NewzIntel.com

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Lexington Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Adam Pursifull, 40, was sentenced on Friday, by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, to 124 months, for possession of a firearm as a prohibited person.  

    According to his plea agreement, on April 23, 2024, law enforcement received information leading to the arrest of Adam Pursifull on an outstanding parole warrant.  During the arrest and a search, officers located a loaded firearm in Pursifull’s possession.  Pursifull had previously been convicted by the Fayette Circuit Court of trafficking in a controlled substance first degree, in May 2014, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

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

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; AJ Gibes, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Jeremy Honaker, Acting U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Commissioner Cookie Crews, Kentucky Department of Corrections, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by ATF, U.S Marshal’s Service, and the Kentucky Department of Corrections.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 273, Small Business Child Care Investment Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 273 would authorize nonprofit childcare providers to receive loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Under current law, a business must be a for-profit enterprise to be eligible for SBA’s programs. The bill also would require SBA to report annually to the Congress on the number and amount of loans issued to nonprofit childcare providers.

    Based on the costs of similar provisions, CBO expects that the additional costs to report to the Congress each year would total less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period. CBO estimates that any change in the costs of SBA loans, which are subject to appropriation, would be insignificant. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriations.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Aurora Swanson. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Top 10% in US for 3 Hospital Services

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn Health ranks among the nation’s top 10% in joint replacement, major orthopedic surgery, and overall medical care, according to an objective third-party measurement of U.S. hospitals’ quality performance.

    The firm Bluebook Quantros, which uses proprietary metrics to score inpatient quality performance across general, acute, and nonfederal hospitals, issued a total of four 2025 CareChex Awards for Medical Excellence to UConn’s John Dempsey Hospital. The fourth is for ranking in the top 10% in the Northeast Region for overall hospital care.

    “We are very proud of the quality care our providers and staff deliver, and it is always extremely rewarding when we earn this tremendous recognition,” says Caryl Ryan, chief nursing officer and the hospital’s chief operating officer and vice president for quality and patient care services. “Our hospital continues to be consistently recognized by national organizations for providing high-quality care, and CareChex is now one of many. I am continuously impressed by the outstanding care provided to our patients and very appreciative of everyone’s efforts in attaining such distinctive quality awards.”

    This is the third time in the last four years CareChex rated John Dempsey Hospital in the top 10% of U.S. hospitals for overall medical care.

    “As one of Connecticut’s few dedicated academic medical centers, we are committed to being at the forefront of orthopedic care, bringing state-of-the-art, cutting-edge procedures and  technologies to our patients, while ensuring that quality and safety are always a top priority,” says Dr. Isaac Moss, chair of the UConn Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “It’s great to get this external recognition for all the amazing work done by our entire team.”

    Bluebook Quantros describes its datasets as based on a rigorous review of patient complications, readmissions and mortality, with 39 clinical categories in medical excellence and patient safety, and not including any self-reported or survey data.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Crime Spree at CVS Stores in Northwest Results in Prison Term

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Craig Wilson, 64, of Washington DC, was sentenced today to 20 months in prison, for aggregated first-degree theft, for a string of retail thefts over the course of 11 days, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Wilson pleaded guilty on November 5, 2024, in D.C. Superior Court to one count of first-degree theft and one count of misdemeanor bail reform act violation. The Honorable Judge Carmen McLean ordered Wilson to serve 20 months in prison on the first-degree theft charge and 90 days incarceration on the bail reform act charge. Both counts were ordered to run consecutive to one another and Mr. Wilson’s prison sentence is to be followed by three years of supervised release.

                According to the government’s evidence, between June 19, 2024 and September 9, 2024, Wilson committed a string of thefts, mostly at the same CVS store located in the 1000 block of 16th Street, N.W. During that period, Wilson committed 13 retail thefts over the course of 11 days. In each instance, Wilson was seen on surveillance camera entering the stores, taking merchandise from the shelves, and leaving the stores without paying for the merchandise. Wilson stole over $3,000 in merchandise during his crime spree.

                Wilson was arrested on September 26, 2024, and he has been in custody since.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Cook, who prosecuted the case, and paralegal Sabrina Hudgens. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Admits To Defrauding COVID-19 Programs While On Supervised Release

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas woman pleaded guilty yesterday to carrying out a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $137,000 from the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (PUA), the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL).

    Kelly Ann Mogavero, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2025, before United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva.

    “Kelly Mogavero, a convicted felon recently released from prison, fraudulently collected unemployment insurance (UI) benefits intended for American workers who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge, Western Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “Yesterday’s guilty plea highlights our strong collaboration with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada and our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of the UI system and secure justice for the American taxpayer.”

    According to court documents and admissions made in court by Mogavero, from June 3, 2020, to June 23, 2001, she devised and carried out a scheme to defraud Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR), the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), and the Small Business Administration (SBA) in an attempt to fraudulently obtain $137,600 in relief benefits from the PUA, PPP, and EIDL programs.

    As part of the scheme, while she was under United States Probation’s supervision, Mogavero fraudulently filed for unemployment insurance in both Nevada and Arizona and submitted at least two fraudulent applications for EIDLs and one fraudulent application for a PPP loan. Mogavero submitted materially false and fraudulent information, including that she was the sole proprietor of several companies which did not in fact exist, for which she stated false revenue amounts, and—for one of the EIDL applications—a false number of employees. Mogavero also submitted falsified tax documents in support of each application. As a result of her scheme, Mogavero successfully obtained more than $44,000 in relief benefits to which she was not entitled.

    In October 2016, Mogavero was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the District of Nevada and she was sentenced to 46-months in custody followed by five years of supervision.

    At sentencing, Mogavero faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence of each defendant after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami, Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division, and Special Agent-in-Charge Quentin Heiden, Western Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI, DOL-OIG, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General Office of Investigations – COVID Fraud Unit, Office of Inspector General U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Office of Inspector General Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Frayn is prosecuting the case.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit Justice.gov/Coronavirus and Justice.gov/Coronavirus/CombatingFraud.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Introduces Bill to Raise Minimum Age to Buy Assault Weapons

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the seventh anniversary of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21, the same age requirement that already applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers. Individuals under 21 have used assault weapons in some of the most devastating school shootings in U.S. history, including the mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

    Gun violence is a national crisis, claiming over 46,000 lives in 2023 — the third-largest number of gun-related deaths in American history. Assault weapons, originally engineered for military combat to maximize damage, are frequently used in mass shootings because of their ability to inflict catastrophic harm in mere seconds. More than 85 percent of deaths in public mass shootings involving four or more fatalities were caused by assault rifles. Furthermore, shootings involving assault weapons or large-capacity magazines result in more than 2.5 times as many people being shot compared to incidents involving other firearms.

    “Seven years after a 19-year-old gunman tragically took the lives of 17 students and faculty in Parkland, we’re still seeing far too many preventable mass shootings at the hands of deadly assault rifles,” said Senator Padilla. “If you can’t legally buy a handgun, there’s no reason you should be able to buy a military-grade weapon. This commonsense legislation would raise the minimum age to purchase or carry an assault weapon or high-capacity ammunition from 18 to 21 — the same standard already in place for purchasing handguns — helping to curb the gun violence epidemic that continues to devastate communities in California and across the nation.”

    The bill’s restrictions on the sale of assault weapons, handguns, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition to individuals under the age of 21 would apply to both federally licensed and private sellers. Additionally, the legislation would bar most individuals under 21 from possessing these items, with limited exceptions for specific circumstances such as service in law enforcement or the armed forces.

    The Age 21 Act is cosponsored by 18 Senators, including Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    “Too many innocent lives lost, too many individuals facing relentless grief—we must take action to stop the epidemic of gun violence plaguing our nation. By raising the minimum age requirement for purchasing assault weapons, the Age 21 Act keeps guns out of the hands of young people, combatting gun violence hurting our communities. This legislation takes meaningful action to prevent senseless, unnecessary tragedies,” said Senator Blumenthal.

    “Congress cannot sit by and do nothing while gun violence remains the number one killer of children in America,” said Senator Duckworth. “As we remember the 17 lives cut short at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we must honor their memory with action. The Age 21 Act is commonsense gun safety legislation that would help prevent mass shootings and do more to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who would seek to harm themselves or others. If Republicans were truly ‘pro-life,’ they would support our bill and help us save lives.”

    “Gun violence continues to shatter families and communities throughout America. Our existing laws allow far too many guns to fall into the wrong hands. That is why I’m signing onto the Age 21 Act, which prohibits the sale of assault weapons, handguns, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition to individuals under the age of 21,” said Senator Durbin. “This legislation is one of many steps we must take to address the gun violence epidemic across the United States.”

    “Guns are the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in America today. Year after year, deadly assault weapons inflict devastating and avoidable harm on our families, schools, and communities, causing children, parents, and teachers to live with the fear that the next school shooting may happen in their community,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Age 21 Act offers a critical safeguard to prevent such tragedies, decreasing the threat of gun violence against our kids. I am proud to support this legislation, and I will fight hard for its passage this Congress.”

    “The gun violence epidemic in our country is rampant, devastating communities and taking innocent lives,” said Senator Hirono. “This commonsense legislation is a step in the right direction and will help to keep our communities safer by keeping these deadly weapons out of the hands of those under the age of 21. As we continue working to prevent gun violence across the country, our introduction of this bill will move us closer to putting an end to the thousands of preventable gun-violence related deaths every year.”

    “Everyone in America should be able to live free from the fear of injury or death caused by a firearm,” said Senator Kaine. “One of many commonsense steps we can take to reduce that risk is limiting young people’s access to assault weapons—just like we already limit their access to handguns. I’m proud to help introduce this bill to raise the legal purchasing age for assault weapons to 21, and will keep pushing for additional legislation to make our communities safer from gun violence.”

