and Trial Attorney Tenette Smith of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: James C. Thompson Sentenced to 20 Years for Transportation of a Minor in Interstate Commerce with the Intent to Engage in Sexual Activity

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

    CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On January 24, 2025, James C. Thompson, 72, formerly of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, was sentenced to 240 months by the Honorable Travis R. McDonough, District Court Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Thompson was also ordered to pay a $250,000 fine and to serve three years on supervised release.  In addition, Thompson will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions during his supervised release.

    As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Thompson agreed to plead guilty to an information charging him with four counts of transportation of a minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a).

    According to court filed documents, in 2000, Thompson traveled on separate occasions with three different boys and sexually molested them.  Thompson was 48 years old at the time and the young boys were less than 18 years old.  Thompson drove them from the community where they lived, Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, to different out-of-state locations.  When Thompson’s conduct was discovered, an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation confronted Thompson and he confessed.

    U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III, of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico, made the announcement. 

    The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by the Jackson County Alabama Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.  This investigation was led by FBI Special Agent Samuel Moore.

    Assistant United States Attorney James T. Brooks and Special Assistant United States Attorney Charlie Minor represented the United States.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab “resources.”

                                                                                                                 ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gunman Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking Crime that Killed Two People

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Rafael Antonio Torres, 21, of West Jordan, Utah, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, and five years’ supervised release for a January 2023 shooting in which two people were shot and killed.  

    The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Kimball, represents the mandatory minimum sentence allowed by law. Torres was originally charged by indictment in March 2024.

    According to court documents and statements made at his change of plea and sentencing hearing, Torres admitted to discharging a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Information presented at sentencing revealed that on January 31, 2023, Torres and a relative had met in the parking lot of a Taylorsville apartment complex with a potential customer seeking to purchase THC vape cartridges.  Shortly before midnight, Taylorsville police responded to multiple calls of “shots fired” and located two deceased men in a vehicle that had crashed into a snowbank. Witnesses described a third person, later identified as Torres, fleeing from the vehicle’s rear seat.

    In a statement to police shortly after the incident, Torres admitted to having been the rear seat passenger, and confirmed that he had been armed with a handgun.  Torres further admitted that he fired at least one round at the front seat passenger.  

    According to court documents, Taylorsville Police recovered THC cartridges and two firearms from the crashed vehicle, one firearm with each of the deceased men. Forensic tests later determined that the two men had shot and killed each other.  Further forensic testing confirmed that a third gun had been fired inside the vehicle. The third firearm, belonging to Torres, was not recovered until months later when a citizen located it under heavy brush and reported it to Taylorsville Police.  

    “This case is a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences of mixing drug trafficking with firearms. Two young men lost their lives and a third must now be imprisoned,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute gun crimes, particularly when they result in a loss of life. I commend the outstanding work of the Taylorsville Police Department and prosecutors for their work in bringing this case to a resolution.”

    “We appreciate the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in prosecuting this case, thereby giving some sense of justice to the victims’ families and the community,” said Detective Kevin Barrett of the Taylorsville City Police Department. “As law enforcement partners, the Taylorsville City Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to stand together fighting neighborhood drug crimes, especially when they involve violence.”

    The case was investigated by the Taylorsville Police Department.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah 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: Federal Jury Convicts Former West Virginia Correctional Officer of Conspiracy, Witness Tampering, and False Statements Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – After four days of trial, a federal jury convicted former West Virginia correctional officer Chad Lester, 35, of Odd, on Monday, January 27, 2025, of conspiracy to engage in witness tampering, witness tampering, and making false statements in connection with an assault by other correctional officers that resulted in the death of an inmate, identified by the initials Q.B, on March 1, 2022.

    Evidence at trial proved that while a lieutenant at the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia, Lester conspired with other officers to cover up the use of unlawful force on Q.B. Lester instructed correctional officers to provide false statements to state investigators and added false and misleading information to a correctional officer’s official jail incident report. On or about October 5, 2023, Lester made false statements to the FBI about the circumstances surrounding Q.B.’s injuries and death.

