NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sixteen Charged in Takedown of Drug Trafficking Network

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Four indictments were unsealed in federal court charging 16 individuals throughout San Diego County with distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl and heroin and laundering drug-trafficking proceeds.

    In a coordinated takedown yesterday, more than 115 federal, state and local law enforcement officials arrested 10 defendants and executed three search warrants in the Nestor, Palm City, and Encanto neighborhoods within the City of San Diego. Six defendants were still being sought.

    Including seizures today and throughout this investigation, authorities have confiscated 26.8 kilograms of powdered fentanyl; 5.7 kilograms of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl (estimated to be 57,000 pills); 25.7 kilograms of methamphetamine; 1.5 kilograms of cocaine; 1.1 kilograms of heroin; ketamine; MDMA; more than $40,000 in U.S. currency; a Maserati Ghibili; and nine firearms including an AK-47.

    U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said: “Together with our law enforcement partners, this office will disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations throughout the district. We are focused on the Department’s Take Back America priorities, and this investigation shows the direct results of implementing these priorities.”

    “Drug trafficking organizations fuel addiction and erode the safety of our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark. “This extensive drug trafficking investigation exposed a criminal network that peddled poison from coast to coast. Law enforcement put their collective authorities together to dismantle this organization brick by brick. We stand with our fellow law enforcement partners to ensure the community is safe and those involved in drug trafficking are brought to justice.”

    “The indictments unsealed today paint a picture of an organization responsible for trafficking dangerous drugs into our communities – drugs that are killing Americans daily,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. “These indictments should send a clear signal to drug trafficking organizations that where there’s money, there’s a trail, and IRS-CI is the best in the world at finding and following those trails.  We are proud to partner with fellow law enforcement agencies to flush out DTOs that put our communities at risk.”

    Today’s charges are the result of a 16-month investigation that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, undercover agents, and confidential sources. According to the indictments, the defendants distributed dangerous drugs such as fentanyl throughout the U.S., including in Ohio and Kansas, on behalf of a San Diego County-based drug trafficking organization. The investigation uncovered the use of shell companies to gather and launder the proceeds of the drug trafficking enterprise from other states, including Colorado, Minnesota and Nebraska. 

    These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Deshong.

    DEFENDANTS                                           

    Case Number 25cr0818-BAS

    Rodrigo Maciel-Cortez                                  Age: 25

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison; $1 million fine.

    Criminal Forfeiture; Title 21 U.S.C. § 853

    Case Number 25cr0819-BAS

    Elijah Roman                                                Age: 28

    Leonela Veronica Leal                                  Age: 26

    Cindy Camarena-Gonzalez                          Age: 27

    Adan Antonio Sandoval-Luna                      Age: 30

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual) and more than 400 grams of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Distribution of more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1956

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison; $5,000 fine

    Criminal Forfeiture; Title 21 U.S.C. § 853

    Case Number 25cr0820-AJB

    Luis Carlos Franco                                         Age: 24

    Jesus Adrian Garcia Jr.                                  Age: 32

    Jose Alexander Flores                                   Age: 23

    Andres Emilio Arce-Corrales                        Age: 18

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Distribute more than 100 Grams of Heroin, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10,000,000 fine

    Distribution of more than 100 Grams of Heroin, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Conspiracy to Distribute more than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Criminal Forfeiture; Title 21 U.S.C. § 853

    Case Number 25cr0821-WQH

    Diego Hernandez                                           Age: 24

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Distribution of more than 400 Grams of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Criminal Forfeiture; Title 21 U.S.C. § 853

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    Oceanside Police Department

    IRS Criminal Investigation

    U.S. Bureau of Land Management

    San Diego Police Department

    San Diego County Sheriff’s Department

    Carlsbad Police Department

    United States Marshals Service

    * Six defendants are still being sought

    *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

    This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. This grant program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ecuadorian man charged with illegal re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today Manuel Fernando Loja-Loja, 38, a citizen of Ecuador, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Henning and Sasha Mascarenhas, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on March 28, 2025, a North Tonawanda police officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction in the vicinity of Thompson and Payne Avenues. North Tonawanda Police contacted U.S. Border Patrol to assist in identifying the occupants of the vehicle, including Loja-Loja. Through questioning, it was determined that Loja-Loja is a citizen and national of Ecuador, and not a National of the United States. Loja-Loja did not have any documents that would allow him to be or remain in the United States lawfully. A records check determined that Loja-Loja was physically deported from the United States in March 2004.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Loja-Loja made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass and U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs.   

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.     

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hancock County Man Admits to Fentanyl Charge

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

    WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Paul Truax, age 46, of Weirton, West Virginia, has admitted to the distribution of fentanyl. 

    According to court documents, Truax was selling fentanyl for a drug trafficking organization that stretched from Chicago to the Ohio Valley including Weirton, WV.

    Truax is facing up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clayton Reid and Carly Nogay are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

    Investigative agencies include the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office; the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office; the Weirton Police Department; the West Virginia State Police; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office; and the Steubenville, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Westport Announces Annual General and Special Meeting and Timing of Q1 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (TSX: WPRT / Nasdaq: WPRT) (“Westport” or the “Company”) announces that the Company will release Q1 2025 financial results on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, after market close. A conference call and webcast to discuss the financial results and other corporate developments will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

    Time: 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT)
    Call Link: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI73bcac200e5f4652873668cf803d72ed
    Webcast: https://investors.wfsinc.com

    Participants may register up to 60 minutes before the event by clicking on the call link and completing the online registration form. Upon registration, the user will receive dial-in info and a unique PIN, along with an email confirming the details.

    The webcast will be archived on Westport’s website and a replay will be available at https://investors.wfsinc.com.

    Annual General and Special Meeting

    Westport will host its 2025 Annual General and Special Meeting (the “Meeting”) virtually on May 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. PT (1:00 p.m. ET).

    To streamline the virtual meeting process, Westport encourages shareholders to vote in advance of the Meeting using the voting instruction form or the form of proxy which has been shared with shareholders with the Meeting materials. Further instructions on voting and accessing the meeting are contained in the Management Information Circular under “Section 1: Voting” – upon receipt, please review these materials carefully.

    Registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders can attend the meeting online at https://meetnow.global/MD2JR55 to participate, vote, or submit questions during the meeting’s live webcast.

    About Westport Fuel Systems

    At Westport Fuel Systems, we are driving innovation to power a cleaner tomorrow. We are a leading supplier of advanced fuel delivery components and systems for clean, low-carbon fuels such as natural gas, renewable natural gas, propane, and hydrogen to the global transportation industry. Our technology delivers the performance and fuel efficiency required by transportation applications and the environmental benefits that address climate change and urban air quality challenges. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with operations in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America, we serve our customers in approximately 70 countries with leading global transportation brands. At Westport Fuel Systems, we think ahead. For more information, visit www.wfsinc.com.

    Investor Inquiries:
    Investor Relations
    T: +1 604-718-2046
    E: invest@wfsinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. Announces First Quarter Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOWELL, Mass., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. (“Enterprise”) (NASDAQ: EBTC), parent of Enterprise Bank, announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Net income amounted to $10.4 million, or $0.84 per diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $10.7 million, or $0.86 per diluted common share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and $8.5 million, or $0.69 per diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    On December 9, 2024, Enterprise announced its intention to merge with Rockland Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Independent Bank Corp. (NASDAQ: INDB). The proposed merger is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. As previously announced, Enterprise shareholders approved of the proposed merger on April 3, 2025. No vote of Independent Bank Corp. shareholders is required.

    Selected financial results at or for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to December 31, 2024, were as follows:

    • The returns on average assets and average equity were 0.87% and 11.45%, respectively.
    • Tax-equivalent net interest margin (non-GAAP) (“net interest margin”) was 3.32%.
    • Total loans amounted to $4.05 billion, an increase of 1.7%.
    • Total customer deposits (non-GAAP) amounted to $4.15 billion, a decrease of 0.9%.
    • Wealth assets under management and administration amounted to $1.51 billion, a decrease of 1.6%.

    Chief Executive Officer Steven Larochelle commented, “As we continue to work toward the upcoming merger with Rockland Trust, I am pleased to announce our team delivered strong results in the first quarter. Loan growth was solid at 1.7% for the quarter and 11% for the last twelve months. Operating results compared to the prior year quarter were positively impacted by net interest income growth of 10% resulting from strong loan growth and an increase in net interest margin.”

    Executive Chairman & Founder George Duncan stated, “Our anticipated merger with Rockland Trust has been well received by our shareholders, customers and communities with shareholders approving the merger on April 3rd. The planning for our integration into Rockland Trust is going well and the anticipated synergies and cultural alignment of our two banks remains attractive.”

    Net Interest Income
    Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to $38.7 million, an increase of $3.5 million, or 10%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase was due primarily to an increase in loan interest income of $6.6 million, partially offset by increases in deposit interest expense of $1.0 million and borrowings interest expense of $1.0 million as well as a decrease in income on other interest-earning assets of $637 thousand.

    Net Interest Margin
    Net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, amounted to 3.32%, 3.29% and 3.20%, respectively.

    During the first quarter of 2025, the Company sold non-performing loans with a net book value of $956 thousand, resulting in net recoveries of $461 thousand and loan interest income of $486 thousand. The sale of non-performing loans impacted both loan yields and net interest margin favorably by 5 basis points for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Three months ended – March 31, 2025, compared to March 31, 2024

    The increase in net interest margin was due to loan growth and, to a lesser extent, an increase in loan yields, partially offset by increases in the average balance of funding liabilities and funding costs.

    The increase in interest-earning asset yields of 21 basis points was due primarily to loan repricing and originations at higher interest rates, partially offset by an increase in funding costs of 9 basis points driven by higher market rates and increases in certificate of deposits and borrowed funds.

    Provision for Credit Losses
    The provision for credit losses for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, are presented below:

        Three months ended   Increase / (Decrease)
    (Dollars in thousands)   March 31,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2024
    Provision for credit losses on loans – collectively evaluated   $                         685     $                         417     $                         268  
    Provision for credit losses on loans – individually evaluated                             (565 )                            1,451                            (2,016 )
    Provision for credit losses on loans                               120                              1,868                            (1,748 )
                 
    Provision for unfunded commitments                               211                            (1,246 )                            1,457  
                 
    Provision for credit losses   $                         331     $                         622     $                       (291 )

    The provision for credit losses on collectively evaluated loans of $685 thousand for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, resulted mainly from loan growth, partially offset by net recoveries, which were primarily from the sale of non-performing loans noted above.

    The decrease in the provision for credit losses of $291 thousand, compared to the prior year quarter, was due primarily to a net decrease in reserves on individually evaluated loans of $2.0 million, partially offset by an increase in reserves for unfunded commitments of $1.5 million.