    “Our children deserve safe environments to grow and learn in, and that means taking on gun violence—the leading cause of death for children and teens,” said Senator Klobuchar. “It’s common sense that young people who cannot buy a handgun should not be able to buy an assault weapon.”

    “From Uvalde to Parkland, it’s just a fact the profile of these shooters are often teenagers who were able to legally get their hands on a deadly weapon like an AR-15. A majority of Americans support raising the age to purchase assault weapons or handguns to 21. Congress should do it,” said Senator Murphy.

    “It’s really simple: Teenagers and assault rifles don’t mix. This bill would make it harder for anyone under 21 to get their hands on the types of military-style assault weapons and ammunition that have been repeatedly used in school shootings and other mass-casualty attacks,” said Senator Reed.

    “This bill helps address the epidemic of gun violence by restricting access to weapons capable of inflicting the most grievous loss of life to those of appropriate age,” said Senator Schiff. “It is not too much to ask that someone wait until the age of 21 to purchase a military style assault weapon for civilian use. Gun violence takes the lives of too many people each year, including many children, and we must do everything in our power to find solutions that keep our communities and our children safe.”

    “No good comes from an unsupervised teenager having an assault rifle,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Our commonsense legislation would help keep kids and communities safe by preventing young people who are not even of legal drinking age from being able to buy weapons of war.”

    “If you’re not old enough to purchase alcohol, you shouldn’t be allowed to buy a gun either,” said Senator Wyden. “We need to be doing everything we can to stop America’s gun violence epidemic, including raising the legal age of purchase to 21. I am proud to support this bill that will help keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of teenagers.”

    The Age 21 Act is endorsed by organizations including Brady: United Against Gun Violence, March for Our Lives, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, and Everytown for Gun Safety.

    “Six of the deadliest mass shootings since 2018 were committed by individuals 21 and under. The Age 21 Act could have saved lives then, and will continue to do so if passed into law,” said Alexa Browning, Policy Manager at March For Our Lives. “Firearms are still the leading cause of death for young people, yet we continue to allow access to deadly weapons while restricting substances like alcohol and tobacco. We are deeply grateful to Senator Padilla for taking decisive action in this fight to prevent further tragedies and protect our future.” 

    “People ages 18 to 20 are responsible for perpetrating a disproportionate share of school shootings, public mass shootings, and gun homicides overall. Raising the minimum age of purchase not only protects communities, but kids as well, as states with minimum age laws have seen significant declines in firearm suicides and other types of gun violence among young adults and children. Senator Padilla’s bill sets a national standard for something that has already proven effective at the state level, and we urge Congress to implement this common sense legislation,” said Vanessa Gonzalez, Vice President of Government & Political Affairs at GIFFORDS.

    Senator Padilla is a strong advocate for commonsense, life-saving gun safety reforms. In June 2022, Padilla voted to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun safety legislation in almost 30 years. Last year, Padilla introduced bicameral legislation to prevent the federal government from contracting with federally licensed firearms dealers that have a documented history of selling a disproportionate number of guns that end up being used to commit violent crimes. In 2023, Padilla joined 27 of his Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Keep Americans Safe Act, renewing efforts to ban the importation, sale, manufacturing, transfer, or possession of gun magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. He also joined Senator Blumenthal in introducing Ethan’s Law, which would require gun owners to safely and securely store their firearms, and he cosponsored Senator Edward J. Markey’s (D-Mass.) Protecting Kids from Gun Marketing Act, which would direct the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe rules that prohibit the marketing of firearms to children.

    A one-pager on the bill is available here.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet, DeGette, Neguse, Crow, Pettersen, Sound Alarm About Trump Admin’s Cuts to Critical Colorado Medical Research 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    Proposed cuts will weaken our public health, limit access to life-saving treatments while stifling medical research to cure cancer, fight infectious diseases, better support our veterans suffering from PTSD
    In 2023, Colorado researchers received $575 million in NIH funding for medical research, supporting 7,000+ jobs in the state 
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet along with Representatives Diana DeGette, Jason Crow, Joe Neguse, Brittany Pettersen wrote to the Senate and House Appropriations Committee to raise alarm about the Trump administration’s efforts to cut billions in federal funding for medical research and urged them to protect bipartisan research funding.
    “Federal commitment to cutting edge research in health care results in real medical and scientific advancements which benefits us all… These proposed cuts result in less funding research in Colorado,” wrote the Colorado lawmakers. “Patients and researchers will experience the most negative consequences.”
    In 2023, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded over $575 million to Colorado researchers to solve cancer, study infectious diseases, and much more. Colorado’s medical research supports over 7,000 Colorado workers and generates more than $1.56 billion for our state’s economy. Over the weekend, the Trump administration announced plans to slash more than $4 billion in federal funding for critical biomedical research nationwide. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration, pausing their funding cuts.
    These cuts would halt cutting-edge research across Colorado, including:
    Efforts at Fort Lewis College to identify new colon and pancreatic cancer treatments
    National Jewish Health’s leading research into asthma treatment and pulmonary function
    Research for children with Down Syndrome at Colorado State University
    Next-generation research at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs into the sequencing of chromosomal interactions
    University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center’s work on type 1 diabetes, breast cancer, and heart disease
    Yesterday, Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor to raise alarm about the administration’s attempts to spread disinformation and anti-science views as well as the devastating impacts the proposed NIH cuts would have on Colorado.
    “Biomedical research is the bedrock of how we bring forward and test new scientific discoveries and advance new treatments to dramatically improve care for children and adults. Restricting critical funding would have an immediate and devastating impact, shutting down programs, and potentially jeopardizing lives – setting our country back decades,” said Michael Salem, M.D., President and CEO of National Jewish Health, the leading respiratory hospital in the nation, based in Colorado.  
    Full text of the letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Belarus: Violations remain ‘widespread and systematic’, says independent expert group

    Source: United Nations 2-b

    Human Rights

    A new report from UN Human Rights Council-mandated experts monitoring Belarus on Friday said that authorities have been committing widespread human rights violations, some amounting to crimes against humanity, as part of a systematic campaign to silence political opposition.

    The Group of Independent Experts on the Human Rights Situation in Belarus established in 2024, was tasked with investigating alleged violations since 2020 – when a disputed election saw President Alexander Lukashenko returned to power for a sixth term – and recommending steps toward accountability.

    The group was established last year for a renewable period of a year. Like all independent experts appointed by the Human Rights Council, they serve on a voluntary basis, are not UN staff, receive no salary and are are independent of any government.

    In their latest findings presented to the Council, the experts documented arbitrary arrests, torture, sexual violence and the persecution of political opponents.

    The report details targeted abuses against LGBTQIA+ individuals, political activists and journalists, alongside sweeping legal changes aimed at eradicating all dissent.

    The violations, the experts concluded, are part of a widespread and systematic attack against civilians critical of the Government.

    Campaign of fear and repression

    The experts’ findings state that Belarusian authorities systematically detain critics on politically motivated charges, often subjecting them to repeated imprisonment under inhumane conditions.

    Arrests are frequently carried out using excessive force, together with threats and intimidation.

    Detainees report being beaten, subjected to electric shocks, and even threatened with rape – not only against themselves but also against their family members.

    The regime’s actions go beyond repression, with reasonable grounds to believe that some violations amount to “imprisonment and persecution on political grounds”, the report said.

    Torture and sexual violence

    Widespread torture and ill-treatment are documented, particularly within temporary detention facilities and penal colonies.

    Men and women detained on political charges are routinely subjected to extreme conditions: some deprived of sleep, packed into overcrowded cells without basic hygiene and denied medical care.

    Many detainees describe being forced to make “repentance videos” after suffering physical and psychological abuse.

    The targeting of LGBTQIA+ individuals is particularly brutal, with security forces using homophobic slurs, beatings and sexual humiliation.

    In one instance, a transgender woman was severely beaten, threatened with rape and forced to confess to crimes she did not commit, the experts report.

    A crackdown beyond borders

    Hundreds of opposition figures, activists and journalists have been charged in absentia for alleged crimes such as “discrediting” the State. Their properties have been seized and their families in Belarus have faced harassment and intimidation.

    “The orchestrated campaign of violence and mistreatment was directed against Belarusians perceived as being critical of, or opposed to, the Government,” the experts noted.

    Conclusions show that such persecution extends beyond Belarus’s borders, leaving those in exile vulnerable and their families at home under pressure.

    Systematic persecution

    The experts determined that Belarus’s actions amount to crimes against humanity, citing imprisonment, torture and persecution on political grounds as part of a widespread and systematic attack on civilians.

    They stressed that accountability is critical, emphasising that “identifying and prosecuting perpetrators of human rights violations and crimes against humanity is key to ending Belarus’s culture of impunity and integral for the victims to receive justice.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Receives 60+ Years After Committing Series of Armed Robberies of Houston-Area Fast-Food Restaurants

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

    HOUSTON –A 25-year-old Houston resident has been ordered to federal prison for interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei.

    The jury deliberated for less than three hours before finding Caleb Pickens guilty Nov. 8, 2024, following a four-day trial.

    U.S. District Judge David Hittner has now ordered Pickens to serve 722 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the sentencing hearing, the court heard evidence of Pickens’ conduct while in jail and immediately after trial. Following the verdict, Pickens exhibited obstructive behavior by grabbing a full water bottle and slinging it at the prosecution table. He then threw the water bottle at the lead case agent. Pickens also fought with officers in the courtroom.

    In handing down the sentence, the court noted Pickens’ abhorrent behavior, his lack of remorse, the court’s need to protect the public from him and his propensity for violence, as well as his violence towards officers while performing their duties. Judge Hittner said he believes Pickens to be a true danger to the public and recommended he be placed in a maximum security prison.

    “Today’s sentence appropriately accounts for defendant’s violent nature and the seriousness of his offense,” said Ganjei. “Day after day, case by case, the southern District of Texas and its law enforcements partners are striving to make Houston a safer place to live and work.”

