Month: June 2022

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Security News: Twin Cities House-Flipper Pleads Guilty to $3 Million Investor Fraud Scheme

Source: United States Department of Justice News

MINNEAPOLIS – A Twin Cities house-flipper has pleaded guilty to defrauding real estate investors out of more than $3 million, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.

According to court documents, from 2018 through December 2020, Suzanne Griffiths, 46, currently residing in Arizona, executed a scheme to defraud individuals by soliciting investments in her Minnesota-based house-flipping businesses. Griffiths was active in the house-flipping community and frequently attended seminars of a national real estate investment coaching program. Through these seminars, Griffiths networked with other individuals and pitched her own house-flipping businesses: Level 5 Properties, LLC; 45 North Investment Properties, LLC; and Our Town Properties. Griffiths frequently contacted seminar attendees about potential investment opportunities in properties owned by her companies. Griffiths promised investors various manners of repayment in return for investments. Griffiths frequently made material misrepresentations about the status of real estate projects, failed to take promised action, falsified documents, and misappropriated investments for her own use.

According to court documents, in November 2018, Griffiths solicited a $100,000 investment from an investor to finance the renovation of a property. Griffiths promised the investor that they would hold second position on the mortgage and falsely assured the investor that the necessary mortgage documents had been filed with the appropriate county. In reality, Griffiths never filed the documents and, as a result, the investor lost their entire investment.

According to court documents, in July 2020, Griffiths solicited a $70,000 investment from another investor. Months later, to facilitate the solicitation of a second investment for renovations of a property, Griffiths provided the investor with information, printed on title company letterhead, demonstrating the potential of the requested investment. The investor later contacted the title company and learned that Griffiths had altered the information provided by the title company to intentionally omit numerous preexisting encumbrances on the property. The investor lost their entire $70,000 from the first investment.

In total, Griffiths intentionally misappropriated at least $3,197,109.47 of investor funds.

Griffiths pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Joan N. Ericksen to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. A sentencing date has not been set.

This case is the result of an investigation led by IRS – Criminal Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing is prosecuting the case.

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Defense News: U.S. Navy Exercises Option for Third Constellation Class Frigate

Source: United States Navy

The USS Chesapeake is the third ship in the class and has been awarded to shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) after a successful completion of the class Critical Design Review milestone. The program also recently successfully completed the Critical Design Review milestone in May, and is proceeding to Production Readiness Review and start of production for the lead ship, USS Constellation (FFG 62).

On April 30, 2020, FMM was awarded the contract for the design, construction and delivery of the first 10 FFG 62 class ships. The Constellation Class Guided Missile Frigate (FFG 62) will be a highly capable and survivable multi-mission platform designed for operations in blue water and the littoral environments. The frigates are designed to operate independently or as part of Carrier/Expeditionary Strike Group or a Surface Action Group, and are manned and equipped for Navy Composite Warfare and Joint Maritime Operations. The Constellation Class has the multi-mission capability to conduct air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, electronic warfare and information operations. Specifically, FFG ships include an Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR) radar, Baseline Ten (BL10) AEGIS Combat System, a Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), communications systems, MK 110 57mm Gun Weapon System (GWS) and added capability in the Electronic Warfare/Information Operations area with design flexibility for future growth. The frigates will also conduct offensive and defensive Anti-Submarine Warfare.

The Secretary of the Navy named the first three ships in the class USS CONSTELLATION (FFG 62), USS CONGRESS (FFG 63) and USS CHESAPEAKE (FFG 64). These names honor the original heavy frigates that our nation started to build in 1794. The FFG 62 Constellation Class Frigate continues our nation’s 200 year tradition of building frigates.

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Defense News: Department of the Navy Top Scientists, Engineers Recognized for Excellence

Source: United States Navy

Awardees, family members and staff gathered at the Melville-Taylor Auditorium at Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division in West Bethesda, Maryland.

Mr. Tommy Ross, ASN (RD&A) PTDO, personally recognized top scientists and engineers from across the Department of the Navy (DON), and highlighted their incredible accomplishments.

“Our Navy and Marine Corps remains the envy of our allies, partners and competitors because we consistently build and operate forces with the most advanced technology possible.  Our scientists and engineers are at the forefront of that work,” said Mr. Ross.  “The recipients of the 2022 Dr. Dolores M. Etter awards reflect the very best of the Department’s science and engineering workforce and they are examples for others to follow.” 

The award is named after former ASN (RDA) Dr. Delores M. Etter, who delivered a recorded message congratulating the recipients. She encouraged all DON scientists and engineers to continue pursuing innovations that support America’s fleet and warfighters; and to encourage future generations of engineers and scientists for Department of Navy positions.