    The decrease in reserves on individually evaluated loans was due primarily to two commercial relationships that experienced improvement in their collateral valuation compared to the prior year period, while the increase in reserves for unfunded commitments resulted primarily from an increase in off-balance sheet commitments that required a reserve.

    Non-Interest Income
    Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to $5.2 million, a decrease of $307 thousand, or 6%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease was due primarily to a decrease in gains on equity securities of $766 thousand, partially offset by an increase in wealth management fees of $247 thousand.

    Non-Interest Expense
    Non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to $29.9 million, an increase of $1.0 million, or 4%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase was due primarily to increases in salaries and employee benefits expense of $760 thousand and merger-related expenses of $290 thousand.

    Income Taxes
    The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to 23.3%, compared to 23.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Balance Sheet
    Total assets amounted to $4.90 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $4.83 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of 2%.

    Total investment securities at fair value amounted to $603.9 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $593.6 million at December 31, 2024, an increase of 2%. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2025, was largely attributable to a decrease in unrealized losses on debt securities resulting from decreases in market interest rates during the period, partially offset by principal pay-downs, calls and maturities. Unrealized losses on debt securities amounted to $79.9 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $101.8 million at December 31, 2024, a decrease of 22%.

    Total loans amounted to $4.05 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $3.98 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of 2%. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2025, was due primarily to an increase in commercial real estate loans of $70.2 million.

    Total deposits amounted to $4.30 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $4.19 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of 3%. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2025, was due primarily to an increase in brokered deposits of $150.0 million. Excluding brokered deposits, total deposits decreased $37.0 million during the first quarter of 2025.

    Total borrowed funds amounted to $94.5 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $153.1 million at December 31, 2024, a decrease of 38%. The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2025, resulted primarily from the increase in brokered deposits during the period.

    Total shareholders’ equity amounted to $385.4 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $360.7 million at December 31, 2024, an increase of 7%. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2025, was due primarily to a decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive loss of $17.0 million and an increase in retained earnings of $7.3 million.

    Credit Quality

    Selected credit quality metrics at March 31, 2025, compared to December 31, 2024, were as follows:

    • The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) for loans amounted to $64.0 million, or 1.58% of total loans, compared to $63.5 million, or 1.59% of total loans. The decrease in the ACL for loans to total loan ratio was due primarily to a decrease in reserves on individually evaluated loans.
    • The reserve for unfunded commitments (included in other liabilities) amounted to $4.6 million, compared to $4.4 million. The increase was driven primarily by an increase in off-balance sheet commitments that required a reserve.
    • Non-performing loans amounted to $28.5 million, or 0.70% of total loans, compared to $26.7 million, or 0.67% of total loans.

    Net recoveries for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to $424 thousand, or 0.04% of average total loans, which included $461 thousand in recoveries from the sale of non-performing loans noted above. Net charge-offs for the three months ended March 31, 2024, amounted to $122 thousand, or 0.01% of average total loans.

    Wealth Management
    Wealth assets under management and administration, which are not carried as assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, amounted to $1.51 billion at March 31, 2025, a decrease of $24.7 million, or 2%, compared to December 31, 2024, resulting primarily from a decrease in market values.

    ABOUT ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. is a Massachusetts corporation that conducts substantially all its operations through Enterprise Bank and Trust Company, commonly referred to as Enterprise Bank, and has reported 142 consecutive profitable quarters. Enterprise Bank is principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and investing in commercial loans and investment securities. Through Enterprise Bank and its subsidiaries, the Company offers a range of commercial, residential and consumer loan products, deposit products and cash management services, electronic and digital banking options, as well as wealth management, and trust services. The Company’s headquarters and Enterprise Bank’s main office are located at 222 Merrimack Street in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Company’s primary market area is the Northern Middlesex, Northern Essex, and Northern Worcester counties of Massachusetts and the Southern Hillsborough and Southern Rockingham counties in New Hampshire. Enterprise Bank has 27 full-service branches located in the Massachusetts communities of Acton, Andover, Billerica (2), Chelmsford (2), Dracut, Fitchburg, Lawrence, Leominster, Lexington, Lowell (2), Methuen, North Andover, Tewksbury (2), Tyngsborough and Westford and in the New Hampshire communities of Derry, Hudson, Londonderry, Nashua (2), Pelham, Salem and Windham.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    This earnings release contains statements about future events that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by references to a future period or periods or by the use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “upcoming,” “estimate,” “assume,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “plan,” and other similar terms or expressions. Forward-looking statements should not be relied on because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause the actual results, performance, and achievements of the Company to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, (i) disruption from the proposed merger with Independent; (ii) the risk that the proposed merger with Independent may not be completed in a timely manner or at all; (iii) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the proposed merger with Independent; (iv) the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals for the proposed merger with Independent; (v) the ability to successfully integrate the combined business; (vi) the possibility that the amount of the costs, fees, expenses, and charges related to the proposed merger with Independent may be greater than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected or unknown factors, events, or liabilities; (vii) the failure of the conditions to the proposed merger with Independent to be satisfied; (viii) reputational risk and the reaction of the parties’ customers to the proposed merger with Independent; (xi) the risk of potential litigation or regulatory action related to the proposed merger with Independent; (x) the impact on us and our customers of a decline in general economic conditions and any regulatory responses thereto; (xi) potential recession in the United States and our market areas; (xii) the impacts related to or resulting from uncertainty in the banking industry as a whole; (xiii) increased competition for deposits and related changes in deposit customer behavior; (xiv) the impact of changes in market interest rates, whether due to a continuation of the elevated interest rate environment or further reductions in interest rates and a resulting decline in net interest income; (xv) the lingering inflationary pressures, and the risk of the resurgence of elevated levels of inflation, in the United States and our market areas; (xvi) the uncertain impacts of ongoing quantitative tightening and current and future monetary policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; (xvii) increases in unemployment rates in the United States and our market areas; (xviii) adverse changes in customer spending and savings habits; (xix) declines in commercial real estate values and prices; (xx) a deterioration of the credit rating for U.S. long-term sovereign debt or uncertainty regarding United States fiscal debt, deficit and budget matters; (xxi) cyber incidents or other failures, disruptions or breaches of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber-attacks; (xxii) severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, geopolitical instability or other external events, including as a result of changes in U.S. presidential administrations or Congress, including potential changes in U.S. and international trade and tariff policies and the resulting impact on the Company and its customers; (xxiii) the effect of volatility in the capital markets on our fee income from our wealth management business; (xxiv) competition and market expansion opportunities; (xxv) changes in non-interest expenditures or in the anticipated benefits of such expenditures; (xxvi) changes in tax laws; (xxvii) the risks related to the development, implementation, use and management of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learnings; (xxviii) potential increased costs related to the impacts of climate change; and (xxix) current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other legal and/or regulatory actions. Therefore, the Company can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. For more information about these factors, please see our reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q on file with the SEC, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Any forward-looking statements contained in this earnings release are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty, and specifically disclaim any duty, to update or revise any such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT
    This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    In connection with the proposed transaction between Independent and Enterprise, Independent has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) that includes a proxy statement for a special meeting of Enterprise’s shareholders to approve the proposed transaction and that also constitutes a prospectus for the Independent common stock that will be issued in the proposed transaction, as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF INDEPENDENT AND ENTERPRISE ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT INDEPENDENT, ENTERPRISE AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Copies of the Registration Statement and of the proxy statement/prospectus and other filings incorporated by reference therein, as well as other filings containing information about Independent and Enterprise, can be obtained, free of charge, as they become available at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and the filings with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference in the proxy statement/prospectus can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to Independent Investor Relations, 288 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts 02370, telephone (774) 363-9872 or to Enterprise Bancorp, Inc., 222 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852, Attention: Corporate Secretary, telephone (978) 656-5578.

    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (unaudited)
     
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024
    Assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents:            
    Cash and due from banks   $       52,194     $       42,689     $       41,443  
    Interest-earning deposits with banks             34,543               41,152             106,391  
    Total cash and cash equivalents             86,737               83,841             147,834  
    Investments:            
    Debt securities at fair value (amortized cost of $674,601, $685,766 and $749,561 respectively)           594,691             583,930             643,924  
    Equity securities at fair value               9,242                 9,665                 8,102  
    Total investment securities at fair value           603,933             593,595             652,026  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock               4,932                 7,093                 2,482  
    Loans held for sale               1,069                    520                    400  
    Loans:            
    Total loans        4,049,642          3,982,898          3,654,322  
    Allowance for credit losses           (64,042 )           (63,498 )           (60,741 )
    Net loans        3,985,600          3,919,400          3,593,581  
    Premises and equipment, net             41,464               42,444               44,671  
    Lease right-of-use asset             23,946               24,126               24,645  
    Accrued interest receivable             21,782               20,553               20,501  
    Deferred income taxes, net             42,338               49,096               47,903  
    Bank-owned life insurance             67,927               67,421               65,878  
    Prepaid income taxes               4,099                 2,583                 5,771  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets             11,006               11,398               12,667  
    Goodwill               5,656                 5,656                 5,656  
    Total assets   $ 4,900,489     $ 4,827,726     $ 4,624,015  
    Liabilities and Shareholders‘ Equity            
    Liabilities            
    Deposits:            
    Customer deposits   $ 4,150,668     $ 4,187,698     $ 4,106,119  
    Brokered deposits           149,975                      —                      —  
    Total deposits        4,300,643          4,187,698          4,106,119  
    Borrowed funds             94,493             153,136               63,246  
    Subordinated debt             59,894               59,815               59,577  
    Lease liability             23,699               23,849               24,303  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities             29,422               33,425               30,945  
    Accrued interest payable               6,983                 9,055                 6,386  
    Total liabilities        4,515,134          4,466,978          4,290,576  
    Commitments and Contingencies            
    Shareholders‘ Equity            
    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued                    —                      —                      —  
    Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 12,510,019, 12,447,308 and 12,376,562 shares issued and outstanding, respectively.                  125                    124                    124  
    Additional paid-in capital           111,621             111,295             108,246  
    Retained earnings           335,568             328,243             306,943  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss           (61,959 )           (78,914 )           (81,874 )
    Total shareholders’ equity           385,355             360,748             333,439  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 4,900,489     $ 4,827,726     $ 4,624,015  
    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (unaudited)
     
