NewzIntel.com

Category: US Department of Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Rock Hill Cop Convicted at Trial of Receiving, Sending Child Sexual Abuse Materials

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal jury in Columbia has convicted Daniel Paul Shealy, 36, of Rock Hill, on 18 counts of possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.* The jury returned a guilty verdict following three days of testimony and an hour and a half of deliberation.

    According to evidence presented during trial, in 2023 investigators with the York County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that three videos depicting the sexual abuse of children were flagged on the social messaging app Kik, under the username “orgasmd0nor.” Investigators with the YCSO and FBI traced the account and IP address to Shealy, a detective and former school resource officer with the Rock Hill Police Department.

    Further investigation revealed that Shealy was a member of more than 40 private groups on Kik designed for users to trade child sexual abuse materials, including groups with references to minors, teens, and incest in the titles. According to testimony from a Kik representative, users in such groups often exchange images and videos of rape, sexual assault, bestiality, and other abuse of children. Investigators testified during trial that after receiving the tip, they executed a search warrant on Shealy’s phone and his Kik account. Shealy’s phone was in his patrol car and accessible through his thumbprint and a passcode, which was his badge number. 

    Agents recovered 126 explicit videos of children from Shealy’s phone and Kik account, which Shealy had received or distributed to others on the internet. The files included recordings of prepubescent minors in bondage and constraints and child sex abuse materials represented the majority of explicit recovered from his Kik account.

    When Shealy testified at trial, he admitted that he operated the orgasmd0nor account and that he accessed child sex abuse material on the platform. He also admitted that he never reported the any of the videos to Kik or to law enforcement because he either did not know how to report or was concerned about his privacy related to his intimate life. Shealy taken into custody at the conclusion of the trial. 

    “The facts alone in this case were disturbing but became even more appalling because the defendant was a police officer, an individual given immense public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We remain committed to holding those who betray public trust accountable and protecting our most vulnerable citizens, our children. We’re grateful to the FBI, York County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case and our trial attorneys that worked diligently to bring this man to justice.”

    “The FBI is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding children from individuals who perpetrate physical and sexual abuse or engage in the exploitation of minors through the distribution of child sexual abuse material, as proved in this case,” said Reid Davis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “We hope this verdict represents a meaningful step toward justice for the victims and ensures that the defendant is held fully accountable under the law.”

    He faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison and a maximum of 20 years. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, lifetime supervision to follow the term of imprisonment, and sex offender registry requirements.  United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson Jr. presided over the trial and will sentence Shealy after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

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

    The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia field office, the York County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force at the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Elle E. Klein are prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Johnson County Man Sentenced for Producing and Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PIKEVILLE, Ky. – A Hagerhill, Ky., man, Jason Ryan Campbell, 46, was sentenced on Thursday to 40 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, for production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.  

    According to his plea agreement, on August 27, 2022, Campbell engaged in the production of child pornography. Specifically, upon searching his phone, law enforcement located two videos taken of Campbell and a minor victim engaging in sexual conduct. Law enforcement also found additional videos and photos of child pornography on his phone. 

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

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Private School Settles with Justice Department to Address Discrimination Against Children with Disabilities

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 8, 2025, Wisconsin Montessori Society, Inc., d/b/a Milwaukee Montessori School (MMS) agreed to injunctive relief and payment of $290,000 to resolve allegations that it failed to provide full and equal enjoyment of its educational services to children with disabilities, in violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-12189.

    MMS is a private day school that offers pre-K through grade 8 education.  Private schools, day care centers, and other places of education are generally prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability under Title III of the ADA. Disabled individuals protected under Title III include both individuals with an actual disability—meaning “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual”—as well as individuals “regarded as having such an impairment.”

    Since at least 2018, MMS has discriminated against young children with disabilities.  MMS has: (1) denied, on the basis of disability, participation in its educational services to disabled children by expelling and refusing to admit them; (2) denied disabled children equal participation in MMS’s educational services by repeatedly sending them to the office, seating them separately from other students, and sending them home early because of manifestations of their disabilities; and (3) failed to make reasonable modifications for disabled children.  MMS’s discriminatory actions are evidenced by the experiences of ten children described in the Settlement Agreement.

    “Children with disabilities have the right to access the educational opportunities offered by private schools, including Montessori schools,” said Acting United States Richard Frohling.  “This settlement is an important reminder that the ADA’s obligations extend to private schools and their treatment of students with disabilities.”

    Under the settlement agreement, MMS will pay monetary damages of $240,000 to compensate aggrieved persons as well as a civil penalty of $50,000 to the United States.  It also includes injunctive relief that requires monitoring and reporting, and MMS has voluntarily taken some steps to address the government’s findings.

    The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of covered entities. The Department of Justice is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa Yun and Nia Schmaltz represented the government in this matter.  The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; MMS does not admit liability for the allegations.

    # #  #

    For Additional Information Contact:

    Public Information Officer

    Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

    414-297-1700

    Follow us on Twitter

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Presses Justice Department on Media Subpoena Policy and Threats to the First Amendment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led her Judiciary Committee colleagues in pressing Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding her decision to change Justice Department policies to make it easier for the Justice Department to subpoena journalists to obtain information about their confidential sources and potentially harass journalists who write stories critical of the Administration.    .
    “We write to express our deep concern with the Department of Justice’s April 25, 2025 memorandum changing the guidance that set limitations on the Department’s ability to subpoena materials from journalists and news organizations,” wrote the Senators. “The free press is a bedrock of our democracy and reporters must be able to do their jobs without fear of being investigated or prosecuted.”
    “When asked at your confirmation hearing to commit to ‘respect the importance of a free press,’ you said ‘absolutely,’” the Senators continued. “Yet your decision to rescind important limits on the Justice Department’s ability to compel information from the press threatens the ability of journalists to fully perform their critical jobs, as guaranteed by the First Amendment.” 
    Along with Klobuchar, the letter was signed by every Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee – Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA). 
    The full letter is available here and below. 
    Dear Attorney General Bondi:
    We write to express our deep concern with the Department of Justice’s April 25, 2025 memorandum changing the guidance that set limitations on the Department’s ability to subpoena materials from journalists and news organizations.
    The free press is a bedrock of our democracy and reporters must be able to do their jobs without fear of being investigated or prosecuted. When asked at your confirmation hearing to commit to “respect the importance of a free press,” you said “absolutely.” Yet your decision to rescind important limits on the Justice Department’s ability to compel information from the press threatens the ability of journalists to fully perform their critical jobs, as guaranteed by the First Amendment. 
    Under the previous guidance, the Justice Department was authorized to subpoena journalists engaged in news gathering only “[w]hen necessary to prevent an imminent or concrete risk of death or serious bodily harm.” Under the 2025 guidance, Justice Department officials can take the extraordinary step of subpoenaing journalists merely to investigate “unauthorized disclosures that undermine President Trump’s policies,” extending far beyond disclosures of classified information. In other words, under this new guidance, there is little protection for journalists who publish any story critical of the Administration from being threatened with a subpoena and litigation to enforce the subpoena. The threat to journalists is especially concerning given Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel’s claims prior to his confirmation that the news media is “the most powerful enemy the United States has ever seen” and that he would “come after the people in the media . . . criminally or civilly.” 
    Nor does it appear that the Justice Department would subpoena reporters’ records only as a last resort. Under the guidelines, the Justice Department may subpoena journalists after the Attorney General has made only a few subjective determinations, such as whether the information sought is “essential to a successful prosecution,” whether “reasonable attempts” to obtain the information from alternative sources were made, and whether engaging in negotiations would threaten “the integrity of the investigation.” These factors make it far too easy for the Attorney General to compel journalists to reveal sources.   
    This change will also deter whistleblowers from coming forward with information to the news media, depriving the public of valuable information about its government. Whistleblowers that violate the law—for example by disclosing classified information—should be subject to the legal consequences of that action, but the government should not be allowed to intimidate or harass journalists who lawfully report the news. 
    As the Office of Legal Policy prepares regulations to implement your memorandum, we respectfully request that you provide responses to the following questions:
    What protections are in place to ensure that journalists are not targeted because they published a news article critical of the Administration?
    Will you commit to ensuring that issuing a subpoena to a journalist or news organization will be used only as a last resort when there is a compelling and overriding interest in the information, such as protecting national security?
    Will the regulations require the Department to comply with state shield laws?
    Is the Department consulting with outside organizations, including organizations representing journalists, as part of the preparation of regulations? If so, what organizations?
    What measures will the regulations put in place to ensure that the White House is not allowed to order or influence the issuance of a subpoena to a journalist or news organization?
    What process for review, if any, will be put in place to ensure the new regulations are being followed and are not being abused for political or any other inappropriate purpose?  
    Has the Justice Department issued any subpoenas to journalists or news organizations under this new guidance? If so, to whom and seeking what information?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons grills FBI Director Kash Patel over firing of FBI officers for investigations of January 6 rioters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) questioned FBI Director Kash Patel at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing today, where he confronted Patel about the circumstances behind seemingly politically-motivated firings and whether the FBI had taken disciplinary actions against FBI agents who worked on cases against January 6th insurrectionists.

    During his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing earlier this year, Patel pledged that his tenure as director would be forward-looking and that there would be no political retribution for FBI agents who worked on the investigation into the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Just weeks after Patel’s confirmation, however, former head of the FBI’s New York office James Dennehy was essentially forced out of the agency after he refused a request from the Trump administration to turn in the names of all agents who worked on Capitol riot cases. Several other officials at the Department of Justice have also been dismissed because their connections to January 6th investigations.

    Senator Coons also asked Patel about a response to a letter from Senate Judiciary Democrats earlier this year to then-Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll over alleged purges within the Justice Department and FBI that targeted career prosecutors and agents involved in January 6thinvestigations. 

    Patel was testifying before the Senate today on the White House’s 2026 budget proposal that calls for a funding cut of more than $500 million for the FBI.

    A video of Senator Coons’ full questioning and partial transcript of his comments are available below.

