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Category: US Department of Justice

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Senate Judiciary Democrats Press Justice Department On Diversion Of Law Enforcement To Purported Immigration Enforcement Initiative

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    March 03, 2025

    Under the guise of “enhanced immigration enforcement efforts,” Donald Trump and Pam Bondi continue to weaken the Department’s national security and public safety capabilities by reallocating vital resources, reassigning career officials, and purging longtime civil servants

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in pressing Attorney General Pam Bondi on her reallocation of resources from mission-critical Department of Justice (DOJ) projects to purported “immigration enforcement initiatives.”

    The Justice Department recently issued a directive to take legal action against so-called “sanctuary cities,” demanded an increase in immigration-related prosecutions, and reallocated resources away from critical national security and public safety efforts. The Senators request that Attorney General Bondi rescind this memo.

    The Senators begin by summarizing how the directive undermines our country’s national security and public safety capabilities, writing: “We are alarmed at recent changes within the Department of Justice (DOJ) that have significantly destabilized the agency and made America less safe. The shortsighted removal or reassignment of senior career DOJ and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials with national security expertise have diminished the country’s ability to respond to national security or public safety threats. We ask that you rescind the January 21, 2025, Memorandum and reverse any personnel decisions that diverted resources away from the Department’s critical national security and public safety missions.”

    The Senators then criticize the January 21, 2025, memo’s broad directive to divert resources away from vital law enforcement activities to vague immigration enforcement efforts, writing: “We are deeply disturbed that the Department is redirecting resources from the prosecution of violent crimes to the pursuit of dubious claims against so-called ‘sanctuary’ jurisdictions. Multiple studies have shown that localities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement do not have higher crime rates.  Reassigning law enforcement officers to ill-defined immigration-focused initiatives, for which they have no expertise, and instructing prosecutors to investigate and potentially pursue charges against sanctuary jurisdictions will not successfully target those who pose an actual threat to public safety. These reassignments drain law enforcement resources from critical missions and create an experience and leadership vacuum in our national security, counterintelligence, and public safety apparatus.”

    The brain drain of the Department’s senior expertise is so severe that all the career officials who attended the daily threats session for years have been removed from their positions, per public reporting. A large number of officials have been reassigned to a newly created “Sanctuary City Enforcement Working Group,” despite the attorneys having no experience in immigration law and the group having no enforcement or litigation authority, which led to forced multiple resignations by veteran attorneys.

    Other reported efforts underway reallocate valuable government resources from critical missions to immigration enforcement matters, including from efforts to fight transnational-organized crime, violent crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism.

    The Senators then outline the disruption caused by the resource reallocation, writing: “The sweeping changes to personnel assignments and resource allocation across DOJ will lead to widespread disruption and delay in prosecutions, investigations, and sensitive operations… It is irresponsible and dangerous to divert DOJ and FBI law enforcement officials from their primary missions and areas of expertise to bolster the Trump Administration’s mass deportation effort.”

    The Senators conclude with a request to rescind the January 21, 2025, memo, before making a series of information requests with a deadline of March 17, 2025, writing: “DOJ’s extensive focus on immigration enforcement, to the detriment of other vital national security and public safety priorities, intentionally diverts the Department’s resources and will fail to actually move the needle on immigration enforcement. Personnel at DOJ, the FBI, and other component agencies are now limited in their ability to combat threats to public safety and national security, and a dedicated and talented workforce is facing a crisis of morale. To that end, we ask that you rescind the January 21, 2025, Memorandum and reverse any personnel decisions that diverted resources away from critical national security and public safety missions.”

    In addition to Durbin, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).

    For a PDF copy of the letter sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi, click here.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Criminal Charges Against 30 Officers for Role in Facilitating “Gladiator Fights” Between Youths at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall

    Source: US State of California

    Monday, March 3, 2025

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

    LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the unsealing of a grand jury indictment against 30 detention services officers at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey, California on charges of child endangerment and abuse, conspiracy, and battery. The indictment alleges that the officers allowed and, in some instances, encouraged 69 fights to occur between youths at Los Padrinos during the period from July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The indictment stems from an investigation launched by the California Department of Justice after video footage of one of the so-called “gladiator fights” leaked in January 2024. Twenty-two of the 30 officers were arraigned today at Los Angeles Superior Court. The remaining officers will be arraigned on April 18, 2025.

    “Officers at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall have a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of those under their care. Instead, the officers charged today did just the opposite – overseeing ‘gladiator fights’ when they should have intervened,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The indictment – and the filing of criminal charges – is an important step toward holding these officers accountable and addressing shortfalls at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. Let today’s charges be a warning for all those who abuse their power: the California Department of Justice is watching, and we will hold you accountable.”

    The officers were indicted on charges, including alleged child abuse/endangerment; conspiracy to commit a crime; and battery impacting 143 victims between the ages of 12 and 18. The indictment also alleges aggravating factors, including the vulnerability of the victims and the officer’s position of trust or confidence, which helped enable them to commit the offense. The indictment identifies 69 incidents over a six-month period where probation officers facilitated and permitted youths in their custody to fight each other. These so-called “gladiator fights” resulted in physical harm to youth involved and, if the charges are proven, were a dereliction of the officers’ duty to protect those in their care.

    Separate and apart from this criminal prosecution, Attorney General Bonta has worked to address systemic shortfalls in Los Angeles County juvenile halls and to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of the youths under their care. In November 2024, Attorney General Bonta separately announced additional monitoring and strengthened protections as part of an amended court judgment to address illegal and unsafe conditions in Los Angeles County juvenile halls, including Los Padrinos. This civil judgment is wholly independent of the criminal charges announced today against Los Padrinos detention officers. 

    A copy of the indictment is available here.  

    It is important to note that a criminal indictment contains charges that must be proven in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston, law enforcement partners arrest illegal Haitian alien charged in Massachusetts with sex crimes, witness intimidation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW BEDFORD, Mass.—U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and law enforcement partners from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives apprehended an illegal Hatian alien charged in Massachusetts with two counts of rape, indecent assault and battery on a person 14 years or older, possession of child pornography, witness intimidation, and violation of a harassment prevention order. Officers with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston along with agents from ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England and ATF Boston arrested Queenssy Bryan Lindor, 21, in New Bedford Feb. 5.

    “Queenssy Bryan Lindor stands accused of some unspeakable crimes, when combined with his convictions prove that he represents a substantial threat to the residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said ICE ERO acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “We refuse to allow law-abiding New Englanders to be subjected to such a menace. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our neighborhoods.”

    U.S. Border Patrol arrested Lindor after he illegally entered the United States near Del Rio, Texas, Nov. 21, 2019. USBP served Lindor with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge.

    ICE ERO San Antonio released Lindor Nov. 27, 2019, on an Order of Recognizance.

    The Barnstable District Court arraigned Lindor Feb. 13, 2023, for assault and battery. Later that day, ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Lindor with the Yarmouth, Massachusetts, Police Department.

    The Barnstable House of Corrections ignored the ICE detainer and released Lindor on $1,000 bail and GPS conditions.

    The Barnstable District Court convicted Lindor of assault and battery Sept. 14, 2023, and sentenced him to 30 days in prison

    The Barnstable Superior Court indicted Lindor Nov. 1, 2023, for two counts of rape, indecent assault and battery on a person 14 years or older, possession of child pornography, witness intimidation, and violation of a harassment prevention order.

    The Barnstable District Court convicted Lindor Sept. 20, 2024, for violation of a harassment prevention order and sentenced him to probation.

    Officers with ICE ERO Boston along with agents from ICE HSI New England and ATF Boston arrested Lindor in New Bedford Feb. 5.

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Laredo man admits to having child sexual assault material on phone

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas –A 25-year-old Laredo resident has entered a guilty plea to receiving and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Eduardo Rosas admitted to receiving and possessing numerous images and video files depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on his iPhone.

    The investigation began after authorities learned someone had uploaded CSAM onto a Kik account. Rosas was the owner of that account. 

    Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence, at which time they seized several electronic devices including an Apple iPhone 11. Rosas admitted to owning the Kik account and the phone. 

    Forensic analysis revealed 43 images, 99 videos files and 85 thumbnail files, all depicting CSAM. Some of the material depicted bondage, infants, bestiality and sadistic material.

    U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Rosas faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

    He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa A. Lopez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Customs Worker Guilty in Stolen Vehicle Conspiracy

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

    McALLEN, Texas – A 33-year-old former member of the Mexican National Guard has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to defraud the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Luis Enrique Guzman Pablo was assigned to work at customs in Matamoros, Mexico. As part of his official duties, he would inspect and observe vehicles departing the United States to Mexico. 

    From May to July of 2024, Pablo facilitated the entry of stolen vehicles into Mexico in exchange for compensation.

    As part of the scheme, co-conspirators would provide Pablo a description of the vehicle to be exported. He would then ensure the stolen vehicle would pass through the inspection process without being denied entry into Mexico.