        Three months ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024
    Interest and dividend income:            
    Other interest-earning assets   $               535     $               833     $            1,172
    Investment securities                  3,608                    3,881                    4,034
    Loans and loans held for sale                55,408                  54,528                  48,817
    Total interest and dividend income                59,551                  59,242                  54,023
    Interest expense:            
    Deposits                18,288                  19,488                  17,272
    Borrowed funds                  1,706                       394                       694
    Subordinated debt                     867                       867                       867
    Total interest expense                20,861                  20,749                  18,833
    Net interest income                38,690                  38,493                  35,190
    Provision for credit losses                     331                     (106 )                     622
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses                38,359                  38,599                  34,568
    Non-interest income:            
    Wealth management fees                  2,097                    2,043                    1,850
    Deposit and interchange fees                  2,157                    2,240                    2,069
    Income on bank-owned life insurance, net                     506                       522                       458
    Net gains on sales of loans                       47                         33                         22
    Net (losses) gains on equity securities                   (301 )                     (30 )                     465
    Other income                     682                       808                       631
    Total non-interest income                  5,188                    5,616                    5,495
    Non-interest expense:            
    Salaries and employee benefits                19,936                  19,276                  19,176
    Occupancy and equipment expenses                  2,582                    2,364                    2,459
    Technology and telecommunications expenses                  2,709                    2,687                    2,745
    Advertising and public relations expenses                     752                       609                       743
    Audit, legal and other professional fees                     541                       460                       734
    Deposit insurance premiums                     878                       950                       859
    Supplies and postage expenses                     229                       242                       237
    Merger-related expenses                     290                    1,137                         —
    Other operating expenses                  2,032                    2,117                    1,955
    Total non-interest expense                29,949                  29,842                  28,908
    Income before income taxes                13,598                  14,373                  11,155
    Provision for income taxes                  3,163                    3,646                    2,648
    Net income   $          10,435     $          10,727     $            8,507
                 
    Basic earnings per common share   $              0.84     $              0.86     $              0.69
    Diluted earnings per common share   $              0.84     $              0.86     $              0.69
                 
    Basic weighted average common shares outstanding         12,464,721           12,433,895           12,292,417
    Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding         12,495,458           12,460,063           12,304,203
    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Selected Consolidated Financial Data and Ratios
    (unaudited)
         
        At or for the three months ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024
    Balance Sheet Data                    
    Total cash and cash equivalents   $        86,737     $        83,841     $        88,632     $      199,719     $      147,834  
    Total investment securities at fair value            603,933              593,595              631,975              636,838              652,026  
    Total loans         4,049,642           3,982,898           3,858,940           3,768,649           3,654,322  
    Allowance for credit losses           (64,042 )           (63,498 )           (63,654 )           (61,999 )           (60,741 )
    Total assets         4,900,489           4,827,726           4,742,809           4,773,681           4,624,015  
    Customer deposits         4,150,668           4,187,698           4,189,461           4,248,801           4,106,119  
    Brokered deposits            149,975                       —                       —                       —                       —  
    Borrowed funds              94,493              153,136                59,949                61,785                63,246  
    Subordinated debt              59,894                59,815                59,736                59,657                59,577  
    Total shareholders’ equity            385,355              360,748              368,109              340,441              333,439  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity         4,900,489           4,827,726           4,742,809           4,773,681           4,624,015  
                         
    Wealth Management                    
    Wealth assets under management   $   1,214,050     $   1,230,014     $   1,212,076     $   1,129,147     $   1,105,036  
    Wealth assets under administration   $      297,233     $      305,930     $      302,891     $      267,529     $      268,074  
                         
    Shareholders’ Equity Ratios                    
    Book value per common share   $          30.80     $          28.98     $          29.62     $          27.40     $          26.94  
    Dividends paid per common share   $            0.25     $            0.24     $            0.24     $            0.24     $            0.24  
                         
    Regulatory Capital Ratios                    
    Total capital to risk weighted assets     13.06 %     13.06 %     13.07 %     13.07 %     13.20 %
    Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets(1)     10.39 %     10.38 %     10.36 %     10.34 %     10.43 %
    Tier 1 capital to average assets     8.98 %     8.94 %     8.68 %     8.76 %     8.85 %
                         
    Credit Quality Data                    
    Non-performing loans   $        28,479     $        26,687     $        25,946     $        17,731     $        18,527  
    Non-performing loans to total loans     0.70 %     0.67 %     0.67 %     0.47 %     0.51 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.58 %     0.55 %     0.55 %     0.37 %     0.40 %
    ACL for loans to total loans     1.58 %     1.59 %     1.65 %     1.65 %     1.66 %
    Net (recoveries) charge-offs   $          (424 )   $             221     $              (7 )   $          (130 )   $             122  
                         
    Income Statement Data                    
    Net interest income   $        38,690     $        38,493     $        38,020     $        36,161     $        35,190  
    Provision for credit losses                   331                  (106 )                1,332                     137                     622  
    Total non-interest income                5,188                  5,616                  6,140                  5,628                  5,495  
    Total non-interest expense              29,949                29,842                29,353                29,029                28,908  
    Income before income taxes              13,598                14,373                13,475                12,623                11,155  
    Provision for income taxes                3,163                  3,646                  3,488                  3,111                  2,648  
    Net income   $        10,435     $        10,727     $          9,987     $          9,512     $          8,507  
                         
    Income Statement Ratios                    
    Diluted earnings per common share   $            0.84     $            0.86     $            0.80     $            0.77     $            0.69  
    Return on average total assets     0.87 %     0.89 %     0.82 %     0.82 %     0.75 %
    Return on average shareholders’ equity     11.45 %     11.82 %     11.20 %     11.55 %     10.47 %
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)(2)     3.32 %     3.29 %     3.22 %     3.19 %     3.20 %
    (1) Ratio also represents common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets as of the periods presented.
    (2) Tax-equivalent net interest margin is net interest income adjusted for the tax-equivalent effect associated with tax-exempt loan and investment income, expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Loan and Deposit Data
    (unaudited)
     
    Major classifications of loans at the dates indicated were as follows:
     
    (Dollars in thousands)   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024
    Commercial real estate owner-occupied   $      708,645     $      704,634     $      660,063     $      660,478     $      635,420  
    Commercial real estate non owner-occupied         1,629,394           1,563,201           1,579,827           1,544,386           1,524,174  
    Commercial and industrial            483,165              479,821              415,642              426,976              417,604  
    Commercial construction            664,936              679,969              674,434              622,094              583,711  
    Total commercial loans         3,486,140           3,427,625           3,329,966           3,253,934           3,160,909  
                         
    Residential mortgages            450,456              443,096              424,030              413,323              400,093  
    Home equity loans and lines            105,779              103,858                95,982                93,220                85,144  
    Consumer                7,267                  8,319                  8,962                  8,172                  8,176  
    Total retail loans            563,502              555,273              528,974              514,715              493,413  
    Total loans         4,049,642           3,982,898           3,858,940           3,768,649           3,654,322  
                         
    ACL for loans           (64,042 )           (63,498 )           (63,654 )           (61,999 )           (60,741 )
    Net loans   $   3,985,600     $   3,919,400     $   3,795,286     $   3,706,650     $   3,593,581  
    Deposits are summarized at the periods indicated were as follows:
     
    (Dollars in thousands)   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024
    Non-interest checking   $     1,028,326   $     1,077,998   $     1,064,424   $     1,041,771   $     1,038,887
    Interest-bearing checking              715,517              699,671              682,050              788,822              730,819
    Savings              284,960              270,367              279,824              294,566              285,090
    Money market           1,437,907           1,454,443           1,488,437           1,504,551           1,469,181
    CDs $250,000 or less              393,890              377,958              375,055              358,149              337,367
    CDs greater than $250,000              290,068              307,261              299,671              260,942              244,775
    Total customer deposits           4,150,668           4,187,698           4,189,461           4,248,801           4,106,119
    Brokered deposits              149,975                       —                       —                       —                       —
     Deposits   $     4,300,643   $     4,187,698   $     4,189,461   $     4,248,801   $     4,106,119
    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Average Balance Sheets and Yields (tax-equivalent basis)
    (unaudited)
     
    The following table presents the Company’s average balance sheets, net interest income and average rates for the periods indicated:
     
        Three months ended March 31, 2025   Three months ended December 31, 2024   Three months ended March 31, 2024
    (Dollars in thousands)   Average
    Balance    		   Interest(1)   Average
    Yield(1)    		   Average
    Balance    		   Interest(1)   Average
    Yield(1)    		   Average
    Balance    		   Interest(1)   Average
    Yield(1)
    Assets:                                    
    Other interest-earning assets(2)   $            44,673   $           535   4.86 %   $            68,224   $           833   4.85 %   $            86,078   $         1,172   5.48 %
    Investment securities(3) (tax-equivalent)                689,138               3,705   2.15 %                704,629               3,985   2.26 %                763,692               4,157   2.18 %
    Loans and loans held for sale(4) (tax-equivalent)              4,015,667             55,555   5.60 %              3,911,386             54,673   5.56 %              3,608,157             48,960   5.46 %
    Total interest-earnings assets (tax-equivalent)              4,749,478             59,795   5.10 %              4,684,239             59,491   5.06 %              4,457,927             54,289   4.89 %
    Other assets                  98,003                        101,952                          91,794        
    Total assets   $        4,847,481           $        4,786,191           $        4,549,721        
                                         
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:                                    
    Non-interest checking   $        1,034,122                   —       $        1,106,823                   —       $        1,069,145                   —    
    Interest checking, savings and money market              2,405,722             10,332   1.74 %              2,471,854             11,728   1.89 %              2,418,947             11,356   1.89 %
    CDs                686,689               7,121   4.21 %                683,248               7,760   4.52 %                549,097               5,916   4.33 %
    Brokered deposits                  76,647                 835   4.42 %                        —                   —   — %                        —                   —   — %
    Total deposits              4,203,180             18,288   1.68 %              4,261,925             19,488   1.82 %              4,037,189             17,272   1.72 %
    Borrowed funds                154,911               1,706   4.47 %                  37,812                 394   4.15 %                  63,627                 694   4.38 %
    Subordinated debt(5)                  59,847                 867   5.79 %                  59,768                 867   5.80 %                  59,530                 867   5.82 %
    Total funding liabilities              4,417,938             20,861   1.91 %              4,359,505             20,749   1.89 %              4,160,346             18,833   1.82 %
    Other liabilities                  59,976                          65,720                          62,500        
    Total liabilities              4,477,914                      4,425,225                      4,222,846        
    Stockholders’ equity                369,567                        360,966                        326,875        
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $        4,847,481           $        4,786,191           $        4,549,721        
                                         
    Net interest-rate spread (tax-equivalent)           3.19 %           3.17 %           3.07 %
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent)                 38,934                     38,742                     35,456    
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)           3.32 %           3.29 %           3.20 %
    Less tax-equivalent adjustment                     244                         249                         266    
    Net interest income       $       38,690           $       38,493           $       35,190    
    Net interest margin           3.29 %           3.27 %           3.17 %
    (1) Average yields and interest income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis, calculated using a U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% for each period presented, based on tax-equivalent adjustments associated with tax-exempt loans and investments interest income.
    (2) Average other interest-earning assets include interest-earning deposits with banks, federal funds sold and Federal Home Loan Bank stock.
    (3) Average investment securities are presented at average amortized cost.
    (4) Average loans and loans held for sale are presented at average amortized cost and include non-accrual loans.
    (5) Subordinated debt is net of average deferred debt issuance costs.

