DHS Statement on Increased Security Precautions
Office of the Press Secretary
"As a precaution, DHS has taken a number of steps to enhance security. Some of these security measures will be visible while others will not. The public may recognize specific enhancements including heightened cargo screening and additional security at airports. Passengers should continue to expect an unpredictable mix of security layers that include explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, canine teams and pat downs, among others. As always, we remind the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Pakistan President urges world community to accord priority to Pakistan’s needs to deal with terrorism
(PAKISTAN MINISTRY OF INFORMATION)
ISLAMABAD President Asif Ali Zardari said on Thursday that Pakistan’s needs for capacity enhancement to effectively dealing with the threat of terrorism must be accorded priority by the international community and its friends. He was talking to a delegation from the United Kingdom (UK) comprising members of House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr.The UK delegation consisted of Richard Ottaway, MP-FAC Chair, Sir John Stanley, Andrew Rosindell, Mike Grape, Frank Roy, David Watts, Rory Stewart, Ms. Adele Brown, Foreign Committee Specialists and others. British High Commissioner Adam Thomson was also present during the meeting.
Pakistan side included Interior Minister A. Rehman Malik, M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Mehreen Anwar Raja, Minister of State for Law & Justice, Senator Sughra Imam, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar besides other senior officials.
Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, strategic dialogue, fight against militancy, situation in the region, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts for the flood affected people, trade access to the European Union (EU) for Pakistan’s goods, PDF moot and other related issues were discussed during the meeting.
The President appreciated the UK government’s continued support to the democratic dispensation in Pakistan in overcoming the challenges faced by it.
Highlighting the commonality of interests and the shared objectives, the President emphasized upon the need to further strengthen institutional contacts and strategic and cooperative ties between the two countries.
He said,” the shared threat posed by the militancy and a common stance to neutralize this threat call for greater cooperation”. He said that Pakistan had been the worst victim of the scourge of militancy which was not confined to one country alone.
The President while lauding valuable assistance from the UK during recent floods, said that the people and the Government of Pakistan greatly appreciated assistance from the international community, especially from the friends, at this hour of need.
He also thanked the British Government and the British Prime Minister for advocating Pakistan’s case for getting access to EU markets saying that it would go a long way in providing much needed support to the war ravaged and flood stricken economy of the country.
Discussing regional issues, the President said that Pakistan had always called upon the international community for finding a permanent solution to the sources of funding for terrorists and to address the issue of illegal drugs production and trafficking that was a major threat to international peace and stability.
He said that a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan and it had always supported every effort of the international community in this regard.
The President said that he looked forward to the visit of Prime Minister Cameron next month that would not only serve to strengthen the existing ties between the two countries but would also provide an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual and shared concerns.
The President also emphasized the need for streamlining the issuance of visas to Pakistani businessmen, students and other travellers and to address the concerns about the issues involved.
The delegation members thanked the President for meeting and assured that the UK would continue its support of the democratic dispensation in Pakistan.
Richard Ottaway, MP-FAC Chair, underscored the need for both the countries to work more closely and acknowledged great sacrifices made by Pakistan in the war against militants.
ISLAMABAD President Asif Ali Zardari said on Thursday that Pakistan’s needs for capacity enhancement to effectively dealing with the threat of terrorism must be accorded priority by the international community and its friends. He was talking to a delegation from the United Kingdom (UK) comprising members of House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr.The UK delegation consisted of Richard Ottaway, MP-FAC Chair, Sir John Stanley, Andrew Rosindell, Mike Grape, Frank Roy, David Watts, Rory Stewart, Ms. Adele Brown, Foreign Committee Specialists and others. British High Commissioner Adam Thomson was also present during the meeting.
Pakistan side included Interior Minister A. Rehman Malik, M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Mehreen Anwar Raja, Minister of State for Law & Justice, Senator Sughra Imam, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar besides other senior officials.
Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, strategic dialogue, fight against militancy, situation in the region, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts for the flood affected people, trade access to the European Union (EU) for Pakistan’s goods, PDF moot and other related issues were discussed during the meeting.
The President appreciated the UK government’s continued support to the democratic dispensation in Pakistan in overcoming the challenges faced by it.
Highlighting the commonality of interests and the shared objectives, the President emphasized upon the need to further strengthen institutional contacts and strategic and cooperative ties between the two countries.
He said,” the shared threat posed by the militancy and a common stance to neutralize this threat call for greater cooperation”. He said that Pakistan had been the worst victim of the scourge of militancy which was not confined to one country alone.
The President while lauding valuable assistance from the UK during recent floods, said that the people and the Government of Pakistan greatly appreciated assistance from the international community, especially from the friends, at this hour of need.
He also thanked the British Government and the British Prime Minister for advocating Pakistan’s case for getting access to EU markets saying that it would go a long way in providing much needed support to the war ravaged and flood stricken economy of the country.
Discussing regional issues, the President said that Pakistan had always called upon the international community for finding a permanent solution to the sources of funding for terrorists and to address the issue of illegal drugs production and trafficking that was a major threat to international peace and stability.
He said that a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan and it had always supported every effort of the international community in this regard.
The President said that he looked forward to the visit of Prime Minister Cameron next month that would not only serve to strengthen the existing ties between the two countries but would also provide an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual and shared concerns.
The President also emphasized the need for streamlining the issuance of visas to Pakistani businessmen, students and other travellers and to address the concerns about the issues involved.
The delegation members thanked the President for meeting and assured that the UK would continue its support of the democratic dispensation in Pakistan.
Richard Ottaway, MP-FAC Chair, underscored the need for both the countries to work more closely and acknowledged great sacrifices made by Pakistan in the war against militants.
NASA Trapped Mars Rover Finds Evidence of Subsurface Water
(NASA RELEASE)
The ground where NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit became stuck last year holds evidence that water, perhaps as snow melt, trickled into the subsurface fairly recently and on a continuing basis.
Stratified soil layers with different compositions close to the surface led the rover science team to propose that thin films of water may have entered the ground from frost or snow. The seepage could have happened during cyclical climate changes during periods when Mars tilted farther on its axis. The water may have moved down into the sand, carrying soluble minerals deeper than less-soluble ones. Spin-axis tilt varies over timescales of hundreds of thousands of years.
The relatively insoluble minerals near the surface include what is thought to be hematite, silica and gypsum. Ferric sulfates, which are more soluble, appear to have been dissolved and carried down by water. None of these minerals is exposed at the surface, which is covered by wind-blown sand and dust.
"The lack of exposures at the surface indicates the preferential dissolution of ferric sulfates must be a relatively recent and ongoing process since wind has been systematically stripping soil and altering landscapes in the region Spirit has been examining," said Ray Arvidson of Washington University in St. Louis, deputy principal investigator for the twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
Analysis of these findings appears in a report in the Journal of Geophysical Research published by Arvidson and 36 co-authors about Spirit's operations from late 2007 until just before the rover stopped communicating in March.
The twin Mars rovers finished their three-month prime missions in April 2004, then kept exploring in bonus missions. One of Spirit's six wheels quit working in 2006.
In April 2009, Spirit's left wheels broke through a crust at a site called "Troy" and churned into soft sand. A second wheel stopped working seven months later. Spirit could not obtain a position slanting its solar panels toward the sun for the winter, as it had for previous winters. Engineers anticipated it would enter a low-power, silent hibernation mode, and the rover stopped communicating March 22. Spring begins next month at Spirit's site, and NASA is using the Deep Space Network and the Mars Odyssey orbiter to listen if the rover reawakens.
Researchers took advantage of Spirit's months at Troy last year to examine in great detail soil layers the wheels had exposed, and also neighboring surfaces. Spirit made 13 inches of progress in its last 10 backward drives before energy levels fell too low for further driving in February. Those drives exposed a new area of soil for possible examination if Spirit does awaken and its robotic arm is still usable.
"With insufficient solar energy during the winter, Spirit goes into a deep-sleep hibernation mode where all rover systems are turned off, including the radio and survival heaters," said John Callas, project manager for Spirit and Opportunity at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in Pasadena, Calif. "All available solar array energy goes into charging the batteries and keeping the mission clock running."
The rover is expected to have experienced temperatures colder than it has ever before, and it may not survive. If Spirit does get back to work, the top priority is a multi-month study that can be done without driving the rover. The study would measure the rotation of Mars through the Doppler signature of the stationary rover's radio signal with enough precision to gain new information about the planet's core. The rover Opportunity has been making steady progress toward a large crater, Endeavour, which is now approximately 5 miles away.
Spirit, Opportunity, and other NASA Mars missions have found evidence of wet Martian environments billions of years ago that were possibly favorable for life. The Phoenix Mars Lander in 2008 and observations by orbiters since 2002 have identified buried layers of water ice at high and middle latitudes and frozen water in polar ice caps. These newest Spirit findings contribute to an accumulating set of clues that Mars may still have small amounts of liquid water at some periods during ongoing climate cycles.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the rovers for the agency's Science Mission Directorate in Washington.
The ground where NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit became stuck last year holds evidence that water, perhaps as snow melt, trickled into the subsurface fairly recently and on a continuing basis.
Stratified soil layers with different compositions close to the surface led the rover science team to propose that thin films of water may have entered the ground from frost or snow. The seepage could have happened during cyclical climate changes during periods when Mars tilted farther on its axis. The water may have moved down into the sand, carrying soluble minerals deeper than less-soluble ones. Spin-axis tilt varies over timescales of hundreds of thousands of years.
The relatively insoluble minerals near the surface include what is thought to be hematite, silica and gypsum. Ferric sulfates, which are more soluble, appear to have been dissolved and carried down by water. None of these minerals is exposed at the surface, which is covered by wind-blown sand and dust.
"The lack of exposures at the surface indicates the preferential dissolution of ferric sulfates must be a relatively recent and ongoing process since wind has been systematically stripping soil and altering landscapes in the region Spirit has been examining," said Ray Arvidson of Washington University in St. Louis, deputy principal investigator for the twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
Analysis of these findings appears in a report in the Journal of Geophysical Research published by Arvidson and 36 co-authors about Spirit's operations from late 2007 until just before the rover stopped communicating in March.
The twin Mars rovers finished their three-month prime missions in April 2004, then kept exploring in bonus missions. One of Spirit's six wheels quit working in 2006.
In April 2009, Spirit's left wheels broke through a crust at a site called "Troy" and churned into soft sand. A second wheel stopped working seven months later. Spirit could not obtain a position slanting its solar panels toward the sun for the winter, as it had for previous winters. Engineers anticipated it would enter a low-power, silent hibernation mode, and the rover stopped communicating March 22. Spring begins next month at Spirit's site, and NASA is using the Deep Space Network and the Mars Odyssey orbiter to listen if the rover reawakens.
Researchers took advantage of Spirit's months at Troy last year to examine in great detail soil layers the wheels had exposed, and also neighboring surfaces. Spirit made 13 inches of progress in its last 10 backward drives before energy levels fell too low for further driving in February. Those drives exposed a new area of soil for possible examination if Spirit does awaken and its robotic arm is still usable.
"With insufficient solar energy during the winter, Spirit goes into a deep-sleep hibernation mode where all rover systems are turned off, including the radio and survival heaters," said John Callas, project manager for Spirit and Opportunity at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in Pasadena, Calif. "All available solar array energy goes into charging the batteries and keeping the mission clock running."
The rover is expected to have experienced temperatures colder than it has ever before, and it may not survive. If Spirit does get back to work, the top priority is a multi-month study that can be done without driving the rover. The study would measure the rotation of Mars through the Doppler signature of the stationary rover's radio signal with enough precision to gain new information about the planet's core. The rover Opportunity has been making steady progress toward a large crater, Endeavour, which is now approximately 5 miles away.
Spirit, Opportunity, and other NASA Mars missions have found evidence of wet Martian environments billions of years ago that were possibly favorable for life. The Phoenix Mars Lander in 2008 and observations by orbiters since 2002 have identified buried layers of water ice at high and middle latitudes and frozen water in polar ice caps. These newest Spirit findings contribute to an accumulating set of clues that Mars may still have small amounts of liquid water at some periods during ongoing climate cycles.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the rovers for the agency's Science Mission Directorate in Washington.
Florida businessman pleads guilty to illegal trade in elephant ivory
(ICE RELEASE)
ORLANDO, Fla. - Joseph Barringer, 55, the owner of a Florida pool cue company, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Orlando to violating the Endangered Species Act in connection with the illegal export of African elephant ivory through an online auction site.
Barringer, the owner of Cue Components, located in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., manufactured custom pool cues and parts, including parts made from elephant ivory. Although his company's Web page stated that he did not sell oversees because it was illegal, he sold ivory laden pool cues to an undercover police officer of the London Metropolitan Police (Scotland Yard) who was working in coordination with special agents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
A search warrant was executed at the offices of Cue Components and the defendant's home. Federal agents seized 197 pounds of elephant ivory and cut ivory pieces, according to documents filed in court, including 24 elephant tusk tips. Agents also seized more than 1,800 Cuban cigars which are considered smuggled because they are prohibited in the United States and can only be brought into the country via clandestine means.
According to the plea agreement, there is not evidence enough to establish whether or not the ivory was illegally smuggled into the United States, although the defendant made a practice to obtain statements from sellers indicating that the ivory he purchased was lawful. However, according to papers filed in court, Barringer sent an email in November 2007 to his customers, including the foreign undercover police officer stating: "We're loaded up and I do mean loaded up with beautiful elephant ivory right now. We have 6 pairs of tusks sitting here (actually in storage). We've been buying and hoarding it because we don't know when or where the next ones will come from. And for some reason, we've been fortunate in buying a lot of tusks this past year. I think we are to the point where we can now safely sell in some quantity."
Barringer was charged with a misdemeanor violation of the Endangered Species Act for knowingly engaging in trade of ivory specimens, contrary to the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and without a CITES export permit and re-export certificate as a result of his sale of the pool cue containing ivory to the undercover officer in England. The penalty carries a maximum sentence of one year of imprisonment, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $100,000, or twice the gross gain accruing from the crime.
The African elephant is listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and is also protected by the CITES, an international treaty regulating trade on endangered species to which the United States is a party. The global demand for elephant ivory led to devastating declines in the number of these giant animals, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite international efforts to control the ivory trade and stop the decline of elephant populations, prices and demand remain high, thus causing continued elephant poaching and illegal ivory finding its way into international and domestic markets.
The investigation was conducted by special agents of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and ICE HSI, with assistance from London Metropolitan Police in London.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Richard A. Udell of the U.S. Department of Justice Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Ambrose of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Joseph Barringer, 55, the owner of a Florida pool cue company, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Orlando to violating the Endangered Species Act in connection with the illegal export of African elephant ivory through an online auction site.
Barringer, the owner of Cue Components, located in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., manufactured custom pool cues and parts, including parts made from elephant ivory. Although his company's Web page stated that he did not sell oversees because it was illegal, he sold ivory laden pool cues to an undercover police officer of the London Metropolitan Police (Scotland Yard) who was working in coordination with special agents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
A search warrant was executed at the offices of Cue Components and the defendant's home. Federal agents seized 197 pounds of elephant ivory and cut ivory pieces, according to documents filed in court, including 24 elephant tusk tips. Agents also seized more than 1,800 Cuban cigars which are considered smuggled because they are prohibited in the United States and can only be brought into the country via clandestine means.
According to the plea agreement, there is not evidence enough to establish whether or not the ivory was illegally smuggled into the United States, although the defendant made a practice to obtain statements from sellers indicating that the ivory he purchased was lawful. However, according to papers filed in court, Barringer sent an email in November 2007 to his customers, including the foreign undercover police officer stating: "We're loaded up and I do mean loaded up with beautiful elephant ivory right now. We have 6 pairs of tusks sitting here (actually in storage). We've been buying and hoarding it because we don't know when or where the next ones will come from. And for some reason, we've been fortunate in buying a lot of tusks this past year. I think we are to the point where we can now safely sell in some quantity."
Barringer was charged with a misdemeanor violation of the Endangered Species Act for knowingly engaging in trade of ivory specimens, contrary to the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and without a CITES export permit and re-export certificate as a result of his sale of the pool cue containing ivory to the undercover officer in England. The penalty carries a maximum sentence of one year of imprisonment, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $100,000, or twice the gross gain accruing from the crime.