    WATCH HERE.

    Senator Coons: You’ve also testified just yesterday in front of House Appropriations that you are orienting the FBI looking forward—there won’t be any actions against FBI agents based on what they did in terms of carrying out assignments to investigate January 6 incidents. During your confirmation, you said there will be no retribution taken by the FBI should you be confirmed as director.

    James Dennehy, who was head of the New York Field Office, has been forced out, received no reason for his removal, but had resisted efforts to turn over a list of agents involved in January 6 investigations. That’s how I’ve understood the characterization of his separation, and that sounds to me like politicization and retribution for involvement in January 6. I just want to hear your statement about where you see any disciplinary actions related to January 6 investigations.

    Patel: Thank you, Senator. With the ongoing litigation related to the specific list, there’s only so much I can talk about, but I can tell you this with affirmation: no one on any list will be punished at the FBI. As someone who was given case assignments I didn’t want many times over, you don’t get punished for your case assignments. You only get punished if you didn’t do the job and fail to follow the ethical guidelines and break the law, and that’s the standard.

    Senator Coons: The Judiciary Committee recently had two career prosecutors in front of them who were dismissed explicitly for their involvement in prosecuting January 6 cases—I understand that’s not the FBI. I hope to work with you on ensuring that we orient the FBI forward. In February, I did join all my judiciary colleagues to send then-Acting Director Driscoll letters about proposed purges of agents for simply carrying out their assignments. Do you know if you’ve answered that letter?

    Patel: I’ll have to check, Senator. Sorry.

    Senator Coons: I’ll tell you that I haven’t received a response, and I expect a response. More importantly, I expect a budget and an appropriations request so we can do our job as the relevant appropriations subcommittee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-Led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Two in the District of Hawaii

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

    HONOLULU – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    “Our pledge to protect Hawaii’s keiki is among the most solemn and critical commitments we make to our local community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “Working with our outstanding law enforcement partners we have consistently and aggressively pursued child predators and those who seek to exploit children either for profit or their own twisted gratification. Our efforts in Operation Restore Justice, including last week’s arrests, demonstrate the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to investigate, charge, and convict those who violate federal child protection laws.”

    “The FBI is unwavering and united with its partners in the fight to protect children,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “Our collaboration with state and local law enforcement allows us to extend our reach into communities, respond faster to threats, and ensure survivors get the support they need. FBI Honolulu will continue to conduct proactive arrest operations targeting those seeking to harm our children—we’ll work to get these predators off the streets and keep our kids safe.”

    In the District of Hawaii, two individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including Dominick Kalikokaeoeo Howard, who was charged by criminal complaint with distributing child pornography, and David Martin Garcia Perez, who was charged by criminal complaint with receiving and possessing or accessing child pornography.

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

    An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-Led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Five in the Middle District of Florida

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

    Tampa, FL – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children. The FBI is relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us.”

    In the Middle District of Florida, five individuals were arrested and charged with federal offenses, including production, attempted production, receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse material, enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and attempted transmission of harmful material to a minor.

    “Children are among our society’s most vulnerable populations and must be protected at all costs,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will leave no stone unturned in finding and prosecuting those who prey upon their innocence and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

    “Operation Restore Justice underscores the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Jason J. Carley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “Every arrest in these child sexual abuse cases sends a powerful message: crimes against children will not be tolerated, and the FBI and our partners will continue to surge resources to bring abusers of children to justice.”

    “This operation is an example of the ongoing, relentless determination of the special agents, task force officers, and analysts working to protect our most vulnerable,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor. “This is tough work; and I commend these investigative teams making it their mission to identify these predators and ensure that justice is served.”

    Operation Restore Justice MDFL Arrests

    Jacksonville

    On April 30, 2025, Brittany Karen Firth (41, St. Augustine) was arrested on a criminal complaint charging her with production, attempted production, distribution, and receipt of CSAM. If convicted, Firth faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to 70 years, in federal prison. According to the complaint, detectives with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children unit received information from a social media and gaming platform company that CSAM had been uploaded by user “xo.southpaw.ox,” later identified as Firth. A search warrant revealed that from May through September 2024, Firth engaged in approximately 5,000 online text messages with another platform user (Person 1) who was identified by law enforcement in Utah as a registered sex offender who had previously been convicted of a child sex offense. The investigation revealed that Person 1 had access to two children and during his online conversations with Firth, Person 1 exchanged sexually explicit messages regarding, among other things, Person 1’s desires and efforts to engage in sexual conduct with these children. Person 1 streamed live video of his sexualized interactions with the children to Firth. On several occasions, Firth screen-recorded live-streaming video of Person 1 as he sexually abused one of the children.

    Ocala

    Jordan Dave Persad (22, Phoenix) was arrested on April 30, 2025, on an indictment charging him with possession of CSAM and possession of contraband (a cellphone) by federal prisoner. If convicted, Persad faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for the CSAM offense; he also faces up to one year of incarceration for the contraband offense. According to court documents while Persad was an inmate at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County, he possessed a contraband cellphone and material that contained an image of CSAM.

    Tampa

    Lee Hughes (45, Pinellas Park), a third-grade teacher, was arrested on May 1, 2025, and charged with attempted transmission of harmful material to a minor. If convicted, Hughes faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. According to court documents, from June 2024 to May 2025, Hughes communicated with an undercover officer in an attempt to engage in sexual intercourse with the undercover officer’s purported nine-year-old daughter. Throughout their communications, Hughes sent the undercover officer approximately 10 explicit photos and/or videos of himself, with the request that they be shown to the purported child. On May 1, 2025, Hughes traveled to an agreed-upon location to engage in sexual intercourse with the purported nine-year-old girl and was arrested.

    Tampa

    On May 1, 2025, Jonathan Richmond (30, St. Petersburg) was arrested on a two-count indictment charging him with receipt and possession of CSAM. If convicted, Richmond faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on each count.

    Orlando

    On April 29, 2025, Steve C. Gopal (42, Ocoee) was arrested on an indictment charging him with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Gopal faces a minimum of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.

    An indictment/complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. 

    While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. 0

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former School Superintendent Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Children

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Owensboro, KY – An Owensboro man was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in federal prison for numerous child sexual exploitation offenses.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.

    According to court documents, Matthew D. Constant, 53, a former school superintendent, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison followed by a life term of supervised release for two counts of online enticement of a minor, three counts of receipt of child pornography, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, and two counts of transferring obscene material to a minor.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case was investigated by FBI Owensboro and the Kentucky State Police.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, 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.”

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jacksonville Man Indicted For Attempted Enticement Of A Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Trevor Wood (31, Jacksonville) with attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Wood faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. 

    According to the indictment, between January 7 and April 18, 2025, Wood used a cellphone and the internet to attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual who he believed to be younger than 18-years-old to engage in sexual activity.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.

    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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Middle District Of Florida Prosecutors Charge 125 Defendants With Immigration-Related Offenses During Second Quarter Of 2025

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces today that federal prosecutors have charged 125 defendants with immigration-related offenses during the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, ending March 31, 2025. More than 100 of the defendants were charged by grand jury indictments and the others were charged by criminal complaint. One hundred nineteen of the defendants were charged with illegally reentering the United States. 

    During the same period, 58 cases were resolved by guilty pleas, and 62 defendants were sentenced for illegal reentry or other immigration-related offenses. 

    “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing federal immigration laws,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who illegally enters the United States or violates our nation’s laws.”

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

    Q2 FY 2025 Highlights

    U.S. v. Horus Samuel Marquez Villatoro

    In March 2025, Horus Samuel Marquez Villatoro, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to three years and nine months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a removed alien and for possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien illegally in the United States. According to court documents, Marquez Villatoro was removed from the United States on three previous occasions before reentering unlawfully sometime after 2019. In January 2024, he was found in Hillsborough County in possession of a Glock 17 9mm pistol, an extended magazine, and more than 100 rounds of ammunition.

    U.S. v. Ricardo Fermin Sune-Giron

    In March 2025, Ricardo Fermin Sune-Giron, a citizen of Guatemala, who was living in the United States illegally under an assumed name, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to traffic in firearms, firearms trafficking, dealing in firearms without a license, and possessing firearms as an illegal alien. According to court documents, between 2023 and April 2024, Sune-Giron was a member of a large-scale firearms trafficking operation. He recruited straw purchasers to illegally buy firearms—including Glocks, rifles and AK-47s—from licensed federal firearms dealers across Florida. After obtaining the firearms, Sune-Giron and his co-conspirators smuggled them overseas, shipping them to countries including the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Between 2023 and 2024, Sune-Giron and his co-conspirators trafficked more than 1,000 firearms. Several of these firearms were later recovered at crime scenes. In April 2024, ATF and HSI agents in Tampa and Orlando executed three coordinated search warrants at three residences in the Orlando area, including Sune-Giron’s residence. There they recovered approximately 57 firearms, 30 empty gun boxes, approximately $16,000 in cash, ammunition, and money counters.

    U.S. v. Elmer Edin Chavarria-Morales

    In March 2025, Elmer Edini Chavarria-Morales, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after removal. According to court records, Chavarria-Morales was convicted of rape in Indiana state court in 2018 and was deported from the United States later that year. Chavarria-Morales reentered the United States and was convicted of illegal reentry in the Southern District of Texas in 2021. Chavarria-Morales was removed to Honduras again in November 2022. In April 2024, Chavarria-Morales was again found in the United States after he was arrested by the Daytona Beach Police Department for a domestic violence assault.