    Contact Info: Joseph R. Lussier, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (978) 656-5578

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Frankel Introduces Bill to Protect Seniors from New Trump Social Security Repayment Policy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Washington, DC – Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22) joined several of her House Democratic colleagues to introduce the Claws Off Social Security Act—a bill that protects seniors from having their entire Social Security checks withheld in cases of accidental overpayment.

    Under a recently implemented policy by the Trump Administration, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may withhold 100 percent of a senior’s benefit if an accidental overpayment occurs—even when the mistake was through no fault of the beneficiary. This change could leave millions of Americans without the income they rely on for food, housing, and medicine.

    The Claws Off Social Security Act would reinstate a commonsense safeguard previously in place during the Biden Administration, which limited repayments to 10 percent of a recipient’s monthly benefit. This allows seniors to repay overpayments gradually without being pushed into financial crisis.

    “For so many older Americans, a Social Security check isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline,” said Rep. Frankel. “It helps keep food on the table, the lights on, and critical medications within reach. It’s simply wrong to take away someone’s entire income because of a government mistake. This bill restores fairness and compassion to the system—ensuring seniors can repay what’s owed without losing everything they depend on to get by.”

    In 2023 alone, the SSA sought to recover overpayments from more than two million people. Many were blindsided by sudden demands for repayment and feared losing their only source of income.

    The Claws Off Social Security Act would:

    1. Cap the SSA’s monthly withholding for overpayments at 10 percent of a recipient’s benefit;
    2. Allow beneficiaries the option to repay more if they choose; and
    3. Provide an exception in cases involving fraud.

    The bill is co-led by Reps. Dwight Evans (PA-03), John Larson (CT-01), and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and is endorsed by leading advocacy organizations including Justice in Aging, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, and Social Security Works.

    Click here to read the full text.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 459

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mesoscale Discussion 0459
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0253 PM CDT Thu Apr 17 2025

    Areas affected…parts of ern NE into wrn IA

    Concerning…Severe potential…Watch likely

    Valid 171953Z – 172200Z

    Probability of Watch Issuance…80 percent

    SUMMARY…The initiation of strong to severe thunderstorms,
    including supercells posing a risk for large, potentially damaging,
    hail may increase by 5-7 PM CDT, if not a bit earlier. It is
    possible that the potential for a tornado or two could increase
    near/north and east of the Greater Omaha area later this evening.

    DISCUSSION…Trailing the surface low, which is now migrating north
    of the Redwood Falls MN vicinity, a surface cold front is
    maintaining a southward advancement into/across the Sioux
    Falls/Sioux City areas, Norfolk NE and the Grand
    Island/Kearney/Hasting NE vicinities. Substantive boundary-layer
    warming and moistening (including surface dew points near 60F)
    continues in a narrow corridor ahead of this feature, where
    mixed-layer CAPE may continue to increase up to around 2000 J/kg
    within the next few hours, beneath a warm and capping elevated
    mixed-layer area.

    Models continue to suggest that mid-level forcing for ascent
    associated with a weak short wave perturbation may increasingly
    contribute to subtle mid-level height falls and erosion of the
    lower/mid-tropospheric inhibition as far south as the Lincoln and
    Omaha NE vicinities by 22-00Z. As this occurs, potential for the
    initiation of thunderstorm activity will increase, both along and
    ahead of the cold front. Although there may be a tendency for
    convection to become undercut by the front, convection allowing
    model output suggests that forcing associated with pre-frontal warm
    advection may maintain at least one or two sustained storms,
    propagating to the right of the 30-40 kt west-southwesterly mean
    flow.

    As long as this occurs, it appears that the environment may become
    conducive to supercells capable of produce swaths of large hail, at
    least occasionally in excess of 2 inches in diameter. Low-level
    flow and shear are initially weak, but strengthening toward early
    evening might result in an increase in potential for a tornado
    near/north and east of Greater Omaha.

    ..Kerr/Smith.. 04/17/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…DMX…FSD…OAX…GID…

    LAT…LON 41179772 41769755 42469675 42579490 41059573 40719646
    40809718 41179772

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK TORNADO INTENSITY…UP TO 95 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…65-80 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE…2.00-3.50 IN

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Warren County Man Charged for Possession Of Videos and Images of Child Sexual Abuse

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TRENTON, N.J. – A Warren County man was charged with possessing videos and images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Marc Panchenko, 53, of Washington Township, New Jersey, was charged in a one-count complaint with possession of child pornography. He had an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rukhsanah L. Singh in Trenton federal court and was ordered detained.

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

    Following Panchenko’s release from federal custody in November 2023 for a prior offense, Panchenko was placed on supervised release and a monitoring software was installed on his cellular telephone to detect any images of child sexual abuse materials (“CSAM”). On or about March 3, 2025, the software alerted the authorities to the existence of CSAM on Panchenko’s phone. A further examination of the contents of the phone revealed the presence of over 600 videos of varying length and over 12,000 digital photos, an ongoing review of which has revealed numerous images of CSAM, including images depicting prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct as further outlined in the complaint.

    The charge of possession of child pornography carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, but due to his prior conviction on a similar charge, Panchenko is also facing a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison. He is also facing a fine of up to $250,000.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force—Newark Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, the Washington Township Police Department, Warren County, under the direction of Chief of Police Christopher M. Jones, and the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Jessica Cardone, with the investigation leading to the charge.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek of the Criminal Division in Newark.

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

                                                                        ###

    Defense counsel: Candace Hom, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Liberty County man sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in school zone

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A Liberty man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Thomas James Lawson, 35, pleaded guilty to possession to distribute methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 17, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, in January 2024, law enforcement authorities received information that Lawson was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine and other narcotics. During the investigation, drugs were purchased from Lawson at his Liberty residence.

    On January 31, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Lawson’s residence resulting in the discovery of a backpack on his bed. Inside the backpack, investigators found multiple vacuum sealed bags containing crystal methamphetamine, a vacuum sealed bag containing marijuana, numerous clear baggies containing red/orange pills marked “AD-30”, two pill bottles labeled as Adderall, and numerous bottles of Xanax pills. Additionally, deputies found a digital scale and other drug paraphernalia in the backpack.  A further search of Lawson’s bedroom revealed over $2000 in U.S. currency.  While searching the kitchen, investigators located another large amount of crystal-like substance, which was determined to be methamphetamine.  A total of 862.51 grams of actual methamphetamine was recovered.

    Lawson’s residence is within 1000 feet of the Liberty Elementary School and the school playground.  A school zone sign is located on Lawson’s street and children were playing on the school playground while the search warrant was executed at his residence.

    This case was investigated by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján: Trump Administration is Withholding Nearly $24 Million in Funding for Head Start in New Mexico While Shuttering Centers Nationwide and Forcing Devastating Closures

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    New Data Shows a Steep Decline in Head Start Funding Going Out the Door So Far This Year
    Trump Administration Hollows Out Offices Running the Program and Eyes Eliminating It Outright
    Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), one of only two Head Start graduates to serve in the U.S. Senate, sounded the alarm as President Trump finalizes his proposal to eliminate Head Start, shutter half of the regional offices running the program, and fire scores of staff who ensure Head Start centers can serve kids and families.
    New data shows how the Trump administration has issued nearly $24 million less in federal grants to Head Start centers in New Mexico so far this year compared to the same period last year, a staggering -83% decline. Nationwide, the Trump administration has issued nearly $1 billion less in federal grants to Head Start centers nationwide so far this year compared to the same period last year, a steep -37% decline.
    The Trump administration’s withholding of nearly $1 billion in Head Start funding is impacting Head Start centers nationwide—already forcing center closures, which hurt families and teachers, and risking many more.
    “Head Start provides critical early childhood programs and helps make child care safer and more affordable for families across the country,” said Senator Luján. “As a proud Head Start graduate, this slow-walk of distributing funding is extremely concerning and an attack on New Mexico families. I know the value of Head Start – it got me to the United States Senate, and I will continue to fight to protect Head Start for New Mexico families and the next generation.”
    A New Mexico breakdown of the Head Start funding being slow-walked by the Trump administration is below:
    State
    Head Start Funding Disbursed1/1/24 – 4/15/24
    Head Start Funding Disbursed1/1/25 – 4/15/25
    Difference in Head Start Funding Dispersed
    New Mexico
    $28,763,786
    $4,812,435
    -$23,951,351
    DATA SOURCE: HHS
    Head Start programs’ grants are generally renewed at the same time each year, and Head Start programs depend on these strict funding cycles to continue serving kids and families. In fiscal years 2024 and 2025, Head Start has been funded at $12.27 billion nationwide. In 2024, $28.76 million in Head Start funding went out from the start of the year through April 15 in New Mexico. But during the same period this year, only $4.8 million has so far gone out—a nearly $24 million, or -83%, decline. Any delays in funding going out the door can have devastating consequences for Head Start programs.
    Head Start currently serves over 750,000 kids nationwide, and the program has served nearly 40 million children and their families nationwide since its inception in 1965. There are over 17,000 Head Start centers nationwide that help kids and families thrive, and these centers are particularly important in serving rural communities with fewer options for care. A state-by-state breakdown of the number of kids and families served by Head Start is available HERE.
    Since taking office, President Trump has gutted the offices that keep Head Start centers and child care programs across the country running. In late February, the Trump administration fired scores of staff at the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Head Start and Office of Child Care. Earlier this month, President Trump continued to hollow out HHS, including by shuttering half of the regional offices at the Office of Head Start, which are responsible for ensuring high-quality Head Start services are available to families nationwide.
    To combat attacks on Head Start, Senator Luján has led efforts to reverse the mass firings at Head Start, demanded action and answers regarding the disruption of Head Start programs, and pressed Trump administration nominees on cuts to Head Start.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Navicore Solutions Sees a Rising Need for Debt Management Services as Credit Card Usage Increases Despite Associated High Interest Rates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MANALAPAN, N.J., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Navicore Solutions, a leading nonprofit credit counseling organization, has found a significant increase in Americans seeking debt management assistance in the first quarter of 2025. As credit card balances continue to increase despite soaring interest rates, Navicore offers more consumer education and support to consumers nationwide.