Both civilian and military scientists and engineers in the DON were eligible for these annual awards. All nominations were reviewed and scored by an executive panel. Awardees were in the categories of Emergent Engineers (no more than 10 years of cumulative experience), Emergent Scientists, Individual Engineers, Individual Scientists, Group of Scientists and/or Engineers from a single command, and Group of Scientist and/or Engineers collaborating across the Naval Research and Development Establishment (NR&DE), to include Department of Defense.

Recipients of the ASN (RD&A) Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers of the Year Award for 2022 are:

EMERGENT ENGINEERS

  • Mr. Jacob D. Mason, NSWC Carderock Division

Advanced technical methods and processes, resulting in credible estimates for cost, schedule, and risk allowing leadership to make informed decisions about platforms’ established acquisition parameters.

  • Ms. Brittany N. Preston-Baker, NSWC Carderock Division

Conducts 30-40 individual corrosion control projects per year resulting in transition of new corrosion technologies to the Fleet and the utilization of Ship’s Force to perform corrosion control work items.

EMERGENT SCIENTISTS

  • Dr. David M. Sidoti, NRL

Transitioned fast, accurate, and flexible systems to provide submarine operating authorities with tools to enhance their collision avoidance and weapons release for global waterspace planning.

  • Dr. Stephanie Tomasulo, NRL

Developed materials for infrared detectors and emitters that provide critical Department of Defense capabilities, including chemical sensing, infrared searching and tracking, and large-format infrared imaging.

INDIVIDUAL ENGINEERS

  • Mr. Andrew T. Bouchard, NSWC Panama City Division

Developed the concept of capability expression for representations to improve the verification and validation of autonomous platforms.

  • Mr. Robert A. Fish, NIWC Pacific

Led the implementation of new software technologies, tools, and practices to increase application reliability and security, while reducing lead-time to deployment.

  • Dr. David O. Hubble, NSWC Dahlgren Division

Developed a scalable, flat plate calorimeter to effectively measure power on target of state-of-the-art, high energy laser weapon systems.

  • Mr. Craig A. McClanahan, NIWC Atlantic

Developed a new warfighting capability which improved the operational impact of afloat signals exploitation.

  • Mr. Glenn M. Shevach, NAWC Aircraft Division

Redesigned and developed of the H-60 Blade Fold Module Test Set.

  • Mr. Alexander D. Solomon, MCSC/PEO Land Systems

Led the design, integration, and assembly efforts to modernize the Low Altitude Air Defense Battalions with overwhelming mobile fire power.

  • Dr. Michael Visich, NUWC Newport Division

Leveraged novel modeling and simulation approaches to produce an in-depth Susceptibility Analysis Report between Block I and Block V platforms.

INDIVIDUAL SCIENTISTS

  • Dr. Lauren A. Freeman, NUWC Newport Division

Developed a program to exploit biological ambient sound for novel underwater vehicle detection.

  • Dr. Joanna N. Ptasinski, NIWC Pacific

Discovered novel quantum applications in sensing, decision making, and computational superiority for future Navy C4ISR systems.

GROUP AWARDS

  • CVN 78 Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST) Team, NSWC Carderock Division
  • Ms. Lana Rae Craig
  • Mr. Tommy E. Douglas
  • Mr. Roy C. Javier
  • Mr. Steven E. Rutgerson
  • Mr. Henry J. Venne

Performed the USS GERALD R. FORD’s Full Ship Shock Trial, a critical element of the Live Fire Test and Evaluation Program.

  • Deamping System Design Team, NSWC Carderock Division
  • Mr. Albert S. Barsa
  • Dr. Timothy W. Bole
  • Mr. Christopher I. Conner
  • Mr. Rafael C. Hill
  • Mr. Richard M. Mack

Designed a new digitally focused approach to the future CONSTELLATION-Class Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system in unprecedented time.

 

  • Department of the Navy 5G Integrated Product Team, NIWC Atlantic & Pacific
  • Mr. Grover S. Brinson
  • Mr. John B. Larson
  • Mr. Andrew Leidy
  • Mr. Gregory J. Ross
  • Mr. Joseph A. Snively
  • Mr. Ronald Wolfe

Implemented a 5G Marine Corps Logistics Base Network prototype with zero trust architectures and modular radio access networks.

  • Environmental Effects on Advanced Propulsor Bearings, NRL
  • Mr. Cameron S. Moser
  • Mr. Scott M. Olig

Developed a test method and facility to measure, the static and low frequency response of metal and elastomer mounts under combined mechanical loads and environmental effects.

  • HMS QNLZ JPALS Certification, Naval Test Wing Atlantic
  • Mr. Donovan M. Johnson (Lead)
  • Mrs. Piper M. Rose
  • Mr. Neil C. Winston
  • LtCol Jay M. Zarra

Completed the first Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) certification aboard the United Kingdom’s HMS Queen Elizabeth.
 

  • Lightweight Plate Engineering Team, MCSC Combat Capabilities Development Command
  • Ms. Giuliana M. Davis
  • Ms. Megan L. Hoey
  • Ms. Rachel K. Smith

Developed a new, lighter-weight personal protection plates with an accompanying inspection system.