    In early January 2024, law enforcement began investigating a series of armed robberies at McDonalds and other fast-food restaurants and convenience stores which occurred during the month of January. This eventually led them to Pickens.  

    At trial, the jury heard Pickens had worn either a red Nike sweatshirt or a black hooded jacket while committing a series of armed robberies at McDonald’s locations. He also brandished a pistol. Occasionally, he had held the gun to victims’ heads, backs or stomachs and demanded money from the safe. In one incident at a local McDonald’s, he fired his pistol into a microwave oven.

    During the robberies, Pickens would order the manager to hand over the money from the safe before exiting through the restaurant’s back door. He then fled the locations in a stolen black Chevrolet Tahoe that had a broken left rear window, used scissors to start the ignition and drove away.

    Law enforcement located the vehicle and began conducting surveillance. On Jan. 23, 2024, the Chevy Tahoe arrived at a McDonald’s in Houston where Pickens again committed another armed robbery. Authorities arrested him on scene. At that time, he was wearing the same Nike sweatshirt and hooded jacket from previous robberies and was in possession of a pistol.

    At trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury the government had not proved a robbery of McDonald’s affected interstate commerce. They did not believe those claims and found Pickens guilty as charged.

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

    The Houston Police Department’s Violent Crime Task Force and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jill Stotts and Brian Hrach are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully present in the United States has pleaded guilty to trafficking thousands of fentanyl pills.

    Freddy Artemio Guerrero Soto, 29, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2025. In September 2024, Guerrero Soto was charged along with three co-conspirators.

    According to court documents, in September 2024, an undercover agent ordered 30,000 blue pressed fentanyl pills and 500 grams of powder fentanyl from Ernesto Andujar Echavarria, who allegedly agreed to provide the pills and powder the next day. It is further alleged that shortly before the sale was to occur, Andujar Echavarria informed the undercover agent that an associate of his would deliver the drugs. A short time later, it is alleged that Guerrero Soto met with the undercover agent and provided him with a backpack containing a shoe box with a large number of blue pills and bags of brown powder. Guerrero Soto was arrested and during a search of his person, he was found to be in possession of a Dominican identification card. Together, the blue pressed pills and bags of brown powder seized from Guerrero Soto contained over 2 kilograms of fentanyl.

    Andujar Echavarria has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

    The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl carry mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years to life in prison; no less than five years of supervised release; and a fine of up to $10 million. The defendant is subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of an imposed sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of the Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

    The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jackson Man Sentenced to over Four years in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced to 51 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

    According to court documents, on August 28, 2023, Freddie Antwan McField, 44, was found in possession of a firearm by Hinds County Sheriff’s Office Deputies. McField has prior felony convictions for armed robbery, kidnapping, and motor vehicle theft.

    McField was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 9, 2024 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pled guilty on November 5, 2024.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.

    The case was investigated by the FBI and Hinds County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gang Leader Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine Pills and Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Cambodian man living in Lowell, Mass. was sentenced yesterday for trafficking large quantities of deadly substances, methamphetamine pills and fentanyl.

    Sary Rath, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 135 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Rath is subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In October 2024, Rath pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of fentanyl.

    The investigation of Rath and the criminal street gang, the Asian Boyz, was intended to disrupt the manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine pills, branded as the pharmaceutical product, Adderall, that was impacting Greater Lowell communities. The Asian Boyz were supplying a sprawling drug distribution network with these homemade counterfeit “Adderall” pills.  

    On Nov. 11, 2021, Rath was recorded selling over 2,000 counterfeit “Adderall” pills for the price of $2.00 per pill, or $4,000 total. The pills were seized by investigators, who confirmed that the pills were pressed with methamphetamine and caffeine, and were nearly identical to genuine Adderall pills in shape, size, color and markings.      

    Rath also brokered a half-kilogram fentanyl deal with Asian Boyz gang associate and co-defendant, Anel Reyes. In early December 2021, Rath was introduced to undercover agents posing as music industry insiders. Rath used the brand “Money Affiliated” to publish music and sell apparel that promoted his allegiance to the Asian Boyz. The undercover agents expressed interest in helping Rath produce rap music and the need for a source of wholesale quantities of cocaine and fentanyl. On Dec. 20, 2021, Rath coordinated a meeting at his music studio in Chelmsford, Mass., between the undercover agent, Reyes, and himself, for the sale of 500 grams of fentanyl for $10,000. Reyes was only able to obtain approximately 400 grams of fentanyl, so the undercover agent paid $8,000. For brokering the deal, Rath received $800 of the cash proceeds of the illicit sale. Approximately three weeks later, on Jan. 14, 2022, Reyes conducted a second transaction with the same undercover agent, this time for a half kilogram of fentanyl for $10,000.

    In May 2024, Reyes pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 27, 2025.  

    U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division and Superintendent Greg Hudon of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boston Woman Pleads Guilty to Using a Stolen Identity to Rent Apartments Allegedly Used by Co-Defendant for Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Boston woman has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to a conspiracy to fraudulently rent two apartments under another individual’s identity.

    Ashley Roostaie, a/k/a “Lola,” a/k/a “dropdeadlola,” 38, pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for May 22, 2025. Roostaie was charged in April 2023, along with alleged co-conspirator Terrence Pyrtle.

    According to court documents Roostaie, and allegedly Pyrtle, utilized the personal identification information (including name, date of birth and Social Security number) of another individual to apply for and enter into lease agreements for two apartments in Braintree and Somerville, respectively. As part of their conspiracy Roostaie, and allegedly Pyrtle, created an email account under the name of the individual’s identity that they had submitted in connection with the apartments and transmitted a purported driver’s license containing the individual’s name and some of that individual’s personal identification information but depicting a different person’s photograph. By placing the apartment leases under another individual’s personal identification information Roostaie, and allegedly Pyrtle, were able to conceal any connection to and use of the apartments. According to court documents, Pyrtle allegedly then used those locations to participate in a drug conspiracy involving distribution quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, fentanyl analogue and methamphetamine.

    Roostaie, and allegedly Pyrtle, also used that individual’s personal identification information to obtain and use a Green Dot debit card to make payments associated with each of the apartments, each of which had a monthly rent that exceeded $1,000.    

    Pyrtle has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

    The charge of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of access device fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Bridgewater, Fall River, and Quincy Police Departments and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant  is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Woman Pleads Guilty To Fraudulently Seeking Nearly $100M In COVID-19 Employment Tax Credits

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Nevada woman pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to defraud the United States by making claims for refunds of false COVID-19 related employment tax credits.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Candies Goode-McCoy, of Las Vegas, conspired with others to file tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds based on the employee retention credit (ERC) and paid sick and family leave credit. From around June 2022 through September 2023, McCoy filed approximately 1,227 false tax returns for her businesses and others claiming these refundable credits.

    In total, these claims sought refunds of over $98 million, of which the IRS paid approximately $33 million. McCoy personally received over $1.3 million in fraudulent refunds and was paid about $800,000 from those on whose behalf she filed fraudulent returns. McCoy knew that these returns were fraudulent. Neither she nor the others for whom she filed them were eligible to receive the refundable credits in the amounts claimed. McCoy used the proceeds for her personal benefit, including the purchase of luxury cars, gambling at casinos, vacations and other luxury goods.

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, Congress authorized the ERC for small businesses to reduce the employment tax owed to the IRS. Congress also authorized the IRS to give a credit against employment taxes to reimburse businesses for the wages paid to employees who were on sick or family leave and could not work because of COVID-19. This credit was equal to the wages the business paid the employees during the sick or family leave, subject to a maximum amount.

    McCoy is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 23, 2026. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney John C. Gerardi of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Criminal Defense Attorney Indicted For Bribery Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging DAVID MACEY, a criminal defense attorney based in Florida, with bribery of a public official, conspiracy to bribe a public official, honest services wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, for a scheme in which MACEY paid tens of thousands of dollars to a senior Special Agent (“Agent-1”) with the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), in exchange for Agent-1 providing sensitive law enforcement information to MACEY to assist MACEY in recruiting and representing clients.  MACEY will be presented before Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron later today.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Reardon.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said:  “As alleged, David Macey provided secret payments to a senior DEA special agent in exchange for access to sensitive information that Macey could use to enrich himself, including information regarding sealed indictments and impending arrests.  This prosecution underscores this Office’s commitment to combatting bribery – especially bribery that compromises law enforcement’s duty to protect and serve the public.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “David Macey, a criminal defense attorney, allegedly bribed a senior federal agent with tens of thousands of dollars for confidential information from law enforcement databases. Macey allegedly breached an expectation of privacy and received unlawful advantageous details to unjustly benefit his practice. The FBI will never tolerate those who engage in corrupt practices with public officials and cheat the investigative nature of our criminal justice system.”

    According to the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

    MACEY is a criminal defense attorney based in Coral Gables, Florida.  From in or about October 2018 through in or about January 2020, MACEY and a private investigator that worked with MACEY (“Investigator-1”) paid bribes to Agent-1 with the DEA in return for Agent-1 providing non-public, confidential DEA information in breach of Agent-1’s official duties.  MACEY and Investigator-1 paid the bribes to Agent-1 using methods designed to conceal MACEY’s own connection to the bribe payments, including by using EDWIN PAGAN III, a former DEA Task Force Officer, as an intermediary.  In return for the bribe payments, Agent-1 provided nonpublic, confidential DEA information to MACEY and Investigator-1 so that MACEY and Investigator-1 could use that information in furtherance of MACEY’s legal practice, including to recruit and represent criminal defendants.