The African elephant is listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and is also protected by the CITES, an international treaty regulating trade on endangered species to which the United States is a party. The global demand for elephant ivory led to devastating declines in the number of these giant animals, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite international efforts to control the ivory trade and stop the decline of elephant populations, prices and demand remain high, thus causing continued elephant poaching and illegal ivory finding its way into international and domestic markets.
The investigation was conducted by special agents of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and ICE HSI, with assistance from London Metropolitan Police in London.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Richard A. Udell of the U.S. Department of Justice Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Ambrose of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division.
Former Agape World, Inc. President and Owner Pleads Guilty to Mail and Wire Fraud in Ponzi Scheme
(JUSTICE DET RELEASE)
Nicholas Cosmo, the former president and owner of Agape World, Inc. (“Agape”) and Agape Merchant Advance, LLC (“AMA”), has pleaded guilty to federal mail fraud and wire fraud charges for his role in running a Ponzi scheme that resulted in losses in excess of $195 million dollars. The guilty plea proceeding was held before United States District Judge Denis R. Hurley, at the U.S. Courthouse in Central Islip, New York. When sentenced, Cosmo faces a maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment.
The guilty plea was announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Peter Zegarac, Inspector-in-Charge, New York Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office.
Between October 2003 to January 2009, Cosmo executed a scheme to defraud investors of Agape by representing that their money would be used to fund short-term bridge loans to commercial borrowers and loans to other businesses, specifically, commercial business entities that accepted credit cards. He promised the investors unusually high rates of return. Initially, Cosmo paid partial returns to early investors, which were falsely represented to be profits generated from loans, and thereafter persuaded those investors and new victims to invest additional funds in the two companies. In fact, Cosmo lost in excess of $100 million of investor money through unauthorized futures and commodities trading activity and other unauthorized activity. As a result, the government estimates that approximately 3,000 victims suffered losses totaling in excess of $195 million.
“The defendant devised and orchestrated a scheme that highlights the need for vigilance and vigorous enforcement of our laws to prevent this kind criminal activity in the future,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. Ms. Lynch extended her grateful appreciation to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the agencies that led the government’s investigation.
As part of his guilty plea agreement with the government, Cosmo agreed to forfeit his right in assets seized by the government and to the entry of a restitution order of no less than $195 million to be paid to his victims.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Demetri M. Jones, Grace M. Cucchissi, and Vincent Lipari.
Nicholas Cosmo, the former president and owner of Agape World, Inc. (“Agape”) and Agape Merchant Advance, LLC (“AMA”), has pleaded guilty to federal mail fraud and wire fraud charges for his role in running a Ponzi scheme that resulted in losses in excess of $195 million dollars. The guilty plea proceeding was held before United States District Judge Denis R. Hurley, at the U.S. Courthouse in Central Islip, New York. When sentenced, Cosmo faces a maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment.
The guilty plea was announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Peter Zegarac, Inspector-in-Charge, New York Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office.
Between October 2003 to January 2009, Cosmo executed a scheme to defraud investors of Agape by representing that their money would be used to fund short-term bridge loans to commercial borrowers and loans to other businesses, specifically, commercial business entities that accepted credit cards. He promised the investors unusually high rates of return. Initially, Cosmo paid partial returns to early investors, which were falsely represented to be profits generated from loans, and thereafter persuaded those investors and new victims to invest additional funds in the two companies. In fact, Cosmo lost in excess of $100 million of investor money through unauthorized futures and commodities trading activity and other unauthorized activity. As a result, the government estimates that approximately 3,000 victims suffered losses totaling in excess of $195 million.
“The defendant devised and orchestrated a scheme that highlights the need for vigilance and vigorous enforcement of our laws to prevent this kind criminal activity in the future,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. Ms. Lynch extended her grateful appreciation to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the agencies that led the government’s investigation.
As part of his guilty plea agreement with the government, Cosmo agreed to forfeit his right in assets seized by the government and to the entry of a restitution order of no less than $195 million to be paid to his victims.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Demetri M. Jones, Grace M. Cucchissi, and Vincent Lipari.
Virginia Information Technology Director Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Hacking Former Employer’s Website
(FBI RELEASE)
WASHINGTON—A fired information technology director for Transmarx LLC, a Richmond, Virginia, company, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for hacking into his former employer’s website, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride of the Eastern District of Virginia.
Darnell H. Albert-El, 53, of Richmond, pled guilty to one count of intentionally damaging a protected computer without authorization. Albert-El was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne in the Eastern District of Virginia. Albert-El was also ordered to pay $6,700 in restitution to Transmarx.
According to court documents, in June 2008, Transmarx terminated Albert-El from his position as their information technology director. During his employment, Albert-El had administrator-level access to the Transmarx computer network, which included the company website that was hosted on a computer system located in Suwanee, Ga. In pleading guilty, Albert-El admitted that on July 25, 2008, he used a personal computer and an administrator account and password to access the computer hosting the Transmarx website. After accessing the computer, Albert-El knowingly caused the transmission of a series of commands that intentionally caused damage without authorization to the computer by deleting approximately 1,000 files related to the Transmarx website. In pleading guilty, Albert-El admitted that he caused the damage because he was angry about being fired. Albert-El’s actions caused more than $6,000 in losses to Transmarx.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Thomas Dukes, who is also a Senior Counsel with the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. This case was investigated by the FBI.
WASHINGTON—A fired information technology director for Transmarx LLC, a Richmond, Virginia, company, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for hacking into his former employer’s website, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride of the Eastern District of Virginia.
Darnell H. Albert-El, 53, of Richmond, pled guilty to one count of intentionally damaging a protected computer without authorization. Albert-El was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne in the Eastern District of Virginia. Albert-El was also ordered to pay $6,700 in restitution to Transmarx.
According to court documents, in June 2008, Transmarx terminated Albert-El from his position as their information technology director. During his employment, Albert-El had administrator-level access to the Transmarx computer network, which included the company website that was hosted on a computer system located in Suwanee, Ga. In pleading guilty, Albert-El admitted that on July 25, 2008, he used a personal computer and an administrator account and password to access the computer hosting the Transmarx website. After accessing the computer, Albert-El knowingly caused the transmission of a series of commands that intentionally caused damage without authorization to the computer by deleting approximately 1,000 files related to the Transmarx website. In pleading guilty, Albert-El admitted that he caused the damage because he was angry about being fired. Albert-El’s actions caused more than $6,000 in losses to Transmarx.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Thomas Dukes, who is also a Senior Counsel with the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. This case was investigated by the FBI.
TWO PIRATE ATTACKS/ ONE SUCCESSFUL, ONE NOT
(FROM EU NAVFOR RELEASES)
On the morning of 30 October 2010, the MV POLAR, a Panama-flagged tanker, was pirated in the Somali Basin.
The Liberian-owned MV POLAR was attacked during the night, approximately 580 nautical miles (almost 1,100 km) East from Socotra island. The owner confirmed this morning that his vessel was under pirate control.
The MV POLAR, deadweight 72,825 tons, has a crew of 24, of which 1 is Romanian, 3 are Greek, 4 Montenegrin and 16 Filipino.
On the morning of 30 October 2010, the Malta-flagged MV GO TRADER was reported under attack from one skiff approximately 280 nautical miles (520 kilometres) south east from Salalah, Oman.
Pirates had managed to board the vessel; however, after a couple of hours they eventually abandoned it, after having been unable to get control over the crew who had locked themselves in the ship’s “citadel”.
The 24 crewmembers are reported safe.
NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Program (WFP) and vessels of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). EU NAVFOR also protects vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, deters and disrupts piracy. In addition, EU NAVFOR monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia
On the morning of 30 October 2010, the MV POLAR, a Panama-flagged tanker, was pirated in the Somali Basin.
The Liberian-owned MV POLAR was attacked during the night, approximately 580 nautical miles (almost 1,100 km) East from Socotra island. The owner confirmed this morning that his vessel was under pirate control.
The MV POLAR, deadweight 72,825 tons, has a crew of 24, of which 1 is Romanian, 3 are Greek, 4 Montenegrin and 16 Filipino.
On the morning of 30 October 2010, the Malta-flagged MV GO TRADER was reported under attack from one skiff approximately 280 nautical miles (520 kilometres) south east from Salalah, Oman.
Pirates had managed to board the vessel; however, after a couple of hours they eventually abandoned it, after having been unable to get control over the crew who had locked themselves in the ship’s “citadel”.
The 24 crewmembers are reported safe.
NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Program (WFP) and vessels of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). EU NAVFOR also protects vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, deters and disrupts piracy. In addition, EU NAVFOR monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia
AMERICAN CASUALTIES IN AFGHANISTAN/ACTIVITY UDATE
(DOD RELEASE)
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Pedro A. Maldonado, 20, of Houston, Texas, died Oct. 29 in Kandalay, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Staff Sgt. Adam L. Dickmyer, 26, of Winston Salem, N.C., died Oct. 28 near Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Coalition forces repel insurgents at COP Margah
ISAF Joint Command
KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces in the Bermel District of Paktika province are continuing their assessment of a failed insurgent attack on Combat Outpost Margah Saturday.
The combined forces are in the process of searching four separate direct fire and attack helicopter engagement areas where insurgents attempted to surround the outpost in a failed attempt to overrun the base.
So far, the combined forces confirm 38 insurgents killed, with an estimated more than 40 additional enemy killed, based on coalition helicopter camera footage in the areas where ground forces have not yet conducted an assessment.
In addition, two enemy wounded have been recovered from the engagement area and have been treated by coalition medical personnel.
“The fact the insurgents left both their dead and wounded laying there on the battlefield is significant,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, commanding general for NATO’s Regional Command-East. “We had multiple indicators an attack like this was going to happen in that area in an attempt to gain victory before the end of the fighting season, and our combined Afghan and coalition forces were ready for them.”
Afghan officials estimate more than 80 insurgents were killed in the failed attack.
“COP Margah has a squad-sized observation element on the high ground near the COP to provide early warning to the main base,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, RC-East deputy commanding general for operations. “Not only did the Soldiers and Afghan Border Policemen warn of the attack, they also disrupted it for approximately 20 minutes allowing the main defense to decisively respond. Once their mission was complete, they repositioned to reinforce the main defense. As a matter of fact, I just stood on that OP yesterday afternoon to get a sense of their combined achievement.”
The assessment is ongoing.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Pedro A. Maldonado, 20, of Houston, Texas, died Oct. 29 in Kandalay, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Staff Sgt. Adam L. Dickmyer, 26, of Winston Salem, N.C., died Oct. 28 near Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Coalition forces repel insurgents at COP Margah
ISAF Joint Command
KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces in the Bermel District of Paktika province are continuing their assessment of a failed insurgent attack on Combat Outpost Margah Saturday.
The combined forces are in the process of searching four separate direct fire and attack helicopter engagement areas where insurgents attempted to surround the outpost in a failed attempt to overrun the base.
So far, the combined forces confirm 38 insurgents killed, with an estimated more than 40 additional enemy killed, based on coalition helicopter camera footage in the areas where ground forces have not yet conducted an assessment.
In addition, two enemy wounded have been recovered from the engagement area and have been treated by coalition medical personnel.
“The fact the insurgents left both their dead and wounded laying there on the battlefield is significant,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, commanding general for NATO’s Regional Command-East. “We had multiple indicators an attack like this was going to happen in that area in an attempt to gain victory before the end of the fighting season, and our combined Afghan and coalition forces were ready for them.”
Afghan officials estimate more than 80 insurgents were killed in the failed attack.
“COP Margah has a squad-sized observation element on the high ground near the COP to provide early warning to the main base,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, RC-East deputy commanding general for operations. “Not only did the Soldiers and Afghan Border Policemen warn of the attack, they also disrupted it for approximately 20 minutes allowing the main defense to decisively respond. Once their mission was complete, they repositioned to reinforce the main defense. As a matter of fact, I just stood on that OP yesterday afternoon to get a sense of their combined achievement.”
The assessment is ongoing.
Multi-National Operation Nets $55.9 Million Heroin Seizure in Afghanistan
First-ever joint mission for DEA, Afghan, and Russian drug agents nets nearly one metric ton of drugs
A multinational DEA operation led to the seizure of $55.9 million in heroin at four clandestine laboratories located in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. The nearly one metric ton of narcotics was seized as a result ofa large-scale joint narcotics enforcement operation by DEA, Afghan, and Russian anti-drug agents in Afghanistan.
Members of the U.S. military’s 101st Airborne Division, along with ISAF, took part in “Operation Tar Pit.”
Acting on DEA intelligence, the multinational task force was able to identify a major clandestine heroin laboratory in the Zerasari Village of the Achin District. Upon arrival at the site, agents discovered three additional labs hidden by vegetation. Evidence collected confirmed that all of the labs were actively producing heroin and morphine.
“Thanks to the close cooperation among DEA, Afghan, and Russian anti-drug personnel as well as U.S. Military and ISAF in Afghanistan, one metric ton of heroin was seized from four clandestine laboratories along with various precursor chemicals. Operation Tar Pit was a significant enforcement success due to the fearsome force multiplier arrayed against the narco-traffickers and insurgents,” said DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. “This nearly $60 million worth of heroin seized in Afghanistan will never find its way to vulnerable communities around the world.”
In addition to 932 kilograms of heroin and 156 kilograms of opium seized, the following precursor chemicals and materials were also confiscated: 10 liters of acetic anhydride, 15 kilograms of ammonium chloride, 10 kilograms of soda ash, 40 kilograms of charcoal, two mechanical heroin presses, three metal industrial cooking vats, and 500 feet of plastic irrigation equipment.
An investigation into the drug trafficking organization responsible for operating the clandestine heroin labs is ongoing.
Members of the U.S. military’s 101st Airborne Division, along with ISAF, took part in “Operation Tar Pit.”
In addition to 932 kilograms of heroin and 156 kilograms of opium seized, the following precursor chemicals and materials were also confiscated: 10 liters of acetic anhydride, 15 kilograms of ammonium chloride, 10 kilograms of soda ash, 40 kilograms of charcoal, two mechanical heroin presses, three metal industrial cooking vats, and 500 feet of plastic irrigation equipment.
An investigation into the drug trafficking organization responsible for operating the clandestine heroin labs is ongoing.
UMHB Choir in Concert on November 2
Belton, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Concert Choir will perform in concert in Manning Chapel in the Meyer Christian Studies Center on Tuesday, November 2, at 7:30 p.m. The Meyer Christian Studies Center is located at the corner of 9th Avenue and Pearl in Belton.
The Concert Choir presents “In Praise of Music” –an exciting concert of sacred and secular choral literature celebrating the gift of music! Representative selections include Randall Thompson’s “Ye Shall Have a Song,” Dello Joio’s “A Jubilant Song,” Paul Christiansen’s “My Song in the Night,” and Moses Hogan’s “Music Down in My Soul.”
The UMHB Concert Choir is made up of 31 students and Dr. Michelle Roueche is the conductor.
This fall concert is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at 254-295-4678.
The Concert Choir presents “In Praise of Music” –an exciting concert of sacred and secular choral literature celebrating the gift of music! Representative selections include Randall Thompson’s “Ye Shall Have a Song,” Dello Joio’s “A Jubilant Song,” Paul Christiansen’s “My Song in the Night,” and Moses Hogan’s “Music Down in My Soul.”
The UMHB Concert Choir is made up of 31 students and Dr. Michelle Roueche is the conductor.
This fall concert is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at 254-295-4678.
MCLENNAN COUNTY I-35 LANE CLOSURES
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will temporarily close various lanes of traffic between Troy and Bruceville-Eddy in order to drill pavement samples. Drilling will take place between mile marker 310 (approximately one mile north of Troy) and mile marker 318 (near the Union Pacific railroad overpass in Bruceville-Eddy). The dates below are those currently planned, and may be adjusted due to weather or other unforeseen conditions.
Monday, 11/1/2010, beginning about 8:45 AM
● From approximately mile marker 318 and moving south towards Troy, on the western frontage road, we will drill on the southbound (right-hand) lane. This will require restricting traffic to one lane and using flagmen to direct north- and southbound traffic alternately onto that lane. Nine sites will be drilled, and we anticipate the drilling being completed by 5 PM, barring any unforeseen complications.
