Month: September 2022

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Security News: Charlottesville Armed Robbery Team Pleads Guilty

Source: United States Department of Justice News

CHARLOTESVILLE, Va. – The final two defendants in a four-man robbery team that threatened both an Albemarle County woman and a Charlottesville man at gunpoint pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court.

Corey Raymont Kinney, 48, and Quincy “Boosie” Brock, 27, both of Charlottesville, pled guilty to one count each of brandishing and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.  Brock also pled guilty to committing Hobbs Act robbery.

Adrian Chevarr Anderson, 39, and Markel Corevis Morton, 43, previously pleaded guilty to participating in the two robberies.

“Reducing violent crime in the Western District of Virginia is a cornerstone of this United States Attorney’s Office and we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who participate in violent, criminal behavior,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “These individuals showed blatant disregard for the well-being of others and for that they were held accountable.”

“Addressing violent crime in our communities remains a top priority for the FBI.  Through our partnership with the Albemarle County Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Virginia, we were able to remove four violent criminals from the community who will face significant sentences for their crimes,” said Stanley M. Meador, Special Against in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division.  “Individuals with knowledge of violent crimes occurring in their communities are encouraged to contact law enforcement immediately -either call 911, your local police/sheriff, FBI Richmond at 804-261-1044, or send info to tips.FBI.gov.”

“The Albemarle County Police Department remains committed to collaborating with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, like the United State Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This commitment to cooperation is vital to keeping the citizens, residents, and visitors of Albemarle County safe,” stated Colonel Sean Reeves, Chief of Police for Albemarle County.

According to court documents, Morton recruited Brock, Anderson, and Kinney to rob a local drug dealer with a promise to split $50,000 in cash he believed to be hidden in the drug dealer’s apartment in Albemarle County. 

In August 2021, Brock, Anderson, and Kinney forced entry into the apartment and held a female victim at gunpoint as both the apartment and the female victim’s car were searched.  During the robbery, Brock, Anderson, and Kinney took the victim’s phone and other personal items but did not find the $50,000.

When they returned empty-handed, Morton insisted they locate the drug dealer’s cash stash at a second location on Prospect Avenue in the City of Charlottesville.  All four men were armed with firearms when they drove to the second location and stole a safe containing approximately $50,000.  As they were leaving the apartment, Brock and Morton were intercepted by a man who was standing outside and they pointed their firearms at him before fleeing the scene. 

The Albemarle County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation of the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather L. Carlton and Ronald M. Huber prosecuted the case for the United States.

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

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Security News: Three Sentenced in Violent Robbery Attempt

Source: United States Department of Justice News

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.  – Three Charlottesville men, who admitted to the attempted armed robbery of an Albemarle County man, were sentenced Tuesday in federal court.

Tyreek Saquan Ragland, 23, the leader of the group who organized the robbery plan, pled guilty to one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison.

Madison Wonne Zelee, 26, and Tyrel Anthony Dowell, 23, also pled guilty to one count each of Hobbs Act robbery as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Zelee was sentenced to 60 months in prison while Dowell received a sentence of 52 months.

According to court documents, Ragland, Zelee, and Dowell targeted the victim because they believed he would be in possession of a large quantity of marijuana and cash at his home in Albemarle County.

On the afternoon of September 30, 2021, Zelee knocked on the intended victim’s front door asking about a lost dog.  Before opening the door, the intended victim saw Dowell emerging from the woods nearby wearing a ski mask.  The intended victim refused to open the door, and Zelee and Dowell then fled the scene in a getaway vehicle driven by Ragland.

Shortly after this confrontation, the intended victim contacted his father about the  incident, and they decided to go in search of the vehicle in which Ragland, Zelee, and Dowell had fled.

While the intended victim and his father were out searching for the getaway vehicle, a witness, who had remained at the intended victim’s residence, called them to report that a pizza delivery person was at the house trying to deliver a pizza.  Aware that no pizza order had been placed, the intended victim instructed the witness not to open the door. 