    In one instance in May 2024, Pablo assisted co-conspirators with the exportation of a stolen Chevrolet Trailblazer that was exported via the Veteran’s International Bridge in Brownsville to Matamoros in exchange for payment.

    “No matter what side of the border or what country they represent, we expect all authorities to do their duties and respect the law,” said Ganjei. “Pablo abused his position in order to enrich himself, and The Southern District of Texas will continue to ensure those like him face the appropriate consequences.”

    Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing May 13. At that time, Pablo up to five years in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    Pablo has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

    Homeland Security Investigations and FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection and the Fiscalia General de la Republica in Mexico.

    This case is a result 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 on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr. and Sarina D. DiPiazza are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Woman Pleads Guilty to Producing, Distributing, and Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material

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

    Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Alexandria Stevens (20, New Jersey) has pleaded guilty to producing, distributing, and receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Stevens faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison for the production offense, and a minimum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment, up to 20 years, for each of the distribution and receipt offenses. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Stevens remains detained in federal custody pending the resolution of this case.

    According to the plea agreement, while visiting Florida in November 2023, Stevens and co-defendant Michael Taylor, Jr. produced CSAM with an 8-year-old child. They also received and distributed images of CSAM over the internet. 

    Taylor was also charged for his alleged role in this case. His case is pending.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Delaware County Teacher Convicted After Trial of Coercing, Transporting, and Sexually Abusing Students

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paul Geer was a Teacher at the “Family Foundation” Private Boarding School, Which Operated in Hancock, New York, From Approximately 1992 Until 2014

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Paul Geer, age 57, of Hancock, New York, was convicted today by a federal jury after a two-week-long trial on two counts of coercing and enticing two separate children to travel across state lines to engage in unlawful sexual activity and two counts of transporting the children across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity with those children.  The jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict on two additional counts. 

    Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon and Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Craig Tremaroli made the announcement.

    The evidence at trial proved that, while Geer was a teacher at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, New York, he imposed various disciplinary sanctions on students that were tantamount to torture. The sanctions Geer imposed on students included depriving children of food or forcing children to eat food that had been regurgitated, binding children in rugs and leaving them in isolated rooms for extended periods of time and forcing children to perform forced physical labor. The evidence at trial further proved that, in 1994 and 2001, Geer used his position of authority and his ability to impose these brutal sanctions to coerce two students to travel with him, on separate occasions, to Maine and Toronto, Canada. The evidence at trial also proved that Geer transported the students across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity with them. While on those trips, Geer raped or otherwise sexually abused each of the two children.

    Geer was taken into custody following the verdict. 

    At sentencing currently scheduled for July 9, 2025, in Albany, New York, the two counts of coercion and enticement each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. The two counts of transporting children across state lines each carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

    The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance New York State Police and the Colonie, New York Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica N. Carbone, Adrian S. LaRochelle, and Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, and led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Dave Reports Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Record Q4 Revenue up 38% Y/Y to $100.9 Million; FY24 Revenue up 34% to $347.1 Million

    Q4 Net Income Increases $16.6 Million Y/Y to $16.8 Million; Adj. EBITDA increases 234% Y/Y to $33.4 Million, Significantly Exceeding High-End of Guidance

    Establishes Strong 2025 Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Outlook

    LOS ANGELES, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dave Inc. (“Dave” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DAVE), one of the nation’s leading neobanks, today announced fourth quarter and full year results for the period ended December 31, 2024.

    “We closed out the year with record-setting results, delivering another quarter of exceptional growth and profitability,” said Jason Wilk, Founder and CEO of Dave.

    “Our performance was underpinned by strong member demand and continued strength in our team’s execution. ExtraCash originations were up 44% year-over-year supported by increased member growth and average origination per member. Our CashAI-powered underwriting continued to drive improvements in credit performance which contributed to another record quarter of non-GAAP variable margin. These results, combined with our fixed cost discipline and efficient marketing spend, allowed us to deliver 35% sequential growth in Adjusted EBITDA and more than 200% annually, which we believe underscores the inherent operating leverage in our business model.

    “In mid-Q1 of 2025, we fully transitioned to our new fee structure which we expect to result in even greater ExtraCash limits, monetization, and member lifetime value going forward. With this strong momentum heading into 2025, we believe we are well positioned to drive another record year as we execute our strategic roadmap and deliver long-term value for both our members and shareholders.”

    Quarterly Financial Highlights ($ in millions, unaudited)

      4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 4Q24
    GAAP Operating Revenues, Net $73.2 $73.6 $80.1 $92.5 $100.9
    % Change vs. prior year period 23% 25% 31% 41% 38%
    Non-GAAP Variable Profit* $45.9 $49.9 $51.8 $64.2 $72.6
    % Change vs. prior year period 80% 47% 57% 72% 58%
    Non-GAAP Variable Profit Margin* 63% 68% 65% 69% 72%
    GAAP Net Income $0.2 $34.2 $6.4 $0.5 $16.8
    Adjusted Net Income* $6.6 $8.1 $13.7 $21.1 $29.6
    Adjusted EBITDA* $10.0 $13.2 $15.2 $24.7 $33.4

    *Non-GAAP measures. See reconciliation of non-GAAP measures at the end of the press release.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Operating Highlights (vs. Fourth Quarter 2023)

    • New Members increased 12% to 766,000 while customer acquisition costs remained highly efficient at $16
    • Monthly Transacting Members (“MTMs”) increased 17% to 2.5 million
    • ExtraCash originations increased 44% to $1.5 billion, while the average 28-Day delinquency rate improved 53 basis points to 1.66%
    • Dave Debit Card spend increased 24% to $457 million
    • For a full review of the Company’s key performance indicators, please refer to the Company’s Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2024 Earnings Presentation which can be found on the Investor Relations page of Dave’s website

    Annual Financial Highlights ($ in millions, unaudited)

      FY 2023 FY 2024
    GAAP Operating Revenues, Net $259.1 $347.1
    % Change vs. prior year 26% 34%
    Non-GAAP Variable Profit* $150.1 $238.5
    % Change vs. prior year 74% 59%
    Non-GAAP Variable Profit Margin* 58% 69%
    GAAP Net (Loss) Income ($48.5) $57.9
    Adjusted Net (Loss) Income* ($22.1) $72.5
    Adjusted EBITDA (Loss)* ($10.1) $86.5

    *Non-GAAP measures. See reconciliation of non-GAAP measures at the end of the press release.

    Liquidity Summary

    The Company had $91.9 million of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, investments and restricted cash as of December 31, 2024, compared to $76.7 million as of September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to free cash flow generation offset by an increase in the ExtraCash receivables balance. The Company did not increase utilization of its credit facility during the quarter.

    2025 Financial Guidance ($ in millions)

      FY 2025
    GAAP Operating Revenues, Net $415 – $435
    Year-Over-Year Growth 20% – 25%
    Adjusted EBITDA* $110 – $120
    Year-Over-Year Growth 27% – 39%

    *Non-GAAP measure. The Company does not provide a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures because it is unable to predict without unreasonable effort the exact amount or timing of the reconciling items, including interest expense, investment income, and loss provision, among others. The variability of these items could have a significant impact on our future GAAP financial results.

    Dave’s CFO, Kyle Beilman, commented: “Our 2025 guidance reflects the tailwind created by our new fee structure as well as our ongoing commitment to driving sustainable and profitable growth. As we progress through the first quarter, we anticipate the typical seasonal softness in demand for ExtraCash as tax refunds provide important liquidity to our members. Our focus remains on expanding ARPU, leaning into our banking offering, further strengthening member retention and expanding member lifetime value. Given our growth trajectory, strong variable margins and the scalability of our business model, we expect to drive another record year of performance in 2025.”

    Beilman added, “Yesterday we announced the completion of our strategic partnership with Coastal Community Bank to serve as Dave’s sponsor bank for its ExtraCash and banking products. We selected Coastal based on their customer-first mission, deep knowledge across both credit and banking products, strong risk management, and our shared ambition to drive innovation and continue leveling the financial playing field for everyday Americans.”

    Conference Call 

    Dave management will host a conference call on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its full financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, followed by a question-and-answer period. The conference call details are as follows:

    Date: Tuesday, March 4th, 2025
    Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern time
    Dial-in registration link: here
    Live webcast registration link: here

    The conference call will also be available for replay in the Events section of the Company’s website, along with the transcript, at https://investors.dave.com.

    If you have any difficulty registering for or connecting to the conference call, please contact Elevate IR at DAVE@elevate-ir.com.