Tuesday, 11/2/2010, beginning about 8:00 AM
● From approximately mile marker 310 and moving north towards Bruceville-Eddy, on the eastern frontage road, we will drill on the northbound (right-hand) lane. This will require restricting traffic to one lane and using flagmen to direct north- and southbound traffic alternately onto that lane. Nine sites will be drilled, and we anticipate the drilling being completed by 5 PM, barring any unforeseen complications.
Monday, 11/1/2010, beginning about 8:45 AM
● From approximately mile marker 318 and moving south towards Troy, on the western frontage road, we will drill on the southbound (right-hand) lane. This will require restricting traffic to one lane and using flagmen to direct north- and southbound traffic alternately onto that lane. Nine sites will be drilled, and we anticipate the drilling being completed by 5 PM, barring any unforeseen complications.
Tuesday, 11/2/2010, beginning about 8:00 AM
● From approximately mile marker 310 and moving north towards Bruceville-Eddy, on the eastern frontage road, we will drill on the northbound (right-hand) lane. This will require restricting traffic to one lane and using flagmen to direct north- and southbound traffic alternately onto that lane. Nine sites will be drilled, and we anticipate the drilling being completed by 5 PM, barring any unforeseen complications.
Alternative Certification for Aspiring Teachers: Info Sessions This Week
ESC Region 12 TPCP informational sessions scheduled for Nov. 3 and Dec. 8
Texas public schools employ more than 320,000 teachers, and 11,000 are located in Region 12 (TEA, AEIS 2008-09). Studies show that more and more teachers are earning their certifications through alternative programs such as Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12's Teacher Preparation and Certification Program (TPCP).
ESC Region 12's TPCP is currently taking applications for the Spring cycle, and will hold two informational sessions on Wednesday, Nov. 3, and again on Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. at 2101 W. Loop 340 - Waco, Texas. The sessions will provide a brief overview of the alternative certification program, including the application and training process, followed by a question and answer session.
Statistics show that there is an increase in the number of individuals who are earning their initial teaching certificates from alternative certification programs. In 2009, TEA reported 12,902 teachers in alternative certification programs earned their certificate, versus the 9,961 university undergraduates that had qualified.
Quality training through hands-on experiences, interactive course work, and student teaching is what sets ESC Region 12's TPCP program apart from others.
"One of our initiatives is to teach degree-holding citizens how to apply their skills in to a classroom," commented Donna Trigg, team leader for ESC Region 12's TPCP program. "As a result, participants can bring their knowledge and real world experiences to the classroom, making them well-rounded teachers."
In 2009, ESC Region 12's alternative certification program had 86 participants certified to teach. For the 2010 -2011 school year, districts within the region hired 90 graduates from the TPCP program, including 13 who are currently student teaching.
The program is open to those with a bachelor's degree and who are interested in obtaining a Texas teaching certificate - which includes those who are in their last semester of earning their degree. Additionally, individuals who have a degree in education, but do not have teaching certification in Texas, may obtain a valid certification through the program, expand their current certifications, or obtain preparation in other subject areas.
Participants will attend three evening classes per week and two Saturday sessions during the pre-service phase. After completing four months of classes, participants may intern with school districts in the following
school year and be eligible to receive pay as a first-year teacher. A $75 non-refundable application fee and interview is required to be considered to enter the program. Qualifications for each specialization area vary.
Applications may be submitted in person to either the Nolanville or the Waco offices, or by mail.
For more information or directions, please contact the TPCP office at 254.297.1191. You can also visit www.esc12.net/teacherprep for more information.
Texas public schools employ more than 320,000 teachers, and 11,000 are located in Region 12 (TEA, AEIS 2008-09). Studies show that more and more teachers are earning their certifications through alternative programs such as Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12's Teacher Preparation and Certification Program (TPCP).
ESC Region 12's TPCP is currently taking applications for the Spring cycle, and will hold two informational sessions on Wednesday, Nov. 3, and again on Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. at 2101 W. Loop 340 - Waco, Texas. The sessions will provide a brief overview of the alternative certification program, including the application and training process, followed by a question and answer session.
Statistics show that there is an increase in the number of individuals who are earning their initial teaching certificates from alternative certification programs. In 2009, TEA reported 12,902 teachers in alternative certification programs earned their certificate, versus the 9,961 university undergraduates that had qualified.
Quality training through hands-on experiences, interactive course work, and student teaching is what sets ESC Region 12's TPCP program apart from others.
"One of our initiatives is to teach degree-holding citizens how to apply their skills in to a classroom," commented Donna Trigg, team leader for ESC Region 12's TPCP program. "As a result, participants can bring their knowledge and real world experiences to the classroom, making them well-rounded teachers."
In 2009, ESC Region 12's alternative certification program had 86 participants certified to teach. For the 2010 -2011 school year, districts within the region hired 90 graduates from the TPCP program, including 13 who are currently student teaching.
The program is open to those with a bachelor's degree and who are interested in obtaining a Texas teaching certificate - which includes those who are in their last semester of earning their degree. Additionally, individuals who have a degree in education, but do not have teaching certification in Texas, may obtain a valid certification through the program, expand their current certifications, or obtain preparation in other subject areas.
Participants will attend three evening classes per week and two Saturday sessions during the pre-service phase. After completing four months of classes, participants may intern with school districts in the following
school year and be eligible to receive pay as a first-year teacher. A $75 non-refundable application fee and interview is required to be considered to enter the program. Qualifications for each specialization area vary.
Applications may be submitted in person to either the Nolanville or the Waco offices, or by mail.
For more information or directions, please contact the TPCP office at 254.297.1191. You can also visit www.esc12.net/teacherprep for more information.
Texas A&M's Silver Taps Ceremony Planned For Tuesday
(TEXAS A&M RELEASE)
COLLEGE STATION- Texas A&M University's solemn Silver Taps ceremony will be held Tuesday (Nov. 2) night to honor the memory of William (Wills) Ross Setzler IV , a senior agribusiness/agricultural economics major from Brownwood who died Aug. 16 as the result of an illness. The ceremony will begin at 10:30 p.m. in the plaza area in front of the Academic Building.
Texas A&M holds the Silver Taps ceremony each month as necessary to honor the memory of recently deceased students.
On the day of the ceremony, all campus flags are flown at half-staff and list of the names of those to be remembered is posted at the base of the flagpole in the Academic Plaza. The family of the student to be honored is notified of the ceremony and sent a floral arrangement by university officials.
In honor of Setzler , the campus will be darkened at 10:20 p.m. In the darkness, students, family and friends will silently gather in the plaza in front of the Academic Building. At 10:30 p.m. an honor guard from the Ross Volunteer Company will march across campus from the Corps of Cadets area to the plaza, where its members will fire three rifle volleys. Buglers from the Aggie Band, unseen in the darkness, will play a special arrangement of "Taps." The tolling of Albritton Tower bells will signal the end of the ceremony.
In case of rain or dangerous lightning, the ceremony will be moved to an alternate location. Free parking in the University Center garage will be available between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. For more information, go to http://studentaffairs.tamu.edu/sas/silvertaps .
The first Silver Taps was held in 1898 upon the death of the university's president, Lawrence Sullivan Ross, and has changed little from that time.
COLLEGE STATION- Texas A&M University's solemn Silver Taps ceremony will be held Tuesday (Nov. 2) night to honor the memory of William (Wills) Ross Setzler IV , a senior agribusiness/agricultural economics major from Brownwood who died Aug. 16 as the result of an illness. The ceremony will begin at 10:30 p.m. in the plaza area in front of the Academic Building.
Texas A&M holds the Silver Taps ceremony each month as necessary to honor the memory of recently deceased students.
On the day of the ceremony, all campus flags are flown at half-staff and list of the names of those to be remembered is posted at the base of the flagpole in the Academic Plaza. The family of the student to be honored is notified of the ceremony and sent a floral arrangement by university officials.
In honor of Setzler , the campus will be darkened at 10:20 p.m. In the darkness, students, family and friends will silently gather in the plaza in front of the Academic Building. At 10:30 p.m. an honor guard from the Ross Volunteer Company will march across campus from the Corps of Cadets area to the plaza, where its members will fire three rifle volleys. Buglers from the Aggie Band, unseen in the darkness, will play a special arrangement of "Taps." The tolling of Albritton Tower bells will signal the end of the ceremony.
In case of rain or dangerous lightning, the ceremony will be moved to an alternate location. Free parking in the University Center garage will be available between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. For more information, go to http://studentaffairs.tamu.edu/sas/silvertaps .
The first Silver Taps was held in 1898 upon the death of the university's president, Lawrence Sullivan Ross, and has changed little from that time.
Texas Pedestrian Accidents Jump 22% During Halloween
(ALLSTATE RELEASE)
IRVING, TX, October 29, 2010 – The number of Texans hit by cars spikes an average of 22% during Halloween week when compared to the rest of the year, according to Allstate Insurance Company. The insurer looked at its Texas auto insurance claims involving pedestrians from 2003-2009 and found a jump in accidents around trick-or-treat time.
The Allstate data coincides with a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that found October 31 is the second highest pedestrian death day of the year behind Fourth of July.
Over the past two years, when Halloween fell on a weekend, the number claims involving pedestrians hit by cars jumped even higher to 23% when compared with the rest of the year.
“With Halloween on the weekend again and with the World Series, football games and other events going on across the state, there may be even more cars on the road at night, potentially creating more dangerous situations,” said David Christopher, an Allstate agent in Texas. “Whether you’re behind the wheel or walking with your kids, it’s critical to remain alert.”
Halloween Traffic Tips:
Don’t Text and Walk
Children and parents should focus on traffic and not texting when trick-or-treating. Have an adult or an older, responsible youth supervise children. Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow.
Don’t Text and Drive
Focus on the road, not your cell phone. Neighborhoods that don’t normally have pedestrian or bicycle traffic may experience an increase in activity on Halloween. Children are excited and may forget to stop, look and listen before crossing the street.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Always designate a driver.
IRVING, TX, October 29, 2010 – The number of Texans hit by cars spikes an average of 22% during Halloween week when compared to the rest of the year, according to Allstate Insurance Company. The insurer looked at its Texas auto insurance claims involving pedestrians from 2003-2009 and found a jump in accidents around trick-or-treat time.
The Allstate data coincides with a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that found October 31 is the second highest pedestrian death day of the year behind Fourth of July.
Over the past two years, when Halloween fell on a weekend, the number claims involving pedestrians hit by cars jumped even higher to 23% when compared with the rest of the year.
“With Halloween on the weekend again and with the World Series, football games and other events going on across the state, there may be even more cars on the road at night, potentially creating more dangerous situations,” said David Christopher, an Allstate agent in Texas. “Whether you’re behind the wheel or walking with your kids, it’s critical to remain alert.”
Halloween Traffic Tips:
Don’t Text and Walk
Children and parents should focus on traffic and not texting when trick-or-treating. Have an adult or an older, responsible youth supervise children. Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow.
Don’t Text and Drive
Focus on the road, not your cell phone. Neighborhoods that don’t normally have pedestrian or bicycle traffic may experience an increase in activity on Halloween. Children are excited and may forget to stop, look and listen before crossing the street.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Always designate a driver.
SALADO I-35 FRONTAGE ROAD CLOSURES
TXDOT RELEASE
On Monday, 11/1/2010, the following closures will take place in Salado on the I-35 frontage roads:
7:30 AM - Noon
We will close the southbound (right-hand) lane of the west-side frontage road (on the southbound side of I-35) approximately 1,060 feet south of Thomas Arnold Road. This is a two-way frontage road, and the lane closure will require traffic to alternate on the remaining northbound (left-hand) lane, using flagmen to direct the traffic. (1,000 feet is equivalent to about 3 1/3 football fields in length.)
Noon - 5 PM
We will close the southbound (right-hand) lane of the west-side frontage road (on the southbound side of I-35) approximately 160 feet north of Thomas Arnold Road. This is a two-way frontage road, and the lane closure will require traffic to alternate on the remaining northbound (left-hand) lane, using flagmen to direct the traffic.
These closures are part of the exploratory foundation core drilling going on in preparation for the expansion of I-35 through Salado in the next few years. The times are approximate, and depend on weather and other conditions at the time of the closures.
Please use observe all warning signs and use caution in driving through these areas. Watch for flagmen and other workers, and seek alternate routes when possible.
*********************
Efforts to improve the I-35 corridor throughout the state would not be possible without the support of local governments, the Texas Legislature and the U.S. Congress. In addition to the ongoing $1.9 billion expansion of through TxDOT’s Waco District, a number of critical projects are underway in the Dallas/Fort Worth region to improve I-35 connections to I-820 and I-635 thanks to a partnership with the private sector. Meanwhile, TxDOT continues to plan for the long-term future of the I-35 corridor through the MY 35 citizen-driven planning process. For more information about I-35 expansion projects or the MY 35 planning effort, visit www.my35.org.
On Monday, 11/1/2010, the following closures will take place in Salado on the I-35 frontage roads:
7:30 AM - Noon
We will close the southbound (right-hand) lane of the west-side frontage road (on the southbound side of I-35) approximately 1,060 feet south of Thomas Arnold Road. This is a two-way frontage road, and the lane closure will require traffic to alternate on the remaining northbound (left-hand) lane, using flagmen to direct the traffic. (1,000 feet is equivalent to about 3 1/3 football fields in length.)
Noon - 5 PM
We will close the southbound (right-hand) lane of the west-side frontage road (on the southbound side of I-35) approximately 160 feet north of Thomas Arnold Road. This is a two-way frontage road, and the lane closure will require traffic to alternate on the remaining northbound (left-hand) lane, using flagmen to direct the traffic.
These closures are part of the exploratory foundation core drilling going on in preparation for the expansion of I-35 through Salado in the next few years. The times are approximate, and depend on weather and other conditions at the time of the closures.
Please use observe all warning signs and use caution in driving through these areas. Watch for flagmen and other workers, and seek alternate routes when possible.
*********************
Efforts to improve the I-35 corridor throughout the state would not be possible without the support of local governments, the Texas Legislature and the U.S. Congress. In addition to the ongoing $1.9 billion expansion of through TxDOT’s Waco District, a number of critical projects are underway in the Dallas/Fort Worth region to improve I-35 connections to I-820 and I-635 thanks to a partnership with the private sector. Meanwhile, TxDOT continues to plan for the long-term future of the I-35 corridor through the MY 35 citizen-driven planning process. For more information about I-35 expansion projects or the MY 35 planning effort, visit www.my35.org.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Waco Fire Department to Honor Local Hero
(CITY OF WACO RELEASE)
Waco, Texas Want to meet a real-life local hero and the man whose life he saved? The Waco Fire Department will present their Local Heroes Award to a Waco citizen who stopped and rendered aid to a dying man. First on the scene, this hero’s quick and selfless efforts and skilled care saved the victim from what authorities say would have been a fatal car crash.
The heroic efforts of this citizen – a former military medic – will be officially recognized at a brief ceremony at Fire Station 1 (504 S. University Parks Dr.) on Sunday, October 31 at 3 p.m. The name of the award recipient will be revealed at Sunday’s ceremony.
Waco, Texas Want to meet a real-life local hero and the man whose life he saved? The Waco Fire Department will present their Local Heroes Award to a Waco citizen who stopped and rendered aid to a dying man. First on the scene, this hero’s quick and selfless efforts and skilled care saved the victim from what authorities say would have been a fatal car crash.
The heroic efforts of this citizen – a former military medic – will be officially recognized at a brief ceremony at Fire Station 1 (504 S. University Parks Dr.) on Sunday, October 31 at 3 p.m. The name of the award recipient will be revealed at Sunday’s ceremony.
Baylor’s Steppin' Out Celebrates 25 Years of Service
More than 3,000 Baylor University students will take part in service opportunities throughout the Waco community on Saturday, Oct. 30, as the university marks its 25th year of Steppin' Out, one of the largest single-day volunteer service programs on a college campus.
The event will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Steppin' Out occurs once each semester. The goal is to involve students in community awareness and collaboration in service with Waco.
Steppin' Out was formed in 1985 by Baylor students who believed that if enough people joined together, they could make a difference in the community. Because of increased participation, it evolved in the early 1990s from an annual event to one that occurs in fall and spring semesters.
Each semester, an estimated one-fourth of the student body takes part. Through Steppin' Out, other service opportunities for student volunteers -- among them Best Buddies and Baylor Buddies -- were created. Baylor has partnered with Waco residents, the Salvation Army, Scott & White Hospice, Mission Waco and Friends for Life.