    Among the benefits paid by MACEY and Investigator-1 to Agent-1 were a $2,500 payment made in November 2018, shortly after Investigator-1’s retirement from the DEA, which was funneled to Agent-1 through a company owned by a close family member of Agent-1. At the same time that this payment was made, MACEY and Investigator-1 began asking Agent-1 to run searches in the DEA’s Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Information System (“NADDIS”), a database that contains confidential information about individuals who are or have been under investigation by the DEA.  Following that initial payment, MACEY and Investigator-1 continued to provide benefits to Agent-1, including $50,000 that was paid to Agent-1 for Agent-1’s purchase of a condominium in January 2019 and tens of thousands of dollars that were funneled from Investigator-1 through a company created by PAGAN.

    In return, Agent-1 continued to provide nonpublic DEA information to MACEY and Investigator-1, including information about the timing of forthcoming indictments, information about DEA arrest plans of particular targets, and non-public information about arrests of criminal defendants.  Agent-1 also continued to search NADDIS for names of particular individuals requested by MACEY and Investigator-1, doing so on dozens of occasions during the scheme. In addition, during the scheme, MACEY and Agent-1 discussed Agent-1’s efforts to influence subjects of DEA investigations to retain MACEY as their attorney.  

    *                *                *

    MACEY, 54, of Coral Gables, Florida, and PAGAN, 52, of Miami, Florida, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, which carries a maximum term of five years in prison, and one count of receiving or paying a bribe, respectively, which carries a maximum term of 15 years in prison. MACEY and PAGAN are also charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and one count of honest services wire fraud, each of which counts carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.  PAGAN is also charged with four counts of perjury in connection with false testimony that he provided in a related criminal trial in November 2023.  The charges against PAGAN were unsealed in November 2024.

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

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, and thanked the DEA’s Office of Professional Responsibility for its support in this matter.

    The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Deininger and Mat Andrews are in charge of the prosecution. 

    [1] The entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Characterizing Organic Carbon Cycling at a Seafloor Spreading Center

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Location of Escanaba Trough.

    The global ocean is a significant carbon sink, absorbing about a third of all atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (Gruber et al., 2019). Much of that carbon is photosynthesized—that is, converted into organic matter—and may eventually reach the seafloor, where it becomes part of the sediments. Globally, the top one meter (3.3 feet) of the seafloor contains two and a half times as much carbon as all atmospheric CO2 (Atwood et al., 2020). However, few studies have looked at organic carbon cycling in deep-sea settings, largely due to the difficulty of conducting research there.

    In this recent study, researchers characterized carbon-containing compounds in sediments from Escanaba Trough, a hydrothermal system where mineral-rich fluids vent from the seafloor and precipitate, forming active chimneys, inactive sulfide mounds, and hydrocarbon-rich sediments, which can contain metals, critical minerals, and petroleum. The venting fluids also feed chemosynthetic organisms that create energy from hydrothermal chemicals rather than light, giving rise to entire deep-sea ecosystems in the cold, dark depths. 

    The researchers found that surface sediments—those that were most recently deposited—at Escanaba Trough are primarily derived from marine sources. This contrasts with past work done in this environment, which focused on sediments deeper down, with a predominantly terrestrial source. This older, land-sourced sediment, which covers Escanaba Trough to depths of up to 500 meters, is attributed to post-glacial debris flows, or turbidites, caused by ice sheets retreating across North America during the end of the last Ice Age. After the ice sheets melted, the sediment source shifted to organic carbon derived from marine primary production, in which photosynthetic organisms convert inorganic carbon to organic material that may ultimately descend to the seafloor as sediment. 

     

        Sediment cores near and far from hydrothermal vents

    Hope Ianiri processes a seafloor sediment core collected from a hydrothermal site.

     

    Another notable aspect of the study looked at the extent to which organic carbon is labile, or available to organisms to consume, in this system. Labile organic carbon is likely to support deep-sea communities, while so-called refractory organic carbon is less likely to be consumed. The researchers found that sediments at inactive vents contained greater quantities of labile organic carbon than at active vents, which they attributed to hydrothermal alteration—essentially, the carbon is transformed by contact with hot hydrothermal fluids, a process that can also lead to petroleum formation.

    “A goal of this work is to go to sites where we simply don’t have a lot of baseline data, because the deep sea is so understudied,” said Hope Ianiri, USGS Research Chemist and lead author of the study. “A lot of what we aim to do is better understand how a system like Escanaba Trough works at its baseline state, so that we have that information to compare to in case conditions were to change.” 

    Read the study, Characterizing sedimentary organic carbon in a hydrothermal spreading center, the Escanaba Trough, in Chemical Geology.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Charting A Renewed Course for Avery Point

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    This is an exciting time for Avery Point. UConn’s Strategic Plan 2024-2034 calls for developing seven world-class campuses as part of one flagship university. UConn is investing in each unique campus to best promote student success and power thriving regional communities around Connecticut. 

    Here at Avery Point, we aim to: 

    • Expand the number of four-year majors offered in in-demand career fields, such as engineering, business, and psychological sciences.   
    • Develop partnerships to build the workforces that small, medium and large area businesses need.  
    • Utilize Avery Point’s unique geography to fulfill our mission as a Land and Sea Grant institution and lead critical new research in climate resiliency.  
    • Engage in ongoing productive discussions with tribal nations in our state focused on building innovative new collaborations centered on the Avery Point campus. 

    As part of this process, we’ve explored many different ideas — some of which we are advancing, and others we are not. Below are answers to some recent common questions.  While we’ve devoted considerable time exploring different possibilities for Avery Point, please know we are early in the process of hammering out details. We will continue to share updates as they are available.  
     
    If you have a question or suggestion, please let us know by emailing us at: averypointadministration@uconn.edu 

    ENROLLMENT 

    UConn Avery Point previously served over 700 undergraduate students and currently has 450 enrolled today. Our vision will re-build Avery Point’s enrollment in order to more fully and sustainably serve southeastern Connecticut and the state’s higher education needs into the future. 

     
    STUDENT HOUSING 

    With no on-site housing, all students (including first year) must independently find their own housing and compete for limited rental housing in the area, live at home, or commute from afar.  

    UConn aims to construct a residential hall on the Avery Point campus. The proposed location is across from the existing athletic building (also referred to as Site A in the June 2024 RFEI), which is currently used as a baseball field. The residential hall would house approximately 250 students and include expanded dining, healthcare, and other support services so students’ day-to-day living needs can be fulfilled. Construction would be funded by UConn, and the residence hall would be owned and operated by UConn. The baseball field will be relocated and funding has been set aside to accomplish this. 

    We will work closely with town officials to plan ahead for infrastructure needs, including police, fire, emergency preparedness, traffic, etc.  

    We will also actively listen to and work together with the community to address areas of local concern or impact.  

    NO HOTEL 

    There are no plans to construct a hotel on UConn Avery Point (this includes the parcels referred to as Sites B and C in the June 2024 RFEI, and Sites A and B in the RFO.) In 2024, UConn did issue a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) and Request for Offers (RFO) to gauge market interest/ideas for a hotel in response to parents/guests’ requests for accommodations, desire for event space and management, and as a potential revenue source. No proposals were received for a hotel, and UConn is not pursuing this concept. 

    EXPANDING ACADEMIC OFFERINGS & SPACE NEEDS 

    Avery Point’s existing educational buildings/spaces will be able to accommodate the space needs for expanded academic offerings for the foreseeable future.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nearly 50K Tickets Issued During Super Bowl Crackdown

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 49,948 tickets for various vehicle and traffic law violations, including 1,021 tickets for impaired driving, during a statewide mobilization surrounding Super Bowl celebrations. The campaign ran from Monday, February 3, 2025 through Sunday, February 9, 2025.

    “New York has zero tolerance for impaired or reckless drivers who put themselves and others sharing the road in danger,” Governor Hochul said. “I thank our law enforcement officers for their vigilance in removing these individuals from our roadways.”

    Sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers were conducted throughout the campaign by State and local law enforcement officers.

    As part of the enforcement, law enforcement officers also targeted speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. Below is a breakdown of the total tickets that were issued.  

    Violation  Number of Tickets 
    Impaired Driving 1,021
    Distracted Driving  1,914
    Move Over 227
    Speeding 8,536
    Seatbelt 1,083
    Other Violations  37,167
    Grand Total  49,948

    Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “The results of this campaign show the need for these enforcement campaigns that encourage safe celebrations. Making the right decision is an easy decision. Plan for a sober ride home. It’s not worth the risk of an arrest, injury or death.”

    New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The injuries and deaths caused by impaired and drunk drivers are completely preventable. Through continued education and enforcement, the New York State Police remains committed to keeping New York’s roads safe, by discouraging, detecting, and arresting impaired motorists. I thank our law enforcement partners at the Department of Motor Vehicles for their partnership in combating drunk and impaired driving.”

    During the 2024 Super Bowl weekend campaign, law enforcement officers arrested 262 people for impaired driving and issued 8,388 total tickets.

    Chautauqua County Sheriff and NYS Sheriffs’ Association President James Quattrone said, “Hopefully everyone enjoyed the Super Bowl weekend. Millions of people watched the big game and made the smart decision to not drive impaired. Unfortunately, some people put themselves, their passengers, and other road users in danger by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Law enforcement ticketed and arrested many of these dangerous drivers. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to enjoy the off season and thank all of you that chose to not drive impaired.” 

    This impaired driving enforcement campaign is one of the several coordinated initiatives sponsored by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes. These targeted mobilizations provide resources to law enforcement statewide to target underage drinking and increase DWI patrols and sobriety check points during the campaign period. Other impaired driving campaigns occur around St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and periods of time from August to September and December to January.

    New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

    Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. 

    For more information about GTSC, visit trafficsafety.ny.gov/, or follow the GTSC conversation at Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Darknet Drug Trafficking Couple From Las Vegas Sentenced in D.C. to Federal Prison Terms

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

    WASHINGTON—Rushan Lavar Reed, 47, and Celeste Nicole Reed, 28, both of Las Vegas, Nevada, were sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 51 months and 37 months in federal prison, respectively, for participating in a long-term sophisticated drug trafficking conspiracy that illegally distributed “pharmacy grade- not homemade pressed pills” nationwide across seven online darknet markets.