    About Dave

    Dave (Nasdaq: DAVE) is a leading U.S. neobank and fintech pioneer serving millions of everyday Americans. Dave uses disruptive technologies to provide best-in-class banking services at a fraction of the price of incumbents. For more information about the company, visit: www.dave.com. For investor information and updates, visit: investors.dave.com and follow @davebanking on X.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as “feels,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “remains,” “should,” “is to be,” or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology and include, among other things, the quotations of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer relating to Dave’s future performance and growth, statements relating to fiscal year 2025 guidance, projected financial results for future periods, and other statements about future events. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein due to many factors, including, but not limited to: the ability of Dave to compete in its highly competitive industry; the ability of Dave to keep pace with the rapid technological developments in its industry and the larger financial services industry; the ability of Dave to manage risks associated with providing ExtraCash; the ability of Dave to retain its current Members, acquire new Members and sell additional functionality and services to its Members; the ability of Dave to protect intellectual property and trade secrets; the ability of Dave to maintain the integrity of its confidential information and information systems or comply with applicable privacy and data security requirements and regulations; the reliance by Dave on a single bank partner; the ability of Dave to maintain or secure current and future key banking relationships and other third-party service providers, including its ability to comply with applicable requirements of such third parties; the ability of Dave to comply with extensive and evolving laws and regulations applicable to its business; changes in applicable laws or regulations and extensive and evolving government regulations that impact operations and business; the ability to attract or maintain a qualified workforce; the level of product service failures that could lead Members to use competitors’ services; investigations, claims, disputes, enforcement actions, litigation and/or other regulatory or legal proceedings, including the Department of Justice’s lawsuit against Dave; the ability to maintain the listing of Dave Class A Common Stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market; the possibility that Dave may be adversely affected by other economic factors, including fluctuating interest rates, and business, and/or competitive factors; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in Dave’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 5, 2024 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors,” filed with the SEC and other reports and documents Dave files from time to time with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Dave undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

    Non-GAAP Financial Information

    This press release contains references to Adjusted EBITDA (loss), which is a non-GAAP financial measure that is adjusted from results based on generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and excludes certain expenses, gains and losses. The Company defines and calculates Adjusted EBITDA (loss) as GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Dave before the impact of interest income or expense, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization, and adjusted to exclude non-recurring legal settlement and litigation expenses, gain on extinguishment of convertible debt, stock-based compensation expense and certain other non-core items. The Company defines and calculates non-GAAP variable operating expenses as operating expenses excluding non-variable operating expenses. The Company defines non-variable operating expenses as all advertising and marketing operating expenses, compensation and benefits operating expenses, and certain operating expenses (legal, rent, technology/infrastructure, depreciation, amortization, charitable contributions, other operating expenses, upfront Member account activation costs and upfront Dave Banking expenses). The Company defines and calculates non-GAAP variable profit as GAAP Operating Revenues, Net less non-GAAP variable operating expenses. The Company defines and calculates non-GAAP variable profit margin as non-GAAP variable profit as a percent of GAAP Operating Revenues, Net. The Company defines and calculates adjusted net income (loss) as GAAP net income (loss) adjusted to exclude stock-based compensation, the gain on extinguishment of convertible debt, non-recurring legal settlement and litigation expenses, and certain other non-core items. The Company defines and calculates non-GAAP adjusted basic EPS and non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS as adjusted net income (loss) divided by weighted average shares of common stock-basic and weighted average shares of common stock-diluted, respectively.

    These non-GAAP financial measures may be helpful to the user in assessing our operating performance and facilitate an alternative comparison among fiscal periods. The Company’s management team uses these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing performance, as well as in planning and forecasting future periods. The methods the Company uses to compute these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the methods used by other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental, should not be considered a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Refer to the section further below for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA (loss) to its most directly comparable GAAP measure for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, and 2023.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Sean Mansouri, CFA
    Elevate IR
    DAVE@elevate-ir.com

    Media Contact

    Dan Ury
    press@dave.com

    DAVE INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (in millions, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
                     
        For the Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   For the Year Ended
    December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    Operating revenues:                
    Service based revenue, net   $ 90.8     $ 65.4     $ 311.4     $ 232.2  
    Transaction based revenue, net     10.1       7.8       35.7       26.9  
    Total operating revenues, net     100.9       73.2       347.1       259.1  
    Operating expenses:                
    Provision for credit losses     16.6       14.5       54.6       58.4  
    Processing and servicing costs     6.3       7.5       30.4       28.9  
    Advertising and marketing     12.6       10.0       44.9       48.4  
    Compensation and benefits     27.2       23.5       107.0       94.9  
    Other operating expenses     17.2       15.8       75.5       70.7  
    Total operating expenses     79.9       71.3       312.4       301.3  
    Other (income) expenses:                
    Interest expense, net     1.3       1.8       5.0       6.5  
    Gain on extinguishment of convertible debt     —       —       (33.4 )     —  
    Changes in fair value of earnout liabilities     0.9       —       1.0       —  
    Changes in fair value of public and private warrant liabilities     1.3       (0.2 )     1.7       (0.3 )
    Total other (income) expense, net     3.5       1.6       (25.7 )     6.2  
    Net income (loss) before provision for income taxes     17.5       0.3       60.4       (48.4 )
    Provision for income taxes     0.7       0.1       2.5       0.1  
    Net income (loss)   $ 16.8     $ 0.2     $ 57.9     $ (48.5 )
                     
    Net income (loss) per share:                
    Basic   $ 1.31     $ 0.01     $ 4.62     $ (4.07 )
    Diluted   $ 1.16     $ 0.01     $ 4.19     $ (4.07 )
                     
                     
    RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING EXPENSES TO NON-GAAP VARIABLE OPERATING EXPENSES
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
                     
             
        For the Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   For the Year Ended
    December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    Operating expenses   $ 79.9     $ 71.3     $ 312.4     $ 301.3  
    Non-variable operating expenses     (51.6 )     (44.0 )     (203.8 )     (192.3 )
    Non-GAAP variable operating expenses   $ 28.3     $ 27.3     $ 108.6     $ 109.0  
                     
                     
    CALCULATION OF NON-GAAP VARIABLE PROFIT
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
             
        For the Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   For the Year Ended
    December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    GAAP operating revenues, net   $ 100.9     $ 73.2     $ 347.1     $ 259.1  
    Non-GAAP variable operating expenses     (28.3 )     (27.3 )     (108.6 )     (109.0 )
    Non-GAAP variable profit   $ 72.6     $ 45.9     $ 238.5     $ 150.1  
    Non-GAAP variable profit margin     72 %     63 %     69 %     58 %
                     
                     
    DAVE INC.
    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (LOSS)
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
             
        For the Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   For the Year Ended
    December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    Net income (loss)   $ 16.8     $ 0.2     $ 57.9     $ (48.5 )
    Interest expense, net     1.3       1.8       5.0       6.5  
    Provision for income taxes     0.7       0.1       2.5       0.1  
    Depreciation and amortization     2.3       1.5       7.5       5.4  
    Stock-based compensation     10.1       6.6       37.3       26.7  
    Legal settlement and litigation accrual     —       —       7.0       —  
    Gain on extinguishment of convertible debt     —       —       (33.4 )     —  
    Changes in fair value of earnout liabilities     0.9       —       1.0       —  
    Changes in fair value of public and private warrant liabilities     1.3       (0.2 )     1.7       (0.3 )
    Adjusted EBITDA (loss)   $ 33.4     $ 10.0     $ 86.5     $ (10.1 )
                     
                     
    DAVE INC.
    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS)
    (in millions, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
             
        For the Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   For the Year Ended
    December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    Net income (loss)   $ 16.8     $ 0.2     $ 57.9     $ (48.5 )
    Stock-based compensation     10.1       6.6       37.3       26.7  
    Gain on extinguishment of convertible debt     —       —       (33.4 )     —  
    Legal settlement and litigation accrual     —       —       7.0       —  
    Changes in fair value of earnout liabilities     0.9       —       1.0       —  
    Changes in fair value of public and private warrant liabilities     1.3       (0.2 )     1.7       (0.3 )
    Income tax expense related to gain on extinguishment of convertible debt     0.5       —       1.0       —  
    Adjusted net income (loss)   $ 29.6     $ 6.6     $ 72.5     $ (22.1 )
                     
    Adjusted net income (loss) per share:                
    Basic   $ 2.31     $ 0.55     $ 5.79     $ (1.85 )
    Diluted   $ 2.04     $ 0.54     $ 5.24     $ (1.85 )
                     
                     
    DAVE INC.
    LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
                     
        December 31,   December 31,        
          2024       2023          
                     
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   $ 51.4     $ 43.1          
    Marketable securities     0.1       1.0          
    Investments     40.5       113.2          
    Working capital     247.2       251.3          
    Total stockholders’ equity     183.1       87.1          

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shelton Man Admits Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-19 Relief Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on February 28, 2025, VINCENZO MINUTOLO, 38, of Shelton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to offenses related to his fraudulent receipt of COVID-19 relief funds.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  In April 2020, Congress authorized more than $300 billion in additional PPP funding.  The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive unsecured loans at an interest rate of 1%.  PPP loan proceeds were to be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spent the proceeds on these expenses within a certain period of time of receipt and used at least a certain percentage of the amount to be forgiven for payroll.

    The PPP was overseen by the Small Business Administration, which has authority over all PPP loans.  Individual PPP loans, however, were issued by private approved lenders, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.