After immediately returning home, the intended victim observed a vehicle parked along the side of the road near his home that matched the getaway vehicle seen earlier in the day.  Sensing danger, the intended victim and his father decided to leave again, but as they did, Zelee and Dowell came out of the nearby woods and began shooting at them, striking their vehicle.  After the gunfire, Zelee and Dowell rejoined Ragland in the getaway vehicle and fled the scene for a second time.

United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Albemarle County Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald M. Huber prosecuted the case.

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Defense News: USS Princeton Junior Officer wins VADM Robert F. Batchelder Award

Source: United States Navy

This award is presented by the Navy League to Supply Corps officers who have made significant contributions to the supply readiness of our operating forces and is a testament to an officer that was significant in shaping the Supply Corps of today. 

“The Supply community could not have selected a more deserving officer for this award. Lt. Cmdr. Combs is an exemplary officer whose leadership, professionalism and subject matter expertise contributed greatly to the readiness of the USS Princeton throughout calendar year ‘21,” said Capt. Martin Robertson, commanding officer, Princeton. “His ability to inspire and lead is recognized across the command and is demonstrated by the success and achievements of his department. The Princeton Team is extremely proud of him and his accomplishments.”

Combs is one of the five Supply officers awarded across the Navy who proved their knowledge and skill sets as the best the Navy has to offer. 

“The Vice Adm. Batchelder Award is a uniquely special award for a Supply officer,” said Combs. “In our community, it’s the rare award that highlights your achievements, better than any single medal or certificate, the Batchelder truly receives community-wide recognition. I can now say that I’m a proud member of a prestigious group of high-performing Supply officers.”

During 2021, Princeton completed an 11-month 5th and 7th Fleet deployment, participated in sustainment operations and numerous other exercises and executed a 7-month Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) maintenance period. In 2022, the ship and crew executed the training phase known as Basic Phase and is currently readying for future operations.

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Defense News: U.K. and U.S. conduct SINKEX during Atlantic Thunder 22

Source: United States Navy

Atlantic Thunder 22 participants, assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Air Forces Europe, the U.K. Royal Navy and U.K. Royal Air Force sank the decommissioned guided missile frigate ex-USS Boone, during the live-fire SINKEX to develop combined proficiency in tactics, targeting and live-firing against a surface target at sea.

“Sinking exercises not only provide excellent opportunities to gain real world operational experience in long range maritime strikes but also demonstrate the collective power of our combined forces,” said Rear Adm. Oliver “Ollie” Lewis, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa’s (NAVEUR-NAVAF) Director of Maritime Operations. “Most importantly, gaining real world proficiency in the tactics, techniques and procedures we have developed and tested alongside our British Allies not only validate our weapons systems but ultimately contribute to NATO alliance readiness.”

The exercise was not only a unique and valuable opportunity for sharpening and proving partner capabilities, but also an exercise of multiple ‘firsts.’

The ex-Boone was struck by Martlet air to surface missiles from Wildcat helicopters assigned to the Type 23 frigate HMS Westminster.  The helicopters provided inaugural laser targeting for fixed-wing U.K Royal Air Force Typhoons using Paveway IV precision guided munitions.

A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft assigned to Patrol Squadron 46 shot a long range anti-ship missile. U.S. Air Force F-15E Eagles, assigned to 494th Fighter Squadron, dropped maritime strike joint direct attack munitions.

Finally at sea, the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) struck the ex-Boone with a Standard Missile 6 (SM-6), the first anti-ship SM-6 engagement in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, while HMS Westminster fired the first live RGM-84D Harpoon missile salvo from the U.K. since 2004.

Also aboard Arleigh Burke, Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit provided vital imagery and battle damage assessment by deploying a V-BAT 128 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), marking the first launch of a V-BAT 128 from an Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyer.

“Ex Atlantic Thunder has demonstrated that U.K. and U.S. naval and air forces can integrate to deliver an end-to-end kill chain against a maritime target at long range,” said Cmdr. Ed Moss-Ward, commanding officer of HMS Westminster. “The integration of high end weapons, sensors and communications with our NATO allies is key to the collective war fighting capability of the Alliance demonstrated by the sinking exercise. The firings have supported the development of the Royal Navy’s targeting and weapon capabilities, and afforded opportunity to conduct realistic training to validate tactics and operating procedures.”