    U.S. v. Yudelkis Portes

    In February 2025, Yudelkis Portes, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after removal. According to court documents, Portes was convicted of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft in February 2013 and deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic. Following her deportation, Portes illegally reentered the United States and was found in the Middle District of Florida.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-Led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Five in the Western District of Texas

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

    SAN ANTONIO – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    In the Western District of Texas, five individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including Kevin Dale Franklin Jr. in El Paso, charged with receipt and distribution of child pornography; Zaid Mashhour Haddad and Mario Garcia Martinez in San Antonio, charged with access with intent to view child pornography and possession of child pornography, respectively; James Christopher Hoyt in Austin, charged with distribution of material involved the sexual exploitation of children; and Dakota Gunther Vaught in Pecos, charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

    “Cases involving the sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, will always be a priority for this U.S. Attorney’s Office, as it is most certainly our duty to protect our most vulnerable citizens—children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “These operations are significant in that they bring a vast number of resources together to carry out a shared mission and highlight critical criminal cases, but know that we work with our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners year-round and around the clock to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those who violate children, their rights and federal law.”

    “The FBI will deploy every resource available to investigate and bring to justice those who sexually exploit children, our most vulnerable population,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI San Antonio Field Office. “None of this would be possible without the collective efforts of the FBI San Antonio Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force Officers. We also want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership and dedication to this important mission.”

    “The FBI El Paso Crimes Against Children Task Force is unwavering in its mission to combat the horrific crime of child exploitation,” said Special Agent in Charge John Morales for the FBI El Paso Field Office. “We pursue these cases relentlessly, every day, without exception because protecting children from predators is among our highest priorities, and we will stop at nothing to identify, investigate the abuse of innocent children, and bring these monstrous individuals responsible to justice. Day-in and day-out we work together with our law enforcement partners to ensure these predators face the full consequences of their depraved actions. Let this message be clear: if you exploit a child, we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will make sure you face the full power of the justice system. There will be no refuge for those who prey on our most innocent and vulnerable.”

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. 

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Dave Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q1 Revenue Hits $108.0 Million, Representing Accelerating Growth of 47% Y/Y

    Q1 Net Income Reaches $28.8 Million; Adj. EBITDA Increases 235% Y/Y to $44.2 Million

    Raises 2025 Revenue and Adj. EBITDA Guidance to $460-$475 Million and $155-$165 Million, respectively

    LOS ANGELES, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dave Inc. (“Dave” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DAVE), one of the nation’s leading neobanks, today reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    “We knocked the cover off the ball in Q1,” said Jason Wilk, Founder and CEO of Dave. “Revenue grew at the fastest year-over-year pace since 2021 when our business was a fraction of its current size. Given the operating leverage of our business model, Adjusted EBITDA increased 235% year-over-year and 32% sequentially to $44.2 million. This acceleration was driven by solid execution across the business and amplified by the early success of our new fee structure, which has enhanced monetization and conversion rates while maintaining strong member retention.

    “Despite the typical seasonal patterns that temper ExtraCash demand in Q1, we originated over $1.5 billion, up 46% from Q1 2024 and 3% from Q4. Meanwhile, our credit metrics continue to hit record levels with our 28-day delinquency rate dropping by 33 basis points year-over-year, driven by ongoing optimization of CashAI. These improvements contributed to another record quarter of non-GAAP variable margin, which reached 77%, nearly doubling over the past three years.

    “Building on the success of CashAI and our increased confidence in our new fee model, in combination with our positive growth outlook, we are raising full year Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA guidance.”

    Quarterly Financial Highlights ($ in millions, unaudited)

      1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 4Q24 1Q25
    GAAP Operating Revenues, Net
    % Change vs. prior year period    		 $73.6
    25%    		 $80.1
    31%    		 $92.5
    41%    		 $100.9
    38%    		 $108.0
    47%
    Non-GAAP Variable Profit*
    % Change vs. prior year period    		 $49.9
    47%    		 $51.8
    57%    		 $64.2
    72%    		 $72.6
    58%    		 $83.4
    67%
    Non-GAAP Variable Profit Margin* 68% 65% 69% 72% 77%
    GAAP Net Income $34.2 $6.4 $0.5 $16.8 $28.8
    Adjusted Net Income* $8.1 $13.7 $21.1 $29.6 $36.3
    Adjusted EBITDA* $13.2 $15.2 $24.7 $33.4 $44.2

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

    First Quarter 2025 Operating Highlights (vs. First Quarter 2024)

    • New Members increased to 569,000 while customer acquisition costs increased $2, remaining highly efficient at $18
    • Monthly Transacting Members (“MTMs”) increased 13% to 2.5 million
    • ExtraCash originations increased 46% to $1.5 billion, while the average 28-Day delinquency rate improved 33 basis points to 1.50%
    • Dave Debit Card spend increased 24% to $488 million
    • For a full review of the Company’s key performance indicators, please refer to the Company’s First Quarter Earnings Presentation which can be found on the Investor Relations page of Dave’s website

    Liquidity Summary

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company had $89.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, investments, and restricted cash, down from $91.9 million as of December 31, 2024. The $2.2 million decrease reflects an $18.8 million increase in the net ExtraCash Receivables balance and over $20 million in cash used for restricted stock unit net settlements and share repurchases, offset by positive free cash flow generated during the quarter.

    2025 Financial Guidance ($ in millions)

      Prior FY 2025 New FY 2025
    GAAP Operating Revenues, Net
    Year-Over-Year Growth    		 $415 – $435
    20% – 25%    		 $460 – $475
    33% – 37%
    Adjusted EBITDA*
    Year-Over-Year Growth    		 $110 – $120
    27% – 39%    		 $155 – $165
    79% – 91%

    *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 Q1 results demonstrate the continued financial strength and operating efficiency of our business model. We delivered meaningful growth during what is typically our lowest demand period, driven by continued growth in originations per member as a result of the improvements in unit economics and member lifetime value under our new fee model.

    “Given our free cash flow generation, liquidity position and confidence in our outlook, our Board authorized a $50 million share repurchase program during the quarter, which we began executing in late Q1. In total, we deployed over $20 million during the quarter through share repurchases and RSU net settlements to reduce our share count. We will continue to evaluate these capital allocation tools as levers to enhance shareholder value, particularly as we believe our current valuation understates the strength of our fundamentals.”

    Conference Call 
    Dave management will host a conference call on Thursday, May 8th, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its full financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, followed by a question-and-answer period. The conference call details are as follows:

    Date: Thursday, May 8th, 2025
    Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern time
    Toll-free dial-in number: (866) 652-5200
    International dial-in number: (412) 317-6060
    Webcast: link

    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, share repurchases, 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 customers, acquire new customers (collectively, “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 macroeconomic factors, including regulatory uncertainty, fluctuating interest rates, inflation, unemployment rates, consumer sentiment, market volatility 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 4, 2025 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, 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 as GAAP net income 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 as GAAP net income 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 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 to its most directly comparable GAAP measure for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and 2024.

    Investor Relations Contact

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

    Media Contact

    Dan Ury
    press@dave.com

    DAVE INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (in millions, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
             
        For the Three Months Ended March 31,
          2025       2024  
             
    Operating revenues:        
    Service based revenue, net   $ 97.9     $ 65.6  
    Transaction based revenue, net     10.1       8.0  
    Total operating revenues, net     108.0       73.6  
    Operating expenses:        
    Provision for credit losses     10.6       9.9  
    Processing and servicing costs     7.1       7.7  
    Advertising and marketing     10.3       9.1  
    Compensation and benefits     27.5       24.6  
    Other operating expenses     17.3       16.9  
    Total operating expenses     72.8       68.2  
    Other (income) expenses:        
    Interest expense, net     1.3       0.7  
    Gain on extinguishment of convertible debt     —       (33.4 )
    Changes in fair value of earnout liabilities     (0.4 )     0.2  
    Changes in fair value of public and private warrant liabilities     0.4       0.5  
    Total other expense (income), net     1.3       (32.0 )
    Net income before provision for income taxes     33.9       37.4  
    Provision for income taxes     5.1       3.2  
    Net income   $ 28.8     $ 34.2  
             
    Net income per share:        
        Basic   $ 2.19     $ 2.80  
        Diluted   $ 1.97     $ 2.60  
             
             
    RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING EXPENSES TO NON-GAAP VARIABLE OPERATING EXPENSES
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
             
         
        For the Three Months Ended March 31,
          2025       2024  
             
    Operating expenses   $ 72.8     $ 68.2  
    Non-variable operating expenses     (48.2 )     (44.5 )
    Non-GAAP variable operating expenses   $ 24.6     $ 23.7  
             
             
    CALCULATION OF NON-GAAP VARIABLE PROFIT
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
             
         
        For the Three Months Ended March 31,
          2025       2024  
             
    GAAP operating revenues, net   $ 108.0     $ 73.6  
    Non-GAAP variable operating expenses     (24.6 )     (23.7 )
    Non-GAAP variable profit   $ 83.4     $ 49.9  
    Non-GAAP variable profit margin     77 %     68 %
             
             
    DAVE INC.
    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO ADJUSTED EBITDA
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
             
         
        For the Three Months Ended March 31,
          2025       2024  
             
    Net income   $ 28.8     $ 34.2  
    Interest expense, net     1.3       0.7  
    Provision for income taxes     5.1       3.2  
    Depreciation and amortization     1.5       1.7  
    Stock-based compensation     7.5       6.1  
    Gain on extinguishment of convertible debt     —       (33.4 )
    Changes in fair value of earnout liabilities     (0.4 )     0.2  
    Changes in fair value of public and private warrant liabilities     0.4       0.5  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 44.2     $ 13.2  
             
             
    DAVE INC.
    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME
    (in millions, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
             
         
        For the Three Months Ended March 31,
          2025       2024  
             
    Net income   $ 28.8     $ 34.2  
    Stock-based compensation     7.5       6.1  
    Gain on extinguishment of convertible debt     —       (33.4 )
    Changes in fair value of earnout liabilities     (0.4 )     0.2  
    Changes in fair value of public and private warrant liabilities     0.4       0.5  
    Income tax expense related to gain on extinguishment of convertible debt     —       0.5  
    Adjusted net income   $ 36.3     $ 8.1  
             
    Adjusted net income per share:        
        Basic   $ 2.76     $ 0.66  
        Diluted   $ 2.48     $ 0.62  
             
             
    DAVE INC.
    LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
             
        March 31,   December 31,
          2025       2024  
             
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   $ 48.7     $ 51.4  
    Marketable securities     0.1       0.1  
    Investments     41.0       40.5  
    Working capital     264.0       247.2  
    Total stockholders’ equity     199.5       183.1  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Investment Scammer Sentenced to 96 Months’ Imprisonment for Defrauding Alpha Influence Investors of Over $20M

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jeremiah Joseph Evans, aka “The Bull,” 29, of Utah County, Utah, was sentenced today to 96 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to defrauding approximately $20,894,674 from approximately 530 investors in his company Alpha Influence LLC.  