    The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, Inspector in Charge Glen Henderson of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Phoenix Division, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeremy Schwartz of the Las Vegas Field Office, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.

    Rushan Reed, aka “Double R,” and Celeste Reed, aka “Calileone,” each pleaded guilty October 22, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, hydrocodone, and amphetamine. In addition to the prison terms, U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols ordered the couple to serve three years of supervised release.

    According to court documents, for six years the married couple operated an online storefront called “MrsFeelGood” to illegally distribute a variety of narcotics across the United States, including the District of Columbia. They used darknet markets that included Monopoly, Versus, ASAP, AlphaBay, Wall Street, Archetyp, Bohemia, Empire, Dream, and White House. In addition to oxycodone, hydrocodone, and amphetamines, they also sold and distributed MDMA, codeine, Vyvanse, Dilaudid, and marijuana. Operating on the darkweb made it possible for the Reeds to hide their identities, hide the location of their computers, and hide their illegal sales. In addition, they used cryptocurrency to launder their money so that the illegal proceeds of their drug trafficking would be difficult to trace.

    On October 11, 2023, law enforcement executed arrest warrants at the couple’s Las Vegas home and arrested them both. Officers recovered, among other things: multiple pills in prescription bottles, packaging materials; gloves; black Ziploc bags; and empty prescription pill bottles with the names of the defendants and other uncharged coconspirators. Officers also recovered an assortment of electronic devices and an AR-15 firearm. The laptop was set up to use an operating system designed to access the darknet and protect against surveillance.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, the FBI Las Vegas Field Office, the USPIS Washington Division, and USPIS Phoenix Division.

    The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter V. Roman with valuable assistance provided by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Isabelle Sun, former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Crosby, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Wang.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgetown Woman Sentenced to 18 Years for Lying to FBI During Brittanee Drexel Investigation

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

    CHARLESTON, S.C. — Angel Cooper Vause, 57, of Georgetown, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to lying to federal investigators about her role in the 2009 kidnapping and murder of Brittanee Drexel.

    According to evidence presented in court, Vause concealed the truth of what happened to Brittanee and her involvement for more than 13 years. Vause told investigators that Brittanee willingly joined her and Raymond Moody, that she left Moody and Brittanee at the Pole Yard Boat Landing near Georgetown, and that she did not take Brittanee’s cell phone with her, when in reality, she participated in Brittanee’s abduction and was complicit in her rape and murder. On the night of Brittanee’s disappearance in April 2009, Vause assisted Moody in luring the 17-year-old into their vehicle, promising her a ride to her hotel. Vause left Brittanee alone with Moody at the site of her rape and murder taking her cellphone, her only chance of survival, with her. The judge noted during the sentencing hearing that Vause was a “key participant in this tragedy, facilitating the kidnapping of a child.”

    “For more than a decade, Brittanee’s loved ones were left to imagine the worst possible scenario in Brittanee’s disappearance while Vause withheld the truth,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We hope Brittanee’s loved ones can now have both the closure and a measure of justice that comes with this sentence. May she rest in peace knowing that her mother Dawn was relentless in her pursuit of justice.”

    “The FBI is committed to following the evidence to uncover the truth,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia field office. “This sentence underscores the gravity of lying during an investigation. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will always investigate the facts and hold accountable anyone who distorts the truth to obstruct justice.”

    United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Vause to 216 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Myrtle Beach Police Department and the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winston Holliday and Elle E. Klein are prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation Announces 2024 4th Quarter & Full-Year Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALTAVISTA, Va., Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Net income for Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation (OTCQX:PPBN), the one-bank holding company (the “Company” or “Pinnacle”) for First National Bank (the “Bank”), was $2,800,000, or $1.27 per basic and diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, while net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $9,178,000, or $4.15 per basic and diluted share.  In comparison, net income was $2,279,000, or $1.04 per basic and diluted share, and $9,762,000 or $4.45 per basic and diluted share, respectively, for the same periods of 2023.  Consolidated results for 2024 are unaudited.

    2024 4thQuarter & Full-Year Highlights
    Income Statement comparisons are to the 4thQuarter & year ended December 31, 2023
    Balance Sheet, Capital Ratios, and Stock Price comparisons are to December 31, 2023

    Income Statement

    For the 4thQuarter of 2024:

    • Net Income increased $521,000, or 23%, overall and 30% excluding Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) proceeds.* 

    For 2024:

    • Net Income decreased $584,000, or 6%, overall and was approximately equal to 2023 Net Income excluding BOLI proceeds.*
    • Return on Assets was 0.92%.
    • Net Interest Income increased $2.3 million, or 7% while Net Interest Margin expanded to 3.70%.
    • Provision for Credit Losses increased to $752,000 due to loan growth of 11%. Asset Quality remains strong with low Nonperforming Loans and no Other Real Estate Owned (OREO).
    • Noninterest Income increased $499,000, or 7.5%, excluding BOLI proceeds, which was driven by higher fees from Merchant Card Processing and Sales of Mortgage Loans.*
    • Noninterest Expense increased $2.1 million, or 7%, primarily due to higher Core Operating System expenses as well as Salaries and Employee Benefits.

    Balance Sheet

    • Cash and Cash Equivalents increased $20.6 million, or 24%, to $108 million.
    • Loans increased $70.5 million, or 11%, to $712 million.
    • Securities decreased $57.8 million, or 25%, to $176 million due to maturing U.S. Treasury Notes. The Securities Portfolio is relatively short term in nature with $58 million in U.S. Treasury Notes maturing during the first four months of 2025 providing liquidity, funding, and optionality.
    • Total Assets increased $27.5 million, or 3%, to $1.04 Billion.
    • Deposits increased $18.5 million, or 2%, to $951 million with Deposit Accounts growing 4%.
    • As of year-end, Liquidity was strong at 33%, and 12% excluding Available for Sale Securities.

    Capital Ratios & Stock Price

    • The Bank’s Leverage Ratio increased to 9.21% due primarily to profitability, while its Total Risk Based Capital Ratio decreased slightly to 13.52% due to loan growth.
    • Pinnacle’s Stock Price ended the year at $31.20 per share, based on the last trade, which is an increase of $7.19, or 30%. Total Return was 34.11% for 2024.  

    *BOLI proceeds of $779,000 and $725,000 were received during the 4thQuarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively. BOLI proceeds of $779,000 and $1,363,000 were received during full-year 2024 and 2023, respectively.

    Net Income and Profitability

    Net income generated during the fourth quarter of 2024 represents a $521,000, or 23%, increase as compared to the same time period of 2023. Net of BOLI proceeds, net income generated during the fourth quarter of 2024 represents a $467,000, or 30%, increase as compared to the same time period of 2023. The increase was driven by higher net interest income and noninterest income, partially offset by higher noninterest expense and higher provision for credit losses.

    Net income generated for 2024 represents a $584,000, or 6%, decrease as compared to the prior year. Net of BOLI proceeds, net income generated for 2024 and was approximately equal to the prior year.   The overall decrease was driven by higher noninterest expense and provision for credit losses, partially offset by higher net interest income.      

    Profitability as measured by the Company’s return on average assets (“ROA”) decreased to 0.92% for 2024, as compared to 1.00% for the same time period of 2023. Correspondingly, return on average equity (“ROE”) decreased to 12.49% for 2024, as compared to 15.69% for the same time period of 2023.

    “We are pleased with Pinnacle’s 2024 core performance and investments made for our future through market expansion and talent acquisition,” stated Aubrey H. Hall, III, President and Chief Executive Officer for both the Company and the Bank. He further commented, “Our Company continues to perform very well compared to peers and has benefitted from ample liquidity, an expanding net interest margin, and strong asset quality. These factors have contributed to enhanced returns for our shareholders through increased dividends and share price appreciation.”  

    Net Interest Income and Margin

    The Company generated $9,279,000 in net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024, which represents a $908,000, or 11%, increase as compared to $8,371,000 for the fourth quarter of 2023. Interest income increased $1,514,000, or 14%, due to higher yields on earning assets and increased loan volume, while interest expense increased $606,000, or 23%, due to higher interest rates paid on deposits and increased certificates of deposit volume.

    The Company generated $35,448,000 in net interest income for 2024, which represents a $2,276,000, or 7%, increase as compared to $33,172,000 for 2023. Interest income increased $5,855,000, or 14%, as yield on earning assets increased 54 basis points to 4.98%. Interest expense increased $3,579,000, or 41%, due to higher interest rates paid on deposits as cost to fund earning assets increased 36 basis points to 1.28%. Net interest margin increased to 3.70% for 2024 from 3.52% for 2023.

    Reserves for Credit Losses and Asset Quality

    Provision for credit losses was $356,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024 as compared to $4,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023. For 2024, the provision for credit losses was $752,000 as compared to $70,000 in 2023. Provision expense increased for the quarter and year as a result of higher loan volume.

    The allowance for credit losses (ACL) was $5,084,000 as of December 31, 2024, which represented 0.71% of total loans outstanding.   In comparison, the ACL was $4,511,000 or 0.70% of total loans outstanding as of December 31, 2023. Non-performing loans to total loans decreased to 0.22% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 0.24% as of year-end 2023. ACL coverage of non-performing loans was 321% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 290% as of year-end 2023.   Management views the allowance balance as being sufficient to offset potential future losses in the loan portfolio.

    Noninterest Income and Expense

    Noninterest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased $324,000, or 14%, to $2,681,000 as compared to $2,357,000 for the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily due to a $100,000 increase in fees generated from sales of mortgage loans, a $100,000 increase in other recoveries, a $45,000 increase in BOLI returns, including earlier referenced proceeds, a $23,000 increase in merchant card fees, and a $20,000 increase in service charges on loan accounts.