    Minutolo claimed an ownership interest or representative relationship with City Sounds Productions LLC (“City Sounds”).  Between March and September 2021, Minutolo defrauded the PPP loan program of more than $145,000 by providing false information on loan applications for City Sounds, including overstating the yearly gross income for City Sounds; misrepresenting that similar PPP loans had not been or would not be sought when he had, in fact, sought and obtained, and intended to seek and obtain, such loans; and providing fraudulent IRS tax filings and tax payment vouchers for City Sounds that had, in fact, never been filed with the IRS.  Similarly, on the forgiveness applications he submitted, Minutolo materially misrepresented having complied with all the requirements of the PPP rules.

    In addition, the CARES Act created a new temporary federal unemployment insurance program for pandemic unemployment assistance (“Pandemic Unemployment Assistance”).  Pandemic Unemployment Assistance provided unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits for employed individuals who are not eligible for other types of UI due to their employment status.  The CARES Act also created a new temporary federal program called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (“FPUC”) that provided additional weekly benefits to those eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or regular UI.  The Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL) administers UI benefits for residents of Connecticut.

    Between March 2020 and April 2021, Minutolo defrauded the CT-DOL of at least $86,000, and as much as approximately $273,000, by providing the CT-DOL with fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Assistance applications seeking unemployment insurance payments in others’ names, including individuals who had died, and individuals who did not know that their name and sometimes other personal information was being used.  One fraudulent application was for Minutolo’s grandfather, who died in 2014, and included a telephone number associated with Minutolo.  Minutolo continued to make online weekly certifications to the CT-DOL attesting that the information contained in his grandfather’s application, and other applications, were true in order to receive continued unemployment insurance benefits.

    Minutolo pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for May 23.  Minutolo is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

    This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

    Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lisa G. Johnston Named Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Lisa G. Johnston has been named the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. As Acting United States Attorney, Johnston is the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of West Virginia, which covers 23 counties, and oversees all federal criminal prosecutions as well as the litigation of all civil matters in which the United States has an interest.

    “I am honored to serve as Acting United States Attorney and pledge to continue to fulfill the vital mission of the Department of Justice,” Johnston said. “On behalf of this office and its dedicated attorneys and staff, I look forward to working closely and collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to protect the public, enforce the law fairly and consistently, and promote respect for the legal system and the rule of law.”

    Johnston previously served as the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia from February 2021 to October 2021. She joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of West Virginia in August 2006. Since January 2018, Johnston has served as First Assistant United States Attorney, the second most-senior official in the United States Attorney’s Office tasked with overseeing the operations of the criminal, civil and administrative sections of the United States Attorney’s Office.

    Johnston began her 37-year career in the Northern District of West Virginia, where she served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and then as an Assistant United States Attorney. In October 2001, Johnston accepted a detail with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Chief Counsel’s Office where she served as a legal advisor to ATF employees in the Louisville Field Division. In August 2005, Johnston accepted a detail with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, where she handled immigration appeals.

    Throughout her extensive career as an Assistant United States Attorney, Johnston has handled investigations and prosecutions of federal criminal laws involving crimes against children, firearms, violence, drug trafficking, health care fraud, immigration, and other white-collar offenses.

    As Acting United States Attorney, Johnston oversees a staff of 34 attorneys and 41 non-attorney personnel located in offices in Charleston, Huntington, and Beckley.

    A native of Moundsville, West Virginia, Johnston earned a Juris Doctor degree from the West Virginia University College of Law in 1988. She graduated Cum Laude from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism in 1984.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Scranton Man Sentenced To 41 Months’ Imprisonment For Wire Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James G. Miller, Jr., age 53, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 28, 2025, to 41 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for wire fraud.   

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between February of 2020 and January of 2022, Miller assisted coconspirators in transferring $1,582,179 in fraudulently obtained Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Lost Wage Assistance Payments (LWAPs), and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) benefits through various bank accounts, Bitcoin transactions, and mailings.  Miller acted as a money mule, receiving small sums of money in exchange for the use of his mailing address and bank accounts to transfer the fraudulently obtained funds to counterparts overseas.

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Office of Inspector General Departments of Labor (OIG-DOL) and Homeland Security (OIG-DHS), and the Office of Inspector General Social Security Administration (OIG-SSA).  The case was prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd.

    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, among other methods, 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 https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    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 at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston removes illegal Honduran national wanted for homicide in home country

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed an illegally present Honduran national convicted in Massachusetts of assault with a dangerous weapon and wanted by authorities in Honduras for homicide. Officers with ICE Boston removed Rene Alejandro Rosales-Vindel, 52, from the United States to Honduras Feb. 3 and turned him over to Honduran authorities.

    “Rene Alejandro Rosales-Vindel attempted to flee justice in his home country and hide out in the United States,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “Not only did he break our immigration laws, but he also assaulted a resident of Massachusetts. Now he is back in Honduras to answer the charges against him. We will not allow our New England communities to become safe havens for the world’s criminals. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders.”

    U.S. Border Patrol arrested Rosales Mar. 28, 2014, after he illegally entered the United States and placed him into immigration proceedings. ICE released Rosales May 5, 2014, after he paid an immigration bond.

    Officers from ICE Boston arrested Rosales Aug. 30, 2017, after his arrest for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. ICE Boston cancelled Rosales’ bond and detained him to continue his immigration proceedings.

    On Oct. 11, 2017, a Department of Justice immigration judge in Boston ordered Rosales removed from the United States to Honduras.

    ICE Boston released Rosales on an order of supervision May 25, 2018. The next day, the Chelsea District Court convicted Rosales of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

    ICE Boston arrested Rosales Nov. 23, 2024, and revoked his order of supervised release.

    Officers with ICE removed Rosales from the United States to Honduras Feb. 3 and turned him over to Honduran authorities.

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements Under Oath in a Bankruptcy Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Travis Lee Harry, 40, of Kernersville, North Carolina, pleaded guilty today to making false statements under oath in a bankruptcy case.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Harry had owned and lived in a house in Princeton, West Virginia, which he sold on December 23, 2019. On February 5, 2020, Harry filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. On the Statement of Financial Affairs he submitted as part of the bankruptcy filing, and which he signed under penalty of perjury, Harry falsely stated that he and his spouse co-owned the house and sold it together. At a March 6, 2020, meeting of creditors as part of the bankruptcy proceeding, Harry falsely testified under oath that he had co-owned the house with his spouse. Harry admitted as part of his guilty plea that he solely owned the house, and that his spouse was never a co-owner. Harry further admitted that he falsely indicated during the creditors’ meeting that all of the proceeds from selling the house went to pay taxes.

    Harry is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The United States Trustee’s Charleston field office, which serves West Virginia, made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public.

    Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-143.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Bonta Releases California’s Top 10 Consumer Complaints

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND — In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta today released 2024’s Top 10 Consumer Complaints and highlighted ongoing efforts to protect California consumers. The list released today includes the top consumer complaint categories the California Department of Justice (DOJ) has received in the last calendar year. Attorney General Bonta urges Californians to report misconduct or violations of state consumer protection laws to DOJ at oag.ca.gov/report. Complaints submitted by the public provide DOJ and sister agencies with important information about potential misconduct to help determine whether to investigate a business or individual.

    “California is a pillar of strong state consumer protection laws and an outspoken advocate for robust federal protections,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This National Consumer Protection Week, I urge Californians to help us further this work. If you see misconduct or are the victim of a scam, my office wants to know about it: I encourage consumers to immediately file a complaint online at oag.ca.gov/report. Whether protecting our kids online, stopping egregious bank fees, or cracking down on illegal price gouging, as the People’s Attorney, I am committed to going to the mat for California consumers.” 

    Top 10 Consumer Complaint Categories from 2024:

    1.    Social Media Platforms 
    2.    Online Retailers
    3.    Banks
    4.    Contractors
    5.    Landlord/Tenant Issues
    6.    Online Scams 
    7.    Debt Collection 
    8.    Credit Reporting 
    9.    Telephonic Scams
    10.  Brick and Mortar Retail Sales

    Fighting to Keep More Money in the Pockets of Californians:

    Attorney General Bonta took on bad actors and archaic policies that hurt Californians pocketbooks. Last year, DOJ announced a $700 million multistate settlement with Johnson & Johnson for failing to disclose if asbestos was present in its talc products; secured a settlement with ticket reseller StubHub, Inc. for failing to pay timely refunds to Californians for canceled events during the COVID-19 pandemic; and sponsored successful legislation to protect Californians’ financial future by banning the inclusion of medical debt on credit reports.

    Last month, Attorney General Bonta supported lawsuits challenging the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Since its creation, the CFPB has actively worked to make the lives of everyday people better and has returned over $20 billion to Americans nationwide. The shuttering of the CFPB would cause catastrophic harm to consumer protections, leaving no federal oversight over large banks, and saddling state agencies with the sole responsibility to protect consumers from conduct regulated by the CFPB.