    The sentence, imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Tena Campbell, comes after Evans pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, to securities fraud and money laundering. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Evans was sentenced to three years’ supervised release and ordered to pay $19,134,150.00 in restitution.

    According to court documents and statements made at the Evans’ change of plea and sentencing hearings, from July 2019 to July 2022, Evans fraudulently sold investments in e-commerce stores through Alpha Influence, LLC., a registered Utah corporation. Evans promised investors to secure money in exchange for the Alpha investments and fraudulently obtained approximately $20,894,674 from approximately 530 investors. As part of his scheme, Evans lied about how successful his company, how long it was in operation and promised their investment would generate consistent, predictable monthly returns, when it would not. He failed to disclose that testimonials published about Alpha Influence and its success were made by his own relatives or others who received commissions paid from investor proceeds. On one occasion, in July 2021, Evans transferred $50,000 from Alpha Influence LLC’s bank account to make a partial payment for a white Lamborghini Huracan Evo.  

    “Crime does not always come in the form of violence and for a number of years, Evans lied about the success of his company and defrauded millions of dollars from investors,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Protecting the public is a top priority for the Department of Justice and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute criminals and seek justice for crime victims.”

    “Today marks a significant step towards justice for the hundreds of Utahns victimized by Jeremiah ‘The Bull’ Evans’ $20 million fraud,” says Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, Margaret Busse. “Evans exploited social media and Utahns’ strong community ties to lure unsuspecting investors into his scheme and caused significant harm. Schemes like this not only affect individual lives but also erode the overall public trust in legitimate investment opportunities. We deeply appreciate the unwavering dedication of the U.S. Attorney General’s Office and the tireless efforts of our own Utah Division of Securities, along with the FBI, in bringing these individuals to justice.”

    “Like many fraudsters, Mr. Evans was motivated by greed, using his victims’ money to fund a lavish lifestyle,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The sentencing shows that stealing for personal gain doesn’t pay. The FBI and our partners will hold accountable those who engage in fraudulent schemes.”

    The case was investigated jointly by the Utah Division of Securities and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Woolf, Jennifer E. Gully, and Brian Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.

    Attachments:

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ12: Support for small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Maggie Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):
     
    Question:
     
         There are views that, as Hong Kong is the centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region and where the International Organization for Mediation is located, the development of the legal profession is crucial to enhancing Hong Kong’s business environment governed by the rule of law and giving full play to the unique advantages of Hong Kong’s common law. It is learnt that small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers in Hong Kong face many challenges in terms of market competition, resource allocation and professional development. Regarding the support for small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it has currently formulated specific policies or measures to assist the professional development of small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) whether it has assessed the effectiveness of the policies or measures mentioned in (1); if it has assessed, whether there are statistics or examples showing that such policies or measures have effectively enhanced the quality and competitiveness of the professional legal services provided by small and medium-sized law firms; and the number of small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers that have benefited so far; if it has not assessed, of the reasons for that;
     
    (3) whether it has assessed the response of the legal profession to the policies or measures mentioned in (1); what specific measures will the Government implement in the future to further support the professional development and enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers; and
     
    (4) whether it has formulated key performance indicators for supporting the professional development and enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers; if so, of the specific details (including the indicators set); if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President, 
     
         In response to the enquiry raised by the Hon Maggie Chan, the consolidated reply is as follows:
     
         A self-regulatory regime is applied for Hong Kong’s legal profession. On the premise of fully respecting the self-regulatory regime of the legal profession, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has all along been implementing various initiatives and new policies to foster an environment conducive to the professional development of the legal sector and create opportunities for them. According to statistics from the Law Society of Hong Kong (Law Society), nearly 90 per cent of law firms in Hong Kong are sole proprietorships or consist of no more than five partners. In formulating and introducing policies, the DoJ will take into account the needs of small and medium-sized law firms.
     
         Over the years, the DoJ has devised various policies and/or measures to support the professional development of solicitors from small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers with details set out below:
     
    Understudy Programme (Civil/Prosecution Work)
     
         Launched in mid-2020, the programme aims to provide training opportunities for the less-experienced barristers and solicitors (i.e. with less than five years’ post call/admission experience) to handle civil and prosecution work of the Government in order to broaden their horizon, enrich them with valuable experience and improve their case management skills. The trainings include drafting of legal opinions, conducting legal research, observing lawyers in action in different levels of courts and various hearings, participating in hearing preparation works, acting as junior counsel to senior counsel or counsel or Government Counsel, and assisting in handling more complex cases conducted in the District Court or the Court of First Instance or magistracy cases with lengthy trials. As at March 31, 2025, a total of 297 solicitors and barristers with less than five years’ qualification participated in various civil and criminal works through the programme with satisfactory response. The DoJ has, from time to time, received expressions of interest from solicitors and barristers to participate in the programme, reflecting the continued support and participation from the sector. The DoJ will continue to review and select suitable work to provide more training opportunities to participating solicitors and barristers.
     
    Professional Exchange Programme
     
         The programme aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices between lawyers in the private sector and DoJ. Qualified private sector lawyers can apply through their law firms/chambers for attachment to DoJ; law firms/chambers interested in accepting exchange lawyers from DoJ can also contact DoJ.
     
         The feedback of participants on the programme has been positive. Participants considered that their attachment facilitated cross-fertilisation of knowledge and experience and the exchange of best practices.
     
         The programme was launched in September 2019. As of 2024-25, a total of 19 lawyers (eight lawyers in the private sector and 11 government counsel) have participated in the programme.
     
         The Professional Exchange Programme has been well-received by the legal sector since its launch. We will continue to maintain close communication with law firms/chambers to facilitate the formulation of suitable exchange arrangements; and will continue to review the implementation of the programme and make refinement in a timely manner.
     
    Secondment Programmes to Relevant International Organisations
     
         The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has, with the support of the Central Government, made standing secondment arrangements with the Hague Conference on Private International Law and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, which are open to application by all qualified local legal professionals from the public and private sectors (irrespective of the size of the law firms they work in). Since the said secondment arrangements have been put in place, a total of six local barristers and solicitors from the private sector, who have worked in law firms of different sizes, have participated. The DoJ will continue to promote to the legal sector (including young legal professionals) the relevant secondment programmes.
     
    Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy
     
         Capitalising on Hong Kong’s bilingual common law system and the unique strengths and advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy was launched on November 8, 2024. The Academy will make the most of Hong Kong’s bilingual common law system (in English and Chinese), as well as the international status, regularly organise different practical legal courses, seminars and international exchange initiatives, so as to promote talent exchanges in the region and beyond, and provide foreign-related legal talent training for our country, and practical training for the local solicitors and barristers (including young legal professionals) for professional development.
     
         The capacity-building programmes that the Academy will organise include the “Mainland Civil and Commercial Legal Practice Training Course 2025” from June 13 to 14, 2025, which aims to enable the local legal industry to fully understand the latest developments in civil and commercial practice in the Mainland, the procedures and practical arrangements for handling relevant cases by the Mainland courts and arbitration institutions, and to promote cooperation between local and the Mainland legal industries, so as to provide more comprehensive services to clients; and a seminar on criminal prosecution for prosecutors from the country and Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, and local solicitors and barristers in September 2025, etc.
     
         The Academy will design and organise short-term training programmes taking into account the practical needs of small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers. By flexibly arranging the course content and format, the training programmes will address the diverse professional development needs of participants, thereby achieving more focused and effective training outcomes, and fostering the professional growth of small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers.
     
    Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Legal Professional Examination (GBA Examination)
     
         Since 2021, eligible Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners may provide legal services in the nine Mainland municipalities in the GBA on certain civil and commercial matters to which Mainland laws apply (including litigation and non-litigation matters), after passing the GBA Examination and having obtained the Lawyer’s License (GBA). In September 2023, the General Office of the State Council published the revised pilot measures for Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners to obtain Mainland practice qualifications and to practise law in the nine Mainland municipalities in the GBA (the revised pilot measures), which lowered the practice experience threshold for Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners to enroll in the GBA Examination from five years to three years. DoJ has worked closely with the Mainland authorities and continued to keep close contact with the two legal professional bodies as well as encouraging more Hong Kong legal practitioners to enroll in the GBA Examination.
     
         There are now Hong Kong legal practitioners who are GBA lawyers taking up court cases of the nine Mainland municipalities in the GBA and appearing in court as litigation representatives, as well as taking up GBA arbitration cases, with cases being duly completed. With the benefit of the lowered practice experience threshold, from 2024, more Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners, including young Hong Kong barristers and solicitors, would be eligible to enroll in the GBA Examination, thus obtaining dual qualification in the Mainland and Hong Kong, and be able to seize the unlimited opportunities brought by the developments in the GBA.
     
         The GBA Examination has been held four times. As at the end of March 2025, over 550 Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners have obtained the Lawyer’s License (GBA).
     
         Hong Kong legal practitioners have responded enthusiastically towards the GBA Examination. Before September 2023, there were some legal practitioners interested in practising in the nine Mainland municipalities but were unable to enroll in the GBA Examination due to the practice experience threshold. The revised pilot measures lowered the practice experience threshold for Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners to enroll in the GBA Examination, responded to the aspirations of young Hong Kong legal practitioners and encouraged them to participate in the construction of rule of law in the GBA.
     