    Noninterest income for 2024 decreased $85,000, or 1%, to $7,879,000 as compared to $7,964,000 for 2023. The slight decrease was mainly due to a $538,000 decrease in BOLI returns, including earlier referenced proceeds, and a $106,000 decrease in interchange fees. These decreases were partially offset by a $153,000 increase in fees generated from the sale of mortgage loans, a $126,000 increase in merchant card fees, a $98,000 increase in other recoveries, a $63,000 increase in nonsufficient funds and other deposit service charges, a $58,000 increase in service charges on loan accounts, and a $53,000 increase in commissions and fees from sales of investment and insurance products. Excluding BOLI proceeds, noninterest income increased $499,000, 7.5%, year-over-year.

    Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased $280,000, or 3%, to $8,373,000 as compared to $8,093,000 for the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily due to a $310,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $75,000 increase in occupancy expense, and a $24,000 increase in dealer loan expense partially offset by a $293,000 decrease in core operating system expenses.

    Noninterest expense for 2024 increased $2,137,000, or 7%, to $31,417,000 as compared to $29,280,000 for 2023. The increase was mainly due to a $758,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $401,000 increase in core operating system expenses, a $213,000 increase in occupancy expense, a $210,000 in other losses, and a $133,000 increase dealer loan expenses.  

    The Balance Sheet and Liquidity

    Total assets as of December 31, 2024, were $1,043,994,000, up $27,465,000, or 3%, from $1,016,528,000 as of December 31, 2023. The principal components of the Company’s assets as of December 31, 2024, were $711,918,000 in total loans, $175,816,000 in securities, and $108,213,000 in cash and cash equivalents. For 2024, total loans increased $70,481,000, or 11%, from $641,437,000, securities decreased $57,762,000, or 25%, from $233,579,000, and cash and cash equivalents increased $20,624,000, or 24%, from $87,589,000.  

    The majority of the Company’s securities portfolio is relatively short-term in nature with forty-nine percent (49%) invested in U.S. Treasury Notes having an average maturity of less than a year with $58,000,000 maturing during the first four months of 2025. The Company’s entire securities portfolio was classified as available for sale on December 31, 2024, which provides transparency regarding unrealized losses. Unrealized losses associated within the available for sale securities portfolio were $11,817,000 as of December 31, 2024, or six percent (6%) of book value, an improvement from $14,943,000 as of December 31, 2023.

    The Company had a strong liquidity ratio of 33% as of December 31, 2024. The liquidity ratio excluding the available for sale securities portfolio was 12% providing the opportunity to sell excess funds at an attractive federal funds rate. The Company has access to multiple liquidity lines of credit through its correspondent banking relationships and the Federal Home Loan Bank. None of these contingency funding sources have been utilized.

    Total liabilities as of December 31, 2024 were $965,608,000, up $17,485,000, or 2%, from $948,123,000 as of December 31, 2023, as deposits increased $18,475,000, or 2%, in 2024 to $950,919,000 from $932,444,000. First National Bank’s number of deposit accounts increased 4% during the same time period as the Bank has benefited from the closures of large national bank branches and bank mergers within markets served along with its reputation for providing extraordinary customer service.

    Total stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2024 was $78,386,000 and consisted primarily of $69,035,000 in retained earnings. In comparison, as of December 31, 2023 total stockholders’ equity was $68,405,000. The increase is due primarily to 2024 profitability and an increase in the market value of the securities portfolio and pension assets.   Both the Company and Bank remain “well capitalized” per all regulatory definitions.

    New Full Service Branch in South Boston

    On January 2, 2025, First National Bank opened a full service branch at 4027 Halifax Road, South Boston, Virginia. This is in addition to the Bank opening a Loan Production Office (LPO) at 97A Main Street, South Boston, Virginia in the third quarter of 2024. We have had great response from the South Boston and Halifax community and look forward to servicing customers with a community bank approach.

    Company Information

    Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation is a locally managed community banking organization serving Central and Southern Virginia. The one-bank holding company of First National Bank serves market areas consisting primarily of all or portions of the Counties of Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Halifax, and Pittsylvania, and the Cities of Charlottesville, Danville, and Lynchburg. The Company has a total of nineteen branches with one branch in Amherst County within the Town of Amherst, two branches in Bedford County; five branches in Campbell County, including two within the Town of Altavista, where the Bank was founded; one branch in the City of Charlottesville, three branches in the City of Danville; three branches in the City of Lynchburg; and three branches in Pittsylvania County, including one within the Town of Chatham. A Loan Production Office and a full-service branch have recently been opened in the South Boston area of Halifax County. First National Bank is in its 117th year of operation.         

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws that involve significant risks and uncertainties. Any statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking and are based on current assumptions and analysis by the Company. These forward-looking statements, including statements made in Mr. Hall’s quotes may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the credit quality of our asset portfolio in future periods, the expected losses of nonperforming loans in future periods, returns and capital accretion during future periods, our cost of funds, the maintenance of our net interest margin, future operating results and business performance and our growth initiatives. Although we believe our plans and expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain, and we can give no assurance that these plans or expectations will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management’s expectations include, but are not limited to: changes in consumer spending and saving habits that may occur, including increased inflation; changes in general business, economic and market conditions; attracting, hiring, training, motivating and retaining qualified employees; changes in fiscal and monetary policies, and laws and regulations; changes in interest rates, inflation rates, deposit flows, loan demand and real estate values; changes in the quality or composition of the Company’s loan portfolio and the value of the collateral securing loans; changes in macroeconomic trends and uncertainty, including liquidity concerns at other financial institutions, and the potential for local and/or global economic recession; changes in demand for financial services in Pinnacle’s market areas; increased competition from both banks and non-banks in Pinnacle’s market areas; a deterioration in credit quality and/or a reduced demand for, or supply of, credit; increased information security risk, including cyber security risk, which may lead to potential business disruptions or financial losses; volatility in the securities markets generally, including in the value of securities in the Company’s securities portfolio or in the market price of Pinnacle common stock specifically; and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained herein, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements, which reflect our views as of the date of this release.

    Selected Financial Highlights are shown on the next page.

    Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation
    Selected Financial Highlights
    (12/31/2024 and 9/30/24 results unaudited)
    (In thousands, except ratios, share, and per share data)
     
      3 Months Ended
    		   3 Months Ended
    		   3 Months Ended
    		  
    Income Statement Highlights 12/31/2024
    		   9/30/2024
    		   12/31/2023
    		  
    Interest Income $ 12,543   $ 12,262   $ 11,029  
    Interest Expense   3,264     3,321     2,658  
    Net Interest Income   9,279     8,941     8,371  
    Provision for Credit Losses   356     136     4  
    Noninterest Income   2,681     1,763     2,357  
    Noninterest Expense   8,373     7,961     8,093  
    Net Income   2,800     2,085     2,279  
    Earnings Per Share (Basic)   1.27     0.94     1.04  
    Earnings Per Share (Diluted)   1.27     0.94     1.04  
           
      Year Ended
    		   Year Ended
    		   Year Ended
    		  
    Income Statement Highlights 12/31/2024
    		   12/31/2023
    		   12/31/2022
    		  
    Interest Income $ 47,743   $ 41,888   $ 31,788  
    Interest Expense   12,295     8,716     1,348  
    Net Interest Income   35,448     33,172     30,440  
    Provision for Credit Losses   752     70     190  
    Noninterest Income   7,879     7,964     7,023  
    Noninterest Expense   31,417     29,280     27,237  
    Net Income   9,178     9,762     8,242  
    Earnings Per Share (Basic)   4.15     4.45     3.78  
    Earnings Per Share (Diluted)   4.15     4.45     3.78  
           
    Balance Sheet Highlights 12/31/2024
    		   12/31/2023
    		   12/31/2022
    		  
    Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 108,213   $ 87,589   $ 36,521  
    Total Loans   711,918     641,437     632,896  
    Total Securities   175,816     233,579     251,114  
    Total Assets   1,043,994     1,016,528     969,931  
    Total Deposits   950,919     932,444     899,238  
    Total Liabilities   965,608     948,123     912,923  
    Stockholders’ Equity   78,386     68,405     57,008  
    Shares Outstanding   2,212,270     2,198,158     2,178,486  
           
    Ratios and Stock Price 12/31/2024
    		   12/31/2023
    		   12/31/2022
    		  
    Gross Loan-to-Deposit Ratio   74.87 %   68.79 %   70.38 %
    Net Interest Margin (Year-to-date)   3.70 %   3.52 %   3.18 %
    Liquidity   32.60 %   37.27 %   32.68 %
    Efficiency Ratio   72.49 %   71.20 %   72.71 %
    Return on Average Assets (ROA)   0.92 %   1.00 %   0.82 %
    Return on Average Equity (ROE)   12.49 %   15.69 %   14.62 %
    Leverage Ratio (Bank)   9.21 %   8.82 %   8.06 %
    Tier 1 Capital Ratio (Bank)   12.81 %   12.98 %   12.03 %
    Total Capital Ratio (Bank)   13.52 %   13.67 %   12.63 %
    Stock Price $ 31.20   $ 24.01   $ 19.20  
    Book Value $ 35.43   $ 31.12   $ 26.17  
           
           
    Asset Quality Highlights 12/31/2024
    		   12/31/2023
    		   12/31/2022
    		  
    Nonaccruing Loans $ 1,582   $ 1,557   $ 1,561  
    Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing   0     0     221  
    Total Nonperforming Loans   1,582     1,557     1,782  
    Loan Modifications   109     357     1,056  
    Loans Individually Evaluated   2,010     2,287     2,884  
    Other Real Estate Owned (OREO) (Foreclosed Assets)   0     0     0  
    Total Nonperforming Assets   1,582     1,557     1,782  
    Nonperforming Loans to Total Loans   0.22 %   0.24 %   0.28 %
    Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets   0.15 %   0.15 %   0.18 %
    Allowance for Credit Losses $ 5,084   $ 4,511   $ 3,853  
    Allowance for Credit Losses to Total Loans   0.71 %   0.70 %   0.61 %
    Allowance for Credit Losses to Nonperforming Loans   321 %   290 %   216 %


    CONTACT: Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation, Bryan M. Lemley, 434-477-5882 or     bryanlemley@1stnatbk.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Reminds Californians: Love is Real, But So Are Scams

    Source: US State of California

    Friday, February 14, 2025

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

    OAKLAND – On Valentine’s Day, California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert warning Californians to beware of romance scams. Romance scams occur when a criminal adopts a fake identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust to manipulate or steal their finances or personal information. This usually occurs through various forms of communication including phone calls, text messages, social media, and dating sites.