This year, approximately 70 student organizations will participate at Waco residences, Waco Charter School, Baylor's Piper Center for Family Studies and Child Development, The Art Center of Waco, Rapoport Academy and World Hunger Relief Inc.
"The amazing thing about Steppin' Out is that the people we serve have registered and are asking for our help," said Sonja Davidson, Steppin' Out co-director. “When students go out to a resident's home to paint their house, clean their garage or garden, it is usually work the residents have been unable to do themselves."
Steppin’ Out also will include a Block Party at Dewey Park (Ninth and Bosque) between 2 and 5 p.m. “It will be a great opportunity to see the students and community interacting and celebrating,” Davidson said.
The event will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Steppin' Out occurs once each semester. The goal is to involve students in community awareness and collaboration in service with Waco.
Steppin' Out was formed in 1985 by Baylor students who believed that if enough people joined together, they could make a difference in the community. Because of increased participation, it evolved in the early 1990s from an annual event to one that occurs in fall and spring semesters.
Each semester, an estimated one-fourth of the student body takes part. Through Steppin' Out, other service opportunities for student volunteers -- among them Best Buddies and Baylor Buddies -- were created. Baylor has partnered with Waco residents, the Salvation Army, Scott & White Hospice, Mission Waco and Friends for Life.
This year, approximately 70 student organizations will participate at Waco residences, Waco Charter School, Baylor's Piper Center for Family Studies and Child Development, The Art Center of Waco, Rapoport Academy and World Hunger Relief Inc.
"The amazing thing about Steppin' Out is that the people we serve have registered and are asking for our help," said Sonja Davidson, Steppin' Out co-director. “When students go out to a resident's home to paint their house, clean their garage or garden, it is usually work the residents have been unable to do themselves."
Steppin’ Out also will include a Block Party at Dewey Park (Ninth and Bosque) between 2 and 5 p.m. “It will be a great opportunity to see the students and community interacting and celebrating,” Davidson said.
Former Longhorn Football Great Colt McCoy to Make Donation to New Children’s Hospital During Jersey Retirement Festivities
(Austin, Texas) Former Texas Longhorn quarterback Colt McCoy will make a donation Saturday to Scott & White Healthcare for its new stand-alone children’s hospital. McCoy will deliver his donation on the field during the University of Texas – Baylor University football game.
Children’s Hospital at Scott & White patients and their families will join him for the presentation. McCoy is the advocate for the fundraising effort to transform King’s Daughters Hospital in Temple into a separate facility dedicated to the care of children—the first hospital of its kind between Austin and Dallas.
Also during game day ceremonies, McCoy’s jersey will be retired to honor his accomplishments on and off the field on behalf of Longhorn football. McCoy now plays professional football for the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.
Children’s Hospital at Scott & White patients and their families will join him for the presentation. McCoy is the advocate for the fundraising effort to transform King’s Daughters Hospital in Temple into a separate facility dedicated to the care of children—the first hospital of its kind between Austin and Dallas.
Also during game day ceremonies, McCoy’s jersey will be retired to honor his accomplishments on and off the field on behalf of Longhorn football. McCoy now plays professional football for the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.
TEXAS A&M, COLLEGE STATION AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
COLLEGE STATION, Oct. 29, 2010 - Texas A&M University and the entire Research Valley stand to benefit from agreements The Texas A&M University System's Office of Technology Commercialization struck this week with Belgium-based businesses, several officials involved in the partnerships announced Friday.
Trade delegation representatives from the Wallonia Foreign Trade and Investment Agency (AWEX), an agency of the Walloon government in the southern region of Belgium, met this week with representatives from the Texas A&M System, Texas A&M and the Research Valley Partnership.
Representatives from 17 Belgian companies visited the Texas A&M campus this week as part of the delegation, and several events Friday culminated their week of tours and trade talks. Some even visited with students in a Mays Business School course taught by Brett Cornwell, associate vice chancellor for technology commercialization for the A&M System.
One of Friday's events was the announcement of a multi-million-dollar regional contract with Belgian high-tech optical company AMOS to locate its first U.S. office in College Station. The company is known for its creative research and development solutions for satellites, the International Space Station and some of the leading ground-based telescopes, and has been working closely with astronomers from Texas A&M.
Nicholas B. Suntzeff, professor of physics and astronomy at Texas A&M, director of the Texas A&M Astronomy Program and a member of the George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Institute of Fundamental Physics and Astronomy called the decision by AMOS to expand into this area of Texas "a testament to the high quality of the engineering students and faculty at Texas A&M and to the strength of the Munnerlyn Astronomical Laboratory."
Darren L. DePoy, a Texas A&M physics professor who works in the astronomical instrumentation lab, called the partnership "a natural collaboration." He said such collaborations will propel the Research Valley to become known as the Innovation Capital of Texas.
"AMOS is a cutting-edge company that builds precision instruments and tools used in the astronomy industry, and we build things to put on those instruments," he said. "Our lab has been in existence for two years, and I think it reflects well on our program to have this partnership."
Another of Friday's events was a ribbon-cutting for the Research Valley Partnership's International Gateway, an office suite that will serve as a launching pad for international businesses. The suite has office space, a conference room and a web-based voice mail system that can be accessed worldwide. Organizers said they hope to open a satellite office within a year.
"This is not an office solution, not a real estate solution, it's a corporate solution," said Todd McDaniel, Research Valley Partnership president/CEO. "It's a landing zone, a gateway to future endeavors."
Also, a letter of intent was signed to form a joint partnership between data mining company PEPITe and the A&M System, with a target date of January for the company to open locally.
Philippe LaChapelle, director of business development and partnerships for AWEX, lauded the A&M System's "invaluable support and commitment to transform innovation into real, large-scale business" in the various endeavors.
He also said the business climate in this area is very attractive to businesses in his country. "Friendship is an element you didn't mention, but it's very important to us in Wallonia," he said.
Trade delegation representatives from the Wallonia Foreign Trade and Investment Agency (AWEX), an agency of the Walloon government in the southern region of Belgium, met this week with representatives from the Texas A&M System, Texas A&M and the Research Valley Partnership.
Representatives from 17 Belgian companies visited the Texas A&M campus this week as part of the delegation, and several events Friday culminated their week of tours and trade talks. Some even visited with students in a Mays Business School course taught by Brett Cornwell, associate vice chancellor for technology commercialization for the A&M System.
One of Friday's events was the announcement of a multi-million-dollar regional contract with Belgian high-tech optical company AMOS to locate its first U.S. office in College Station. The company is known for its creative research and development solutions for satellites, the International Space Station and some of the leading ground-based telescopes, and has been working closely with astronomers from Texas A&M.
Nicholas B. Suntzeff, professor of physics and astronomy at Texas A&M, director of the Texas A&M Astronomy Program and a member of the George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Institute of Fundamental Physics and Astronomy called the decision by AMOS to expand into this area of Texas "a testament to the high quality of the engineering students and faculty at Texas A&M and to the strength of the Munnerlyn Astronomical Laboratory."
Darren L. DePoy, a Texas A&M physics professor who works in the astronomical instrumentation lab, called the partnership "a natural collaboration." He said such collaborations will propel the Research Valley to become known as the Innovation Capital of Texas.
"AMOS is a cutting-edge company that builds precision instruments and tools used in the astronomy industry, and we build things to put on those instruments," he said. "Our lab has been in existence for two years, and I think it reflects well on our program to have this partnership."
Another of Friday's events was a ribbon-cutting for the Research Valley Partnership's International Gateway, an office suite that will serve as a launching pad for international businesses. The suite has office space, a conference room and a web-based voice mail system that can be accessed worldwide. Organizers said they hope to open a satellite office within a year.
"This is not an office solution, not a real estate solution, it's a corporate solution," said Todd McDaniel, Research Valley Partnership president/CEO. "It's a landing zone, a gateway to future endeavors."
Also, a letter of intent was signed to form a joint partnership between data mining company PEPITe and the A&M System, with a target date of January for the company to open locally.
Philippe LaChapelle, director of business development and partnerships for AWEX, lauded the A&M System's "invaluable support and commitment to transform innovation into real, large-scale business" in the various endeavors.
He also said the business climate in this area is very attractive to businesses in his country. "Friendship is an element you didn't mention, but it's very important to us in Wallonia," he said.
NORTH 18TH STREET FIRE IN WACO LEAVES 13 HOMELESS
A total of 13 people were left homeless in Waco during the noon hour when fire damaged their home. Firefighters were dispatched to 1613 North 18th at 12:20. Four adults and three children were home at the time and all got out safely after smelling smoke and spotting the flames. Firefighters report that the actual fire damage was confined to one bedroom, with moderate smoke and water damage throughout the remainder of the wood frame structure. The fire did not extend into the attic. The cause oaf the fire remains under investigation. There were no injuries. The Heart of Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to assist the family, providing hotel stays, food and clothing for five adults and eight children.
TWO MORE AUSTIN MURDERS
(Austin PD Release)
Murder #28 and #29
Case: 2010-3011519
Location: 1800 Block of JJ Seabrook Drive
Deceased: Carla Alvizo, White female, D.O.B. 02-08-1971
Narrative:
On Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 4:52 p.m., Austin Police Officers responded to an assist non-emergency call with detectives from the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. When officers arrived on the scene they detected an odor. The detectives were able to make entry into the residence. Once inside the residence, they observed a deceased person. APD Homicide detectives executed a search warrant for the residence. Upon further investigation detectives found a second deceased person inside the residence. The second deceased person is a juvenile male.
The case remains under investigation by homicide detectives. Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide tip line at 512-477-3588, Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or text "Tip 103" + your message to CRIMES. You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 if your tip leads to an arrest or charges being filed.
This is Austin’s 28th and 29th murder of 2010. There were 19 murders at this time in 2009.
Murder #28 and #29
Case: 2010-3011519
Location: 1800 Block of JJ Seabrook Drive
Deceased: Carla Alvizo, White female, D.O.B. 02-08-1971
Narrative:
On Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 4:52 p.m., Austin Police Officers responded to an assist non-emergency call with detectives from the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. When officers arrived on the scene they detected an odor. The detectives were able to make entry into the residence. Once inside the residence, they observed a deceased person. APD Homicide detectives executed a search warrant for the residence. Upon further investigation detectives found a second deceased person inside the residence. The second deceased person is a juvenile male.
The case remains under investigation by homicide detectives. Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide tip line at 512-477-3588, Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or text "Tip 103" + your message to CRIMES. You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 if your tip leads to an arrest or charges being filed.
This is Austin’s 28th and 29th murder of 2010. There were 19 murders at this time in 2009.
JAZZ IN THE PARK CONCERT TO TAKE PLACE IN CAMERON PARK
The Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is pleased to announce that the Cameron Park Centennial will hold the third “Jazz in the Park” concert on Sunday, October 31st at Redwood Shelter inside beautiful Cameron Park.
The concert will kick-off at 1 PM with Waco musicians, TC Fusion, performing. Also being featured is the AJ Moore Steel Drum Band. The concert will conclude with the full ensemble of the Temple Jazz Orchestra.
The concert is part of the Cameron Park Centennial Celebration, which began with the kick-off event on May 1st and will run till the end of December 2010.
“This concert will be a fun way to spend Halloween evening - at one of Waco’s greatest treasures,” stated Elizabeth A. Taylor, Director for the Waco CVB. “This is just one of the many free events that allow the community to celebrate the history and heritage of our wonderful Cameron Park.”
For more information on “Jazz in the Park” or for any other Cameron Park Centennial event, log on to cameronparkwaco.com .
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The concert will kick-off at 1 PM with Waco musicians, TC Fusion, performing. Also being featured is the AJ Moore Steel Drum Band. The concert will conclude with the full ensemble of the Temple Jazz Orchestra.
The concert is part of the Cameron Park Centennial Celebration, which began with the kick-off event on May 1st and will run till the end of December 2010.
“This concert will be a fun way to spend Halloween evening - at one of Waco’s greatest treasures,” stated Elizabeth A. Taylor, Director for the Waco CVB. “This is just one of the many free events that allow the community to celebrate the history and heritage of our wonderful Cameron Park.”
For more information on “Jazz in the Park” or for any other Cameron Park Centennial event, log on to cameronparkwaco.com .
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EISENHOWER BANK AT FT HOOD CHANGES ITS NAME TO BROADWAY BANK
(BROADWAY BANK RELEASE)
Eisenhower Bank - the Military Division of Broadway Bank- announced that it will change its name to Broadway Bank, effective November 1, 2010. Broadway Bank is proud of its military heritage dating back to 1941, when Army Colonel Charles E. Cheever, Sr. opened the bank to serve the needs of military members and their families. In 1973, the Bank founded Eisenhower Bank on Fort Sam Houston as a military bank under a separate charter, and later added several other locations on military installations.
“Having one name will emphasize the advantages and convenience of banking at any of the 38 South Central Texas locations of Broadway Bank, including all San Antonio military installations,” said Greg Oveland, president of Eisenhower Bank. “While the name and signage will change, our ownership, exceptional customer service and long-term commitment to serving the military will not change.”
Broadway Bank will maintain the banking centers located on all San Antonio military installations and at Killeen/Fort Hood. The Bank offers a full range of financial services and the latest technology to meet the needs of our military customers. This includes one-on-one banking relationships, and tailored private banking and wealth management services for individuals with more complex financial needs.
“We will continue to focus on the unique financial needs of our military customers, whether here in Texas or around the globe,” concluded Oveland.
Eisenhower Bank - the Military Division of Broadway Bank- announced that it will change its name to Broadway Bank, effective November 1, 2010. Broadway Bank is proud of its military heritage dating back to 1941, when Army Colonel Charles E. Cheever, Sr. opened the bank to serve the needs of military members and their families. In 1973, the Bank founded Eisenhower Bank on Fort Sam Houston as a military bank under a separate charter, and later added several other locations on military installations.
“Having one name will emphasize the advantages and convenience of banking at any of the 38 South Central Texas locations of Broadway Bank, including all San Antonio military installations,” said Greg Oveland, president of Eisenhower Bank. “While the name and signage will change, our ownership, exceptional customer service and long-term commitment to serving the military will not change.”
Broadway Bank will maintain the banking centers located on all San Antonio military installations and at Killeen/Fort Hood. The Bank offers a full range of financial services and the latest technology to meet the needs of our military customers. This includes one-on-one banking relationships, and tailored private banking and wealth management services for individuals with more complex financial needs.
“We will continue to focus on the unique financial needs of our military customers, whether here in Texas or around the globe,” concluded Oveland.
CAMERON MOLESTER ARREST
(CAMERON PD RELEASE)
On October 26, 2010 Cameron Police Lt. Kris Stringer along with Child Protective Service Investigator Robert Hollas joined together to investigate a alleged sexual assault case in Cameron. During the investigation it was alleged that Reginald Sanders on October 9th had sexual contact with a child by imapporpriately touching the child through the outer clothing to sexually gratify and arouse Mr. Sanders. Also during the investigation it was learned that Mr. Sanders also exposed himself to the 14 year old female victim.
On October 28, 2010 around 10:30 pm The Cameron Police Department joined an effort with the Rockdale Police Department to arrest Reginald Sanders without incident. Sanders remains in the Milam County Jail.
Arrested: Reginald Markeith Sanders age 23 of Rockdale Texas
Charged with Indecency with a child by sexual contact, 2nd degree felony
Child was a female 14 Years of Age. Victims name being withheld . Victim is from Cameron.
On October 28, 2010 around 10:30 pm The Cameron Police Department joined an effort with the Rockdale Police Department to arrest Reginald Sanders without incident. Sanders remains in the Milam County Jail.
Arrested: Reginald Markeith Sanders age 23 of Rockdale Texas
Charged with Indecency with a child by sexual contact, 2nd degree felony
Child was a female 14 Years of Age. Victims name being withheld . Victim is from Cameron.
BRYAN Bank Robbery – Police Searching For Suspect
(BRYAN POLICE DEPT RELEASE)
On Friday October 29, 2010 at 11:24 am, the Bryan Police Department responded to a robbery call at the Prosperity Bank at 1500 North Texas Avenue. A bank teller notified Brazos County 911 that they were just robbed by an unknown suspect who fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. Police, Detectives and a Crime Scene Technician are processing the crime scene and collecting evidence. The teller stated that they were presented a note from the suspicious male that stated this was a robbery. No weapon was displayed during the robbery and no one was injured. The unknown suspect is currently at large.