Former U.S. Navy vessels used in SINKEXs, referred to as hulks, are prepared in strict compliance with regulations prescribed and enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency under a general permit the Navy holds pursuant to the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act.

Prior to being transported for participation in a sinking exercise, each vessel undergoes a rigorous cleaning process for environmental safety. Aligned with U.K. Ministry of Defense environmental policy, robust monitoring was conducted above and below the sea’s surface with trained personnel using specialized equipment to reduce the overall risk of inadvertently impacting the marine environment and marine mammals during the SINKEX.

Ex-Boone is a decommissioned guided missile frigate, which entered United States Naval service, May 15, 1982. It was decommissioned on Feb. 23, 2012. The twentieth ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry class, it was the first ship named for Vice Admiral Joel Thompson Boone, a Medal of Honor recipient and the most highly decorated medical officer during World War I.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

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Canopy construction at the Calexico West Port of Entry to impact vehicle traffic

Source: United States General Services Administration

September 22, 2022

Yearlong project will include partial and continuous northbound vehicle lane closures

CALEXICO, Calif. ㅡ The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection announce the start of a 12-month construction phase to install a canopy over the northbound vehicle inspection lanes at the Calexico West Land Port of Entry (LPOE). The installation of the 395-foot-long canopy will require phased closure of northbound vehicle inspection lanes to ensure the safety of workers and the traveling public. The first phase will occur Monday, September 26, 2022 – Wednesday, October 5, 2022. Beginning at 8 p.m. Monday night, 5 lanes will be open (5 will close) Monday – Friday from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. A total of 8 lanes will be open (2 remaining closed) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. Saturday and Sunday operations will utilize all available vehicle lanes.

The vehicle inspection lane closure sequence for the first phase is outlined below:

  • September 26, 2022 to September 28, 2022 – The five westernmost northbound vehicle lanes (6-10) will be closed during non-peak, nighttime hours, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Lanes 7 and 8 will remain closed continuously, including during daytime hours.
  • September 28, 2022 to September 30, 2022 – The five middle northbound vehicle lanes (3-7) will be closed during non-peak, nighttime hours, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Lanes 5 and 6 will remain closed continuously, including during daytime hours.
  • October 3, 2022 to October 5, 2022 – The four easternmost northbound vehicle lanes (1-4) will be closed during non-peak, nighttime hours, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Lanes 2 and 3 will remain closed continuously, including during daytime hours.

Additional northbound vehicle lane closures will be necessary over the next 12 months to install segments of the canopy while minimizing impact to port operations and ensuring the safety of the traveling public. Subsequent traffic advisories will provide details of future vehicle lane closures. This work is part of GSA’s larger reconfiguration and expansion project at the port which supports the CBP mission and will improve traveler’s border-crossing experience.

CBP is encouraging travelers to enter through Calexico East LPOE to help alleviate traffic congestion at the Calexico West LPOE. To help minimize border wait times, Calexico’s East LPOE will open at 5 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Monday through Friday starting September 26. Hours on Saturday and Sunday will remain as normal at Calexico East LPOE from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

SENTRI lanes at Calexico East LPOE will open at 5 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. from Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

SENTRI lanes at Calexico West LPOE remain unchanged from 4 a.m. to 12 a.m. from Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday remain 4 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Pedestrian lanes at both Calexico’s East and West Ports of Entry will remain unaffected during this 12-month period.

Southbound hours of operation at both Calexico East and West remain unchanged.

CBP anticipates higher than normal border crossing wait times during this period and advises travelers to prepare for potential delays. Border wait times can be monitored 24/7 at https://bwt.cbp.gov/.

For more information about the Calexico West LPOE reconfiguration and expansion project, visit the Calexico West project page.

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About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.

About CBP: CBP officers at the border crossing in Southern California stop illegal activity while processing millions of legitimate travelers into the United States.

Understand that everyone who applies for entry into the U.S. is subject to inspection. CBP officers may conduct a search of your person, your luggage and vehicle in order to enforce our laws as well as protect other travelers.