    GBA Mediator Training Course of Hong Kong
     
         To promote the interface of the non-litigation dispute resolution services in the GBA and to enhance the understanding of Hong Kong mediators regarding the mediation systems in Guangdong and Macao, the DoJ held the GBA Mediator Training Course of Hong Kong on August 16, 2024. Since the number of registered participants far exceeded the maximum capacity of the event venue, the DoJ specially introduced online mode to accommodate more participants. More than 400 participants have attended the Course, including young lawyers from Hong Kong. Mediation experts from Guangdong and Macao were invited to share the respective mediation systems, culture and experience of Guangdong and Macao, as well as to explore the latest developments of cross-boundary disputes mediation in the GBA and the cultural difference and integration in mediation of the three places. The course discussed topics including the means and skills in handling cross-boundary disputes, enhancing Hong Kong lawyers’ understanding of handling cross-boundary disputes in the GBA. The DoJ will consider conducting further relevant courses as necessary in the future.
     
    The Deputy Secretary for Justice led delegations of young lawyers to visit GBA Mainland cities
     
         The Deputy Secretary for Justice led two delegations of young representatives from the legal sector to visit GBA Mainland cities, including Huizhou, Shenzhen and Foshan in September and November 2023. The visits helped young legal professionals and law students deepen their understanding of the legal systems of the GBA Mainland cities and that of the Mainland, further connect their career development with the overall national development and deepen their collaboration with the legal sector of other GBA cities, so as to jointly promote high-quality national development. Number of delegates of the two delegations exceeded 70 people, including young representatives of the Law Society and the Hong Kong Bar Association, young government counsel of the DoJ, and law students from the three law schools.
     
    Updating the Talent List
     
         The Government announced to update the Talent List to include “Legal Knowledge Engineers”. The new arrangement took effect on March 1, 2025 in response to the legal profession’s need for artificial intelligence. The introduction of “Legal Knowledge Engineers” helps improve the efficiency of legal professional services and promote high value-added development of Hong Kong’s economy and society.
     
         By developing artificial intelligence systems, “Legal Knowledge Engineers” act as a bridge between lawyers and other general programmers, developing artificial intelligence systems specifically for law firms. They can help law firms (including small and medium-sized law firms) improve work efficiency, for example, when conducting due diligence, the searching of key terms within huge volumes of documents can produce highly accurate responses within a short period of time.
     
    ROLE Stars Train-the-Leaders Programme (TTL Programme)
     
         Since the launching of the TTL Programme in November 2023, through collaboration with relevant organisations and stakeholders, three phases of courses have been developed. Young lawyers have been invited as speakers and facilitators. The DoJ enhances the law-abiding awareness of young people and the public in a holistic manner, and to increase the understanding of the rule of law principles and the legal system through the TTL Programme. Since its launch, the TTL Programme has attracted over 350 trainees, including 36 young lawyers as facilitators.
     
    DoJ i-Day
     
         The event was led by young in-house lawyers of the DoJ “DoJ Fellows” in August and September 2023, and there are plans to hold a similar open day in June 2025. The event provided young lawyers with an opportunity to meet young people who aspire to join the legal profession, and also allowed those who have not yet joined the legal sector to deepen their understanding of the legal field and the work of the DoJ. The event in 2023 attracted more than 330 trainee solicitors, trainee barristers, legal professionals, law-degree students and students from other degrees and the general public to participate.
     
         Given the nature of the work of the DoJ, the benefits of a measure or policy to society may not be entirely quantifiable, the DoJ does not possess the relevant key performance indicators on the above measures or policies in support of the professional development of solicitors from small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers. The Government will continue to introduce measures or policies at appropriate times and update existing ones from time to time to align them with the latest development of the profession.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Texas Man Convicted of Making Threats to Kill Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    David Aaron Bloyed, 60, of Frost, Texas, was found guilty today by a federal jury of one count of communicating a threat in interstate commerce to lynch and kill Glenn Funk, the elected District Attorney General (DA) for Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee.

    “The defendant’s heinous threats strike at the heart of our justice system and the safety of those who have chosen to serve. As today’s verdict demonstrates, violent threats and intimidation against government officials and law enforcement will not be tolerated,” said Sue J. Bai, Head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “I am grateful to our law enforcement partners and prosecution team for their swift and determined work to bring justice in this case.”

    “Antisemitic hate has no place in Nashville or anywhere, and this verdict shows these hateful threats for what they are: a crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee. “Our office will do whatever it takes to defend our community, and the prosecutors who serve it, from being threatened by these hatemongers.”

    “The conviction of David Bloyed is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to holding those accountable who threaten public officials and the Jewish community,” said Assistant Director in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “This criminal behavior and these disgusting threats will not be tolerated. The FBI will continue to work with our partners across the nation to investigate, identify, and hold those accountable who threaten violence and harm to specific communities and people.”

    According to court documents, on July 14, 2024, members of the Goyim Defense League (GDL) – a national and international network of antisemitic provocateurs who espouse vitriolic antisemitism via the internet, through propaganda distributions and in street actions – were protesting in downtown Nashville on their “Name the Nose Tour” where its members travel to cities across the country to protest in the vicinity of synagogues and walk through the downtown hubs of cities with Nazi flags and yell antisemitic slurs at any individuals they encounter. GDL members encountered an employee of a local bar and a fight broke out. A GDL member was arrested and charged with aggravated assault for hitting the bar employee repeatedly using a metal flagpole with a swastika affixed to the top.

    While in Nashville, GDL members routinely posted about their activities on various social media platforms, including Telegram. Following the arrest of the GDL member, a Telegram user associated with GDL posted threats against DA Funk that included a photograph of DA Funk with the caption, “Getting the rope,” and an emoji finger pointed towards Funk’s image. 

    The posts also included a photograph of a person hanging by the neck from a gallows, with the phrases, “The ‘Rope List’ grew by a few more Nashville jews today,” and “Will you survive the day of the rope?” 

    Law enforcement subsequently identified another social media account with an almost identical username, belonging to Bloyed and containing threats nearly identical to those posted on the Telegram account.

    At sentencing, Bloyed faces up to five years in federal prison.

    The FBI Nashville Field Office and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department are investigating the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Requests Probe Into Justice Department Use Of Aircraft For Personal Or Political Purposes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    May 07, 2025
    Request for a GAO review comes amid public reporting of Kash Patel’s repeated travel on government aircraft that raises questions about proper reimbursement and oversight compliance
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today requested a review of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) use of government-owned aircraft by senior executives, in light of concerns about compliance with federal regulations that restrict nonmission-related travel and require reimbursement for personal or political use.
    In a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Durbin began by asserting his request, writing: “I write to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a comprehensive review of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) use of government-owned aircraft by senior executives.”
    Durbin continued by outlining policies and procedures for executive air travel, writing: “Multiple components within DOJ—including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and United States Marshals Service (USMS)—own, lease, and operate a fleet of aircraft primarily to support mission-critical DOJ operations such as counterterrorism, criminal surveillance, and interdiction of illicit drug trafficking. While use of government aircraft for nonmission-related needs is generally prohibited by federal regulations, such aircraft can be made available regardless of the trip’s purpose for ‘required use travel,’ which is travel that ‘requires use of a [g]overnment aircraft to meet bona fide communications needs (e.g., 24-hour secure communications), security requirements (e.g., highly unusual circumstances that present a clear and present danger), or exceptional scheduling requirements… of an executive agency.’ The President has typically designated two executives within DOJ as ‘required use’ travelers—the Attorney General and the FBI Director—due to their need for special protective security measures and secure communications while in flight. However, federal guidance requires that such travelers reimburse the government for any travel that is for political or personal reasons.”
    Durbin then cited recent reporting that FBI Director Kash Patel’s recent travel raises compliance questions, writing: “Some of these flights appear to coincide with official business,  but it is not clear whether all travel was mission-related or personal in nature. Nonetheless, this reporting underscores the need for clarity on whether DOJ executives—including the FBI Director—are complying with applicable regulations and reimbursement requirements for nonmission-related travel and whether DOJ has sufficient internal controls to track and enforce those obligations.”
    Durbin concluded with a request to update its 2013 report into the matter, writing: “Given these developments, I request that GAO review the circumstances in which DOJ aircraft are being used to transport executives for nonmission purposes, including the costs of these flights… This review is critical to ensuring the appropriate use of taxpayer resources and maintaining public trust in DOJ’s operations and use of taxpayer dollars.”
    For a PDF of the letter to GAO, click here.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Urges DOJ to ‘Reconsider’ Stance in Missouri Mifepristone Case

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Today, Senator Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging the Justice Department to reconsider its defense of the Biden Administration’s policy on mifepristone, which allows women to receive the abortion drug with virtually no safeguards. The case is currently pending before a federal district court. 

    A bombshell new study found that more than 1 in 10 women who use mifepristone experience sepsis, infection, hemorrhaging, an emergency room visit, or another serious adverse event within 45 days. The report exposes just how essential reestablishing these guardrails are for women’s health. 

    “While the grounds for dismissal sought are mostly procedural in nature, I am troubled by the fact that the Justice Department has sided with the Biden administration’s position, especially considering new data showing the harms of chemical abortion for women,” Hawley wrote. “I urge you to reconsider.”

    Senator Hawley recently published an op-ed about the health risks of mifepristone and called on the Trump administration to restore the safety regulations on mifepristone without delay. 

    Read the letter here or below.  

    May 7, 2025

    The Honorable Pam Bondi Attorney General
    U.S. Department of Justice 
    950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
    Washington DC 20530

    Attorney General Bondi:

    Yesterday, your department sought the dismissal of three intervenor state plaintiffs—led by my home state of Missouri—in abortion drug litigation pending before a federal district court. While the grounds for dismissal sought are mostly procedural in nature, I am troubled by the fact that the Justice Department has sided with the Biden administration’s position, especially considering new data showing the harms of chemical abortion for women. I urge you to reconsider.