The suspect is described as a light skinned male possibly in his 30’s. He is approximately 6’00” tall and 160 pounds with a tall and thin stature. He was described as possibly wearing a dark long sleeve jacket or hooded sweat shirt with blue jeans. He appeared to be wearing some type of makeup or face paint to conceal his identity.
This is an active investigation and police are attempting to identify the unknown male. If you have any information about this case or on the possible suspect in this case, please call the Bryan Police Department at 979-209-5300 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 979-775-TIPS.
On Friday October 29, 2010 at 11:24 am, the Bryan Police Department responded to a robbery call at the Prosperity Bank at 1500 North Texas Avenue. A bank teller notified Brazos County 911 that they were just robbed by an unknown suspect who fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. Police, Detectives and a Crime Scene Technician are processing the crime scene and collecting evidence. The teller stated that they were presented a note from the suspicious male that stated this was a robbery. No weapon was displayed during the robbery and no one was injured. The unknown suspect is currently at large.
The suspect is described as a light skinned male possibly in his 30’s. He is approximately 6’00” tall and 160 pounds with a tall and thin stature. He was described as possibly wearing a dark long sleeve jacket or hooded sweat shirt with blue jeans. He appeared to be wearing some type of makeup or face paint to conceal his identity.
This is an active investigation and police are attempting to identify the unknown male. If you have any information about this case or on the possible suspect in this case, please call the Bryan Police Department at 979-209-5300 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 979-775-TIPS.
TERROR THREAT;PLANES INSPECTED; GOV'T ACTION;FEDEX EMBARGO
White House Statement:
From Robert Gibbs:
Last night, intelligence and law enforcement agencies discovered potential suspicious packages on two planes in transit to the United States. Based on close cooperation among U.S. government agencies and with our foreign allies and partners, authorities were able to identify and examine two suspicious packages, one in London and one in Dubai. Both of these packages originated from Yemen. As a result of security precautions triggered by this threat, the additional measures were taken regarding the flights at Newark Liberty and Philadelphia International Airports.
The President was notified of a potential terrorist threat on Thursday night at 10:30, by John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counter-terrorism. The President directed U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security, to take steps to ensure the safety and security of the American people, and to determine whether these threats are a part of any additional terrorist plotting. The President has received regular updates from his national security team since he was alerted to the threat.
Department of Homeland Security Statement:
"As a precaution, DHS has taken a number of steps to enhance security. Some of these security measures will be visible while others will not. The public may recognize specific enhancements including heightened cargo screening and additional security at airports. Passengers should continue to expect an unpredictable mix of security layers that include explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, canine teams and pat downs, among others. As always, we remind the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement."
FEDEX STATEMENT:
Yemen Shipment Embargo
In cooperation with the FBI, local authorities have confiscated a suspicious package at the FedEx facility in Dubai. The shipment originated in Yemen and as an additional safety measure, FedEx has embargoed all shipments originating from Yemen. The Company is cooperating fully with the authorities on this matter; any additional information regarding this matter must come from the FBI.
From Robert Gibbs:
Last night, intelligence and law enforcement agencies discovered potential suspicious packages on two planes in transit to the United States. Based on close cooperation among U.S. government agencies and with our foreign allies and partners, authorities were able to identify and examine two suspicious packages, one in London and one in Dubai. Both of these packages originated from Yemen. As a result of security precautions triggered by this threat, the additional measures were taken regarding the flights at Newark Liberty and Philadelphia International Airports.
The President was notified of a potential terrorist threat on Thursday night at 10:30, by John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counter-terrorism. The President directed U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security, to take steps to ensure the safety and security of the American people, and to determine whether these threats are a part of any additional terrorist plotting. The President has received regular updates from his national security team since he was alerted to the threat.
Department of Homeland Security Statement:
"As a precaution, DHS has taken a number of steps to enhance security. Some of these security measures will be visible while others will not. The public may recognize specific enhancements including heightened cargo screening and additional security at airports. Passengers should continue to expect an unpredictable mix of security layers that include explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, canine teams and pat downs, among others. As always, we remind the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement."
FEDEX STATEMENT:
Yemen Shipment Embargo
In cooperation with the FBI, local authorities have confiscated a suspicious package at the FedEx facility in Dubai. The shipment originated in Yemen and as an additional safety measure, FedEx has embargoed all shipments originating from Yemen. The Company is cooperating fully with the authorities on this matter; any additional information regarding this matter must come from the FBI.
Texas A&M Experts: Gulf Seafood Safe, But Oil Spill Effects Still Not Known
COLLEGE STATION, - Gulf seafood is safe to eat, but overall environmental problems may remain for years as a result of the Gulf oil spill, oceanographers and other scientists confirmed at a Texas A&M University roundtable.
Participating in a roundtable titled "The Gulf Oil Spill: Lessons Learned, And What Lies Ahead," the researchers from various Texas A&M University departments and other A&M System-affiliated agencies and universities stressed that all tests show seafood from the Gulf poses no health problems.
"It's all safe to eat, there's no doubt about it," said Sammy Ray, an oyster expert from Texas A&M-Galveston. "I ate a bunch of oysters myself last night. Nothing is wrong with Gulf seafood."
Panelists said that it might be years before the full extent of damage to the Gulf is known. The spill dumped an estimated 170 million gallons of oil into the Gulf before it was sealed on Sept. 19.
Several faculty members and graduate students in the Oceanography Department of Texas A&M's College of Geosciences led or participated in several on-site studies. Asst. Prof. John Kessler, for example, visited the spill site twice for a series of sample-gathering tests.
"The media tends to like answers right now about the long-term effects of the spill," said Larry McKinney, director of the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi. "But there are a lot of questions that will take months, if not years, to answer.
"One good thing that resulted from the spill is that the Gulf of Mexico is finally getting some of the research attention it deserves. We have neglected much research for decades, but now it is finally happening, and with British Petroleum promising that it will spend $50 million a year for the next 10 years on Gulf research, we can do some very valuable work for years to come."
Norman Guinasso, a senior researcher from the Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG) at Texas A&M, echoed those thoughts,saying, "At one time, there were five research vessels from Texas out there doing research. Today, there are none. I would love to see the day when Texas has at least one full-time research vessel out there doing some much-needed work."
Guinasso, noting the overall size of the spill, added, "About 3,000 barrels of oil seep into the Gulf of Mexico naturally every day, so oil leaking into the Gulf is really nothing new. The Gulf is very used to getting a lot of oil into it.
"In the first few days of the event, our group estimated the spill at about 20,000 gallons a day. We were told by some groups that our estimate was way off, that it was only about 1,000 gallons a day. Then we all learned the truth - that it was over 60,000 gallons a day. It was bigger than anyone had imagined."
Ray, who has studied oysters for more than 60 years, said one of the first-ever oil-related events occurred from 1946-50, when thousands of oysters were believed to be contaminated from oil in the Gulf. The matter was taken to the courts, and it was later ruled that the oil companies were not at fault for the contamination. "So oil and oysters is really nothing new, but few people seem to know about some of these very early cases," he noted.
Piers Chapman, head of the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M, noting frequent comparisons of the Gulf oil spill and the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill, said it was not really correct to compare the two.
"They are two separate events that happened in different parts of the world and in different circumstances," he said. "The oil spilled on the Alaskan beaches is not the same as the oil spilling into the Louisiana marshes. The Exxon Valdez was a totally different environment. It's my opinion there won't be terrible damage done to the marshes, but we will have to wait and see what the final results will be."
Logan Respess, head of the Texas Sea Grant College Program, said Sea Grant used 32 different programs in response to the oil spill, from Alaska to Florida.
"We used our Sea Grant Law Center to help people file damage claims, we helped shrimpers with questions, we helped numerous government agencies. Today, there is just a small area off Louisiana and Mississippi that is closed to fishing, nothing as large as it was several months ago. So some things are gradually getting back to normal."
McKinney compared the oil spill to a concussion, saying that "the spill was a concussion to the Gulf. It took a very hard blow, and like a concussion, there could be long-term affects for years to come, but we just don't know what those will be right now."
Following the panelists' remarks, five Texas A&M departments were presented with the university's Newsmaker Award for the help and assistance of their faculty and staff in responding to hundreds of media inquiries about the Gulf oil spill.
Participating in a roundtable titled "The Gulf Oil Spill: Lessons Learned, And What Lies Ahead," the researchers from various Texas A&M University departments and other A&M System-affiliated agencies and universities stressed that all tests show seafood from the Gulf poses no health problems.
"It's all safe to eat, there's no doubt about it," said Sammy Ray, an oyster expert from Texas A&M-Galveston. "I ate a bunch of oysters myself last night. Nothing is wrong with Gulf seafood."
Panelists said that it might be years before the full extent of damage to the Gulf is known. The spill dumped an estimated 170 million gallons of oil into the Gulf before it was sealed on Sept. 19.
Several faculty members and graduate students in the Oceanography Department of Texas A&M's College of Geosciences led or participated in several on-site studies. Asst. Prof. John Kessler, for example, visited the spill site twice for a series of sample-gathering tests.
"The media tends to like answers right now about the long-term effects of the spill," said Larry McKinney, director of the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi. "But there are a lot of questions that will take months, if not years, to answer.
"One good thing that resulted from the spill is that the Gulf of Mexico is finally getting some of the research attention it deserves. We have neglected much research for decades, but now it is finally happening, and with British Petroleum promising that it will spend $50 million a year for the next 10 years on Gulf research, we can do some very valuable work for years to come."
Norman Guinasso, a senior researcher from the Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG) at Texas A&M, echoed those thoughts,saying, "At one time, there were five research vessels from Texas out there doing research. Today, there are none. I would love to see the day when Texas has at least one full-time research vessel out there doing some much-needed work."
Guinasso, noting the overall size of the spill, added, "About 3,000 barrels of oil seep into the Gulf of Mexico naturally every day, so oil leaking into the Gulf is really nothing new. The Gulf is very used to getting a lot of oil into it.
"In the first few days of the event, our group estimated the spill at about 20,000 gallons a day. We were told by some groups that our estimate was way off, that it was only about 1,000 gallons a day. Then we all learned the truth - that it was over 60,000 gallons a day. It was bigger than anyone had imagined."
Ray, who has studied oysters for more than 60 years, said one of the first-ever oil-related events occurred from 1946-50, when thousands of oysters were believed to be contaminated from oil in the Gulf. The matter was taken to the courts, and it was later ruled that the oil companies were not at fault for the contamination. "So oil and oysters is really nothing new, but few people seem to know about some of these very early cases," he noted.
Piers Chapman, head of the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M, noting frequent comparisons of the Gulf oil spill and the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill, said it was not really correct to compare the two.
"They are two separate events that happened in different parts of the world and in different circumstances," he said. "The oil spilled on the Alaskan beaches is not the same as the oil spilling into the Louisiana marshes. The Exxon Valdez was a totally different environment. It's my opinion there won't be terrible damage done to the marshes, but we will have to wait and see what the final results will be."
Logan Respess, head of the Texas Sea Grant College Program, said Sea Grant used 32 different programs in response to the oil spill, from Alaska to Florida.
"We used our Sea Grant Law Center to help people file damage claims, we helped shrimpers with questions, we helped numerous government agencies. Today, there is just a small area off Louisiana and Mississippi that is closed to fishing, nothing as large as it was several months ago. So some things are gradually getting back to normal."
McKinney compared the oil spill to a concussion, saying that "the spill was a concussion to the Gulf. It took a very hard blow, and like a concussion, there could be long-term affects for years to come, but we just don't know what those will be right now."
Following the panelists' remarks, five Texas A&M departments were presented with the university's Newsmaker Award for the help and assistance of their faculty and staff in responding to hundreds of media inquiries about the Gulf oil spill.
Update: Southeast Texas seeing no relief from dangerous wildfire conditions
Texas Forest Service News Alert
Texas Forest Service is urging Southeast Texas residents to continue to use extreme caution in the coming days as conditions remain ripe for dangerous wildfires.
With no relief in sight, Texas Forest Service is requesting additional firefighters and equipment — bulldozers, fire engines and air support — from surrounding states to support the existing resources stationed throughout the region.
“Everyone worked really hard yesterday,” Texas Forest Service Fire Prevention Program Coordinator Justice Jones said. “Every crew we had was manning a fire, and some of those fires were threating nearby communities. But working together with the volunteer fire departments, we were able to save homes.”
In the last week alone, Texas Forest Service responded to 53 fires that spanned 2,759 acres including one fire that charred 1,800 acres in Tyler and Hardin counties.
Areas that remain at high risk include Nacogdoches, Jasper, Woodville, Lufkin, Bryan, College Station, Huntsville, Conroe and Livingston and other communities south of Highway 84 in East Texas.
Texas Forest Service is urging Southeast Texas residents to continue to use extreme caution in the coming days as conditions remain ripe for dangerous wildfires.
With no relief in sight, Texas Forest Service is requesting additional firefighters and equipment — bulldozers, fire engines and air support — from surrounding states to support the existing resources stationed throughout the region.
“Everyone worked really hard yesterday,” Texas Forest Service Fire Prevention Program Coordinator Justice Jones said. “Every crew we had was manning a fire, and some of those fires were threating nearby communities. But working together with the volunteer fire departments, we were able to save homes.”
In the last week alone, Texas Forest Service responded to 53 fires that spanned 2,759 acres including one fire that charred 1,800 acres in Tyler and Hardin counties.
Areas that remain at high risk include Nacogdoches, Jasper, Woodville, Lufkin, Bryan, College Station, Huntsville, Conroe and Livingston and other communities south of Highway 84 in East Texas.
AGGIE CHILEAN RESCUE ENGINEER TO BE HONORED AT GAME
COLLEGE STATION, Oct. 29, 2010 - Texas A&M-Texas Tech football games are
traditionally packed with excitement, and the game tomorrow (Saturday, Oct.
30) will have a host of added attractions, including on-field recognition of
Aggie Greg Hall who developed the "Plan B" that figured prominently in the
rescue earlier this month of the trapped miners in Chile.
Hall, a member of Texas A&M's Class of 1982, will be formally honored by
Texas A&M President R. Bowen Loftin and A&M System Board of Regents Chairman
Morris Foster at the end of the game's first quarter.
The Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association is hosting the annual "Rally to
the Guidons" that will conclude on Kyle Field. More than 750 former cadets
and currently active Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association members from
the Class of 1943 to the Class of 2010 are attending the rally. The group
will make a special presentation to George Bush, 41 st President of the
United States, on Simpson Drill Field Saturday before the game.
The rally will form up and step off at 11:45 a.m. outside Duncan Dining
Center. The entire Corps of Cadets will step off at noon and both groups
will march toward Simpson Drill Field. The special presentation to President
Bush will take place when they arrive at 12:30 p.m. Following the
presentation at 12:55 p.m. the Corps of Cadets and the former cadets
participating in the rally will depart Simpson Drill Field, and at
approximately 1:15 p.m., march into and around Kyle Field.
Before the game, Loftin and Foster will join in a presentation by the
National Football Foundation to Ray Childress and Regent Gene Stallings.
Both Childress and Stallings excelled on the football field for the Aggies.
Childress went on to a stellar career playing for the then Houston Oilers,
and Stallings distinguished himself as a coach, at the collegiate level at
Texas A&M and the University of Alabama and the pro-level with the Dallas
Cowboys and the Phoenix Cardinals.
Also, approximately 95 members of the 1985 Southwest Conference Championship
team will be honored during halftime activities.
Additionally, approximately 100 former yell leaders will attend the game and
be formally recognized.
A flyover of F-16 jets is scheduled for shortly before the 2:30 p.m. kick-off.
traditionally packed with excitement, and the game tomorrow (Saturday, Oct.
30) will have a host of added attractions, including on-field recognition of
Aggie Greg Hall who developed the "Plan B" that figured prominently in the
rescue earlier this month of the trapped miners in Chile.
Hall, a member of Texas A&M's Class of 1982, will be formally honored by
Texas A&M President R. Bowen Loftin and A&M System Board of Regents Chairman
Morris Foster at the end of the game's first quarter.
The Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association is hosting the annual "Rally to
the Guidons" that will conclude on Kyle Field. More than 750 former cadets
and currently active Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association members from
the Class of 1943 to the Class of 2010 are attending the rally. The group
will make a special presentation to George Bush, 41 st President of the
United States, on Simpson Drill Field Saturday before the game.