    “Love should never come at a price,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Scammers can use deception and emotional manipulation to take advantage of people looking for connection. I urge Californians this Valentine’s Day to stay vigilant, protect their hearts and wallets, and remember — if a stranger online asks for money, gift cards, or personal information — it is most likely a scam.” 

    According to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2022 almost 70,000 people reported being victims of a romance scam, reporting an average loss of $4,400. New technology can make it easier for scammers to create sophisticated impersonations and to make more convincing requests for money or personal information. Remember, never send money, gift cards, or other financial details to someone you don’t know and haven’t met in person. 

    Learn the Warning Signs

    You may be dealing with a scammer if they:

    1. Send you photos that look too perfect to be real.
    2. Profess their love to you quickly.
    3. Lavish you with texts, emails and phone calls to draw you in.
    4. Promise to meet in person, but never follow through.
    5. Request to move off the platform where you first connected.
    6. Make an urgent request for money to deal with an emergency or investment.

    Protect Yourself from Romance Scams:

    1. Don’t send money to someone you haven’t met in person: This is a common request made by scammers.
    2. Don’t share personal information: Be careful about what personal information you share, such as your address or financial information.
    3. Talk to friends and family: If you’re not sure about someone, talk to your friends and family for a second opinion.
    4. Do your research: Use various search engines to look up a person’s photos and details to see if they have been used elsewhere.
    5. Be wary of any investment offers, particularly those involving cryptocurrency: Scammers often set up fake websites simulating actual cryptocurrency investment opportunities in order to entice unsuspecting investors.
    6. Check for inconsistencies: Watch for inconsistencies in a person’s story, such as changes in details or lack of information about their background.
    7. Use dating apps safely: Avoid moving a conversation to a private messaging platform unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity. Scammers want you to move to an app that doesn’t identify them in real life.
    8. Trust your instincts: If something seems too good to be true, it most likely is.

    What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

    If you believe you are being targeted by a romance scam, take action immediately:

    1. Stop communicating. Do not engage further with the suspected scammer.
    2. Report the profile. Social media and dating apps have built-in reporting features for fraudulent accounts.
    3. File a complaint. Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), or your local law enforcement.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray on Trump Indiscriminately Firing Workers at Hanford and Bonneville Power Administration, Threatening Energy Security in Washington State

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement in response to reports that the Trump administration began firing Washington state workers at the Hanford site and the Bonneville Power Administration. The Trump administration has ordered mass firings of federal workers who are on their “probationary” period—meaning workers who were hired or promoted within the past 1-2 years.

    “Yesterday, the Trump administration began indiscriminately laying off Hanford workers in Washington state, as well as hundreds of workers at the Bonneville Power Administration who deliver clean and reliable energy to families across the Pacific Northwest.

    “At Hanford, in addition to the deferred resignations, over a dozen people were laid off—including safety engineers, environmental scientists, people who monitor and respond to urgent safety issues, folks who make sure Hanford workers’ rights are protected, and others who are absolutely critical to the Hanford cleanup mission and the safety of the workers there. These reckless firings will slow down critical cleanup work and make workers less safe—trying to run Hanford with a skeleton crew is a recipe for disaster that could have irreversible impacts. An adequate federal workforce is essential for oversight of the work executed by nearly 12,000 contractor workers at the Hanford site. These layoffs will hurt companies, workers, and their families across Eastern Washington.

    “Adding insult to injury, the Trump administration has also needlessly laid off a handful of employees at PNNL—workers who power cutting-edge research and groundbreaking innovations on everything from energy storage to nuclear security.

    “At the Bonneville Power Administration, I’ve heard the Trump administration is laying off more than 600 people across the Northwest—this includes everyone from electricians and engineers, to biologists, to lineworkers, to cybersecurity experts, and so many others. These are literally the people who help keep the lights on—and now they’re being fired on a whim because Trump and Elon Musk don’t have a clue about what they do and why it’s important, and don’t care to learn. They don’t seem to even understand that these are positions funded by ratepayers—by all of us in the Northwest—not from federal funding.

    “The callousness of this administration is breathtaking—these mass layoffs pose a serious threat to our energy security and the health and safety of people across our state, not to mention the livelihoods of so many hardworking families who have done nothing wrong and whose work is sorely needed. These firings will raise energy costs for Washington ratepayers and jeopardize the reliability of the grid in the Northwest—a genuinely life-or-death concern for millions. I will keep doing everything I can to raise the voices of the people harmed by this administration’s indefensible policies and fight back.”

    Senator Murray has worked tirelessly to support Hanford workers and ensure the federal government lives up to its cleanup obligations at Hanford throughout her time in Congress—beating back efforts by multiple administrations to underfund Hanford cleanup. Murray secured a record $3.035 billion for the Hanford cleanup—$191.4 million above the fiscal year 2023 funding level in the fiscal year 2024 government funding package she negotiated and passed through Congress as Appropriations Chair, which was signed into law on March 9th. In December 2023, Murray’s Beryllium Testing Fairness Act, to help Hanford workers suffering from toxic beryllium exposure, was signed into law by President Biden.

    Senator Murray has been a longtime supporter of the BPA, and the low-cost energy it provides to millions across the Pacific Northwest, and she has been vocal in her opposition to attempts to privatize the organization. During the first Trump administration, Senator Murray also successfully worked against Trump’s repeated attempts to privatize BPA and sell the BPA power grid.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: Mysterious Drug Pricing Needs a Dose of Sunshine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    Q: What are pharmacy benefit managers?
    A: Iowans may not know exactly what pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are, but they do know they’re fed up with sticker shock at the pharmacy counter. Six decades ago, PBMs started out processing drug claims. Then, they evolved into an intermediary between pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies and third-party payers, including health insurance companies, self-insured employers, unions and government programs. Eventually, a complex system emerged, expanding PBMs’ influence and profits instead of driving down costs and improving patient services. For example, PBMs’ business models incentivize purchasing brand name drugs over lower-priced generic drugs. Today, just three PBMs control nearly 80 percent of the prescription drug market. These conglomerates operate out of the view of regulators and consumers, setting prescription drug costs, deciding which drugs are covered by insurance plans, determining how they’re dispensed and pocketing unknown sums that might otherwise be passed along as savings to consumers. What’s more, they undercut local independent pharmacies. Things need to change.
    For the better part of a decade, I’ve been laser-focused on shining a spotlight on PBMs. In 2019, as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I called the top executives from major PBMs to testify about drug pricing in America. I teamed up with Senator Ron Wyden to conduct a two-year bipartisan investigation into insulin price gouging.  And I requested the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to look into potential anticompetitive practices occurring in the industry. Three bills I co-sponsored have been signed into law, including the CREATES Act, Right Rebate Act and Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act. In 2023, the Judiciary Committee passed five of my bipartisan bills to boost competition in the pharmaceutical industry and improve patient access to more affordable prescription medicines.
    At my annual 99 county meetings, I hear regularly from Iowans who struggle to afford their medications and want to know why getting a prescription filled is so unnecessarily complicated, from mail-order options to confusing coupons and rebates. They also want to know why Americans pay more for the identical prescription medications than patients in other countries. According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recent data show nearly 50 percent of Americans used at least one prescription drug in the previous month, nearly 25 percent used three or more prescription drugs and 13.5 percent used five or more. Tens of millions of Americans rely on pharmaceutical therapies to manage chronic conditions, particularly those diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, arthritis and cancer. This is a matter of life and death for loved ones in families across the country. In 2023, the U.S. health care system spent $449.7 billion on retail prescription drugs, more than any other country. American taxpayers and patients aren’t getting the most bang for the buck.
    Q: What are you doing in this Congress to hold PBMs accountable?
    A: Returning as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in January, lowering drug prices is among my top legislative and oversight priorities. That includes building on my efforts to shine a bright light on PBMs. To that end, I’m pushing the FTC to finish its work. While I’ve welcomed a couple of its interim reports, it’s time to get the job done. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and I have teamed up to reintroduce a pair of bipartisan bills to combat the high cost of prescription drugs and pull back the curtain on PBMs. Transparency brings accountability. The Prescription Pricing for the People Actwould require the FTC to finish its study in a timely manner and provide policy recommendations to Congress to improve competition and protect consumers. The Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Transparency Act would ban deceptive and unfair pricing schemes and require PBMs to report to the FTC how much they make through spread pricing and pharmacy fees. Spread pricing is the difference between what PBMs charge a health plan and what they pay to a pharmacy for a certain drug. This practice is costing patients and taxpayers while curtailing access to affordable prescription drugs. I’m committed to bringing sunshine and fairness to the prescription drug marketplace. Learn more about my work to lower prescription drug prices here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Introduces Bipartisan Bill To Boost Federal Funding for Rural Hospitals in Hawai‘i

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that hospitals in Hawai‘i caring for large numbers of Medicaid and uninsured patients receive their fair share of federal funding. The Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act would establish a national federal funding minimum for disproportionate share hospitals (DSH). Current payment levels are based on an outdated formula. The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).
    “Helping cover more costs for local hospitals will mean more uninsured and low-income people across Hawai‘i will have access the care they need,” said Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We’ll keep working to make sure hospitals have the federal funding and resources they need to continue serving every part of Hawai‘i.”
    The Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act establishes a federal minimum of $20 million per state for the Medicaid DSH program, growing by inflation in subsequent years and resulting in millions of new federal dollars to Hawai‘i and other “low DSH” states. In addition to Hawai‘i, states that would see increases in funding under the bill include Delaware, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
    The full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf to Hold Sixty-Third Session at Headquarters, 17 February to 21 March

    Source: United Nations 4

    NEW YORK, 14 February (United Nations, Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs) — The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf will hold its sixty-third session from 17 February to 21 March 2025 at United Nations Headquarters in New York.  During the session, plenary meetings will be held from 24 to 28 February and from 10 to 14 March.  The remainder of the session will be devoted to the technical examination of submissions by subcommissions on the Division premises, including geographic information systems laboratories and other facilities.