    Americans now collectively owe a record $1.21 trillion on their credit cards, according to recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, with credit card balances jumping by $45 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024—a 7.3% increase from the previous year. This surge comes at a time when credit card interest rates average an astounding 23%, far exceeding rates on any other major type of loan or bond.

    “Credit card interest rates are at historic highs, yet consumers continue to rely heavily on this expensive form of credit. The result can be a dangerous cycle of debt that’s increasingly difficult for households to escape without assistance,” said Diane Gray, Chief Operating Officer at Navicore.

    The percentage of credit cardholders carrying debt from month to month has increased to 48%, up from 44% at the start of 2024, with 53% of those individuals having been in debt for at least a year. Even more concerning is that the average credit card balance per consumer has climbed to approximately $6,580, reflecting a 3.5% increase year over year.

    “With annual percentage rates exceeding 20%, consumers making only minimum payments on the average credit card balance face an 18-year journey to debt freedom, accumulating a large amount of interest over that period,” explained Gray. “This mathematical reality may be shocking to many consumers when they review their financial situations.”

    Adding to these concerns, the share of credit card holders making only minimum payments reached 10.75% in the third quarter of 2024, the highest level recorded in the last 12 years. Simultaneously, delinquency rates have climbed, with 7.18% of balances transitioning to delinquency over the last year and the share of balances more than 30 days past due rising to 3.52%, up from 3.21% as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.

    In response to these trends, Navicore Solutions has continued to provide quality counseling services, debt management programs and financial education initiatives. “Our debt management plans help consumers pay down their credit card debt, often at lower interest rates, typically reducing monthly their payments to a manageable level” said Gray, “but beyond immediate relief, we’re focused on providing financial education and budgeting skills that empower consumers to break the cycle of debt dependence altogether.”

    About Navicore Solutions

    Founded in 1991, Navicore Solutions is a national leader in the field of nonprofit financial counseling with a mission to strengthen the well-being of individuals and families through education, guidance, advocacy, and support.

    Navicore counselors provide a wide range of services including credit counseling to consumers in need; education programs through workshops, courses and written material; debt management plan to provide relief for applicable consumers; student loan counseling for those struggling with student loan debt; and housing counseling services in the areas of rental, pre-purchase, default and reverse mortgage. The agency is an advocate of financial education helping communities achieve and maintain financial stability.

    Contact:
    Lori Stratford
    Digital Marketing Manager
    Navicore Solutions
    lstratford@navicoresolutions.org
    navicoresolutions.org

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Exporting energy, importing opportunity

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Physician Convicted at Trial for Illegal Distribution of Opioids and Health Care Fraud Conspiracies

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

    A federal jury convicted a medical doctor yesterday for his participation in conspiracies to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and to unlawfully distribute controlled substances.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Neil K. Anand M.D., 48, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, conspired to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, health plans provided by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Independence Blue Cross (IBC), and Anthem, for “Goody Bags” of medically unnecessary prescription medications, which were dispensed to patients by in-house pharmacies owned by Anand. As the evidence at trial showed, the conspirators required patients to take the Goody Bags, which they did not need or want, to receive prescriptions for controlled substances. In total, Medicare, OPM, IBC, and Anthem paid over $2.3 million for the Goody Bags. Anand also conspired to distribute oxycodone outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. In furtherance of the conspiracy, unlicensed medical interns wrote prescriptions for controlled substances using blank prescriptions that were pre-signed by Anand. Anand prescribed 20,850 oxycodone tablets for nine different patients, as part of the scheme. After learning that he was under investigation, Anand concealed the proceeds of the fraud by transferring approximately $1.2 million into an account in the name of his father and for the benefit of his minor daughter.

    Anand was convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud; three counts of health care fraud; one count of money laundering; four counts of unlawful monetary transactions; and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 19 and faces a statutory maximum penalty of 130 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Kathleen Woodson of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (U.S. Postal Service OIG); and Special Agent in Charge of Investigative Operations Derek Holt of the OPM-Office of the Inspector General (OPM-OIG) made the announcement.

    The HHS-OIG, U.S. Postal Service OIG, and OPM OIG investigated the case.  FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office provided valuable assistance.

    Trial Attorneys Paul J. Koob, Patrick J. Campbell, and Arun Bodapati of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kenton County Man Sentenced for Transporting Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COVINGTON, Ky. – An Independence, Ky., man, Ralph Britton, 55, was sentenced on Thursday to 84 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for transporting child pornography in interstate commerce using a computer or cell phone. 

     According to his plea agreement, on December 28, 2023, law enforcement received a cybertip that 18 video files depicting child pornography were uploaded from a Synchronoss account, a cloud-based storage provider for Verizon Wireless users. Further investigation identified Britton as the account owner, and that there were at least 33 videos of child pornography uploaded from Britton’s account. On February 8, 2024, law enforcement arrested Britton on state charges and searched his cell phone, which contained an additional 896 images of child sexual abuse, along with evidence of a program often used to remove illicit files from electronic devices. 

    Under federal law, Britton must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Quincy Barnett, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Sheriff Les Hill, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Winslow is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    This case was prosecuted 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 the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    – END –

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: iRhythm Technologies to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on May 1, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iRhythm Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:IRTC), a leading digital health care company focused on creating trusted solutions that detect, prevent, and predict disease, today announced that it will release financial results for the first quarter 2025 after the close of trading on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The company’s management team will host a corresponding conference call beginning at 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET.

    Interested parties may access a live and archived webcast of the conference call on the “Quarterly Results” section of the company’s investor website at investors.irhythmtech.com.

    About iRhythm Technologies, Inc.
    iRhythm is a leading digital health care company that creates trusted solutions that detect, predict, and prevent disease. Combining wearable biosensors and cloud-based data analytics with powerful proprietary algorithms, iRhythm distills data from millions of heartbeats into clinically actionable information. Through a relentless focus on patient care, iRhythm’s vision is to deliver better data, better insights, and better health for all.

    Investor Contact
    Stephanie Zhadkevich
    investors@irhythmtech.com

    Media Contact
    Kassandra Perry
    irhythm@highwirepr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Toronto’s most recent car attack was a targeted crime, not a mass attack

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jack L. Rozdilsky, Associate Professor of Disaster and Emergency Management, York University, Canada

    On April 15, Toronto once again experienced a soft-target vehicular ramming attack when a passenger vehicle intentionally struck and injured four pedestrians on the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) campus.

    Almost exactly seven years ago, in the 2018 Toronto van attack, Alek Minassian intentionally drove onto a Yonge Street sidewalk. Motivated by individual extremism with a basis in incel ideology, Minassian killed 11 people and injured 16 more.

    The Toronto Police Service news conference in response to the hit-and-run incident at TMU.

    History seems to repeat itself in Toronto, with car attacks being a means of choice for criminals. Regardless of whether the latest car attack is a terror-related mass attack or an individually targeted crime, the intentional hit-and-run incident shows these attacks have become a grim reality facing the city.

    A traumatic event

    The attack took place on a Tuesday afternoon just before 2 p.m. on Nelson Mandela Walk in the heart of the downtown TMU campus. The public walkway was designated as a pedestrian-only space, located between the campus library and an academic building.

    Investigators have identified a suspect as Ryan Petroff, and have described it as an isolated incident intentionally targeting a specific individual.

    Police statements allege a man drove a four-door Honda Accord along Nelson Mandela Walk and hit several people, including innocent bystanders. Four people were injured, with one sustaining serious but not life-threatening injuries. All are expected to recover.

    The area of the TMU car attack was clearly designated as a pedestrian-only zone.
    (J. Rozdilsky), CC BY

    The suspect remains at large, and other than indicating that the attack was intentional, Toronto Police Service has not yet elaborated on motives or the relationship between the intended victim and the suspect.

    The day after the attack, TMU issued a statement saying university community members were not involved in the incident and mentioned that campus-based supports had been made available for anyone impacted by witnessing the traumatic event.

    Barriers against future attacks

    In the hours after the attack, immediate actions were taken to plug the gap the attacker exploited to drive onto the pedestrian walkway, and temporary planter-type barriers were placed at the attack site.

    TMU also issued a second statement specifically concerning pedestrian walkway safety. It acknowledged the troubling event while attempting to quell campus safety concerns:

    “The university is discussing with the City of Toronto what additional safety measures can be implemented to ensure pedestrian walkways used by TMU community members and the public are safe while maintaining accessibility for emergency vehicles.”

    Conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians

    A dedicated attacker exploited a gap where a car was able to enter a zone dedicated to pedestrians. In hindsight, the easy question to ask is: why wasn’t that gap plugged beforehand?

    This sidesteps the ubiquitous nature of the problem, which is that potential conflict between vehicles and pedestrians exists almost everywhere in a complex urban environment.

    In 2020, Nelson Mandela Walk was revitalized to enhance quality, safety and accessibility. Standard traffic management activities to reduce conflict — referred to as “modal separation” — were in place prior to the incident.

    The walkway had a visually separate streetscape from the traffic lanes of nearby Gerrard Street: the interlocked brick surface, decorative trees and benches clearly indicated it was not a street for cars.

    In addition, posted signs indicated the area was for pedestrian use only. Barriers such as bollards, fences, cement trash cans and large planters were present at points along the walkway.

    In this case, a criminal found one gap in protection and intentionally ignored and evaded all of the elements that were in place to separate people from cars.

    Targeted mass attacks

    The 2025 TMU car attack highlighted a problem that is not new to Toronto: targeted criminal activity that can cascade into a mass casualty incident.



    Read more:
    What authorities can learn from the Raptors parade shooting

    In 2019, four people were wounded at Nathan Phillips Square when gunfire erupted during the celebrations for the Toronto Raptors NBA championship win. This was another example of a targeted attack that almost resulted in a wider mass casualty incident.

    More than 100,000 people were in the area near the shooting, and it was determined that the shooting was a targeted criminal incident, not a mass attack on the celebration itself.

    While Toronto’s most recent vehicular attack at TMU had the elements of a mass attack, it was apparently a targeted crime focused on one individual. Nonetheless these incidents, and not just terrorist-type mass attacks, have the potential to result in a mass casualty incident.

    Jack L. Rozdilsky receives support for research communication and public scholarship from York University. He also has received research support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

    – ref. Toronto’s most recent car attack was a targeted crime, not a mass attack – https://theconversation.com/torontos-most-recent-car-attack-was-a-targeted-crime-not-a-mass-attack-254686

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Introduces Landmark Tax Bill to Provide Economic Opportunity to Working Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))

    Washington D.C. ─ Today, Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick introduced the All-Americans Tax Relief Act, comprehensive tax relief legislation that boosts economic mobility, lowers costs, and improves the financial security and well-being of hard-working South Florida families and families across the country.