The rally will form up and step off at 11:45 a.m. outside Duncan Dining
Center. The entire Corps of Cadets will step off at noon and both groups
will march toward Simpson Drill Field. The special presentation to President
Bush will take place when they arrive at 12:30 p.m. Following the
presentation at 12:55 p.m. the Corps of Cadets and the former cadets
participating in the rally will depart Simpson Drill Field, and at
approximately 1:15 p.m., march into and around Kyle Field.
Before the game, Loftin and Foster will join in a presentation by the
National Football Foundation to Ray Childress and Regent Gene Stallings.
Both Childress and Stallings excelled on the football field for the Aggies.
Childress went on to a stellar career playing for the then Houston Oilers,
and Stallings distinguished himself as a coach, at the collegiate level at
Texas A&M and the University of Alabama and the pro-level with the Dallas
Cowboys and the Phoenix Cardinals.
Also, approximately 95 members of the 1985 Southwest Conference Championship
team will be honored during halftime activities.
Additionally, approximately 100 former yell leaders will attend the game and
be formally recognized.
A flyover of F-16 jets is scheduled for shortly before the 2:30 p.m. kick-off.
WACO PATROL CAR HIT
ED:Waco PD has made available today ( Friday) information about an incident in which a patrol car was damaged on Wednesday.
Waco PD Release
Officer attempted to stop a 1993 Chevrolet Suburban, driven by Nathan Abney, 22, in the 900 block of south 7th on Wednesday at 1611 hours for an inspection violation. Once the driver stopped he fled from the vehicle and failed to get the vehicle into park but instead put it in reverse. The Suburban rolled back into the police vehicle. A second person in the passenger seat of the Suburban tried to get into the driver’s seat to allegedly put the vehicle in park. That individual, Martin Garcia, 33, was ordered out of the vehicle and taken into custody for investigation of the circumstances. During this time other officers were able to locate the driver and take him into custody. Mr. Abney was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and evading arrest, and Mr. Garcia was arrested on outstanding traffic warrants. There were no injuries to officers or anybody else due to the vehicles colliding and both vehicles were damaged in the collision.
Waco PD Release
Officer attempted to stop a 1993 Chevrolet Suburban, driven by Nathan Abney, 22, in the 900 block of south 7th on Wednesday at 1611 hours for an inspection violation. Once the driver stopped he fled from the vehicle and failed to get the vehicle into park but instead put it in reverse. The Suburban rolled back into the police vehicle. A second person in the passenger seat of the Suburban tried to get into the driver’s seat to allegedly put the vehicle in park. That individual, Martin Garcia, 33, was ordered out of the vehicle and taken into custody for investigation of the circumstances. During this time other officers were able to locate the driver and take him into custody. Mr. Abney was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and evading arrest, and Mr. Garcia was arrested on outstanding traffic warrants. There were no injuries to officers or anybody else due to the vehicles colliding and both vehicles were damaged in the collision.
Central TexasCollege Aviation to host regional flight competition
Central Texas College (CTC) will host the Region IV National Intercollegiate Flight Association Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON) competition November 1-6. More than 100 student pilots from seven colleges will descend on Skylark Airport in Killeen to compete in a series of ground and flight events. Competing schools include CTC, Delta State University (Mississippi), Hinds Community College (Mississippi), Louisiana Tech, University of Louisiana at Monroe, LaTourneau University (Longview, TX) and Texas State Technical College (Waco, TX).
Teams will begin with practice landing runs on the first and second day of the competition. Also on the second day, teams will begin the aircraft recognition event and hold simulator practice. On Wednesday, the navigation staging and computer accuracy events will be held. Then on Thursday, teams will compete in the power off landing, power on landing and the simulated comprehensive aircraft navigation events. The competition portion concludes Friday with the message drop staging, pre-flight aircraft inspection and simulator events. An awards ceremony will take place Saturday, November 6 at 11 a.m. in the CTC Fine Arts Auditorium (Bldg. 112).
"We are very proud to host the Region IV event,” said Curtis Gibson, CTC aviation science department chairperson. “This is a great opportunity to show off our facilities and our program as well as compete against some of the finest flight programs in the country.”
Last year CTC finished second in the regional competition three points behind LeTourneau University. CTC won first place in the flight events and finished second in the ground events. Individually, CTC student pilot Tim Stodieck received the Top Pilot Award. CTC also placed four student pilots in the top 10 of the highest scoring male contestants including first place winner David Stiles. Also in the top 10 were Shane Tillekeratne, Stodieck and Tim Hulon.
The top three finishers in the Region IV event will qualify for the National SAFECON competition to be held in May at Ohio State University in Columbus, OH.
Teams will begin with practice landing runs on the first and second day of the competition. Also on the second day, teams will begin the aircraft recognition event and hold simulator practice. On Wednesday, the navigation staging and computer accuracy events will be held. Then on Thursday, teams will compete in the power off landing, power on landing and the simulated comprehensive aircraft navigation events. The competition portion concludes Friday with the message drop staging, pre-flight aircraft inspection and simulator events. An awards ceremony will take place Saturday, November 6 at 11 a.m. in the CTC Fine Arts Auditorium (Bldg. 112).
"We are very proud to host the Region IV event,” said Curtis Gibson, CTC aviation science department chairperson. “This is a great opportunity to show off our facilities and our program as well as compete against some of the finest flight programs in the country.”
Last year CTC finished second in the regional competition three points behind LeTourneau University. CTC won first place in the flight events and finished second in the ground events. Individually, CTC student pilot Tim Stodieck received the Top Pilot Award. CTC also placed four student pilots in the top 10 of the highest scoring male contestants including first place winner David Stiles. Also in the top 10 were Shane Tillekeratne, Stodieck and Tim Hulon.
The top three finishers in the Region IV event will qualify for the National SAFECON competition to be held in May at Ohio State University in Columbus, OH.
ASSAULT WITH BED POST
AUSTIN ARMED ROBBER CAUGHT ON CAMERA
(AUSTIN PD RELEASE)
Robbery Detectives Seek Assistance in Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon
APD Robbery Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted for Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon. At 11:11 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 a suspect entered the Shell gas station located at 1901 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The suspect displayed a weapon and threatened the clerk. He fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspect is described as:
White male
5’06”-5”08”
130-150 lbs
Blondish-brown medium length hair that fell just below the collar
The suspect was last seen wearing blue jeans, a maroon button up shirt, sunglasses, and a blue scarf around the lower part of his face.
This case remains under investigation by APD Robbery detectives. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Robbery tip line at (512) 974-5092, Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-TIPS or text "Tip 103" + your message to CRIMES. You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 if your tip leads to an arrest or charges being filed.
Robbery Detectives Seek Assistance in Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon
The suspect is described as:
White male
5’06”-5”08”
130-150 lbs
Blondish-brown medium length hair that fell just below the collar
The suspect was last seen wearing blue jeans, a maroon button up shirt, sunglasses, and a blue scarf around the lower part of his face.
This case remains under investigation by APD Robbery detectives. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Robbery tip line at (512) 974-5092, Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-TIPS or text "Tip 103" + your message to CRIMES. You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 if your tip leads to an arrest or charges being filed.
Dangerous Plastic Bottles
(BRYAN PD RELEASE)
The Bryan Police Department would like to warn our citizens to use caution when finding suspicious plastic bottles lying around the city. Last night the Bryan Police Department received calls of possible gun fire. Officers responded to the areas of the calls and located small plastic bottles that had been exploded.
Further investigation revealed that these small plastic bottles, similar to a 20 oz beverage bottle, had caustic chemicals in it. These make-shift bombs can be made with household items that when mixed, cause a violent chemical reaction. The chemical reaction generates a lot of heat and pressure causing the plastic bottle to explode when capped.
The Bryan Police Department would like you to please use caution if you see any bottles with a strange color liquid in them. Do not disturb the bottle if you see one unexploded. Movement may cause the chemical reaction to accelerate. Holding the bottle when it explodes can cause serious injury. If you are near one of these bottles when they explode, it can spray the caustic chemical several feet. If you see any bottles that appear to have been exploded, please do not touch them and contact the Bryan Police Department.
The Bryan Police Department is actively investigating this suspicious activity. If you see anyone throwing bottles out of a vehicle or placing bottles in strange places, please contact the Bryan Police Department at 979-209-5300 or dial 911 for emergencies.
The Bryan Police Department would like to warn our citizens to use caution when finding suspicious plastic bottles lying around the city. Last night the Bryan Police Department received calls of possible gun fire. Officers responded to the areas of the calls and located small plastic bottles that had been exploded.
Further investigation revealed that these small plastic bottles, similar to a 20 oz beverage bottle, had caustic chemicals in it. These make-shift bombs can be made with household items that when mixed, cause a violent chemical reaction. The chemical reaction generates a lot of heat and pressure causing the plastic bottle to explode when capped.
The Bryan Police Department would like you to please use caution if you see any bottles with a strange color liquid in them. Do not disturb the bottle if you see one unexploded. Movement may cause the chemical reaction to accelerate. Holding the bottle when it explodes can cause serious injury. If you are near one of these bottles when they explode, it can spray the caustic chemical several feet. If you see any bottles that appear to have been exploded, please do not touch them and contact the Bryan Police Department.
The Bryan Police Department is actively investigating this suspicious activity. If you see anyone throwing bottles out of a vehicle or placing bottles in strange places, please contact the Bryan Police Department at 979-209-5300 or dial 911 for emergencies.
Laredo CBP Officers Seize $12.7 Million in Heroin
Largest Heroin Seizure in the Port’s History
Laredo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry this weekend seized $12.7 million in heroin, the largest heroin seizure in the history of the port.
CBP officers discovered 100 packages containing a total of 127 pounds of brown heroin hidden within the roof of a bus. The heroin has an estimated street value of $12.7 million.
The seizure occurred on Oct. 24, at Lincoln-Juarez Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2001 Scania Irizar bus driven by a 41-year-old U.S. citizen from Arlington, Texas for a secondary examination. CBP officers conducted an intensive examination and discovered 100 packages containing a total of 127 pounds of brown heroin hidden within the bus roof. The heroin has an estimated street value of $12.7 million.
The driver was turned over by CBP officers to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) agents for further investigation.
“As CBP’s largest seizure ever made at the Laredo Port of Entry and the largest heroin seizure by CBP officers along the Southwest Border in the last five years, this is a stunning accomplishment and illustrates the substantial drug threat our frontline officers face at ports of entry throughout the nation,” said Alan Bersin, Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Laredo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry this weekend seized $12.7 million in heroin, the largest heroin seizure in the history of the port.
CBP officers discovered 100 packages containing a total of 127 pounds of brown heroin hidden within the roof of a bus. The heroin has an estimated street value of $12.7 million.
The driver was turned over by CBP officers to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) agents for further investigation.
“As CBP’s largest seizure ever made at the Laredo Port of Entry and the largest heroin seizure by CBP officers along the Southwest Border in the last five years, this is a stunning accomplishment and illustrates the substantial drug threat our frontline officers face at ports of entry throughout the nation,” said Alan Bersin, Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Asian Gypsy Moth Found In The Port of New Orleans
THREAT TO NORTH AMERICAN FORESTS
New Orleans - Customs and Border Protection officers in the Port of New Orleans found Asian Gypsy Moth egg mass in a shipment inbound from Russia. AGM, named for its home continent, is a voracious pest of trees that poses a major threat to forest habitats in North America. If established in the United States, each AGM female could lay egg masses that in turn could yield hundreds of caterpillars with appetites for more than 500 species of trees and shrubs.
Officers in the targeting unit selected a seaport shipment of ceramic sand used in the oil drilling industry for agricultural inspection. Upon arrival, agriculture specialists examined several containers and discovered an egg mass that was suspected of being Asian Gypsy Moth or Lymantria dispar.
The infested wood pallet where the mass was found was treated with golden pest spray oil. Quick-acting specialists sent photos to the United States Department of Agriculture Plant Protection and Quarantine Laboratory for confirmation of their initial analysis.
That confirmation came swiftly and the shipment, consisting of 39 containers, is set for re-exportation. “The CBP agriculture specialists at U.S. ports of entry, detect, intercept, and thereby prevent the entry of potential threats such as this invasive species before they have a chance to do any harm that could seriously threaten U.S. agriculture, our natural resources and our economy,” said Robert C. Gomez, director of field operations for the CBP New Orleans Field Office.
New Orleans - Customs and Border Protection officers in the Port of New Orleans found Asian Gypsy Moth egg mass in a shipment inbound from Russia. AGM, named for its home continent, is a voracious pest of trees that poses a major threat to forest habitats in North America. If established in the United States, each AGM female could lay egg masses that in turn could yield hundreds of caterpillars with appetites for more than 500 species of trees and shrubs.
Officers in the targeting unit selected a seaport shipment of ceramic sand used in the oil drilling industry for agricultural inspection. Upon arrival, agriculture specialists examined several containers and discovered an egg mass that was suspected of being Asian Gypsy Moth or Lymantria dispar.
That confirmation came swiftly and the shipment, consisting of 39 containers, is set for re-exportation. “The CBP agriculture specialists at U.S. ports of entry, detect, intercept, and thereby prevent the entry of potential threats such as this invasive species before they have a chance to do any harm that could seriously threaten U.S. agriculture, our natural resources and our economy,” said Robert C. Gomez, director of field operations for the CBP New Orleans Field Office.
SHOTGUN SHOOTING ON SPRING STREET IN WACO-UPDATED
UPDATED WITH RELEASE FROM WACO PD:
Bystander shot in face and shoulder after altercation in apartment complex parking lot.
October 28th around 10 pm Edrick Dawkins, 23, of Waco was in the parking lot of the Lakewood Villas apartments at 1601 Spring when he heard two men yelling. One of the men ran by him and Mr. Dawkins heard a loud noise and felt pain in the side of his face.
One of the men in the argument had shot Mr. Dawkins in his face and shoulder with a shotgun. He was able to flee the scene and get to Providence Hospital for treatment by private vehicle. Mr. Dawkins’ injuries were not life threatening.
During the altercation several shots were fired damaging window panes of the apartment complex and one vehicle in the parking lot. No other injuries have been reported at this time.
The case remains under investigation and anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Waco Police Department at (254) 750-7500 or to call Crime Stoppers at (254) 753-HELP (4357).
ORIGINAL REPORT:
One man is in the hospital and Waco police are looking for the man who shot him. Police say the shooting took place in the 1600 block of Spring Street about 10 PM Thursday.Police were called when a gunshot victim showed up at the emergency room at Providence Health Center. The victim had suffered gunshot wounds to the face and shoulder He was later transferred to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center. His condition is not available. The victim was able to tell officers the shooting took place in a park behind the Lakewood Villa Apartments at 1601 Spring Street about 9:45. Investigators later found witnesses who said they had heard two men arguing back there before the shooting.
Bystander shot in face and shoulder after altercation in apartment complex parking lot.
October 28th around 10 pm Edrick Dawkins, 23, of Waco was in the parking lot of the Lakewood Villas apartments at 1601 Spring when he heard two men yelling. One of the men ran by him and Mr. Dawkins heard a loud noise and felt pain in the side of his face.
One of the men in the argument had shot Mr. Dawkins in his face and shoulder with a shotgun. He was able to flee the scene and get to Providence Hospital for treatment by private vehicle. Mr. Dawkins’ injuries were not life threatening.
During the altercation several shots were fired damaging window panes of the apartment complex and one vehicle in the parking lot. No other injuries have been reported at this time.
The case remains under investigation and anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Waco Police Department at (254) 750-7500 or to call Crime Stoppers at (254) 753-HELP (4357).
ORIGINAL REPORT:
One man is in the hospital and Waco police are looking for the man who shot him. Police say the shooting took place in the 1600 block of Spring Street about 10 PM Thursday.Police were called when a gunshot victim showed up at the emergency room at Providence Health Center. The victim had suffered gunshot wounds to the face and shoulder He was later transferred to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center. His condition is not available. The victim was able to tell officers the shooting took place in a park behind the Lakewood Villa Apartments at 1601 Spring Street about 9:45. Investigators later found witnesses who said they had heard two men arguing back there before the shooting.
INTERPOL to create international working group to combat people smuggling
(INTERPOL Release)
LYON, France – The creation of a global specialized group on people smuggling to strengthen the strategic and operational network of experts is the key outcome of an international meeting hosted by INTERPOL, the world’s largest police organization.