    The upcoming session of the Commission will be the first for Ahmed Er Raji (nominated by Morocco) following his election as a member of the Commission at the resumed thirty‑fourth Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, on 27 November 2024.  Also, given the recent resignation of Harald Brekke (nominated by Norway) due to health reasons, the Commission will elect a Vice-Chairperson to fill the resulting vacancy.

    During the session, nine subcommissions will continue to consider submissions made by Mauritius in respect of the region of Rodrigues Island (partial submission); Palau in respect of the North Area (partial amended submission); Portugal; Spain in respect of the area of Galicia (partial submission); Namibia; Mozambique; and Madagascar; as well as revised submissions made by Brazil in respect of the Brazilian Oriental and Meridional Margin (partial revised submission); and Cook Islands concerning the Manihiki Plateau (revised submission).

    Coastal States that had not yet presented their submissions to the Commission were invited to present them at the plenary part of the session. To date, the following submitting States accepted the invitation: Brazil in respect of the Brazilian Oriental and Meridional Margin (partial revised submission); and Viet Nam in respect of the Central Area (VNM-C).

    The plenary of the Commission will commence its consideration of the recommendations prepared by the subcommissions established to consider the submissions made by Brazil in respect of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin (partial revised submission); Cuba in respect the eastern polygon in the Gulf of Mexico; and Iceland in respect of the western, southern and south-eastern parts of the Reykjanes Ridge (partial revised submission), which were transmitted to the Commission during the sixty‑second session.

    This session will be the first under the revised pattern of annual meetings in New York, whereby the Commission meets for three sessions of five weeks each, including four weeks of plenary meetings, complemented by increased intersessional work.

    Background

    Established pursuant to article 2 of annex II to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Commission makes recommendations to coastal States on matters related to the establishment of the outer limits of their continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured, based on information submitted by those coastal States. The recommendations are based on the scientific data and other material provided by coastal States in relation to the implementation of article 76 of the Convention and do not prejudice matters relating to the delimitation of boundaries between States with opposite or adjacent coasts or prejudice the position of States that are parties to a land or maritime dispute, or application of other parts of the Convention or any other treaties.  The limits of the continental shelf established by a coastal State on the basis of the recommendations are final and binding.  In the case of disagreement by a coastal State with the recommendations of the Commission, the coastal State shall, within a reasonable time, make a revised or new submission to the Commission.

    Under rule 23 of its rules of procedure (Public and private meetings), the meetings of the Commission, its subcommissions and subsidiary bodies are held in private, unless the Commission decides otherwise.

    As required under the rules of procedure of the Commission, the executive summaries of all the submissions, including all charts and coordinates, have been made public by the Secretary‑General through continental shelf notifications circulated to Member States of the United Nations, as well as States parties to the Convention.  The executive summaries are available on the Division’s website at: www.un.org/depts/los/clcs_new/clcs_home.htm.  The summaries of recommendations adopted by the Commission are also available on the above-referenced website.

    The Commission is a body of 21 experts in the field of geology, geophysics or hydrography serving in their personal capacities.  Members of the Commission are elected for a term of five years by the Meeting of States Parties to the Convention having due regard to the need to ensure equitable geographical representation.  Not fewer than three members shall be elected from each geographical region.

    A by-election to fill the vacancy resulting from the resignation of Mr. Brekke will be held at the thirty-fifth Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, scheduled to be convened from 23 to 27 June 2025.  An election for another seat allocated to members from the Group of Eastern European States which has remained vacant would also be held on that occasion.

    The Convention provides that the State party which submitted the nomination of a member of the Commission shall defray the expenses of that member while in performance of Commission duties.  A voluntary trust fund for the purpose of defraying the cost of participation of the members of the Commission from developing countries has been established.  It has facilitated the participation of several members of the Commission from developing countries in the sessions of the Commission.

    The convening by the Secretary-General of the sessions of the Commission, with full conference services, including documentation, for the plenary parts of these sessions, is subject to approval by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The Assembly does so in its annual resolutions on oceans and the law of the sea, which also address other matters relevant to the work of the Commission and the conditions of service of its members.

    For additional information on the work of the Commission see the website of the Division at:  www.un.org/depts/los/index.htm.  In particular, the most recent Statements by the Chair on the progress in the work of the Commission are available at: /www.un.org/depts/los/clcs_new/commission_documents.

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  • MIL-OSI Canada: February traffic safety tips: Distracted driving

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Who Escaped Federal Prison Camp in Colorado, Evaded Capture for Five Years, Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

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

    DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Allen Todd May, age 60, was sentenced to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of wire fraud, one count of escape, and one count of aggravated identity theft. May’s sentence is to be served consecutive to the approximately seven years he must serve on a sentence imposed in the Northern District of Texas, which he was serving when he escaped. May was also ordered to serve three years on supervised release after completion of his prison sentence and to pay $9,113,375.49 in restitution, and forfeit the fraud proceeds and assets he obtained during the scheme.

    According to the plea agreement, between mid-2016 and December 2018, while serving a 20-year sentence at the Federal Prison Camp in Englewood, Colorado, May devised a scheme to falsely and fraudulently claim that he and entities controlled by him were entitled to oil and gas royalties that had not yet been claimed by the true owners.  May was able to participate in this scheme through an unlawfully obtained iPhone he purchased from a fellow inmate at the Federal Prison Camp. Throughout the course of this scheme, May obtained more than $700,000 in royalties to which he was not entitled.

    At the Federal Prison Camp, May worked as a facilities clerk where he drove vehicles on prison grounds. On December 21, 2018, May drove off the Federal Prison Camp Compound and eluded capture by federal law enforcement for nearly five years. While on the run, May engaged in the same fraudulent oil and gas royalties scheme and netted $8 million in funds to which he was not entitled and used these funds to support his extravagant lifestyle. He stole the identities of inmates serving long sentences, presented himself as those individuals, and conducted his fraud in their names.

    The United States Marshals Service arrested May in August of 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he had been living under an alias.

    “The people of Colorado and Florida are safer today because Allen Todd May is back behind bars,” said Acting United States Attorney J. Bishop Grewell. “The Federal Government will not rest when it comes to pursuing fraudsters and fugitives.”

    “This repeat offender demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law. While in federal prison, he orchestrated a $700,000 fraud scheme, audaciously escaped, and continued to victimize unsuspecting Americans while on the run for five years,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “Thanks to the tireless work of the U.S. Marshals Service, he was apprehended, and his criminal activities were stopped. The defendant’s actions leave no doubt that he is a threat to society and deserves to remain incarcerated.”

    “On behalf of the U.S. Marshals, I want to recognize and thank the anonymous tipster for the information they provided that directly led to the arrest of this unorthodox fugitive,” said District of Colorado U.S. Marshal Kirk Taylor. “I would also like to thank and recognize the incredible tenacity of the Deputy U.S. Marshals who pursued every lead over the years in the District of Colorado, culminating in the arrest in the Southern District of Florida.  Their relentless pursuit of this fugitive and the coordination of the agencies involved is a true testament to the U.S. Marshals Service.”

    United States District Court Judge Daniel D. Domenico presided over the sentencing.

    The United States Marshals Service and the FBI Denver Field Office handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Martha Paluch and Tonya S. Andrews handled the prosecution.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Raleigh Man Sentenced to Over 10 years in Prison for Drugs and Guns

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced to 152 months in prison for wire fraud, conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  On September 16, 2024, and November 4, 2024, Cory Sean Heard, age 47, pled guilty to the charges.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, on February 8, 2021, Heard was pulled over by the Raleigh Police Department for a routine traffic stop. During a search of Heard’s car, officers located a 9mm pistol, a bag of heroin, and a digital scale. Further investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed that between 2019 and 2021, Heard sold over 100 grams of heroin.

    While investigating Heard for drug distribution, the FBI learned that in March 2020, Heard submitted a fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) application and IRS Form Schedule C for a fake business. As a result of this fraudulent EIDL application, Heard received a cash advance. Further investigation revealed that Heard also received PPP funds for an alleged car washing business. As part of the resolution of this case, Heard agreed, and was ordered to pay, $140,000 in restitution to the Small Business Administration.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Raleigh Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation  investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Warlick and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Labresh prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 5:21-CR-178-M and 5:23-CR-388-M.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: McAllen felon sentenced for possessing multiple firearms

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

    McALLEN, Texas – A 34-year-old man has been ordered to prison for possessing firearms while a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    David Michael Saenz pleaded guilty Nov. 21, 2024.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Saenz to serve 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.

    On Sept. 11, 2024, law enforcement stopped Saenz for a traffic violation, at which time they also smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Saenz admitted he was in possession of firearms.

    A search revealed two handguns in his waistband and two additional firearms in his vehicle. Authorities also found meth and marijuana in the vehicle.

    Further investigation revealed Saenz was previously convicted of aggravated robbery in 2021. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms per federal law. Saenz also admitted to possessing one of the firearms to protect himself while engaging in drug dealing.

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

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration and Rio Grande City Police Department conducted the joint investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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