    Putting Social Media Companies on Notice:

    In response to a dramatic uptick of consumer complaints, last March, Attorney General Bonta sent a letter to Meta expressing deep concern regarding the increase in account takeovers and lockouts on Facebook and Instagram and the inadequacy of the company’s response to prevent and address consumer harm from these takeovers. The letter asked Meta to take immediate action to increase mitigation tactics and respond to users whose accounts have been taken over.

    Sticking up for Students: 

    In the last year, Attorney General Bonta continued to protect students by securing a decision that upheld a judgment against Ashford University for giving students false or misleading information about career outcomes, cost and financial aid, and transfer credits, as well as a $4.5 million settlement with University of Phoenix for aggressive and unlawful military student recruitment tactics. 

    Protecting Children Online:

    Attorney General Bonta continued to take action to create a safer internet for children and teens. In October 2024, DOJ filed a lawsuit against TikTok for harming young users and deceiving the public about the social media platform’s dangers; and secured a decision in his lawsuit against Meta that largely denies Meta’s attempt to evade responsibility for their role in the children’s mental health crisis. DOJ proudly supported legislation that would put consumers in control of their relationship with social media, like SB 976 (Skinner), recently enacted legislation which interrupts the ability of social media companies to use addictive design features, and AB 56 (Bauer-Kahan), newly proposed legislation that would require warning labels on social media platforms. 

    Advancing Your Data Privacy Rights: 

    In January, Attorney General Bonta reminded Californians of their right to stop or “opt-out” of the sale and sharing of their personal information under the California law, and encouraged consumers to consider familiarizing themselves with the Global Privacy Control (GPC), an easy-to-use browser setting or extension that allows consumers to take back control of their personal data. 

    Last year, Attorney General Bonta announced a settlement with DoorDash for violating California privacy laws by selling its customers’ personal information; and worked with local partners to secure a settlement with a video game developer for illegally collecting and sharing children’s data. 

    Scram, Scams! 

    Attorney General Bonta continued educating and warning consumers about financially harmful and widespread AI-generated scams, toll booth scams, romance scams, and package delivery text-based scams; and continued the fight against annoying and illegal robocalls, which are often a vehicle for scams.

    Setting the Record Straight on AI:

    In January, Attorney General Bonta issued two legal advisories, reminding consumers of their rights, and advising businesses and healthcare entities who develop, sell, or use artificial intelligence (AI) about their obligations under California law. Many consumers and patients are not aware of when and how AI systems are used in their lives or by institutions that they rely on.

    Businesses use AI systems to evaluate consumers’ credit risk and guide loan decisions, screen tenants for rentals, and target consumers with ads and offers, as such, must comply with California consumer protection laws.

    Tackling Price Gouging During a Natural Disaster: 

    In the wake of Los Angeles Fires, Californians should be coming together to help our neighbors, not attempting to profit off their pain. DOJ takes its duty to protect the public from price gouging, rental bidding, and unsolicited property offers by predatory buyers extremely seriously. In addition to sending over 700 warning letters to hotels and landlords, DOJ has several active investigations into price gouging and has announced price gouging charges against three Los Angeles real estate agents and a landlord (January 22, January 28, and February 18). These investigations are often the result of review of complaints received by DOJ.

    DOJ established the Disaster Relief Task Force to work closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement and regulatory partners; last month, DOJ collaborated with, Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto on misdemeanor price gouging charges against a homeowner and real estate agent who allegedly engaged in price gouging in violation of the law.

    For more tips and information on consumer protection, please visit https://oag.ca.gov/consumers. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vermont Man Sentenced to 132 Months for Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gabriel Charron, age 53, of Milton, Vermont, was sentenced today to 132 months in prison, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, for the attempted online enticement of a minor.

    Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    As part of his prior guilty plea, Charron admitted that between May 2022 and March 4, 2023, he exchanged sexually explicit messages online with people he believed were a mother and an 11-year old girl, in an attempt to entice the child into engaging in sexual acts with him.  Charron also admitted that on March 4, 2023, he traveled from Vermont to a hotel in Albany County, New York, with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the 11-year old girl.  Charron was arrested by law enforcement shortly after arriving at the location. 

    Charron will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

    FBI Albany investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Booker Join Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Codify DOJ’s Office of Environmental Justice

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 28, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ)—founding co-chairs of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus—joined U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and other Senate colleagues in introducing bicameral legislation to permanently codify the Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). The introduction of the Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act comes after Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent order eliminating all environmental justice efforts at the DOJ on her first day as Attorney General.

    “The Trump Administration seems determined to undermine the protections aimed at helping every American—no matter their zip code—to be able to breathe safe air, drink clean water and live, work and play on uncontaminated land,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our bill would help ensure the Justice Department holds polluters accountable and fulfills its promise to serve all Americans, including those in communities who have been hit hardest by environmental injustice and are suffering from severe health consequences.”

    The Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act would strengthen efforts at the Department of Justice to enforce environmental laws, hold polluters accountable and support state and local environmental enforcement capacity. The legislation would also authorize $50 million in annual grant funding to assist state and local governments with their own environmental enforcement efforts.

    A copy of the bill text can be found on Senator Duckworth’s website.

    As co-chair and co-founder of the U.S. Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, Duckworth has been a strong advocate for bringing environmental justice to Illinois and across the country. Her Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act (DWWIA), which was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is the most significant federal investment in water infrastructure in history, including $15 billion for national lead pipe replacement. DWWIA, which focuses on disadvantaged communities, is helping rebuild our nation’s crumbling and dangerous water infrastructure and enable communities to repair and modernize their failing wastewater systems, with many of the provisions to help low-income communities designed specifically for communities like Chicago, Cahokia Heights and East St. Louis. Duckworth also led the reintroduction of the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act—the most comprehensive environmental justice legislation in history—which would help achieve health equity and climate justice for all, particularly in underserved communities and communities of color that have long been disproportionately harmed by environmental injustices and toxic pollutants.

    Duckworth has consistently worked to bring attention to the environmental injustice, calling on EPA to conduct enhanced monitoring and enforcement in the Metro East, requesting a formal public health assessment by ATSDR on the impact of decades of flooding in Cahokia Heights, as well as ATSDR health assessments for several other communities like Sauget, Southside Chicago and Lake Couty. Duckworth has frequently met with residents to discuss the persistent inland flooding and environmental justice issues the community faces, including leading a federal delegation tour of the area. In Sauget, Duckworth has made multiple requests for air monitoring in the area and secured EPA enhanced air monitoring in 2021. She has also helped secure multiple funding streams for environmental justice across the state of Illinois and the country, such as the $3 billion in Environmental Justice grants under the Biden Administration and several Congressionally-directed grants.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former D.C. Public Official Sentenced to 15 Months for Bank Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Stole $844,000 in Funds from Pandemic Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

                WASHINGTON – Wendy Nicole Villatoro, 40, formerly of Washington, D.C., was sentenced February 28, 2025 in U.S. District Court to 15 months in federal prison for submitting fraudulent applications seeking money from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that netted her $844,000.

                The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG) Northeast Region, and Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of the Inspector General (SBA-OIG), Eastern Region.

                Villatoro, a former D.C. Homeland Security Commissioner and current employee with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pleaded guilty November 14, 2024, to bank fraud. In addition to the 15-month prison sentence, the Honorable Carl J. Nichols ordered Villatoro to serve two years of supervised release.

                According to the government’s evidence, between March 31, 2020, and August 4, 2021, Villatoro submitted eight PPP loan applications with various financial institutions and 15 Economic Injury Disaster (EID) loans with the Small Business Administration (SBA), all of which contained materially false statements. In order to get money from PPP lenders or the SBA, Villatoro submitted loans on behalf of fake businesses and inflated the number of employees, the average monthly payroll, the gross yearly revenue, or the cost of goods sold. In doing so, she tried to steal between $2.6 million and $5.5 million. While most of Villatoro’s loan applications were denied, she successfully secured over $844,000 in PPP and EID funds. Villatoro used the funds to pay off her student loans, pay off the car loan on a BMW SUV, and buy luxury items.

                As part of her plea agreement, Villatoro agreed to pay $844,415.24 in restitution to the U.S. Government and to forfeit items purchased with proceeds of the offense, including over 70 pieces of designer clothing and jewelry and a BMW SUV.

                The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.

                The PPP allowed qualifying small-businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of 1 percent. PPP loan proceeds were required to be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allowed the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if the business spent the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period of time after receiving the proceeds and used at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses.

                The EIDL program was designed to provide economic relief to small businesses that were experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds were intended for a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities and fixed debt payments. If an applicant also obtained a loan under the PPP, the EIDL funds were not to be used for the same purpose as the PPP funds.  

                The case was investigated jointly by U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, USDA-OIG, and SBA-OIG. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI Washington Field Office Asset Forfeiture Unit.

                This matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared English and Rick Blaylock, Jr. Valuable assistance was provided by former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Connor Mullin, Anna Forgie, and Paul V. Courtney.