This specialized group on people smuggling and illegal migration will primarily focus on investigational techniques and operational interventions to combat a growing form of criminality where crime syndicates benefit from weak legislation, huge profits and the relatively low risk of detection, prosecution and arrest compared to other activities of transnational organized crime.
No similar co-ordination structure currently exists, and this outcome from the three-day International Conference on People Smuggling (26-28 October) at the INTERPOL General Secretariat, attended by nearly 110 experts from 44 countries, will establish a global platform to support the work of each of INTERPOL’s 188 member countries.
“While there is work being done across the globe to identify and dismantle people smuggling networks at the national level, this new working group will provide a central point for international law enforcement to focus and so intensify their efforts against this type of criminality,” said INTERPOL’s Assistant Director of Trafficking in Human Beings unit, Jonathan Eyers.
“There are an estimated 44 million people displaced worldwide, who present a large and vulnerable target to unscrupulous crime syndicates which are often engaged in other illicit activities such as drug smuggling and corruption,” added Mr Eyers.
Among the successful initiatives and best practice highlighted by experts during the meeting was Operation Pipeline, a project targeting human smuggling between Colombia and the US. Investigating officers from the involved countries identified the transnational syndicate behind the smuggling operation and further investigations then established additional links between the gang and terrorism and money laundering activities.
The syndicate was dismantled, and with 10 individuals convicted of a range of offences and sentenced to prison terms of between three and six years, Operation Pipeline demonstrated the multifaceted nature of the human smuggling issue.
Also high on the conference agenda was the use of fraudulent travel documents in people smuggling and the need for countries to ensure border control officers have all necessary tools, such as access to INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents database, to identify and prevent individuals from entering their country illegally.
LYON, France – The creation of a global specialized group on people smuggling to strengthen the strategic and operational network of experts is the key outcome of an international meeting hosted by INTERPOL, the world’s largest police organization.
This specialized group on people smuggling and illegal migration will primarily focus on investigational techniques and operational interventions to combat a growing form of criminality where crime syndicates benefit from weak legislation, huge profits and the relatively low risk of detection, prosecution and arrest compared to other activities of transnational organized crime.
No similar co-ordination structure currently exists, and this outcome from the three-day International Conference on People Smuggling (26-28 October) at the INTERPOL General Secretariat, attended by nearly 110 experts from 44 countries, will establish a global platform to support the work of each of INTERPOL’s 188 member countries.
“While there is work being done across the globe to identify and dismantle people smuggling networks at the national level, this new working group will provide a central point for international law enforcement to focus and so intensify their efforts against this type of criminality,” said INTERPOL’s Assistant Director of Trafficking in Human Beings unit, Jonathan Eyers.
“There are an estimated 44 million people displaced worldwide, who present a large and vulnerable target to unscrupulous crime syndicates which are often engaged in other illicit activities such as drug smuggling and corruption,” added Mr Eyers.
Among the successful initiatives and best practice highlighted by experts during the meeting was Operation Pipeline, a project targeting human smuggling between Colombia and the US. Investigating officers from the involved countries identified the transnational syndicate behind the smuggling operation and further investigations then established additional links between the gang and terrorism and money laundering activities.
The syndicate was dismantled, and with 10 individuals convicted of a range of offences and sentenced to prison terms of between three and six years, Operation Pipeline demonstrated the multifaceted nature of the human smuggling issue.
Also high on the conference agenda was the use of fraudulent travel documents in people smuggling and the need for countries to ensure border control officers have all necessary tools, such as access to INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents database, to identify and prevent individuals from entering their country illegally.
Secretary of State Clinton Delivers Asia-Pacific Strategy Speech
Defense Media Activity – Hawaii News Bureau
Story by Tech. Sgt. Cohen Young
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton completed a two day visit in Hawaii on Oct. 28 where she had a bilateral meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara at the Kahala Hotel and Resort on Oct. 27, while on Oct. 28, she addressed Hawaii based Hawaii military and civilian leaders at the hotel.
Clinton was in Hawaii to begin her two-week trip through the Pacific Region where she will makes visits to Guam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Australia and America Samoa discussing the Asia-Pacific strategy with U.S. allies.
U.S. Pacific Command Adm. Robert Willard and other Hawaii based leaders greet Secretary Clinton when she arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on the afternoon of Oct. 27. She made her way to the Kahala Resort where she and Minister Maehara discussed the Japanese-American alliance, the role of U.S. forces in Japan and the Secretary’s overall Asia-Pacific strategy.
Clinton delivered a major policy speech at the Kahala Resort here on Oct. 28 stating that she was looking forward to this trip for some time, as she has seven diverse destinations to visit.
“This itinerary reflects Asia’s diversity and dynamism,” said Clinton.
“It complements the route that President Obama will take in just a few weeks when he visits India, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea,” added Clinton.
According to the Secretary, she and the President will cover a significant portion of this vital region at a pivotal moment after nearly two years of intensive engagement. The U.S. goals in the Pacific are to sustain and strengthen America’s leadership in the Asia Pacific Region; to improve security; to heighten prosperity and promote our values, said the Secretary.
The United States has been practicing forward deployed diplomacy, which means they have adopted a proactive footing.
“We’ve sent the full range of our diplomatic assets including our highest ranking officials, our development experts, our teams from a wide range of pressing issues into every corner and every capital of the Asia Pacific Region,” said Clinton.
“We know that much of the history of the 21st century will be written in Asia,” said Clinton. “This region will see the most transformative economic growth on the planet,” she added.
Clinton also remarked on how important America has been as Asia has moved forward in the future.
“The progress that we see today in Asia has not only been the hard work of leaders and citizens of across the region, but the American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that protect borders and patrol the region’s waters; the American diplomats that have settled conflicts and brought nations together in common causes; the American business leaders and entrepreneurs who invested in new markets and formed trans-pacific partnerships; the American aid workers that have helped countries rebuild in the wake of disasters and the American educators and students that have shared ideas and experiences with their counterparts across the ocean,” said the Secretary.
She spoke about underlying regional security and supporting stronger democratic institutions and the spread of universal human values. She also spoke about how the bond with Japan, Korea, Australia, Thailand and the Philippines remained a foundation for U.S. strategic engagement.
“These alliances have safeguarded regional peace and security for the past half century and supported the region’s remarkable growth,” said the Secretary.
Many members of the crowd constantly applauded and cheered the words spoken by Clinton to include many of the university students.
“Being from Thailand originally and being able to listen to the Secretary of State’s speech has broadened my will to understand the relationship that America has with Thailand and other countries,” said Lalit (Cherie) Kanavivatchai, a Communications Major at Hawaii Pacific University.
“This has helped me as a communication’s major learn another way to present an important message as well, added Kanavivatchai.
“I know how much Hawaii serves as that bridge to the Asia Pacific Region,” said Clinton. “The very diversity and dynamism of Hawaii says so much about what is possible not only in our country, but in countries throughout the Pacific.”
“It was inspirational to hear her speak in person of the different roles that Hawaii plays,” said Kelly Sun Yong Park, a Political Science and Economics major at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Campus.
“It was inspiring the role and duties that the U.S. will fill in upcoming events,” added Ms. Park.
Story by Tech. Sgt. Cohen Young
Clinton was in Hawaii to begin her two-week trip through the Pacific Region where she will makes visits to Guam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Australia and America Samoa discussing the Asia-Pacific strategy with U.S. allies.
U.S. Pacific Command Adm. Robert Willard and other Hawaii based leaders greet Secretary Clinton when she arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on the afternoon of Oct. 27. She made her way to the Kahala Resort where she and Minister Maehara discussed the Japanese-American alliance, the role of U.S. forces in Japan and the Secretary’s overall Asia-Pacific strategy.
Clinton delivered a major policy speech at the Kahala Resort here on Oct. 28 stating that she was looking forward to this trip for some time, as she has seven diverse destinations to visit.
“This itinerary reflects Asia’s diversity and dynamism,” said Clinton.
“It complements the route that President Obama will take in just a few weeks when he visits India, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea,” added Clinton.
According to the Secretary, she and the President will cover a significant portion of this vital region at a pivotal moment after nearly two years of intensive engagement. The U.S. goals in the Pacific are to sustain and strengthen America’s leadership in the Asia Pacific Region; to improve security; to heighten prosperity and promote our values, said the Secretary.
The United States has been practicing forward deployed diplomacy, which means they have adopted a proactive footing.
“We’ve sent the full range of our diplomatic assets including our highest ranking officials, our development experts, our teams from a wide range of pressing issues into every corner and every capital of the Asia Pacific Region,” said Clinton.
“We know that much of the history of the 21st century will be written in Asia,” said Clinton. “This region will see the most transformative economic growth on the planet,” she added.
Clinton also remarked on how important America has been as Asia has moved forward in the future.
“The progress that we see today in Asia has not only been the hard work of leaders and citizens of across the region, but the American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that protect borders and patrol the region’s waters; the American diplomats that have settled conflicts and brought nations together in common causes; the American business leaders and entrepreneurs who invested in new markets and formed trans-pacific partnerships; the American aid workers that have helped countries rebuild in the wake of disasters and the American educators and students that have shared ideas and experiences with their counterparts across the ocean,” said the Secretary.
She spoke about underlying regional security and supporting stronger democratic institutions and the spread of universal human values. She also spoke about how the bond with Japan, Korea, Australia, Thailand and the Philippines remained a foundation for U.S. strategic engagement.
“These alliances have safeguarded regional peace and security for the past half century and supported the region’s remarkable growth,” said the Secretary.
Many members of the crowd constantly applauded and cheered the words spoken by Clinton to include many of the university students.
“Being from Thailand originally and being able to listen to the Secretary of State’s speech has broadened my will to understand the relationship that America has with Thailand and other countries,” said Lalit (Cherie) Kanavivatchai, a Communications Major at Hawaii Pacific University.
“This has helped me as a communication’s major learn another way to present an important message as well, added Kanavivatchai.
“I know how much Hawaii serves as that bridge to the Asia Pacific Region,” said Clinton. “The very diversity and dynamism of Hawaii says so much about what is possible not only in our country, but in countries throughout the Pacific.”
“It was inspirational to hear her speak in person of the different roles that Hawaii plays,” said Kelly Sun Yong Park, a Political Science and Economics major at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Campus.
“It was inspiring the role and duties that the U.S. will fill in upcoming events,” added Ms. Park.
Insurgents killed, 10,000 anti-aircraft rounds found in Kandahar
ISAF Joint Command
KABUL, Afghanistan – A coalition air weapons team killed more than 20 insurgents in the Spin Boldak District of Kandahar province Thursday after coming under fire from the insurgents.
When the air weapons team received small-arms and machine gun fire from a large group of insurgents, it returned fire with rockets and the aircraft’s 30 mm cannon.
Following the engagement, Afghan and coalition forces on the ground discovered a cache of 20 improvised explosive devices and four machine guns and captured a vehicle and 17 motorcycles.
Initial operational reporting states there were no civilian casualties.
In a separate operation Thursday in the Zharay District of Kandahar, Afghan and coalition forces discovered a large stockpile of anti-aircraft rounds while conducting a dismounted patrol.
The cache included 50 cases of DShK rounds, with each case containing 200 rounds. The patrol also found six mortar rounds.
KABUL, Afghanistan – A coalition air weapons team killed more than 20 insurgents in the Spin Boldak District of Kandahar province Thursday after coming under fire from the insurgents.
When the air weapons team received small-arms and machine gun fire from a large group of insurgents, it returned fire with rockets and the aircraft’s 30 mm cannon.
Following the engagement, Afghan and coalition forces on the ground discovered a cache of 20 improvised explosive devices and four machine guns and captured a vehicle and 17 motorcycles.
Initial operational reporting states there were no civilian casualties.
In a separate operation Thursday in the Zharay District of Kandahar, Afghan and coalition forces discovered a large stockpile of anti-aircraft rounds while conducting a dismounted patrol.
The cache included 50 cases of DShK rounds, with each case containing 200 rounds. The patrol also found six mortar rounds.
Head of Mexican Drug Trafficking Family Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison
(DEA RELEASE)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Anthony D. Williams, has announced that Miguel Ruiz-Bravo, 39, of Apatzingan, Mexico, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. to 23 years and four months in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Ruiz-Bravo pleaded guilty on June 24, 2010.
According to court documents in a separate matter, in March 2003, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents discovered an active methamphetamine laboratory in the Tehama County town of Corning. The agents arrested seven individuals and seized approximately 36 pounds of methamphetamine. These individuals were observed traveling in three different vehicles, all of which were registered in the names of aliases used by Miguel Ruiz-Bravo, who was believed to be in Mexico at the time of the arrests. One of the individuals arrested was the defendant’s brother, Alejandro Ruiz-Bravo, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Following these arrests, agents continued their investigation into the Ruiz-Bravo organization. According to the defendant’s plea agreement, in July of 2004, agents received authorization to install a wiretap on a phone used by Ruiz-Bravo’s nephew, Jaime Ruiz-Estrella. Intercepted calls showed that Miguel Ruiz-Bravo was controlling an active methamphetamine distribution business in Sacramento from his home in Mexico, primarily through instructions passed to his nephew Ruiz-Estrella, and another brother named Gerardo Ruiz-Bravo. On August 1, 2004, agents seized 18 pounds of methamphetamine from Ruiz-Estrella. This seizure led to the arrest of 10 more individuals, including Ruiz-Bravo’s nephew and younger brother. Once again, it was believed Ruiz-Bravo was in Mexico at the time of the arrests. All defendants pleaded guilty, and Jaime Ruiz-Estrella and Gerardo Ruiz-Bravo received sentences of 188 and 168 months, respectively.
On August 24, 2005, an indictment charged Miguel Ruiz-Bravo with directing the delivery of the 18 pounds of methamphetamine seized from his nephew. On December 15, 2006, Ruiz-Bravo was arrested by state authorities with five other individuals, including another brother, Omar Ruiz-Bravo. The state charged Miguel Ruiz-Bravo with possessing approximately 80 pounds of methamphetamine, and he subsequently pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 17 years in prison by the Sacramento County Superior Court (case 06F10834). Following his sentencing, he was transferred to federal custody for prosecution.
In sentencing Ruiz-Bravo, Judge England said that the lengthy sentence imposed was the appropriate one given the amount of methamphetamine involved and the sophisticated nature of the organization’s activities.
This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Philip Ferrari prosecuted the case.
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Anthony D. Williams, has announced that Miguel Ruiz-Bravo, 39, of Apatzingan, Mexico, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. to 23 years and four months in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Ruiz-Bravo pleaded guilty on June 24, 2010.
According to court documents in a separate matter, in March 2003, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents discovered an active methamphetamine laboratory in the Tehama County town of Corning. The agents arrested seven individuals and seized approximately 36 pounds of methamphetamine. These individuals were observed traveling in three different vehicles, all of which were registered in the names of aliases used by Miguel Ruiz-Bravo, who was believed to be in Mexico at the time of the arrests. One of the individuals arrested was the defendant’s brother, Alejandro Ruiz-Bravo, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Following these arrests, agents continued their investigation into the Ruiz-Bravo organization. According to the defendant’s plea agreement, in July of 2004, agents received authorization to install a wiretap on a phone used by Ruiz-Bravo’s nephew, Jaime Ruiz-Estrella. Intercepted calls showed that Miguel Ruiz-Bravo was controlling an active methamphetamine distribution business in Sacramento from his home in Mexico, primarily through instructions passed to his nephew Ruiz-Estrella, and another brother named Gerardo Ruiz-Bravo. On August 1, 2004, agents seized 18 pounds of methamphetamine from Ruiz-Estrella. This seizure led to the arrest of 10 more individuals, including Ruiz-Bravo’s nephew and younger brother. Once again, it was believed Ruiz-Bravo was in Mexico at the time of the arrests. All defendants pleaded guilty, and Jaime Ruiz-Estrella and Gerardo Ruiz-Bravo received sentences of 188 and 168 months, respectively.
On August 24, 2005, an indictment charged Miguel Ruiz-Bravo with directing the delivery of the 18 pounds of methamphetamine seized from his nephew. On December 15, 2006, Ruiz-Bravo was arrested by state authorities with five other individuals, including another brother, Omar Ruiz-Bravo. The state charged Miguel Ruiz-Bravo with possessing approximately 80 pounds of methamphetamine, and he subsequently pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 17 years in prison by the Sacramento County Superior Court (case 06F10834). Following his sentencing, he was transferred to federal custody for prosecution.