    “For far too long, the U.S. tax code has deprived Americans of economic opportunity and remains a barrier to financial advancement,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “My legislation will lay the necessary foundation for working families to achieve the American Dream, accounting for those everyday expenses — from rent to commuting — that stand in the way of economic mobility. Every American, regardless of their income or ZIP code, should have the tools to create wealth.”

    “The Financial Services Innovation Coalition (FSIC) fully supports the All-Americans Tax Relief Act of 2025 because it’s a real win for middle-class families,” said Kevin B. Kimble, Founder and CEO of FSIC. “This bill helps regular people by letting them deduct everyday costs like childcare, medical bills, commuting, and even tutoring. At a time when folks are struggling with high prices and flat wages, this is the kind of tax relief that can make a real difference. It’s about making the system work for the people who keep this country running, not just the wealthy.”

    The All-Americans Tax Relief Act puts the needs of working families first by:

    • Creating above-the-line deductions for medical expenses, rent expenses, daycare expenses, commuting costs, tutoring costs, and credit card debt interest payments for working- and middle-class families
    • Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit by an average amount of $1,418.75 for single taxpayers and $1,656.25 for married couples filing jointly
    • Increasing the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 for up to three qualifying children and $500 for each additional qualifying child
    • Converting the Child Tax Credit to a fully refundable credit
    • Making the wealthy pay their fair share by increasing the top capital gains rate from 20% to 25%

    The Financial Services Innovation Coalition, HBCU Wall Street, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Homeless Coalition of Dallas, Government Executives International, Texas Justice and Education Fund, Partnership for Innovation and Empowerment Advocacy, FederalReserve.Black, Tuskeegee Macon County Community Foundation, and the Hispanic Institute have all endorsed this legislation. 

    The full text of the bill can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PRESS RELEASE: Congresswoman Barragán Hosts a Full House Community Conversation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 16, 2025

    Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

    South Gate, CA — On Monday, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) held a second Community Conversation on the proposed Republican cuts to Medicaid, Social Security, and other essential government services; the tariff “tax” on everyday essential items; the illegal deportation of legally protected immigrants; and the impacts of these actions on communities in the district. After hosting nearly 400 constituents at her first Community Conversation in San Pedro, last night’s event saw close to 300 people gather in South Gate to hear from the Congresswoman, ask questions, and tell their personal stories of how they would be impacted by these policies. 

    The Congresswoman was joined by Community Health Pediatrician and Medical Director of Health Education and Wellness at AltaMed, Dr. Ilan Shapiro, and Immigration Attorney at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA), Christine Yoon. 

    “Our constituents are scared and worried about the changes coming from Republicans in Washington that will have a serious impact on their daily lives,” said Rep. Barragán. “The Trump Tax on everyday essentials like groceries, clothes, and cars and the massive cuts to federal programs affect every family in our communities. Parents should not have to decide between buying medicine for their child or putting food on the table. Seniors should not be threatened with loss of care in nursing homes while their children work full-time. And families should not have to pay thousands more every year for everyday essentials because of a misguided trade-war. House Democrats will continue to show up in our communities and fight to protect critical programs that hardworking Americans rely on every day.” 

    “Medicaid funding not only ensures that 37 million children in our country have access to care, it also helps fund critical programs for children’s mental health and children with disabilities. As a pediatrician, when Medicaid is funded, I can ensure the children I care for have access to the preventative care they need to help them grow healthy. Cutting Medicaid also cuts doctors, nurses, and resources for community health centers, hospitals, and specialty care. If we truly believe in protecting the most vulnerable in our society and investing in the future of our children, then we must protect and preserve Medicaid at all costs,” said Dr. Shapiro.

    As a practicing community pediatrician, I can tell you that if my Medicaid patients lose access or have to pay increased costs in care, the impacts will be long-lasting and detrimental to their lives, their families, and their communities,” he continued. 

    The full livestream can be found HERE. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Announces Convictions of Defendants for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and 150,000 Packets of Fentanyl and Heroin

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the convictions of all 31 defendants previously charged for their roles in two major drug trafficking networks in Central New York and the North Country as part of an investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and the Syracuse Police Department (SPD). The investigation led to the seizure of more than 150,000 envelopes containing fentanyl or a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, the value of which exceeded $500,000, as well as nearly a pound of methamphetamine and one-quarter kilogram of cocaine. All 31 members of the drug trafficking rings, who operated in Onondaga, Oswego, Cortland, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence counties, have pleaded guilty. As part of their guilty pleas in Onondaga County Court, the defendants have also forfeited over $25,000 connected to their drug trafficking and two vehicles used to transport and distribute narcotics.

    “This investigation successfully took down two drug trafficking rings that put communities throughout New York at risk by distributing deadly amounts of fentanyl,” said Attorney General James. “My office works every day to protect New Yorkers from opioids, and that includes bringing fentanyl traffickers to justice. I thank all of our partners in law enforcement for their support in this investigation, and I will continue to go after anyone who tries to flood our communities with dangerous drugs.”

    The investigation included covert physical surveillance, thousands of hours of electronic surveillance, and multiple search warrants, aimed at rooting out heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine dealers operating in Onondaga and Oswego Counties and elsewhere. In November 2023, Attorney General James announced that the 31 individuals were charged with 192 crimes in two separate indictments related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses. 

    Indictment One

    The first indictment outlined the activity of the “Castro Group” – which was led by Bayron Castro, a/k/a “Hov” – and charged 23 people with 150 counts for their roles in selling narcotics to customers residing in Onondaga, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Cortland Counties. The investigation recovered over 100,000 glassine envelopes containing fentanyl and heroin that Castro was storing and distributing from inside suitcases in a Syracuse apartment. Castro pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and on February 5, 2025, he was sentenced to 12 years in state prison, to be followed by five years of post-release supervision.

    The investigation revealed that Castro procured significant quantities of fentanyl from a supplier in Bronx County, Luis Miguel Joaquin. Joaquin was sentenced to eight years plus five years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree. Castro and his associates were accused of supplying narcotics to their co-defendants, including several alleged Bricktown gang members who were distributing fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine throughout Onondaga, Oswego, Cortland, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence Counties.

    Indictment Two

    The second indictment outlined the activity of the “Pettiford Group” – which was led by Edward Pettiford, a/k/a “Buster” – and charged eight individuals with 42 counts for their roles in selling narcotics and methamphetamine and related events in Onondaga and Oswego Counties. The investigation of this group revealed that alleged Bricktown member Malik Evans was distributing narcotics in Onondaga and Oswego Counties, and that Evans was supplied by Henry Townsend, a/k/a “Henrock,” and Brycedon James, a/k/a “Doodak,” both of whom were supplied by Pettiford.

    Pettiford pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to six years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision. During the course of the investigation, defendant Henry Townsend fired a gun while seated in a vehicle in his driveway on West Newell Street, Syracuse, striking an innocent civilian across the street. Townsend has pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree in conjunction with that shooting, as well as Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, and he was sentenced to 12 years in prison plus five years of post-release supervision.

    “Law enforcement is never stronger than when we work together, nor is it more feared by those who decide to peddle death on our streets through narcotics like fentanyl and heroin,” said Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile. “This major drug investigation is a prime example of our strength through collaboration — from investigation through prosecution.”

    “These convictions speak volumes to the tremendous interagency coordination and cooperation necessary to get illegal drugs off our streets,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “As a result of the commitment among our law enforcement partners, two major drug trafficking operations have been shut down. These drugs destroy communities and put lives at risk, and I want to thank our members, the Office of the Attorney General, and all our law enforcement partners for their tenacious dedication to tracking illegal drugs and intercepting them at their source.

    The following guilty pleas have been entered and sentences imposed:

    • Deion Bradley of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Bayron Castro, a/k/a “Hov”, of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and was sentenced to 12 years in prison plus five years of post-release supervision and has forfeited two vehicles;
       
    • Jose Cosme of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon Third Degree. He was sentenced to three years in prison plus five years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Jean Carlos Cruz of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to five years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Miguel Cruz, a/k/a “G,” of Liverpool, NY pleaded guilty to Conspiracy in the Second Degree and was sentenced to five to ten years in prison;
       
    • Lamell Davis, a/k/a “Melly,” or “O’Melly,” a/k/a “Felix,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and will receive a ten-year prison sentence;
       
    • Johnathan Delgado, a/k/a “Green Eyes,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. He was sentenced to four and a half years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Malik Evans, a/k/a “Leek,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to five years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Chad Firenze, of Granby, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to two years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Terrah Frederick, of Adams Center, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to four years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Jaidyn Freeman, a/k/a “Jaido,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to five years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Shawn Gifford, a/k/a “Nani,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to three and a half years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Michael Hudgins, of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree and was sentenced to five years of probation;
       
    • Xavier Jackson, of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to three years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Brycedon James, a/k/a “Doodak,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison plus two years post-release supervision;
       
    • Emmanuel Jenkins, a/k/a “Lean,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Attempted Tampering with Physical Evidence and was sentenced to time served;
       
    • Kwamea Jenkins, of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to six years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Luis Miguel Joaquin, of the Bronx, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and was sentenced to eight years in prison plus five years of post-release supervision;
       
    • David Kalet, of Port Byron, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to four years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision;
       
    • James Kelley, of Liverpool, NY pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. His sentence is pending;
       
    • Christopher Lanzafame, of Baldwinsville, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree and was sentenced to five years of probation;
       
    • Docciana Mack, of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree and was sentenced to five years of probation;
       
    • Devine Mobley, Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to three and a half years plus two years post-release supervision;
       
    • James Odom, of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to five years of probation;
       
    • Edward Pettiford, a/k/a “Buster,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to six years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Keenan Scott, a/k/a “Kasey,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to four years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Jamar Sheppard, a/k/a “Ski,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree and was sentenced to three years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Carlos Torres, of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. His sentence is pending;
       
    • Henry Townsend, a/k/a “Rock,” a/k/a “Henrock,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. He was sentenced to12 years in prison plus five years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Jeffrey Walts, of Central Square, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Tevon Webb, a/k/a “Tay,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree and was sentenced to 180 days in prison.

    The takedown marked another major drug bust in the Attorney General’s Suburban and Upstate Response to the Growing Epidemic (S.U.R.G.E.) Initiative, a law enforcement effort that brings together state and local law enforcement to target New York’s growing – and often violent – heroin, fentanyl, opioid, and narcotics trafficking networks. Since launching in 2017, SURGE has taken 991 alleged traffickers off the streets.

    The investigation brought together the resources of more than a dozen state, local, and federal enforcement agencies, including the SPD, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, City of Oswego Police Department, City of Fulton Police Department, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Cortland County Sheriff’s Office, the Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Onondaga County Probation Department.