    “Mr. Lester was the ringleader of the effort to cover up this horrific beating and keep the truth from the light of justice. He obviously failed at that,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “I grew up with a strong sense of conviction to protect people who were being taken advantage of by people who were stronger, more powerful or smarter than they were. I always felt that if I could make things right, I should. This is a case where I got that opportunity, with the assistance of the investigators, the trial team and all those who helped hold Mr. Lester and the other defendants accountable.”

    Evidence at trial showed that on March 1, 2022, correctional officers used unreasonable force while restraining Q.B. after he tried to push past officers and leave his assigned pod. Several officers then conspired to violate Q.B.’s civil rights by unlawfully punishing Q.B. to retaliate against him for his attempt to push past officers and leave the pod. As a part of that conspiracy, officers brought Q.B. to an interview room knowing it was a “blind spot” at the jail — meaning, there were no surveillance cameras to record what happened inside the room. Officers used unreasonable force against Q.B. in the interview room, all while Q.B. was restrained, handcuffed and posed no threat to anyone. Officers continued to use unreasonable force on Q.B. while transporting him from the interview room to the jail’s A-Pod, during which time he became limp and was unable to walk on his own.

    Lester instructed correctional officers to include false information in their incident reports, as well as to leave out relevant, truthful information about the assault. Lester retaliated against officers he suspected of having provided truthful information to state investigators by threatening to assault them and by giving them difficult and undesirable work assignments at the jail. Lester also threatened a correctional officer, stating that he would assault anyone who provided truthful information about the circumstances of Q.B.’s injuries and death. Lester also provided false statements to the FBI about the circumstances surrounding officers’ unlawful use of force against Q.B.

    Lester is scheduled to be sentenced on April 16, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison.

    Lester is among six former Southern Regional Jail correctional officers indicted in connection with the assault and death of Q.B. and the subsequent cover-up. Lester’s co-defendants previously pleaded guilty:

    • Ashley Toney, 25, of Fairdale, and Jacob Boothe, 27, of Rainelle, each pleaded guilty on August 8, 2024, to violating inmate Q.B.’s civil rights by failing to intervene to protect Q.B. from the use of unreasonable force by other correctional officers. Toney and Boothe each pleaded guilty to a criminal information in lieu of the offenses charged in the indictment. Toney is scheduled to be sentenced on February 19, 2025, and Boothe is scheduled to be sentenced on February 18, 2025.
    • Mark Holdren, 40, of Beckley, pleaded guilty on November 13, 2024, to conspiring with other officers to violate inmate Q.B.’s civil by using unreasonable force against Q.B., resulting in his death. Holdren is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2025.
    • Johnathan Walters, 33, of Rainelle, pleaded guilty on November 18, 2024, and Cory Snyder, 30, of Shady Spring, pleaded guilty November 19, 2024, each to conspiring with other officers to violate inmate Q.B.’s civil rights by using unreasonable force against Q.B., resulting in his death. Walter and Snyder are scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2025.

    Prior to the indictment, on November 2, 2023, former Southern Regional Jail correctional officers Steven Nicholas Wimmer, 25, of Bluefield, and Andrew Fleshman, 22, of Shady Spring, eachseparately pleaded guilty to conspiring with other officers to violate the civil rights of inmate Q.B. by using unreasonable force against him. Wimmer and Fleshman are scheduled to be sentenced on February 7, 2025.

    The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, Charleston Resident Agency conducted the investigation.

    United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the jury trial. Deputy Chief Christine M. Siscaretti and Trial Attorney Tenette Smith of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-188.

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    A video of the post-trial press conference is available on the office’s YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/CyfBRNXRAiw?si=LLriktDRYhnxnd2q.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbia County Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

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

    Jacksonville, FL – Chief U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced William Ervin Daniels (45, Lake City) to 20 years in federal prison for distributing child sex abuse material. He pleaded guilty on September 24, 2024.

    According to court documents, on November 16, 2023, Daniels distributed two videos containing child sex abuse material (CSAM) in a group called “Da Litl Kidz Gc” on a social media application. He identified his name and phone number in his account profile on the app. Daniels was also listed as an administrator for the group to which he distributed the videos. Moreover, his phone contained a cache of thousands of videos and images of CSAM. During the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Daniels had abused a minor in his care on at least two occasions.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Milliron.

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

    MIL Security OSI –