    Missouri, joined by Idaho and Kansas, is seeking to restore safeguards for the chemical abortion drug, mifepristone, that the Biden administration eliminated. The states have argued their interest in protecting their citizens against the adverse health consequences of the drug—a point which was recently underscored by a landmark new study of mifepristone. That study found that more than 1 in 10 women who use mifepristone experience sepsis, infection, hemorrhaging, an emergency room visit, or another serious adverse event within 45 days. This rate is far greater than the rate reported on the FDA-approved drug label for mifepristone. Despite these severe safety risks, the Biden administration allowed mifepristone to be delivered via mail and without any medical supervision whatsoever. Missouri’s litigation aims to reverse that policy and protect women.

    The Biden administration’s mail-order abortion policy poses a grave threat to the health and safety of American women. I strongly urge you to reconsider the Justice Department’s defense of this policy in court.

    Thank you for your attention to this matter.

    Sincerely,

    Josh Hawley
    United States Senator

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Distribution of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant traveled to ‘meet n play’ with an undercover officer’s purported 10-year-old boy

    WASHINGTON – Kaziah Matthew White, 33, of Long Lake, New York, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison in connection with distributing child pornography after which he traveled to the District of Columbia for the purpose of engaging in sexual contact with a minor.

    The sentence was announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

    White pleaded guilty Dec.18, 2024, in the District of Columbia to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered White to serve a lifetime term of supervised release. 

    According to court papers, on March 21, 2024, an undercover officer with the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in the District of Columbia was monitoring an online dating application. A user who called themselves “EarthenFireMD,” contacted the undercover officer, indicated he was staying in Clarksville, Maryland, and that he wanted to “meet n play” with the undercover officer’s purported 10-year-old boy. EarthenFireMD was later identified as the defendant. 

    “Broooo I’m only the area til the end of the month, would love to plan a playdate,” he wrote on a messaging application. “We can get lunch somewhere public first if u wanna feel out the vibe. And show u Im not a cop. Have an after school bonding sesh.” He indicated that boys between the ages of 5- to 14-years-old were his favorite.

    Between March 22-25, 2024, the defendant sent the undercover officer more than 100 videos depicting the sexual abuse of chldren. During the chat, White agreed to meet the undercover officer and wrote that he would bring a “gift” for the child.  He then sent a photograph of Spiderman-themed underwear, writing “They had a multipack.”

    On March 28, 2024, White traveled from Clarksville, Maryland, to the District to meet with the undercover officer. Upon his arrival, White was in possession of Spiderman underwear consistent with the image of the underwear he previously had sent to the undercover officer.  He was arrested on site.  

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

    This case was investigated by FBI-MPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Bond.

    24cr340

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Four in the Southern District of California

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    “Protecting our community means identifying, arresting and holding accountable anyone who would prey on children,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “I’m grateful for the coordinated efforts of law enforcement in this district and across the nation, and our office will continue to prioritize these prosecutions to obtain justice for these vulnerable victims.”

    “Each arrest is a powerful testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “It reaffirms our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice for victims and holding predators accountable.”

    In the Southern District of California, four individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including:

    • Seth Wheeler, who was indicted for distribution of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Wheeler is alleged to have distributed child pornography on two different occasions in September 2024, and in possession of child pornography in October 2024.  He was previously arrested by the state and remained in state custody until he was indicted on federal charges.
    • Adam Harrison Bryant, a convicted sex offender who was charged with possession of child pornography. The investigation of Bryan began when it was suspected that he had attempted to purchase child pornography from a website using cryptocurrency.  A search warrant was executed on May 1, 2025, and Bryant was arrested when he was found in possession of an electronic device that contained child pornography. He was previously convicted in 2008 of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and enticing a child and was sentenced to 40 months and 24 months, concurrent, followed by ten years of supervised release.
    • Kristho Angel Valdez, whowas charged with receipt of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Law enforcement officials were notified that two minor victims were exchanging sexually explicit content, including images and videos, through Snapchat with an unknown individual. Valdez was identified as the potential user of the Snapchat account and a search warrant for the account revealed thousands of sexually explicit images and videos of minors. On March 12, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Valdez’s residence. Valdez admitted to receiving sexually explicit videos from the minor victims.
    • Christopher David Miller, who was charged with attempted receipt and possession of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Agents began investigating Miller when they determined that IP addresses linked to his current and former residences attempted to obtain child pornography using Freenet, a peer-to-peer file sharing platform. A search warrant was executed at Miller’s residence on April 9, 2025, and Miller was found to be in possession of electronic devices containing child pornography.

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

    An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Busts Fraudster for Stealing Over $400,000 from a Citizen of the Pechanga Band of Indians

    Source: US State of California

    Wednesday, May 7, 2025

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

    ORANGE COUNTY – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the filing of felony charges against a caretaker for stealing over $400,000 from a citizen of the Pechanga Band of Indians who was a dependent adult in her care. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) received a referral from the FBI alleging that the caretaker embezzled money from the victim to pay for personal expenses. These funds were received monthly by the victim from the Pechanga Tribe.
     
    “Caretakers have a profound responsibility to treat those in their care with the highest level of compassion and dignity,” said Attorney General Bonta. “They support individuals during some of the most challenging moments in their lives. At the California Department of Justice, we are committed to fighting against all types of abuse, theft, and neglect. We will take prompt action to hold accountable anyone who exploits or harms vulnerable members of our communities.”
     
    It is alleged that between October 2018 and January 2021, the caretaker used the victim’s funds to pay for vacations, luxurious dinners, mortgage payments, and other personal expenses. DOJ filed criminal charges in the Orange County Superior Court for Embezzlement, Theft from a Dependent Adult, and Grand Theft exceeding $100,000. 
     
    It is important to note that criminal charges must be proven in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
     
    The California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA) works to protect Californians by investigating and prosecuting those responsible for abuse, neglect, and fraud committed against elderly and dependent adults in the state, and those who perpetrate fraud on the Medi-Cal program.

    The Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $69,244,976 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the State of California. FY 2025 is from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.
     
    A copy of the complaint can be found here. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE San Diego, multiagency case results in guilty conviction for would-be sex trafficker attempting to entice, coerce child and adult into prostitution

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SAN DIEGO — Steven Terrell Lewis, 39, of El Cajon, was convicted by a federal jury May 6 for attempted coercion and enticement of a 14-year-old high school student and attempted sex trafficking by force or coercion of a 22-year-old woman. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, the National City Police Department, the El Cajon Police Department, the San Diego Sheriff’s Office and the San Diego District Attorney’s Office are investigating this case.

    “This guilty verdict sends the powerful message that those who exploit children will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Diego Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson. “This outcome is the result of relentless cooperation among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Our agency remains steadfast in our mission to bring perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice and to stand beside every victim until justice is served.”

    According to evidence presented at the April 22, 2024, trial, the 14-year-old victim was walking to a friend’s house after school around 3 p.m. in El Cajon when Lewis used his vehicle to pin her on the sidewalk, exited his vehicle, and snatched her cellphone from her hand to get her phone number. Lewis then proceeded to send sexually explicit text messages from a phone number ending in 8155 to the victim before she was able to block the phone number. On April 23, 2024, Lewis continued texting the victim, except this time from a different phone number through TextFree, a mobile application and web service, from a phone number ending in 0014.

    When Lewis identified himself as “Pimpin,” he sent a sexually explicit photograph to the 14-year-old victim and invited her to “go get some money” with him. She immediately notified a coach at her high school, who alerted the El Cajon Police Department and the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.

    One week after Lewis’ attempt to sex traffic the minor victim failed, on April 28, 2024, he began recruiting the 22-year-old victim through MegaPersonals and sent a ride-share vehicle to take her to Roosevelt Avenue in National City, known as “The Blade,” to work street-based prostitution for his financial benefit. Fortunately, the next day, an undercover National City police officer posing as a commercial sex buyer picked up the adult victim offered her resources to leave prostitution. However, Lewis continued to message the adult victim (from both phone numbers ending in 8155 and 0014), threatening her to continue to engage in commercial sex for his benefit.

    Officers from the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Lewis May 16, 2024, following physical surveillance of Lewis and searches of his vehicles, residence and cellphones.

    The victims did not know each other.

    Investigators believe that other victims exist because, during a search of Lewis’ phone, they discovered a photograph of a handwritten note that appears to have been written by a concerned parent. The note reads, “If I find out one more time that this car is following my daughter down Graves Ave we will have a problem. I suggest you f—- chill.”

    At the time, Lewis was driving two vehicles registered to him, including a white, four-door 1996 Oldsmobile bearing California license plate number 3TIF671:

    He also drove a brown or beige-colored, four-door 1986 Chevrolet bearing California license plate number 1REC517:

    If you or someone you know has had an encounter with Lewis or you know the author of the note, investigators ask that you contact the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force by calling 888-373-7888 or texting 233733.

    “The jury’s guilty verdicts are a powerful reminder that human trafficking has no place in our society. These verdicts are not just justice for the victims — it is a warning to human traffickers everywhere that those who exploit and attempt to exploit others for profit will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of law, no matter how long it takes,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “I commend the bravery of the survivors who came forward. Their truth helped convict a predator — and protect countless others.”

    “Every year, there are thousands of reported human trafficking cases across the United States — including right here in California,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Whether it’s for sex or labor, abusing power to force or coerce someone into doing something against their will is wrong. At the California Department of Justice, we’re committed to standing up for survivors, disrupting and dismantling human trafficking rings, and securing justice. I am thankful for our federal, state and local partners because it takes all of us to combat human trafficking. If you or someone you know has been affected by human trafficking, there are resources available to you. You are not alone.”

    “As a member of the Human Trafficking Task Force, the protection of our youth is our top priority,” said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. “This case highlights the importance of collaboration and the need to share information in order to bring suspects like this into custody.”

    Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 1.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndzie M. Carter and Derek Ko.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Middletown Man Indicted for Violent Crime Spree

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

    WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury in the District of Delaware returned a four-count indictment on April 10, 2025, charging a Middletown man with robbing a restaurant and a gas station and committing a carjacking – all at gunpoint.