  • Navy Aviation Survival Training Research & Technology, NAWC Training Systems Division
  • Dr. Emily C. Anania
  • Ms. Beth F. Wheeler Atkinson
  • Dr. Mitchell J. Tindall 

Led the research, development, fielding, and continued evaluation of the effectiveness of advanced technologies to facilitate more robust and effective aviation survival.

  • NUWC Newport Cyber Red Team, NUWC Newport Division
  • Mr. Michael C. Beatty
  • Mr. Matthew D. Furtado
  • Mr. Benet V. George
  • Ms. Theresa M. Manning-Livolsi
  • Mr. Christopher J. Morcom
  • Mr. Pedro A. Vazquez II

Used an innovative approach to operational testing by adding Red Team penetration testing at the developmental stage of new platform technology.

  • BEES JCTD Team, NRL
  • Mr. Donovan M. Johnson (Lead)
  • Mrs. Piper M. Rose
  • Mr. Neil C. Winston
  • LtCol Jay M. Zarra

Demonstrated an advanced multiple intelligence sensor, platform, and cooperative target detection and EW effects capabilities in mission relevant operational environments.

  • Sub Valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery Manufacturing Improvement Team, NSWC Crane Division
  • Mr. Nicholas J. Angell
  • Mr. Andrew J. Herold, Jr
  • Mr. Michael K. Huffman
  • Mr. Josiah H. Ward
  • Mr. Barry D. Whaley

Designed a modeling program for failure analysis on a Sealed Valve Regulated Lead Acid submarine battery manufacturing defect.

  • Test Equipment Engineering: Engine Support Team, NAVAIR/Fleet Readiness Center East
  • Mr. Jordon J. Barnes
  • Mr. Joshua L. Guthrie
  • Mr. Neil T. Taylor

Solved multiple highly technical issues with Fleet Readiness Center East engine test cells to maintain engine supply and readiness for the warfighter.
 

  • Corrosion Failure Investigation Team, NSWC PHD/ NSWC DD/NRL/ NSWC PDMs.
  • Patricia L. Haggerty
  • Mr. Bruce B. Leaman
  • Mr. Edward J. Lemieux
  • Mr. Son T. Nguyen
  • Mr. Tim J. Tenopir

Identified three root causes for USS Portland’s Laser Weapon System Demonstrator corrosion issues with recommended solutions.

  • Nickel Aluminum Bronze Alloying for Large Propulsor Castings, NRL/NFPC/ NSWC CD
  • Ms. Sarah Byrnes
  • Dr. Derek J. Horton
  • Dr. Mary E. Parker
  • Mr. Trevor G. Thayer
  • Mrs. Meredith Well

Developed and implemented an innovative alloying method for large, slow cooled castings of nickel aluminum bronze.

The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition serves as the Navy Service Acquisition Executive (SAE).  ASN RDA has authority, responsibility and accountability for all acquisition functions and programs, and for enforcement of Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment procedures. The Assistant Secretary represents the Department of the Navy to USD (A&S) and to Congress on all matters relating to acquisition policy and programs.

The Assistant Secretary establishes policies and procedures and manages the Navy’s Research, Development and Acquisition activities in accordance with DoD 5000 Series Directives. The Assistant Secretary serves as Program (Milestone) Decision Authority on ACAT IC programs and recommends decisions on ACAT ID programs.

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Security News: Jefferson County Woman Sentenced To 262 Months In Prison For Production And Attempted Distribution Of Child Pornography

Source: United States Department of Justice News

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On June 16, 2022, the Honorable Katherine A. Crytzer, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee, sentenced Shana Coffey, age 42, of Jefferson City, Tennessee, to serve 262 months in federal prison for producing and attempting to distribute child pornography, followed by lifetime on supervised release.

As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Coffey agreed to plead guilty to a superseding indictment charging her with producing child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a) and (e) and attempting to distribute child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2522A(a)(2)(B). Coffey will be required to register with the state sex offender registry in any state in which she lives, works, or attends school.

Coffey admitted that in April 2020 she used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purposes of producing visual depictions of such conduct and, in June 2020, she attempted to distribute child pornography to others.

This prosecution was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States in court.

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

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Security News: Harborcreek Resident Pleads Guilty to Sending Ammunition to the Netherlands and Possessing Destructive Devices

Source: United States Department of Justice News

ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws relating to smuggling goods from the United States, and possessing unregistered firearms, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Donald Robert Witherow, 48, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in September 2019, Witherow, without first obtaining the required approval, sent ammunition and ammunition magazines to the Netherlands. In addition, on March 26, 2020, Witherow possessed unregistered firearms, namely destructive devices.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reductions efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevent and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for October 13, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Witherow on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Witherow.