                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 Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dangerous Firearms and Drugs the Focus of Two Takedowns in Vallejo

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

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Two Vallejo Public Safety Partnership (PSP) investigations have resulted in arrests and federal charges for eight individuals for various gun and drug offenses. The PSP investigations are a part of a larger collaborative effort to address violent crime in the city of Vallejo. Making this announcement are Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith, Chief Jason Ta of the Vallejo Police Department, Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani.

    “The application process to join the U.S. Department of Justice’s Public Safety Partnership Program is competitive, and the United States Attorney’s Office is proud of the Vallejo Police Department’s selection as a participant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith. “This program is focused on maximizing scarce resources to increase Vallejo’s ability to fight violent crime, especially crime related to gang activity involving gun violence and drug trafficking. Our office is honored to partner with Vallejo through this unique initiative to provide focused, data-driven, and evidence-based resources and expertise to promote public safety in this city. The prosecutions announced today show our commitment to that partnership, as we bring federal resources to bear in the fight make Vallejo safer for all its residents.”

    “Every community member deserves to feel safe and secure in their home,” stated Vallejo Police Chief Jason Ta. “We are overcoming our resource limitations through law enforcement and community partnerships. We must work together as a team to make Vallejo safer.”

    “Today’s announcement is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to collaborative investigations, leveraging the skills and talents of local, state, and federal partners to disrupt violent criminal networks that threaten the success and safety of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “Drug and weapons trafficking conducted by criminal networks exploits and slowly erodes communities unless law enforcement and the public stand together against it. Every family should have the opportunity to live, work, and thrive in a safe, crime-free community and the FBI remains firmly committed to disrupt and dismantle gangs and criminal networks that endanger neighborhoods and threaten the potential of all citizens.”

    “ATF is proud to be a part of a collective effort to prevent and reduce violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The city of Vallejo is a safer community today because of programs like the National Public Safety Partnership or PSP. This investigation serves as a great example of the effectiveness of this program. ATF continues to stay focused on the commitment that we made to the communities we serve, and we hope to continue to have more investigations like this one.”

    Super 8

    According to court documents, since July 2024 until the present, the ATF’s Oakland Field Office has been investigating members of a loosely affiliated group that was illegally selling dangerous, high-powered weapons in Vallejo using a Super 8 motel on Solano Avenue as the hub of their criminal activity. On Feb. 20, 2025, ATF arrested four Vallejo residents charged with federal firearms offenses. Zuryess Anthony Roberts, 24, was charged with possession and transfer of a machine gun. Taezon Laurece Sanderson, 23, was charged with being felon in possession of a firearm. Divaya James Talley, 18, was charged with transfer and possession of a machine gun. Anderson Thurston, 66, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    Brown Brotherhood (BBH)

    According to court documents, the Brown Brotherhood gang is a subset of the Sureño gang and has been a frequent target of investigations of the Vallejo Police Department and the Solano County Violent Crime Task Force. The primary criminal activities of this gang have included murder, robbery, extortion, drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, burglary, and stolen vehicles. The current investigation began in February 2024 through today’s arrests and takedown. FBI arrested four people today on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.

    Leo Alonso-Medina, 32, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Carlos Higuera-Aldana, 23, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Jeremiah Salanoa, 22, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Doroteo Suastegui, 47, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

    These cases are the product of investigations by the ATF, the FBI, the Vallejo Police Department, and the Solano County Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt, R. Alex Cardenas, Nicole Vanek, Douglas Harman, Charles Campbell, and Adrian Kinsella are prosecuting the eight federal cases arising out of this collaborative PSP effort.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Archdiocese Priest and Convicted Child Molester Sentenced for Passport Fraud and Ordered Removed from the United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Jorge Antonio Velez-Lopez, 69, a former Archdiocese priest and convicted child molester, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell for passport fraud. Velez has been sentenced to 12 months in prison with credit for time served and a term of supervised release for one year.  He was civilly denaturalized as a United States citizen and judicially ordered removed from the United States.  As result, once Velez finishes serving his federal sentence and his sentence of imprisonment for a state offense he committed in Maryland, Velez will be remanded to the custody of Immigration Customs and Enforcement to be deported to Colombia.   

    According to documents introduced in court, Velez was born in Columbia and admitted to the U.S. as a temporary religious worker in 2003. On November 6, 2007, Velez was granted permanent residency. On March 15, 2013, he submitted an Application for Naturalization to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”).  On his application, Velez stated under penalty of perjury that he had never committed a crime for which he had not been arrested, that he had never given false or misleading information to any U.S. Government official while applying for an immigration benefit, and that he had never lied to any U.S. Government official to gain entry or admission to the U.S.  On May 23, 2013, Velez was interviewed by a USCIS officer orally confirmed that he had never given false or misleading information to any U.S. Government official while applying for an immigration benefit and had never lied to any U.S. Government official to gain entry of admission to the U.S. while under oath and penalty of perjury.  In a ceremony on May 29, 2013, Velez took the Oath of Allegiance and was naturalized as a United States citizen.

    On September 27, 2013, Velez submitted a passport application as well as his naturalization certificate to the U.S. Department of State. Velez declared under penalty of perjury that he had not included any false documents in support of the application.

    On February 19, 2020, in Howard County, Maryland, Velez was arrested by local authorities and charged with five counts of 3rd degree sex offense and one count of 4th degree sex offense.  On May 14, 2021, in the Circuit Court for Howard County in Maryland, Velez pled guilty to sexual abuse of a minor for whom he had temporary responsibility for supervising, in violation of Maryland Criminal Code § 3-602(b)(1).  He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 9 years and ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Velez confessed to having sexually abused the victim from June 19, 2005, through June 18, 2009, while serving as the child’s priest.

    “The United States Department of Justice, ICE, and our other federal law enforcement partners will use every tool in our arsenal to protect children and will prosecute and seek deportation of those who fraudulently obtain U.S. citizenship,” said Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. 

    “This case sends a clear message to individuals who commit any type of sexual offense, particularly those involving children, during the naturalization process – we will ensure that justice is done,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth. “The Justice Department’s Office of Immigration Litigation will continue to hold individuals responsible for sexual offenses, especially those involving child victims.”

    The case was investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division in New Orleans as part of Operation False Haven, an ongoing national initiative designed to identify and prosecute child molesters and other egregious felons who fraudulently obtained United States citizenship.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell for the Western District of Louisiana prosecuted the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Devin Barrett with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Immigration Litigation and Autumn Cheramie with ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor.   

    Rated court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer under case numbers 1:23-cr-00212 and 1:24-cv-01534. 

        # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Business Partner Brothers Sentenced to Federal Prison for their Roles in $2.8M COVID Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, S.C. — Three brothers have been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud. Two brothers, William Chan, 40, and Siu Chan, 32, both of Georgia, pleaded guilty to a wire fraud conspiracy. The third brother, Ka Ho Chan, 33, who also resides in Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. The brothers, along with other family members, operate a string of restaurants in the Charleston area.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that beginning in March 2020, the Chan brothers applied for Paycheck Protect Program (PPP) and Emergency Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) funds using false representations and fraudulent documentation. 

    The evidence presented for William and Siu Chan revealed that at least 22 PPP and EIDL loans were applied for and received totaling more than $2.5 million. The investigation further revealed that a handful of the loans applied for by William and Siu were legitimate applications but the funds we not used for legitimate business purposes once funded. For example, the Government uncovered evidence that the brothers used PPP and EIDL loan funds to make personal car purchases and pay personal credit card expenses.

    Ka Ha Chan pleaded to a separate information charging him with wire fraud for an EIDL loan and grant he received. Moreover, in Ka Ha Chan’s plea agreement, he agreed to a restitution figure between $300,000 to $350,000 based on his receipt of fraudulent loan proceeds applied for by his brothers during their conspiracy. The evidence revealed that all the funds received by Ka Ho, though his own wire fraud scheme, and the funds he received from his brothers were not used for legitimate business purposes and were used for personal expenses, such as vehicle purchases and personal credit cards.

    “These defendants exploited a program intended to help struggling businesses during a critical time. Their greed led them to defraud the government and taxpayers, diverting millions of dollars intended for legitimate economic relief,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “This sentencing sends a clear message: those who attempt to profit from pandemic aid through fraud will be held accountable.”

    “We will not tolerate those who exploit programs designed to support small businesses, and these defendants are now facing the consequences for their actions,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia field office.  “The FBI remains committed to identifying, investigating, and holding accountable those who attempt undermine our financial institutions for personal gain.”

    United States District Richard M. Gergel sentenced William Chan to 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Siu Chan was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Ka Ho Chan was sentenced to 12 months and one day imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. 

    There is no parole in the federal system. The total amount of fraudulent loans and misuse of EIDL and PPP loan funds presented to the court during sentencing exceeded $2.8 million. In advance of sentencing, efforts had been made by the brothers to pay restitution. As a result, the outstanding restitution owed in the amount of $1,268,386.50 was ordered. 