    According to court documents, on January 25, 2025, Anthony Fields, 48, of Middletown robbed a Middletown restaurant using a distinctive sawed-off shotgun with a duct-taped handle.  Five days later, Fields robbed a Middletown gas station brandishing the same distinctive sawed-off shotgun.  During these robberies, Fields stole cash, lottery tickets, and a gas station employee’s cell phone.  While fleeing the gas station robbery, Fields carjacked an occupied 2016 Hyundai Elantra, pointing the sawed-off shotgun at the victim driver.

    Despite Fields’ attempts to evade law enforcement, the Middletown Police Department and the FBI traced Fields’ movements in the days following his crime spree through witness testimony, phone and lottery ticket records, and video surveillance.  The investigation revealed that Fields cashed some of the stolen lottery tickets and abandoned the stolen car at a nearby casino before traveling to Philadelphia.  Fields turned himself in to authorities on February 2, 2025.  He remains in federal custody.

    The indictment charges Fields with two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery, one count of carjacking, and one count of brandishing and using a firearm in relation to a Hobbs Act Robbery.  If convicted of all counts, Fields faces a mandatory minimum of seven years of incarceration for brandishing and using the firearm, in addition to any penalties for the underlying crimes, and a maximum penalty of life in prison.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Shannon T. Hanson, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office made the announcement.

    This case is being investigated by the Middletown Police Department and the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Bryan C. Williamson are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware.  Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

    An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Six in North Carolina

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    The FBI’s Charlotte Field Office arrested six people as part of this operation across North Carolina.

    • John Matthew Miller, of Wilmington, 35, is charged with sex trafficking of a minor; enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct; and producing, distributing, receiving, and possessing child sexual abuse material. Miller was previously convicted of sexual battery and was a registered sex offender at the time of the offense. Miller faces at least 25 years and up to life in prison if convicted on all counts.
    • Jesse Lonzo Teal, of Bolivia, 72, also known as “Lonnie” and “Mark,” is charged with sex trafficking of a minor, enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct, producing child sexual abuse material, and using the internet to promote an illegal prostitution business enterprise. He faces at least ten years and up to life imprisonment if convicted on all counts.
    • William Justin Lewis, of Louisburg, 54, is charged with distributing child sexual abuse material and possessing child sexual abuse material. He faces at least five years in federal prison and up to twenty years on each distribution count and up to twenty years on the possession count.
    • Donte Melvin Peek, of Durham, 34, is charged with attempted enticement of a minor, distribution of child sexual abuse material, receipt of child sexual abuse material, and possession of child sexual abuse material. He faces at least 10 years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment on the enticement charge and up to twenty years in federal prison on the possession count, if convicted.
    • Jonathan Robert Davlin, of Huntersville, 48, is charged with transportation of child sexual abuse material and possession and access with intent to view child sexual abuse material involving prepubescent minors. He faces at least five years and up to twenty years imprisonment on the transportation count and up to twenty years imprisonment on the possession count.
    • Terrell Shawn Anderson, previously of Charlotte, 30, is charged with distributing child sexual abuse material and possession child sexual abuse material. He faces at least five years in federal prison and up to twenty years on each distribution count and up to twenty years on the possession count. He was arrested by FBI Atlanta.

    “These important cases reflect the unwavering commitment of our office and our justice system to protect the most vulnerable members of our community—our children. We will continue to work closely with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “There is no place in our community for those who prey on children, and we will do everything we can to not only seek justice for the victims, but to prevent additional child exploitation crimes.”

    “Producing and exchanging child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is a sickening reality in our world and it’s not just happening on the dark web. Pedophiles use the same platforms your family and friends use. No matter where this crime is occurring the FBI will find you. The Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program is uniquely positioned to work complex global and multijurisdictional crimes against children with the capacity to counter threats of abuse and exploitation of children,” said Robert M. DeWitt, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. 

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

     

    An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Alleged Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-Led Five-Day Nationwide Crackdown

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

    Seven cases move forward in Western Washington during National Child Abuse Prevention month

    Seattle – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    In the Western District of Washington, seven federal cases moved forward with criminal charges, pleas, and/or sentencings of those who target minors for sexual abuse.

    “There is no greater responsibility than protecting our children from those seeking to sexually abuse them, either online or in person,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. “The cases we prosecuted over the last month charging child sexual exploitation in person and over the internet, and child sex trafficking are examples of the difficult work we do every day with our law enforcement partners to try to keep children safe.”

    “FBI Seattle’s Violent Crimes Against Children squad and our partners are hard at work, not only during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, but also throughout the year,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “We are arresting predators, recovering children, and assisting victims through the support of our victim specialists. Just this fiscal year in the Seattle division, we have arrested 122 subjects and identified or located 59 children.”

    These are the FBI-led child sex abuse cases prosecuted in the Western District of Washington in April 2025:

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

    The charges contained in the indictments or criminal complaints are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cecelia Gregson, Kate Crisham, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon. Ms. Harmon is a Senior Deputy Prosecutor with the King County Prosecutors Office, specially designated to prosecute child exploitation cases in federal court.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman Blasts Hill Republicans for Exacerbating Violence and Disorder at Metropolitan Detention Center

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    17 Inmates Have Died at the Metropolitan Detention Center Since 2020, Largely Due to Staffing Shortages and Poor Wages 

     

    Trump Admin Has Terminated Retention Bonuses for Bureau of Prison Correctional Officers and Cancelled Their Collective Bargaining Agreements 

     

    President’s FY26 Budget Does Not Include Funding for Law Mandating Meaningful Oversight of Federal Prisons 

     

    Rep. Dan Goldman: We must be living in Fantasyland. We’re trying to have a normal hearing doing oversight of the Bureau of Prisons when the President and Elon Musk are taking a hatchet to the Bureau, canceling the collective bargaining agreement for all of the correctional officers, eliminating retention bonuses for the correctional officers while making sure that every masked undercover Gestapo agent with ICE gets a $40,000 bonus.” 

     

    Rep. Dan Goldman: “My colleagues sit over there acting as if they’re really interested in correcting the Bureau of Prisons and all the problems that we have there. Then put some money where it is, because we all know that’s how you correct the problem. That’s how you implement the First Step Act. That’s how you implement and fund the Federal Prison Oversight Act, a bipartisan bill that we passed last Congress that has not been funded and can’t do anything. 

     

    Watch Full Committee Remarks Here 

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today at a House Judiciary Committee hearing condemned the impact of the Trump administration’s policies on the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in his district, where 17 inmates have died since 2020, in large part due to correctional officers’ inability to effectively oversee the prison due to staffing shortages. The Congressman highlighted how the Trump administration is undermining the safety and security of both prison inmates and staff by eliminating corrections officers’ collective bargaining agreements and staff retention bonuses. 

    A rush transcript of Congressman Goldman’s committee remarks is below: 

    Congressman Goldman: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. And I would ordinarily appreciate this hearing very much, because the Bureau of Prisons is a critical component of the Department of Justice that is woefully underfunded and struggling to implement their mission.  

    But we must be living in Fantasyland. We’re trying to have a normal hearing doing oversight of the Bureau of Prisons when the President and Elon Musk are taking a hatchet to the Bureau, canceling the collective bargaining agreement for all of the correctional officers, eliminating retention bonuses for the correctional officers while making sure that every masked undercover Gestapo agent with ICE gets a $40,000 bonus. In fact, the bill you passed last week, that Republicans passed last week would give $12 billion in pay increases and bonuses to ICE and CBP, and nothing to the Bureau of Prisons. 

    And yet my colleagues sit over there acting as if they’re really interested in correcting the Bureau of Prisons and all the problems that we have there. Then put some money where it is, because we all know that’s how you correct the problem. That’s how you implement the First Step Act. That’s how you implement and fund the Federal Prison Oversight Act, a bipartisan bill that we passed last Congress that has not been funded and can’t do anything. 

    You are passing a partisan reconciliation bill. You have the purse strings. And yet we’re supposed to sit here thinking that you’re really serious about making sure that we’re helping the corrections officer. It’s just bogus.  

    And let’s take the Metropolitan Detention Center in my district in Brooklyn. Since 2020, there have been 17 inmates that have been killed, and the staffing shortages are devastating and have been devastating. 

    There have been numerous, numerous lockdowns simply because there is not enough staff. So, inmates are kept in isolation for multiple days at a time because of staffing shortages. There was a crackdown by the FBI and the Department of Justice in March. 25 inmates were arrested for all sorts of various smuggling efforts, violent assaults with scalpels. And, as my colleague from Florida said, smuggling cell phones.  

    There’s not enough staff to actually monitor what is going on. So, what did they do at MDC? Well, under President Biden, they implemented a retention bonus of 35% that enabled them to hire 87 additional people for that one location, the most in years and years. And it decreased lockdowns. 

    Since August of 2024, there have only been three days of lockdowns due to staff shortages. So, you would think that’s a productive way of boosting employment, boosting staffing, which I think every single one of our witnesses has said is an essential part of addressing the problems in the Bureau of Prisons.  

    So, what does President Trump do? Gets rid of the retention bonuses – gone. Gets rid of the collective bargaining agreement. How on earth do you think you are going to increase staffing by taking away all of the correction officers’ benefits, by taking away their retention bonus, which proved to be successful and is necessary.  

    And yet we’re here talking about implementing recidivism programs. It’s a joke. So, Mr. Biggs, you asked for some action items. 

    I’ll give you some action items.  

    Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05): Can I ask you a question? 

    Congressman Goldman: After I give you the action items, I’m happy to have a colloquy. One: restore the retention bonuses so that we can hire more corrections officers to implement all of the laws that we want to implement in a bipartisan way, and so we can keep the inmates safe. 

    Two:  restore the collective bargaining agreement rather than unilaterally canceling a negotiated collective bargaining agreement that gives the corrections officers very important protections.  