In sentencing Ruiz-Bravo, Judge England said that the lengthy sentence imposed was the appropriate one given the amount of methamphetamine involved and the sophisticated nature of the organization’s activities.
This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Philip Ferrari prosecuted the case.
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ALL CLEAR AFTER CODE MAROON AT TEXAS A&M
SIGHTING OF MAN WITH GUN TRIGGERED ALARM
The following is the official statement from Texas A&M released after it was determined that the Thursday afternoon incident was not what it appeared:
Statement from Texas A&M University
6:00pm, Oct. 28, 2010
A Code Maroon issued earlier today regarding a possible gunman on campus has been resolved and the campus is back to normal operations.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. today (Thursday), the Texas A&M University Police Department received a report that an individual who appeared to be carrying a rifle was spotted in Rudder Tower. A Code Maroon alert message was promptly distributed campus wide, and police and other university personnel conducted an extensive search.
Now, university officials believe the basis for the report was an individual who had in his possession a 'dummy' rifle — a replica. The individual then walked through Rudder Tower en route to the West Campus, where his car was parked, and he then drove home.
Dummy weapons of the type believed to be at the center of the investigation are hard rubber replicas of rifles. No actual weapon has been found.
Earlier updates
•All Clear. Person with replica weapon identified. No danger. Resume normal activity. 5:34pm
•5:25pm. University Police continue to investigate. Continue to shelter in place until further notice.
•4:34pm. No armed subject found at this time. Police are still searching. Continue to shelter in place. Bus pickup to exit campus- GO TO LEWIS ST BEHIND DUNCAN DINING HALL
•4:10pm. Sighting of armed subject at Rudder Tower. SEEK SAFE SHELTER until further notice. Police are searching the area.
The following is the official statement from Texas A&M released after it was determined that the Thursday afternoon incident was not what it appeared:
Statement from Texas A&M University
6:00pm, Oct. 28, 2010
A Code Maroon issued earlier today regarding a possible gunman on campus has been resolved and the campus is back to normal operations.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. today (Thursday), the Texas A&M University Police Department received a report that an individual who appeared to be carrying a rifle was spotted in Rudder Tower. A Code Maroon alert message was promptly distributed campus wide, and police and other university personnel conducted an extensive search.
Now, university officials believe the basis for the report was an individual who had in his possession a 'dummy' rifle — a replica. The individual then walked through Rudder Tower en route to the West Campus, where his car was parked, and he then drove home.
Dummy weapons of the type believed to be at the center of the investigation are hard rubber replicas of rifles. No actual weapon has been found.
Earlier updates
•All Clear. Person with replica weapon identified. No danger. Resume normal activity. 5:34pm
•5:25pm. University Police continue to investigate. Continue to shelter in place until further notice.
•4:34pm. No armed subject found at this time. Police are still searching. Continue to shelter in place. Bus pickup to exit campus- GO TO LEWIS ST BEHIND DUNCAN DINING HALL
•4:10pm. Sighting of armed subject at Rudder Tower. SEEK SAFE SHELTER until further notice. Police are searching the area.
GROESBECK OLICE DEPARTMENT BURNS
The investigation is underway into the cause of a fire that gutted the offices of the Groesbeck Police Department in Limestone County. The fire was reported about 8 pm Wednesday night, when smoke was seen coming from the roof. Firefighters responded quickly from the Groesbeck fire department which is directly across the street. Firefighters from nearby Mexia also responded to assist.
It turns out that a large portion of records in the building and some computer equipment was saved by a quick acting police officer. No one was injured fighting the fire. In addition to the police department, the building also housed the city's public works department and the Municipal Court. For the time being, they will be using space in the Groesbeck Economic Development building.
The State Fire Marshal has joined in the investigation.
It turns out that a large portion of records in the building and some computer equipment was saved by a quick acting police officer. No one was injured fighting the fire. In addition to the police department, the building also housed the city's public works department and the Municipal Court. For the time being, they will be using space in the Groesbeck Economic Development building.
The State Fire Marshal has joined in the investigation.
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CRIME LOG
10/27/2010
X-0425- A theft over $500 under $1500 reportedly occurred at Lot 47 around Moody Library between 11:00 a.m. on 10/26/2010 and 9:00 a.m. on 10/27/2010. Case suspended.
X-0428- A criminal mischief offense over $50 under $500 reportedly occurred Penland Hall at 8:45 p.m. on 10/27/2010. Case suspended.
10/25/2010
X-0421- A theft over $50 under $500 reportedly occurred at lot 47 around Moody Library between 4:00 p.m. on 10/24/2010 and 6:00 p.m. on 10/25/2010. Case suspended.
10/24/2010
X-0416- An alcohol offense, minor consuming alcohol, occurred at lot 31 around Penland Hall at 3:21 a.m. on this date. Case cleared by arrest.
10/23/2010
X-0407- An extended territory narcotics offense, possession of drug parahernalia, occurred at the 1200 block of S. 8th St. at 12:10 a.m. on this date. Case cleared by arrest.
X-0409- A criminal mischief offense reportedly occurred at 1110 S. 5th St. at 2:42 a.m. on this date. Case suspended.
10/22/2010
X-0406- An indecent exposure offense reportedly occurred at lot 30 located behind the Seventh and James Baptist Church at 10:14 p.m. on this date. Case active.
10/19/2010
X-0397- A theft of a parking decal reportedly occurred at the Speight Plaza Parking Garage sometime between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on October 18th. Case suspended.
10/16/2010
X-0386- A criminal mischief offense reportedly occurred at Penland Hall located at 1110 S. 5th St. sometime between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on this date. Case suspended.
10/14/2010
X-0383- A theft over $50 under $500 reportedly occurred at an unknown location sometime between October 6th and October 14th. Case active.
10/13/2010
X-0377- A theft over $50 under $500 reportedly occurred at Neil Morris Hall located at 1300 S. 7th St. sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 10:35 a.m. on this date. Case suspended.
X-0378- A criminal mischief offense reportedly occurred at Neil Morris Hall sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on this date. Case active.
10/12/2010
X-0370- An extended territory theft of a bicycle occurred at 9th and Baylor at 6:00 a.m. on this date. Case cleared by arrest.
X-0373- An accident with failure to stop and identify reportedly occurred at lot 36 located between The Sid Richardson Science Building and Speight Ave. Case suspended.
10/09/2010
X-0362- Criminal mischief reportedly occurred at lot 4 located at 8th St. at 6:06 a.m. on this date. Case suspended.
10/08/2010
X-0358- A theft over $1,500 under $20k reportedly occurred at the BU Crew storage facility located at 1 Daughtrey Ave. sometime between 5:00 p.m. on September 26th and 5:05 p.m. on September 27th. Case active.
X-0356- A theft over $1,500 under $20k reportedly occurred at lot 63, the Ferrell Center parking area sometime between September 17th at 8:00 a.m. and September 20th at 8:00 a.m. Case suspended.
X-0425- A theft over $500 under $1500 reportedly occurred at Lot 47 around Moody Library between 11:00 a.m. on 10/26/2010 and 9:00 a.m. on 10/27/2010. Case suspended.
X-0428- A criminal mischief offense over $50 under $500 reportedly occurred Penland Hall at 8:45 p.m. on 10/27/2010. Case suspended.
10/25/2010
X-0421- A theft over $50 under $500 reportedly occurred at lot 47 around Moody Library between 4:00 p.m. on 10/24/2010 and 6:00 p.m. on 10/25/2010. Case suspended.
10/24/2010
X-0416- An alcohol offense, minor consuming alcohol, occurred at lot 31 around Penland Hall at 3:21 a.m. on this date. Case cleared by arrest.
10/23/2010
X-0407- An extended territory narcotics offense, possession of drug parahernalia, occurred at the 1200 block of S. 8th St. at 12:10 a.m. on this date. Case cleared by arrest.
X-0409- A criminal mischief offense reportedly occurred at 1110 S. 5th St. at 2:42 a.m. on this date. Case suspended.
10/22/2010
X-0406- An indecent exposure offense reportedly occurred at lot 30 located behind the Seventh and James Baptist Church at 10:14 p.m. on this date. Case active.
10/19/2010
X-0397- A theft of a parking decal reportedly occurred at the Speight Plaza Parking Garage sometime between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on October 18th. Case suspended.
10/16/2010
X-0386- A criminal mischief offense reportedly occurred at Penland Hall located at 1110 S. 5th St. sometime between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on this date. Case suspended.
10/14/2010
X-0383- A theft over $50 under $500 reportedly occurred at an unknown location sometime between October 6th and October 14th. Case active.
10/13/2010
X-0377- A theft over $50 under $500 reportedly occurred at Neil Morris Hall located at 1300 S. 7th St. sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 10:35 a.m. on this date. Case suspended.
X-0378- A criminal mischief offense reportedly occurred at Neil Morris Hall sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on this date. Case active.
10/12/2010
X-0370- An extended territory theft of a bicycle occurred at 9th and Baylor at 6:00 a.m. on this date. Case cleared by arrest.
X-0373- An accident with failure to stop and identify reportedly occurred at lot 36 located between The Sid Richardson Science Building and Speight Ave. Case suspended.
10/09/2010
X-0362- Criminal mischief reportedly occurred at lot 4 located at 8th St. at 6:06 a.m. on this date. Case suspended.
10/08/2010
X-0358- A theft over $1,500 under $20k reportedly occurred at the BU Crew storage facility located at 1 Daughtrey Ave. sometime between 5:00 p.m. on September 26th and 5:05 p.m. on September 27th. Case active.
X-0356- A theft over $1,500 under $20k reportedly occurred at lot 63, the Ferrell Center parking area sometime between September 17th at 8:00 a.m. and September 20th at 8:00 a.m. Case suspended.
SEARCH ON FOR MOLESTER TRIED IN ABSENTIA
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Healing continues: Ceremonies, run, fest to commemorate Ft. Hood tragedy
(Ft Hood Release)
FORT HOOD, Texas -- Fort Hood will host several events set for early November commemorating the one-year anniversary of the loss of 13 people and the wounding of dozens more here Nov. 5, 2009.
On Nov. 5, Fort Hood will hold two ceremonies. The first, a 10 a.m. award ceremony, will recognize more than 54 Soldiers and civilians whose actions Nov. 5 went above and beyond the call of duty. The morning event, by invitation only, is expected to draw more than 100 family members of the fallen.
A Remembrance Ceremony set for 1 p.m. Nov. 5 is open to the public. That ceremony is an opportunity to pay tribute to the Nov. 5 fallen. Following the event, a moment of silence and a post-wide retreat ceremony will be conducted. All Soldiers will be released from duty at 2 p.m. that day.
On Nov. 6, the installation will host a series of running events called “Run to Remember.” The public is invited to take part in either a one-mile fun run, a five-kilometer run or a 13.1-mile half marathon.
At each of the mile markers of the half marathon, the installation will place a placard which includes a photo of one of the 13 Nov. 5 fallen. Additionally, more than 550 gold stars commemorating all of the Fort Hood Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice over the past seven years of combat will be placed along the route. The runs are set to begin at 8 a.m.
Begining at noon Nov. 6, entertainers will perform in Rock the Hood. The entertainers include Puddle of Mudd, Elvis Crespo, Flyleaf, Chris Cagle and Nas. This free event is open to the public. Shuttle service to Sadowski Field will be available from designated parking lots on the installation. Call 286-5342 for details.
Registration is available now for the Run to Remember. The pre-registration fee for the 5K and half-marathon events is $15. Race-day registration costs $20, and begins at 6:30 a.m. at the venue. To sign up early, call 285-5459 or visit www.hoodmwr.com and click on the Run to Remember icon.
FORT HOOD, Texas -- Fort Hood will host several events set for early November commemorating the one-year anniversary of the loss of 13 people and the wounding of dozens more here Nov. 5, 2009.
On Nov. 5, Fort Hood will hold two ceremonies. The first, a 10 a.m. award ceremony, will recognize more than 54 Soldiers and civilians whose actions Nov. 5 went above and beyond the call of duty. The morning event, by invitation only, is expected to draw more than 100 family members of the fallen.
A Remembrance Ceremony set for 1 p.m. Nov. 5 is open to the public. That ceremony is an opportunity to pay tribute to the Nov. 5 fallen. Following the event, a moment of silence and a post-wide retreat ceremony will be conducted. All Soldiers will be released from duty at 2 p.m. that day.
On Nov. 6, the installation will host a series of running events called “Run to Remember.” The public is invited to take part in either a one-mile fun run, a five-kilometer run or a 13.1-mile half marathon.
At each of the mile markers of the half marathon, the installation will place a placard which includes a photo of one of the 13 Nov. 5 fallen. Additionally, more than 550 gold stars commemorating all of the Fort Hood Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice over the past seven years of combat will be placed along the route. The runs are set to begin at 8 a.m.
Begining at noon Nov. 6, entertainers will perform in Rock the Hood. The entertainers include Puddle of Mudd, Elvis Crespo, Flyleaf, Chris Cagle and Nas. This free event is open to the public. Shuttle service to Sadowski Field will be available from designated parking lots on the installation. Call 286-5342 for details.
Registration is available now for the Run to Remember. The pre-registration fee for the 5K and half-marathon events is $15. Race-day registration costs $20, and begins at 6:30 a.m. at the venue. To sign up early, call 285-5459 or visit www.hoodmwr.com and click on the Run to Remember icon.
CUSTOMS SEIZES ELECTRONICS IN DALLAS
(CBP RELEASE)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport seized 150 cartons of digital cameras bearing counterfeit SanDisk markings and in a separate instance seized three shipments of RCA stereos with iPod markings.
The counterfeit digital cameras, seized Oct. 14, containing the SanDisk markings have an manufacturer’s suggested retail value of $291,000.
The other three shipments, seized Oct. 19, consisted of 5,040 RCA stereos with the iPod trademark with an suggested retail value of $1,002,960.
“Criminal organizations trafficking in counterfeit merchandise are taking advantage of consumers and the legitimate trademark holder,” said (Acting) DFW Port Director Douglas Truesdale. “We will take every opportunity to intercept the unlawful trafficking of counterfeit goods.”
The camera shipment, which originated in China, was inspected by CBP officers and found to contain 1,500 cameras marked with the SanDisk logo. After contacting SanDisk representatives to verify the shipment’s authenticity, and providing additional information regarding the shipment, CBP confirmed that the markings were, in fact, counterfeit. CBP officers subsequently seized the shipment.
The RCA stereos, which originated in Hong Kong, bear Apple, Inc’s iPod mark, and after contacting Apple representatives, CBP officers confirmed that the markings were counterfeit.
The electronics seizures were turned over to CBP’s Seized Property Specialists who will determine disposition of the items. Customs and Border Protection may assess fines and penalties to the shipments’ importers that could equal three times the amount of the MSRP value.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport seized 150 cartons of digital cameras bearing counterfeit SanDisk markings and in a separate instance seized three shipments of RCA stereos with iPod markings.
The counterfeit digital cameras, seized Oct. 14, containing the SanDisk markings have an manufacturer’s suggested retail value of $291,000.
The other three shipments, seized Oct. 19, consisted of 5,040 RCA stereos with the iPod trademark with an suggested retail value of $1,002,960.
“Criminal organizations trafficking in counterfeit merchandise are taking advantage of consumers and the legitimate trademark holder,” said (Acting) DFW Port Director Douglas Truesdale. “We will take every opportunity to intercept the unlawful trafficking of counterfeit goods.”
The camera shipment, which originated in China, was inspected by CBP officers and found to contain 1,500 cameras marked with the SanDisk logo. After contacting SanDisk representatives to verify the shipment’s authenticity, and providing additional information regarding the shipment, CBP confirmed that the markings were, in fact, counterfeit. CBP officers subsequently seized the shipment.
The RCA stereos, which originated in Hong Kong, bear Apple, Inc’s iPod mark, and after contacting Apple representatives, CBP officers confirmed that the markings were counterfeit.
The electronics seizures were turned over to CBP’s Seized Property Specialists who will determine disposition of the items. Customs and Border Protection may assess fines and penalties to the shipments’ importers that could equal three times the amount of the MSRP value.
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