    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, among other methods, 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 https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    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 at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and Small Business Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest Supporting Access to Places of Worship

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Department of Justice announced today that it has filed a statement of interest in federal court in California to promote the correct and uniform interpretation of federal law protecting access to places of religious worship. The case involves allegations that a violent mob used violence, intimidation, and threats to prevent congregants from accessing the Adas Torah Synagogue. The statement of interest is part of the Department’s nationwide efforts to promote freedom of religious worship and combat antisemitism in all of its forms.

    “Every person should be free to worship and attend religious services without fear of violence, threats, or intimidation,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Mac Warner. “The Civil Rights Division is working vigorously to combat antisemitism using all of the tools at our disposal.”

    As part of that effort, the Department of Justice recently announced the formation of a multi-agency task force coordinated by the Civil Rights Division to combat antisemitism, which is visiting 10 university campuses that have experienced antisemitic events.

    In this case, private plaintiffs sued CodePink Women for Peace, CodePink Action Fund, WESPAC Foundation, Honor the Earth, Courtney Lenna Schirf, Remo Ibrahim, doing business as Palestinian Youth Movement, and various unnamed individuals. They allege that these organizations and individuals violated provisions of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) that protect access to places of religious worship. The United States’ Statement of Interest addresses physical obstructions of places of religious worship.

    “Members of our Jewish community should not have to think about their safety when they go to worship,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally for the Central District of California. “We make clear today that federal law prohibits people from obstructing access to places of worship.”

    To learn more about the Civil Rights Division visit www.justice.gov/crt, and to report possible violations of federal civil rights laws go to www.civilrights.justice.gov or call toll-free at 800-253-3931.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest Supporting Access to Places of Worship

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    The Department of Justice announced today that it has filed a statement of interest in federal court in California to promote the correct and uniform interpretation of federal law protecting access to places of religious worship. The case involves allegations that a violent mob used violence, intimidation, and threats to prevent congregants from accessing the Adas Torah Synagogue. The statement of interest is part of the Department’s nationwide efforts to promote freedom of religious worship and combat antisemitism in all of its forms.

    “Every person should be free to worship and attend religious services without fear of violence, threats, or intimidation,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Mac Warner. “The Civil Rights Division is working vigorously to combat antisemitism using all of the tools at our disposal.”

    As part of that effort, the Department of Justice recently announced the formation of a multi-agency task force coordinated by the Civil Rights Division to combat antisemitism, which is visiting 10 university campuses that have experienced antisemitic events.

    In this case, private plaintiffs sued CodePink Women for Peace, CodePink Action Fund, WESPAC Foundation, Honor the Earth, Courtney Lenna Schirf, Remo Ibrahim, doing business as Palestinian Youth Movement, and various unnamed individuals. They allege that these organizations and individuals violated provisions of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) that protect access to places of religious worship. The United States’ Statement of Interest addresses physical obstructions of places of religious worship.

    “Members of our Jewish community should not have to think about their safety when they go to worship,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally for the Central District of California. “We make clear today that federal law prohibits people from obstructing access to places of worship.”

    To learn more about the Civil Rights Division visit www.justice.gov/crt, and to report possible violations of federal civil rights laws go to www.civilrights.justice.gov or call toll-free at 800-253-3931.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest Supporting Access to Places of Worship

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The Department of Justice announced today that it has filed a statement of interest in federal court in California to promote the correct and uniform interpretation of federal law protecting access to places of religious worship. The case involves allegations that a violent mob used violence, intimidation, and threats to prevent congregants from accessing the Adas Torah Synagogue. The statement of interest is part of the Department’s nationwide efforts to promote freedom of religious worship and combat antisemitism in all of its forms.

    “Every person should be free to worship and attend religious services without fear of violence, threats, or intimidation,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Mac Warner. “The Civil Rights Division is working vigorously to combat antisemitism using all of the tools at our disposal.”

    As part of that effort, the Department of Justice recently announced the formation of a multi-agency task force coordinated by the Civil Rights Division to combat antisemitism, which is visiting 10 university campuses that have experienced antisemitic events.

    In this case, private plaintiffs sued CodePink Women for Peace, CodePink Action Fund, WESPAC Foundation, Honor the Earth, Courtney Lenna Schirf, Remo Ibrahim, doing business as Palestinian Youth Movement, and various unnamed individuals. They allege that these organizations and individuals violated provisions of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) that protect access to places of religious worship. The United States’ Statement of Interest addresses physical obstructions of places of religious worship.

    “Members of our Jewish community should not have to think about their safety when they go to worship,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally for the Central District of California. “We make clear today that federal law prohibits people from obstructing access to places of worship.”

    To learn more about the Civil Rights Division visit www.justice.gov/crt, and to report possible violations of federal civil rights laws go to www.civilrights.justice.gov or call toll-free at 800-253-3931.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Dave and Coastal Community Bank Announce Strategic Partnership

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Los Angeles, CA, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dave Inc. (“Dave” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DAVE), one of the nation’s leading neobanks and Coastal Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: CCB), the holding company for Coastal Community Bank, today announced a definitive strategic partnership.

    Coastal Community Bank will become a sponsor bank of Dave, including for Dave’s banking products and Dave’s new, simplified ExtraCash product. Customers will begin onboarding to Coastal Community Bank as soon as Q2 2025.

    “We are thrilled to work with Dave as a sponsor bank. From our first discussions with their team, it was clear that we are aligned in bringing accessible, transparent financial services to traditionally underbanked populations,” said Brian Hamilton, President of CCBX.

    The strategic partnership with Coastal Community Bank and CCBX, the bank’s banking-as-a-service division, will accelerate Dave’s business growth and expansion, and support Dave’s mission to provide products that level the financial playing field for Americans.

    “This partnership marks a milestone moment for Dave. Coastal Community Bank is the right partner for our company because of their customer-first mission, deep knowledge across credit and banking products, strong risk management, and our shared ambition to make a difference in the communities that need it most,” said Jason Wilk, CEO and Founder of Dave.

    About Dave:

    Dave (Nasdaq: DAVE) is a leading U.S. neobank and fintech pioneer serving millions of everyday Americans. Dave uses disruptive technologies to provide best-in-class banking services at a fraction of the price of incumbents. For more information about the company, visit: www.dave.com. For investor information and updates, visit: investors.dave.com and follow @davebanking on X.

    About Coastal Financial Corporation:

    Coastal Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: CCB), is an Everett, Washington based bank holding company whose wholly owned subsidiaries are Coastal Community Bank (“Bank”) and Arlington Olympic LLC. The $4.12 billion Bank provides service through 14 branches in Snohomish, Island, and King Counties, the Internet and its mobile banking application. The Bank provides banking as a service to broker-dealers, digital financial service providers, companies and brands that want to provide financial services to their customers through the Bank’s CCBX segment. To learn more about Coastal Financial Corporation visit www.coastalbank.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as “feels,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “remains,” “should,” “is to be,” or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology and include, among other things, statements relating to the strategic partnership with Coastal Community Bank, financial inclusion, and Dave’s business growth and expansion.  Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein due to many factors, including, but not limited to: the ability of Dave to compete in its highly competitive industry; the ability of Dave to keep pace with the rapid technological developments in its industry and the larger financial services industry; the ability of Dave to manage risks associated with providing ExtraCash advances; the ability of Dave to retain its current Members, acquire new Members and sell additional functionality and services to its Members; the ability of Dave to protect intellectual property and trade secrets; the ability of Dave to maintain the integrity of its confidential information and information systems or comply with applicable privacy and data security requirements and regulations; the reliance by Dave on a single bank partner; the ability of Dave to maintain or secure current and future key banking relationships and other third-party service providers; failures by third-party service providers; changes in applicable laws or regulations and extensive and evolving government regulations that impact operations and business; the ability to attract or maintain a qualified workforce; level of product service failures that could lead Dave Members to use competitors’ services; investigations, claims, disputes, enforcement actions, litigation and/or other regulatory or legal proceedings, including the Department of Justice’s lawsuit against Dave; the ability to maintain the listing of Dave Class A Common Stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market; the possibility that Dave may be adversely affected by other economic factors, including fluctuating interest rates, and business, and/or competitive factors; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in Dave’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 5, 2024 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors,” filed with the SEC and other reports and documents Dave files from time to time with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Dave undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Fort Campbell Soldier Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation Offenses

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

    Paducah, KY – A former Fort Campbell soldier was sentenced last week to 5 years and 4 months in federal prison for receiving and distributing child pornography.     

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Louisville Field Office made the announcement.

    According to court documents, Brett Nicolas Ellison, 24, was sentenced to 5 years and 4 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Between November 2019 and June 2022, Ellison received and possessed child sexual abuse material while he was a soldier stationed at the Fort Campbell Army Post, possessing over 90 images and 70 videos containing child sexual abuse material.

    Ellison was also ordered to pay $57,000 in restitution to victims.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Hopkinsville Satellite Office and Army CID.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas Man Sentenced for Crimes Related to Child Sexual Abuse

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

    KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man received a combined sentence of 87 months in prison after pleading guilty in two separate cases related to criminal misconduct involving minors.