    The investigation was led by Syracuse Police Detective Travis Holmes and OAG OCTF Supervising Detective Tim MacConaghy, under the supervision of OCTF Assistant Chief Investigator John Monte and Deputy Chief Investigator Andrew Boss. The Attorney General’s Investigations Division is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes.

    The case is being prosecuted by OAG OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorney General Geoffrey Ciereck, with the assistance of Legal Support Analyst Sean McCauley and OCTF Confidential Clerk Theresa Rowe, under the supervision of Upstate OCTF Deputy Chief Maria Moran. Nicole Keary is the Deputy Attorney General in Charge of OCTF. The Criminal Justice Division is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jose Maldonado. Both the Investigations Division and the Criminal Justice Division are overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Goosehead Insurance Appoints Bill Wade to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WESTLAKE, Texas, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Goosehead Insurance (NASDAQ: GSHD), a leader in personal lines insurance distribution, is proud to announce the appointment of Bill Wade to its Board of Directors. Wade, with over 25 years of experience as a senior partner and consultant at Bain & Company, brings deep expertise in leveraging emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to fuel innovation, operational efficiency, and transformational growth.

    Throughout his career, Wade has been at the forefront of integrating digital strategies to help companies and private equity firms optimize performance and achieve scalable, tech-enabled growth. His work includes implementing AI-powered analytics, driving digital transformation, and designing agile operating models that deliver extraordinary results. Wade’s forward-thinking approach positions him as an ideal partner for Goosehead’s aggressive technology-driven expansion.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Bill to our Board,” said Mark E. Jones, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Goosehead Insurance. “Bill’s proven success in leveraging technology to drive transformational growth is exactly what we need as we aggressively invest to win the tech race in the insurance industry. Technology is the battleground, and we already have a substantial lead—our goal is to extend it and secure our place as the top distributor of personal lines insurance in the U.S. in my lifetime. Bill’s expertise, vision, and strong existing relationships with several board members make him an invaluable addition to our team.”

    “Bill’s addition to our Board is a pivotal moment in our journey to transform the insurance industry through bold innovation and cutting-edge technology,” said Mark Miller, CEO of Goosehead Insurance. “With his expertise in AI and digital transformation, we are positioned to break new ground, elevate client experiences, and strengthen our leadership in the industry. Together, we’ll push boundaries and turn ambitious goals into measurable achievements.”

    Wade holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar and Siebel Scholar, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accountancy from Brigham Young University.

    “Goosehead has already disrupted the personal lines insurance space with its client-first, tech-driven approach,” said Wade. “The company’s commitment to AI and advanced technology solutions creates a unique opportunity to redefine scalability and client value in the industry. I’m thrilled to join the Board and contribute to shaping the next chapter of Goosehead’s growth.”

    Founded in 2003, Goosehead Insurance has prioritized innovation with technology and human capital, becoming a leader in personal lines insurance. This focus aligns perfectly with Wade’s expertise.

    About Goosehead

    Goosehead (NASDAQ: GSHD) is a rapidly growing and innovative independent personal lines insurance agency that distributes its products and services through corporate and franchise locations throughout the United States. Goosehead was founded on the premise that the consumer should be at the center of our universe and that everything we do should be directed at providing extraordinary value by offering broad product choice and a world-class service experience. Goosehead represents over 200 insurance companies that underwrite personal and commercial lines. For more information, please visit goosehead.com or goosehead.com/become-a-franchisee.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which represent Goosehead’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical facts and may include statements that address future operating, financial or business performance or Goosehead’s strategies or expectations. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may”, “might”, “will”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “projects”, “potential”, “outlook” or “continue”, or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements.

    Factors that could cause actual results or performance to differ from the expectations expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, conditions impacting insurance carriers or other parties with which Goosehead does business, the loss of one or more key executives or an inability to attract and retain qualified personnel and the failure to attract and retain highly qualified franchisees. These risks and uncertainties also include, but are not limited to, those described under the captions “1A. Risk Factors” in Goosehead’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in Goosehead’s other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the Securities Exchange Commission’s website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. All forward-looking statements and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Goosehead or to persons acting on behalf of Goosehead are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Goosehead does not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law.

    Contacts
    Investor Contact:
    Dan Farrell
    Goosehead Insurance – VP Capital Markets
    Phone: (214) 838-5290
    Email: dan.farrell@goosehead.com; IR@goosehead.com 

    PR Contact:
    Mission North for Goosehead Insurance
    Email: goosehead@missionnorth.com; PR@goosehead.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Press Briefing – April 17, 2025

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Spokesperson Tammy Bruce leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on April 17, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9rf_fstPfk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Works to Improve Mail Service for Iowans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    Published: April 17, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is working to improve mail service for Iowans by calling out the so-called “Delivering for America Plan” that has led to cut services and increased rates, disproportionately harming rural communities.
    In Ernst’s letter to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors, she calls for a new Postmaster General who will pause this plan and prioritize the needs of rural consumers.
    “The Postal Regulatory Commission’s recent advisory opinion on the Delivering for America Plan also stated, ‘Rural communities will experience disproportionate downgrading of service standards’ and that ‘the proposal is unlikely to significantly improve the financial health of the Postal Service for multiple reasons,’” wrote Ernst.
    After Ernst worked to terminate electric vehicle waste at USPS through her Return to Sender Act, which would claw back any of the remaining $3 billion authorized in the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, she continued to expose this government waste.
    “The Delivering for America Plan’s wasteful spending includes billions for purchasing electric Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDV) and charging infrastructure. Rather than buying vehicles with internal combustion engines that cost less per unit, the USPS announced plans to acquire at least 66,000 electric NGDVs. Unsurprisingly, this boondoggle is already way behind schedule – highlighting yet another failure of the Delivering for America Plan,” wrote Ernst.
    Read the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Man Indicted for Re-Entry of Removed Alien

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSE GUADALUPE COCA-ESCALANTE, a/k/a “Lenin Romo”, a/k/a “Guadalupe Escalante,” (“COCA-ESCALANTE”) age 39, a native of Mexico, was indicted on April 11, 2025, for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8 United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.

    According to the indictment, COCA-ESCALANTE was found in the United States on September 26, 2024, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on December 8, 2016.

    COCA-ESCALANTE faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for re-entry of a removed alien.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit  is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DES MOINES, Iowa – Three men were sentenced to federal prison for their role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

    According to public court documents, three men were involved in fentanyl distribution in the Des Moines metro throughout 2024: Chuol Peter Mai, 32, of Des Moines, Rickey Raymone Hayes, also known as “Dee,” of Des Moines, formerly of Detroit, and Keith Holliday, 35, of Detroit. In 2024, law enforcement purchased fentanyl pills from Mai using a confidential informant. Mai introduced the confidential informant to Hayes, Mai’s drug source of supply. Hayes directed Holliday to distribute the fentanyl pills to the confidential informant. In June 2024, Hayes’ vehicle and Des Moines residence were searched and law enforcement located more than $21,000 in cash in his vehicle, and a firearm and more than 200 grams of fentanyl at his residence.

    Mai was sentenced on April 2, 2025 to 60 months in federal prison. After completing his term of imprisonment, Mai will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release.

    Hayes was sentenced on March 28, 2025 to 150 months in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release.

    Holliday was sentenced on April 17, 2025 to 60 months in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Haven Gang Member Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison

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

    DONELL ALLICK, JR., also known as “D-Nice,” 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 240 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his participation in a violent New Haven street gang and a murder in September 2022.

    Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, investigated a gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city.  The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven.  Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020.

    The investigation revealed that Allick and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders.  Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence.  Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.

    On August 1, 2024, Allick pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, including acts of violence, narcotics trafficking, and gun sales, and specifically admitted that, on September 16, 2022, he and others shot Kenneth Cloud, 46, who was sitting on the porch of an Atwater Street residence in New Haven.  The victim was paralyzed as a result of the shooting and died approximately three months later.  Forty-three shell casings were found at the scene of the shooting.  Ballistics analysis revealed that 19 had been fired from a handgun later found in Allick’s vehicle, and 24 had been fired from a handgun later found inside Allick’s residence.

    Allick has been detained since his arrest on November 10, 2022.  On July 15, 2024, Judge Bolden sentenced him to 115 months of imprisonment in a separate federal case.  Allick’s 240-month sentence will run concurrently with his 115-month sentence.

    This investigation was conducted by the ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis and Rahul Kale.

    This prosecution was part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

    PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

    Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of Detroit Gang Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Money Laundering

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

    DETROIT – A 34-year-old Shelby Township man, Martaze Davis, was sentenced to 20 years in prison today for trafficking methamphetamine and laundering drug proceeds, Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced.

    Beck was joined in the announcement by Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Drug Enforcement Administration, Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Charles E. Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Detroit Field Divisions.

    Davis was a leader in a Detroit gang, 42 Hustle Boys. The 42 Hustle Boys and a rival gang, the Seven Mile Bloods, engaged in a longstanding and deadly feud. This investigation and prosecution, which began in 2023, focused on Davis’s leadership of a drug conspiracy that sent members to California to purchase methamphetamine brought into the United States from Mexico and transport it across the United States for distribution in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Tennessee.

    On October 24, 2023, Davis and codefendant Alexander Polanco, 28, conspired to load a rental car occupied by codefendants Taneeya Richard, 25, and Dejon Howard-Henderson, 24, with 38.9 kilograms of methamphetamine. The following day, officers stopped the rental car in Texas and seized the methamphetamine. Davis also laundered drug proceeds through his personal and business bank accounts intending to conceal the nature and source of the proceeds.

    “Our office vigorously pursues drug traffickers, including gang leaders and members, who push dangerous drugs like methamphetamine into our communities with indifference to the tragedy it inflicts. Thanks to the outstanding teamwork among the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Attorney’s Office, a dangerous drug trafficker and money launderer has been removed from our streets,” stated Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck.

    “Bringing members of violent street gangs to justice is one of our top operational priorities in the DEA Detroit Division. Mr. Davis and his 42 Hustle Boys co-conspirators are responsible for fueling untold suffering by funneling massive amounts of methamphetamine into areas already hard-hit by the opioid crisis.  Today’s sentence sends another clear message to drug trafficking organizations that their criminal behavior will not be tolerated and will be met with consequences,” said Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Drug Enforcement Administration.

    “Today’s sentencing of Martaze Davis represents a significant victory in our ongoing fight against organized crime and drug trafficking in Detroit,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office. “This case underscores the powerful collaboration between the FBI, DEA, and Detroit’s IRS Criminal Division. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to disrupt criminal networks, dismantle money laundering operations, and protect our communities. The removal of Mr. Davis, a dangerous Detroit gang leader, from the streets is a pivotal step in safeguarding Michigan and ensuring the safety of all its residents. Our combined efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to keeping Detroit and the surrounding areas free from criminal activity.”