    And three: let’s fund the First Step Act. Let’s fund the Federal Prison Oversight Act, which has not been funded. There are three action items that you can take back to Mr. Trump to try to actually address the issues at the Bureau of Prisons. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results Of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-Led Nationwide Crackdown, Including 4 in the Western District of New York

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, NY – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    “These arrests should send a clear message that, together with our law enforcement partners at all levels, we will track down and prosecute those who target our children,” stated U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. “Our office will never stop doing all that we can to protect children from these harmful predators.”

    “Operation Restore Justice’ sends a powerful message: the FBI is unwavering and united in its fight to protect our children,” said Matthew Miraglia, the Special Agent-in- Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “These arrests demonstrate the unwavering dedication of the FBI and our law enforcement partners. Our work does not stop here. The FBI is committed to holding predators accountable and pursuing justice for victims.”

    Arrested in the Western District of New York and charged with possession of child pornography are:

    Brian Keith, 68, of Niagara Falls, NY. During the execution of a search warrant on March 13, 2025, at Keith’s residence, Niagara Falls Police officers seized a DVR, laptop, five hard drives and two tablets. A review of the electronic devices recovered images of child pornography. Keith is a registered Level 3 sex offender.

    Matthew Kowalski, 25, of Kenmore, NY. In October 2024, he was sentenced to 10 years’ probation for Possessing a Sexual Performance of a Minor, a New York State Penal Law violation. On April 11, 2025, during an unannounced home visit by Erie County Probation Officers, a cellular phone with an SD card was found, which Kowalski was not permitted to possess. A search of the phone and SD card recovered multiple images and videos of suspected child pornography.

    Samari Thompson, 20, of Buffalo, NY. On November 4, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Thompson’s residence, seizing electronic devices, including a cellular telephone. A search of the cell phone recovered 48 images and 16 videos of suspected child pornography. Some of the images and videos depicted infants.

    Jamie R. Anderson, 25, of Buffalo, NY. In January 2022, Anderson was sentenced to 10 years’ probation for Possessing a Sexual Performance of a Minor, a New York State Penal Law violation. On July 3, 2024, the social media application Kik reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that 13 video and image files of apparent child pornography were uploaded to their server. Subsequent investigation traced the uploaded files to Anderson. The investigation also determined that Anderson was the subject of two other tipline reports.

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

    Arrests in the Western District of New York are the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, the New York State Police, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, the Erie County Probation Department, and the Niagara Falls Police Department.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Mexican men arrested for illegal re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Israel De La Cruz San Juan, 29, and Candido De La Cruz San Juan, 34, both citizens of Mexico, were arrested and charged in separate criminal complaints with illegal re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on April 27, 2025, Buffalo Border Patrol Station agents were conducting plain clothes surveillance, when they spotted an out-of-state work truck with construction equipment inside in Tonawanda, NY. It was determined that the registration on the truck had expired in September of 2024 and a traffic stop was conducted. Records checks determined that all three occupants, including Israel De La Cruz San Juan and Candido De La Cruz San Juan, were illegally present in the United States. Israel De La Cruz San Juan and Candido De La Cruz San Juan were taken into custody. Israel De La Cruz San Juan was previously removed from the United States in November 2017, and Candido De La Cruz San Juan was removed from the United States in May 2012, and July 2013.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder, Jr. and were detained.

    The complaint is a result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Juan Ramirez.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Hopkinsville, Kentucky Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy and Money Laundering

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

    Paducah, KY – A Hopkinsville, Kentucky man was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking conspiracy and money laundering. The sentence follows a conviction on all counts after a three-day jury trial earlier this year.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the of the Pittsburgh Division, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd, Cincinnati Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court documents, Robert Blaine, 46, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for one count of conspiring to distribute controlled substances and 7 counts of money laundering.

    Blaine was on supervised release for a federal drug trafficking conviction at the time he committed the instant offenses.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between May 20, 2020, and January 22, 2022, Blaine conspired with Roderick Tutt, 36, of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and Jessica Ochoa, 40, of Phoenix Arizona, to possess with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and over 400 grams of a fentanyl mixture. During that time frame, Blaine wired money to Ochoa as payment for the drugs and in furtherance of the overall conspiracy. Blaine also mailed a box containing $36,960 in U.S. currency to Ochoa that he obtained from proceeds of illegal drug sales. On January 21, 2022, Blaine arranged for Tutt to travel to Arizona to pick up fentanyl and methamphetamine from Ochoa. Tutt was supposed to bring the drugs back to Blaine in Hopkinsville. Tutt was arrested on the way back to Hopkinsville with 2,059 fentanyl pills and approximately 8 kilograms of methamphetamine.

    Blaine has previously been convicted of the following drug trafficking crimes.

    On or about June 13, 2008, in Fulton Circuit Court, Blaine was convicted of trafficking in marijuana, greater than 5 pounds.

    On or about January 6, 2009, in Caldwell Circuit Court, Blaine was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance – cocaine.

    On or about August 27, 2009, in Christian Circuit Court, Blaine was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance – cocaine.

    On or about October 14, 2014, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Paducah Division, Blaine was convicted of three counts of manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance, cocaine.

    Tutt and Ochoa previously pled guilty and were sentenced.

    On March 25, 2025, Tutt was sentenced to 2 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiring with Blaine to possess with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and 400 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.

    On March 25, 2025, Ochoa was sentenced to 7 years and 4 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiring with Blaine to possess with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and 400 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and seven counts of money laundering.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty, the United States Postal Inspection Service Bowling Green Office, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division Bowling Green Office, the ATF Bowling Green Field Office, and the Hopkinsville Police Department, with assistance from the FBI Louisville Field Division, the Tonto Apache Police Department, the DEA Phoenix Division, and the United States Postal Inspection Service Phoenix Division.   

    Assistant United States Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Cristy Crockett.

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

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Announces Fifth Edition of Disability Rights Handbook

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Tuesday, May 6, 2025

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

    Releases updated chapters on access to buildings, telecommunications, benefits and services, service animals, and more

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, through the California Department of Justice’s Disability Rights Bureau, announced the release of the fifth edition of “Legal Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” a publication that provides information regarding the rights of people with disabilities in California. This handbook summarizes state and federal laws that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in many arenas, including in the workplace and in accessing facilities open to the public. The handbook covers disability rights and obligations in a variety of contexts including businesses and places of public accommodation, employment, housing, K-12 education, healthcare, voting, and telecommunications, with chapters released on an ongoing basis since January 2024.

    “At California DOJ, we are committed to ensuring that all individuals have access to inclusive and respectful environments free from discrimination, including discrimination based on disability,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Nearly one quarter of adults in California have a disability, and with the latest edition of this handbook, we aim to provide valuable information on disability rights to support accessibility and full participation for all Californians in every aspect of daily life.”

    Californians with disabilities face widespread discrimination, segregation, and exclusion in many aspects of everyday life. California’s disability rights laws are designed to provide protection from these harmful practices, but Californians are often unaware of the nature and scope of these complex laws. All chapters of the “Legal Rights of Persons with Disabilities” handbook are available at https://oag.ca.gov/civil/disability-rights including new and updated chapters on:

    1. Introduction to State and Federal Disability Rights Laws: This chapter provides an overview of major California state and federal laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities.
    1. Access to Businesses and Other Public Accommodations for People with Disabilities: This chapter discusses California and federal laws that prohibit disability-based discrimination in business establishments and other public accommodations. It also describes an individual’s options when they have experienced disability-based discrimination in business establishments and other public accommodations.
    2. Access to Healthcare for People with Disabilities: This chapter describes the state and federal laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities to access healthcare services, including hospitals and other facilities, services, insurance plans, and information offered by doctors’ offices and other medical providers. It also describes an individual’s options when they have experienced disability-based discrimination in healthcare services.
    3. Disability Rights in Employment: This chapter discusses major California and federal laws that protect people with disabilities from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment. It also describes an individual’s options when they have experienced discrimination in employment because of their disability.
    4. Disability Rights in Housing: This chapter discusses California and federal laws that protect persons with disabilities from public and private housing discrimination. It also describes options when persons with disabilities have experienced discrimination in housing because of their disability.
    5. Disability Rights in K-12 Education: This chapter discusses the rights of students with disabilities in pre-school, primary, and secondary education under California state and federal law.
    6. Access to Voting for People with Disabilities: This chapter discusses access to polling places and the voting process under federal and state election laws. Additionally, this chapter describes an individual’s options when they have experienced dis­crimination because of their disability while registering to vote or voting.
    7. Access to Public and Private Buildings and Facilities for People with Disabilities: This chapter provides an overview of state and federal laws that set requirements for physical accessibility of both public and private buildings and facilities. In addition, this chapter provides information regarding options for individuals who have experienced discrimination regarding physical accessibility.
    8. Access to Telecommunications for People with Disabilities: Telecommunications services are services that allow people to communicate through cable, radio, television, satellite, or wire equipment and include a variety of services like telephone and text message services. This chapter details state and federal laws regarding telecommunication services ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to said service. It also provides information if there are concerns about accessibility of a product or service.
    9. Benefits and Services for People with Disabilities: This chapter highlights state and federal benefits, programs, and services that are designed to assist people with disabilities.
    10. Service Animals: This chapter discusses the rights of people with disabilities to use service animals and emotional support animals under both federal and California laws. This chapter also provides the various complaint options people have when their rights regarding service or emotional support animals have been violated.

    Attorney General Bonta is committed to supporting the rights of Californians with disabilities and enforcing state laws that protect people from discrimination. He has supported an update to the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) Title II regulations concerning accessibility of web information and services of state and local government entities, defended access to housing for persons with disabilities, and recommended revisions to strengthen and protect the rights of students with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This handbook demonstrates the Attorney General’s ongoing commitment to enforcing these laws and ensuring that all Californians are protected from discrimination.

    For more information about the Disability Rights Bureau, visit our webpage at https://oag.ca.gov/civil/disability-rights.

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  • MIL-OSI Video: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice

    Source: United States Department of Justice (video statements)

    The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    Related: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-results-operation-restore-justice-205-child-sex-abuse-offenders

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-DjwnMS1rQ

    MIL OSI Video –