    According to court documents, Daniel Paul Prekopa, 46, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of attempted travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. In a separate case, Prekopa pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child sexual abuse materials.

    In September 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) notified the Wichita Police Department about a cybertip concerning child sexual abuse materials uploaded to a Dropbox account. Law enforcement confirmed through investigation that the account to belonged to Prekopa.  The materials depicted children under the age of 12 years old engaged in sexual conduct. 

    In a separate investigation in September 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Child Exploitation Task Force engaged in covert chat sessions on platforms known to be frequented by adults attempting to lure children into sexual acts. An undercover agent posing as a minor received a direct message from a user later to be confirmed as Daniel Prekopa. Prekopa sent provocative photos of himself and made sexually illicit comments during multiple exchanges with whom he thought to be a minor, at one point writing, “I could get in major trouble since you’re under 16. But idc either” and “And you have damn cops online trying to catfish people to get them in trouble”.

    FBI agents arrested Prekopa after he traveled from Kansas City, Missouri, to Overland Park, Kansas, for the intended purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC),  and the Wichita Police Department investigated the cases.

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

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

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Senator is co-author of the provision that created the National Clean Investment Fund and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator

    Funds for programs have been frozen for past two weeks with no explanation from Citibank or the EPA

    Washington (February 28, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today released the following statement after revelations that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been questioning the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the National Clean Investment Fund and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator. These programs, which are part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, leverage private capital to cut energy bills for families and small businesses, improve resiliency against climate change-fueled disasters, and create local economic opportunity while combatting climate change. The affected $20 billion in funding was lawfully passed by Congress, based on Senator Markey’s National Climate Bank Act, and awarded to grantees around the country.

    Earlier this month, the head of the criminal division at the U.S. Attorney’s office in the District of Columbia, Denise Cheung, was pressured to find evidence of a crime as a justification for freezing the release of the congressionally approved federal funds for the National Clean Investment Fund and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator. When Cheung declined to pursue an unwarranted criminal investigation due to insufficient evidence, she was forced to resign. Trump Justice Department officials then took additional unprecedented steps to formally freeze this funding—steps which were subsequently rejected by a federal judge and refused by other federal prosecutors. Now, the Trump Justice Department has sent in the FBI.

    “The Trump administration is carrying out a literal bank heist right now, and weaponizing the FBI to do so. First freezing funding, then cravenly searching for a non-existent crime, and now utilizing the FBI to target the climate bank is unfounded and is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to dismantle the programs that keep Americans safe, healthy, and create jobs. A freeze on these investments would be, by far, the U.S. government’s largest confirmed financial seizure.

    “This kind of illegal and unethical witch hunt is McCarthyesque and shows the Trump administration to be both un-American and deeply worried about the power of clean energy and climate investments. Grantees are already starting to distribute funding to finance projects that will cut energy bills, improve resiliency, and create local economic opportunity around the country.

    “The FBI must immediately stop following the groundless, politicized directives of Trump and Musk and instead return to the important work of protecting the American people, not serving as Trump’s personal corrupt police force. And Citibank must immediately restart the flow of funds to recipients so they can continue to leverage private dollars for projects that will benefit Americans nationwide.”

    Following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, Senators Markey and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), the House lead on the climate financing legislation, welcomed the launch of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund in April 2023.

    Since the start of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s unfounded attacks on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund this month, Senator Markey issued a statement urging Citibank not to give into fearmongering, wrote a letter to the Department of Justice Inspector General about revelations that Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Cheung was forced to resign after declining to pursue a criminal investigation, and signed onto a letter with the entire Environment and Public Works Committee Democrats demanding answers from the EPA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two brothers from India arraigned on indictment for selling counterfeit cancer drugs and adulterated medications

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Men are extradited from Singapore following their 2023 arrest after FDA and ICE undercover probe

    Seattle – Two brothers from India appeared in court today on a 2022 indictment for multiple counts related to their scheme to sell counterfeit and adulterated drugs in the United States, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Avanish Kumar Jha, 38, and Rajnish Kumar Jha, 35, were arrested in Singapore on April 20, 2023, based on a request from the United States. In January 2025, a judge in Singapore ruled the men could be extradited to the U.S. to face 28 felony charges and the Minister for Law ordered their surrender on February 24, 2025. Both defendants entered pleas of not guilty and trial was scheduled for May 5, 2025, in front of U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez.

    “The defendants in this case allegedly made hundreds of thousands of dollars while defrauding people who were clinging to hope that a late-stage cancer medication could save their life. Because of this fraud, victims received counterfeit medication that contained none of the cancer-fighting substance they thought they were ordering,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Miller. “This fraud scheme didn’t just steal money; it stole the prospect of more time with loved ones for those battling cancer.”

    The investigation of the Jha brothers began in 2019, when investigators reviewed internet postings and other evidence indicating that the Jha brothers and their company, Dhrishti Pharma International, were offering to sell prescription drugs to buyers in the United States and elsewhere. Undercover agents with the Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began communicating with the Jha brothers and ordered some of their products.  Of particular concern was a “medication” labeled as “Keytruda,” a Merck drug for late-stage cancer. An analysis revealed that the Jha brothers were selling counterfeit Keytruda that contained none of active ingredient that made the authentic product effective. Other products contained contaminants.

    The brothers allegedly shipped the counterfeit and adulterated drugs from India. They accepted various means of payment including wire transfers and direct money exchanges. In some cases, they used intermediaries in the United States to pick up cash payments. The drugs were packaged in such a way to avoid detection by international customs or other regulators.

    Both men had been detained in Singapore since their arrest in April 2023 based on a provisional arrest request from the United States. The United States submitted a formal extradition request to Singapore in June 2023.

    “This case highlights ICE HSI’s commitment to protecting the public from dangerous and fraudulent practices that put vulnerable individuals at risk,” said acting Special Agent in Charge of ICE HSI Seattle Matthew Murphy. “The company in question preyed on those in desperate need of lifesaving treatments by offering counterfeit medications that provided nothing but false hope. Thanks to the diligent work of our special agents and our law enforcement partners, we are taking swift action to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

    The case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations and ICE HSI.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Kopczynski. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance with securing the extradition. Significant assistance was provided by law enforcement partners at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, including the ICE HSI Attaché and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service Office of Overseas Criminal Investigations, and Singaporean authorities, particularly the Singapore Police Force and Attorney-General’s Chambers.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Rapid City Man Found Guilty of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted William Henry Riese, age 34, of Rapid City, South Dakota, of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography, and Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on February 27, 2025.

    The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in custody and a maximum penalty of up to life in custody, and/or a $250,000 fine, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $400 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

    Riese was arrested and federally indicted in August of 2022, following the undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Following multiple chats and sexually explicit text messages with a person Riese believed to be a 14-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, Riese proceeded to negotiate a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Riese went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.

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

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.

    A presentence investigation was ordered, and sentencing has been scheduled for May 30, 2025. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Skilled Nursing Facility and Acute Care Hospital to Pay $6.5 Million to Settle Civil False Claims Act Allegations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – Providence Park, Inc., doing business as Ascension Living Providence Village, and Ascension Providence, formerly known as Providence Health Services of Waco, have agreed to pay the United States and the State of Texas $6,526,851.64 to resolve allegations under the Federal False Claims Act and the Texas Health Care Program Fraud Prevention Act.

    The United States alleged that Providence Park, which owns and operates a skilled nursing facility in Waco, submitted medically unnecessary Ultra-High Resource Utilization Group therapy claims to federal healthcare programs. The United States further alleged that Ascension Providence, which owns and operates an acute care hospital in Waco, submitted false claims to federal healthcare programs for individual outpatient therapy services at the Lacy Lakeview Clinic when group therapy was being provided, and for therapy services at Woodway, Providence Sports & Physical Therapy, and Lacy Lakeview when there was no plan of care signed by a physician.

    “My office will hold providers accountable when they submit inaccurate claims or seek reimbursement for medically unnecessary services,” said Acting United States Attorney Margaret F. Leachman of the Western District of Texas. “I encourage providers that identify instances of improper billing to work proactively to remedy the issue, as happened in this case.”

    Providence Park and Ascension Providence received cooperation credit under the terms of the settlement pursuant to the Department of Justice’s Guidelines for Taking Voluntary Disclosure, Cooperation, and Remediation into Account in False Claims Act Matters. They cooperated with the United States’ investigation by, among other things, disclosing the results of an internal investigation at Ascension Providence that resulted in an overpayment refund to Medicare, voluntarily identifying overpayments for outpatient therapy services at Ascension Providence pursuant to the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General Healthcare Fraud Self-Disclosure Protocol, and identifying corrective actions to address the issues identified in the self-disclosure.

    The civil settlement resolved a lawsuit filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The qui tam lawsuit is captioned United States and Texas ex rel. Bland and Ellison v. Ascension Health Senior Care, et al., No. 5:21-CV-269 (W.D. Tex.).

    Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Parnham negotiated the settlement on behalf of the United States.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

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