    “The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs. Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers could not finance their organizations,” said Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to be relentless in our mission to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and bring the criminals who run them to justice.”

    The Honorable Sean F. Cox sentenced Davis to 20 years in prison.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force 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 to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by AUSA Paul Kuebler.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Prison for Trafficking 230 Pounds of Methamphetamine and Five Pounds of Fentanyl

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

    FRESNO, Calif. — Isaac Abraham Sandoval Lopez, 36, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to four years and nine months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on June 26, 2024, officers stopped Sandoval Lopez for a traffic infraction while driving northbound on Interstate 5 in Fresno County. A subsequent search of his car revealed several bags, suitcases, and backpacks throughout the car containing different types of narcotics. In total, officers seized approximately 230 pounds of methamphetamine, 5 pounds of fentanyl, and 2 pounds of heroin.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Announces Changes to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Gary Cohn to join the Board as Lead Independent Director

    Outgoing Chair and Lead Independent Director Jay Clayton assuming role as interim US Attorney for SDNY

    NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced changes to its Board of Directors. Financial services leader Gary Cohn has been appointed to the Board as Lead Independent Director. Jay Clayton, who has served as Chair and Lead Independent Director since March 2021, has informed Apollo that he will assume the role of Interim US Attorney for the Southern District of New York on April 22, 2025 and his resignation from the Apollo Board will be effective as of April 21, 2025. In addition, CEO Marc Rowan has been appointed to the expanded role of CEO and Chair of the Board. Both appointments will be effective as of April 21, 2025.

    Commenting on the Board appointments, Clayton said, “It was an honor to Chair the Apollo Board of Directors over the past four years. Our Board has overseen a remarkable transformation to shareholder-aligned stewardship and our management team, under Marc Rowan’s leadership, has delivered outstanding results for all our stakeholders. I am pleased to welcome Gary Cohn to the Board. Gary has a wealth of business and financial services experience across both the private and public sectors and has an unparalleled understanding of the role financial services firms play in our global economy. His appointment as Lead Independent Director supports Apollo’s continued commitment to best-in-class governance. I am pleased Marc has accepted the Board’s request to take on the expanded role of Chair where he will continue to provide stakeholder-oriented leadership, shape firm strategy and ensure operational excellence.”

    Cohn said, “I couldn’t be more excited to work with a transformational firm like Apollo that is driving the financial services industry forward. With the ongoing convergence of public and private markets, this is a remarkable time to create value for its shareholders and investors. I look forward to working with Marc and the Board to help Apollo capitalize on this opportunity and execute its growth plans.”

    Rowan said, “In just a few years, Jay has made tremendous and lasting contributions to Apollo, and he was a stabilizing force at an extraordinary time for our firm. He operates with the highest integrity, and we are grateful for his strong stewardship. With his forthcoming departure, I can think of few professionals more qualified to help fill his shoes than Gary Cohn, who we are pleased to appoint as Lead Independent Director.”

    Gary Cohn is the Vice Chairman of IBM and former director of the US National Economic Council. He spent 26 years with Goldman Sachs, including a decade as President and Chief Operating Officer from 2006-2016. He began his career in commodities trading in 1982. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of NYU Langone Health and is a graduate of American University.

    Accounting for these changes, Apollo continues to maintain a two-thirds independent Board of Directors.

    About Apollo

    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of December 31, 2024, Apollo had approximately $751 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    In this press release, references to “Apollo,” “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer collectively to Apollo Global Management, Inc. and its subsidiaries, or as the context may otherwise require. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, discussions related to Apollo’s expectations regarding the performance of its business and other non-historical statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. When used in this press release, the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “continue,” “will,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 24, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this press release and in our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. This press release does not constitute an offer of any Apollo fund.

    Contacts

    Noah Gunn
    Global Head of Investor Relations
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    212-822-0540
    ir@apollo.com

    Joanna Rose
    Global Head of Corporate Communications
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    212-822-0491
    communications@apollo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Westhaven Files Technical Report in Support of Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Shovelnose Gold Project, British Columbia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westhaven Gold Corp. (TSX-V:WHN) (“Westhaven”) announces that it has filed an independent technical report pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) supporting the Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (the “Updated PEA”) for its 100% owned Shovelnose Gold Project, under the Westhaven profile on Sedar+ (www.sedarplus.com). The Company’s news release dated March 3, 2025 summarizes the positive results of the Updated PEA for the Shovelnose Gold Project, located within the prospective Spences Bridge Gold Belt, bordering the Coquihalla Highway approximately 30 kilometres south of Merritt, British Columbia.

    The Technical Report, titled “Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment and Mineral Resource Estimate of the Shovelnose Gold Project, British Columbia” was prepared by James L. Pearson, P.Eng., D. Grant Feasby, P.Eng., Yungang Wu, P.Geo., Antoine Yassa, P.Geo., Brian Ray, P.Geo., Jarita Barry, P.Geo., Alexander Partsch, P.Eng., Dipl.-Ing, MBA, William Stone, Ph.D., P.Geo., and Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET of P&E Mining Consultants Inc., Brampton, Ontario (“P&E”), all Independent Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101. The technical report includes descriptions of important assumptions, and the justifications for them, made by the Qualified Persons who prepared the Updated PEA, and upon which the Updated PEA results are based. The Updated PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be classified as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty that the Updated PEA will be realized. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no guarantee that Westhaven will be successful in obtaining any or all of the requisite consents, permits or approvals, regulatory or otherwise, for the Shovelnose Gold Project to be placed into production. The Updated PEA has an effective date of February 28, 2025, and the report is dated April 17th, 2025. Mr. Puritch has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release.

    The technical report can also be found on the Westhaven website (https://www.westhavengold.com/ ).

    On behalf of the Board of Directors
    WESTHAVEN GOLD CORP.

    “Gareth Thomas”

    Gareth Thomas, President, CEO & Director

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    About Westhaven Gold Corp.

    Westhaven is a gold-focused exploration company targeting low sulphidation, high-grade, epithermal style gold mineralization within Canada’s newest gold district, the Spences Bridge Gold Belt. Westhaven controls ~61,512 hectares (~615 square kilometres) within four gold properties spread along this underexplored belt. The Shovelnose Gold project is the most advance property, with an updated 2025 Preliminary Economic Assessment that validates the Project’s potential as a robust, low cost and high margin 11-year underground gold mining opportunity with average annual life-of-mine gold production of 56,000 ounces and having a Cdn$454 million after-tax NPV6%and 43.2% IRR (base case parameters of US$2400 per ounce gold, US$28 per ounce silver and CDN/US$ exchange rate of $0.72). Initial capital costs are projected to be Cdn$184 million with a payback period of 2.1 years. Please see Westhaven’s news release dated March 3rd, 2025 (Link: March 3, 2025 News Release) details of the updated PEA. Shovelnose is situated off a major highway, near power, rail, large producing mines, pipelines and within commuting distance from the city of Merritt, which translates into low-cost exploration and development. Qualified Person: The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Peter Fischl, P.Geo, who is a Qualified Person for the Company under the definitions established by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Westhaven trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol WHN. For further information, please call 604-681-5558 or visit Westhaven’s website at www.westhavengold.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: South Sudan on the brink as peace deal falters, UN warns

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    By Vibhu Mishra

    South Sudan stands at a dangerous crossroads as rising political tensions threaten to derail a fragile peace deal, amid growing fears of renewed conflict in the world’s youngest nation, already buckling under a deepening humanitarian crisis.

    Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan, warned that a political standoff between President Salva Kiir and former First Vice President Riek Machar – the two principal signatories to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement – has now degenerated into direct military confrontation.

    Volatility is mounting amid reports of renewed mobilisation by the White Army militia and South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Upper Nile state, the alleged recruitment of children, and the deployment of Ugandan forces at the government’s request.

    Misinformation, disinformation and hate speech are fuelling political and ethnic tensions.

    “This situation is darkly reminiscent of the conflicts of 2013 and 2016, which cost over 400,000 lives,” Mr. Haysom said, briefing ambassadors in the Security Council.

    “The overriding imperative now is to urgently avert a relapse into full-scale conflict, refocus efforts on accelerating the implementation of the Agreement, and advance the transition towards South Sudan’s first democratic elections.”

    Spillover of war in Sudan

    Mr. Haysom underscored the urgent need for collective effort by national and international stakeholders to secure a cessation of hostilities, preserve the Revitalized Peace Agreement and ensure an end to the continuous cycles of incomplete transitions.

    The parties must resolve tensions through dialogue, build trust and confidence, refocus on the peace agreement and consensus-based decision making, and strongly commit not to return to war, he said.

    “We need look no further than across the northern border to Sudan for a stark reminder of how quickly a country can descend into catastrophic conflict. This region cannot afford another crisis that could further destabilise an already fragile landscape,” he stressed.

    UN pushes for dialogue

    Mr. Haysom, who also heads the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), highlighted its diplomatic efforts alongside the African Union, the regional bloc IGAD, Pope Francis and others to urge restraint and restore dialogue.

    He urged the Security Council to support steps to ease tensions, especially in the Nasir region of Upper Nile state; respect for the ceasefire; the release of detained officials; and encourage South Sudan’s leaders to put the interests of the people first.

    UNMISS also remains engaged in supporting civic and political space, and rule of law, while also focusing on protection of civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance and monitoring human rights. However, it faces limitations – especially in the face of a broader conflict – such as access denials and operating constraints.

    “UNMISS is a peacekeeping mission – not an army – and cannot be everywhere, all at once,” Mr. Haysom said.

    Humanitarian fallout worsening

    The political and security situation is unfolding against a backdrop of what the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) called a “humanitarian nightmare in the making”.

    Also briefing ambassadors, Edem Wosornu, OCHA Director of Operations, warned that conditions have dramatically deteriorated over the past eight months.Across South Sudan, over 9.3 million people – three-quarters of the population – require humanitarian assistance, about half of them are children

    Since February, insecurity in Upper Nile has displaced 130,000 people, including thousands into Ethiopia as refugees. Hospitals have also been forced to shut down due to attacks and destruction, while nearly 7.7 million people are facing acute food insecurity.

    The crisis is feared to worsen as the rainy season begins. Last year, severe flooding affected about 1.4 million people, displaced communities and disrupted food production, fuelling localised violence.

    Break the cycle of violence

    Despite ongoing relief efforts, both UN officials underscored that humanitarian aid cannot substitute for political will.

    What is needed, they stressed, is urgent, sustained, and coordinated action – from national leaders, regional guarantors and the international community – to prevent the situation from spiralling.

    “Another war is a risk South Sudan simply cannot afford, nor can the wider region,” Mr. Haysom said.

    “The Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the only viable framework to break this cycle of violence in South Sudan.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –