Month: December 2022

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Defense News: USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) Completes Participation in Finnish Exercise Freezing Winds, Arrives in Helsinki

Source: United States Navy

Freezing Winds enhanced military capabilities and strengthened the partnership between the U.S. and Finland in a challenging environment. The exercise involved units and personnel from 12 countries, including Finland, Sweden, the United States and NATO Allied Maritime Command’s (MARCOM) Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 1. The exercise included combined joint maritime operations with both naval and amphibious aspects, testing allied and partner nations’ interoperability and proficiency through a variety of warfare areas in a challenging scenario.

“Our annual maritime defense exercise provides a unique opportunity to rehearse demanding combat tasks in the harsh November weather conditions of the Baltic Sea,” said Commodore Jukka Anteroinen, Chief of Staff of the Finnish Navy Command. “The involvement of the U.S. partners is a very welcome enhancement to the Finnish Navy’s Freezing Winds 22 exercise. High-level assets such as USS Paul Ignatius, P8 Poseidon and the always professional Marine Corps personnel bring a great add-on value to our maritime operations with significant capabilities they provide. Our combined training will increase the stability and security of the entire Baltic Sea region.”

Paul Ignatius joined the exercise on Nov. 25 and has participated in numerous events during the exercise to build skills in communications integration, formation steaming, air and missile defense, surface warfare and strike warfare. Additionally, Sailors conducted cross deck evolutions with the Royal Danish Navy Absalon-class frigate HDMS Esbern Snare (F342) and Royal Netherlands Navy De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate HNLMS Tromp (F803), both currently assigned to SNMG 1.

“My crew and I are thankful for the fantastic exercise facilitated and led by our Finnish partners. Freezing Winds 22 provides an excellent platform for multiple nations to further integrate and enhance our lethality at sea,” said Cmdr. Aaron Arky, commanding officer of Paul Ignatius. “The stability and security of the Baltic region depends upon the strength of our navies. The Finnish Navy is a world class organization and my crew was honored to sail with them in true cold weather environments.”

Paul Ignatius’ participation in Freezing Winds and subsequent port visit to Helsinki further bolsters the strong and enduring relationships established between U.S. and Finnish military forces, especially in the maritime domain. Earlier this year, multiple U.S. destroyers and ships assigned to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, including USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), conducted port calls in Helsinki while operating throughout the Baltic Sea.

While in port, the crew will enjoy the sights and culture of Helsinki and welcome some guests onboard for guided tours. This visit provides an opportunity for Paul Ignatius Sailors and the local Finnish population to strengthen interpersonal bonds as the U.S. and Finland continue their close coordination to ensure security and stability in the Baltic Sea region.

Four U.S. Navy destroyers, including Paul Ignatius, are based in Rota, Spain and are assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 in support of NATO’s Integrated Air Missile Defense architecture. These FDNF-E ships have the flexibility to operate throughout the waters of Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle, demonstrating their mastery of the maritime domain.

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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Defense News: U.S. Sixth Fleet Holds CTF Commander’s Conference

Source: United States Navy

Over a three day period, the CTF commanders, command master chiefs, and spouses met at U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) and SIXTHFLT headquarters to discuss present and future maritime warfighting in the European and African theaters and how the leaderships can improve the personal and professional well-being of Sailors and their families.

“As we look at the mission we’re assigned to conduct and complete in this theater, we need to ensure that our Sailors – the same Sailors that conduct and realize that mission, are taken care of,” said Ishee. “Taking care of Sailors means taking care of their families.”

After completing the opening remarks of the conference at the NAVEUR-NAVAF and SIXTHFLT headquarters, the commanders and command master chiefs transitioned to the USS George H.W. Bush, to discuss the how CTF leaders could improve regional security, and advance the unity of U.S. partners and allies. These discussions included an in-depth look at the fleet’s current rules of engagement, and how each command should professionally interact with foreign navy’s at-sea in accordance with international law.

Ishee said aligning fleet-wide intent was important especially with regard to the heightened tensions throughout the European theater.

“We need to focus on where we are today,” said Ishee. “And where we are today is a focus on ‘Deter and Defend.’ This is the time we need to think about, and really incorporate this mindset – especially because we are the forward-deployed forces. We are out here every day operating with Allies and partners.”

The discussions on operational mission-standards also highlighted the importance of deterrence and defense by Allies and partners. Over the last year, both European and African naval theaters have seen an increase in multi-national engagement, with greater contributions to NATO exercises and operations by all Alliance members.

Enduring interoperability among NATO Allies and partners is key to sustaining the Force’s operational readiness – a sentiment echoed by Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, commander, NAVEUR-NAVAF and commander, Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples, during his opening remarks.

“Our purpose in this theater is to deter and defend, which requires us to increase our warfighting advantage at every opportunity,” said Munsch. “One key way we do that is by deepening interoperability – how well we work with other nations, within our Joint and Navy-Marine Corps teams, within our commands, and within our communities. Interoperability rests on a foundation of mutual trust, and it takes both time and consistent effort to build that foundation.”

That trust is also required not only across countries and armed services, but also within each service, and between CTFs.

“Being here is really a benefit; for me as CMC [command master chief], for NAVSUP [Naval Supply Systems Command] as a whole, and also engaging in those relationships with the fleet CMCs and carrier strike group CMCs, builds that trust, and allows us to better operate as a team.” said CMDCM [Command Master Chief] Donald R. Alvarado, Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella.

The conference occurred amidst the backdrop of heightened tensions in Europe due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the continued vigilance of naval forces, emphasizing the importance of seamless communication and closer ties to balance the operational demands and personal and professional well-being of the Sailors conducting those missions.

The CTFs represent a wide swath of Sailors throughout the region and most are permanently stationed on naval bases throughout the region. Sailors, often deployed from the U.S. for two years or more, can find themselves marginalized as expats in foreign territory. The naval bases throughout the region, and the support systems established at the fleet level, are meant to combat this marginalization, and offer services that range from quality-of-life comforts to dire necessities.

Who better to compare the different standard-of-living throughout the region than the spouses of CTF Sailors who live on, work within, and require support from those bases?

While the commanders and command master chiefs toured Bush, the spouse program attendees toured the base support services offered across Naples, including the Naval Hospital, Navy Exchange, Fleet and Family Support center, and other critical base infrastructure and services. They were then asked to identify strengths and weaknesses of the programs and services that directly affected Sailors and their families.

For most of the programs and services a think tank-like discussion took place offering unique insight into common personal and professional issues, as well as suggestions to overcome any obstacles preventing the best experience for the Sailors and their families. Uniquely – the spouses were asked to compare their services, and offer their unique insight from their home-base services at Naval Station Rota and Naval Air Station Sigonella to baseline the quality of life services across all of the bases directly supporting operational Sailor’s and family. This sharing of experience proved rewarding.

“I would like to thank you for inviting the spouses,” said Edna Conry, a U.S. Navy spouse, during the opening remarks. “Already, the conference has helped me understand the role of my husband in the command. As I’ve gotten more involved in the community, I’ve gotten to know the others involved. We start with a different understanding and perspective, and I appreciate the opportunity to see and hear from everyone.”

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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Settlement with Republic Steel Requires Reduction of Lead Emissions at Canton, Ohio, Facility

Source: United States Department of Justice News

New Controls Will Result in the Reduction of Over 1,000 Pounds of Lead Emissions Per Year

The Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed Clear Air Act settlement with Republic Steel, a steel manufacturer in Canton, Ohio, which will require the company to reduce its facility’s lead emissions that have caused airborne lead levels in the surrounding area to exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Lead. The settlement terms are included in a proposed consent decree filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. In addition to securing air pollution reductions, the settlement requires Republic Steel to pay a $990,000 civil penalty.

The United States’ complaint, filed simultaneously with the consent decree, alleges that Republic Steel is operating in violation of its Clean Air Act permit for failing to conduct emissions tests and for exceeding lead emission limits. Under the consent decree, Republic Steel will install and operate new control technologies at its Flexcast Vacuum Tank Degasser and associated cooling tower to reduce lead emissions from the facility. EPA estimates that the new controls will result in the reduction of over 1,000 pounds of lead emissions per year. 

“This important settlement reflects our continuing commitment to enforce the Clean Air Act vigorously to protect public health, the environment and vulnerable communities that are disproportionately impacted by air pollution,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.

“Even relatively low levels of lead exposure can cause harm to a child’s cognitive development,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield of the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This settlement will help protect local communities, and particularly children, by lowering airborne lead levels.”

Exposure to lead pollution can affect almost every organ and system in the human body. It is especially harmful to young children, as they are most susceptible to some adverse effects of lead. This is of significance here, as there is a residential community with three schools within a one-mile radius of the Republic Steel facility. Additionally, this is an area with environmental justice concerns.  

The settlement is subject to a public comment period that will end on Jan. 13, 2023, and final court approval. The consent decree will be available for viewing at https://www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.

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Former Cobb County Sheriff’s Deputy sentenced to prison for child pornography distribution

Source: United States Department of Justice News

ATLANTA – Peter Bilardello, a former Cobb County Deputy Sheriff assigned to the agency’s Sex Offender Unit, has been sentenced to federal prison for distributing child pornography online after entering a guilty plea to the charge in August 2022.

“Bilardello’s crimes constitute a horrific breach of the public’s trust,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan.  “Law enforcement officers like Bilardello, who was responsible for protecting the community from sex offenders, bear a special obligation. It is an especially sad day when those who take an oath to enforce laws to protect potential victims actually break the law and victimize instead. The metro-Atlanta law enforcement community remains committed to working collaboratively and quickly to investigate such reprehensible conduct.”

“Every time pornographic images are distributed online, that child is continuously re-victimized,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will not tolerate predators who prey on our children, especially ones like Bilardello, who were sworn law enforcement officers that took an oath to protect the citizens of our community.”

“The public places a great amount of trust in law enforcement officers,” said Cobb County Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer.  “When a law enforcement officer breaks that trust, it reflects on all officers across this profession. I stand with the honorable women and men of the Cobb County Police Department, with Sheriff Owens and those who serve under his command, and with the remainder of law enforcement professionals across this nation who find acts such as these by law enforcement officers abhorrent.  We greatly appreciate U.S. Attorney Buchanan and all our federal partners who allow stronger sentencing and help local agencies like Cobb Police make our community safer.  Finally, to the detectives who must work these types of cases routinely, thank you for doing things even most police officers don’t want to do and thank you for the objective and hard work on this case in particular.”

“Bilardello’s actions erode the trust the public places in law enforcement officers,” said Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens. “I commend the Cobb County Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their swift action in investigating these heinous crimes and stopping the spread of child pornography. Justice was served, and this sentence makes clear that no one is above the law, especially those sworn to protect and serve the public.”

According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: In August 2021, Cobb County Police began investigating a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about suspected child pornography distribution online. The report, which was based on information submitted to NCMEC by the social media company MeWe, indicated that a MeWe account user who was located in Marietta, Georgia, had uploaded and shared approximately 12 images depicting young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Cobb County Police executed a search warrant on the social media account and learned that the account user was Peter Bilardello, who was an active Cobb County Deputy Sheriff. Bilardello had been employed by the Cobb County Sheriff’s office for approximately 17 years. During the time that he was distributing child pornography online he worked in the agency’s Sex Offender Unit where his job duties included maintaining, verifying, and updating the list of registered sex offenders residing in Cobb County.

After identifying Bilardello as the social media account owner, Cobb County Police promptly obtained and executed search warrants for Bilardello’s home and cell phone, and confirmed that Bilardello had uploaded and shared child pornography on MeWe.  Investigators also recovered more than 300 images and videos depicting young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct from his cell phone, as well as multiple chats online about his pedophilic desire for young children. Bilardello was immediately arrested and resigned from the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office.  

Peter Bilardello, 52, of Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced to five years, ten months in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release. He was taken into federal custody immediately following sentencing and must register as a sex offender. Bilardello was convicted of one count of distributing child pornography on August 29, 2022, after he entered a guilty plea.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Cobb County Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Annalise K. Peters prosecuted the case.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

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Kentwood Resident Sentenced to 45 Months in Prison for Role in Stealing Identities as Part of Nationwide Prostitution Scheme that Involved Drugging and Incapacitating Victims

Source: United States Department of Justice News

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DOMINIQUE ALAINA BERRY, age 33, a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, was sentenced on December 1, 2022 to 45 months in prison, the top of the range recommended by the United States Sentencing Guidelines, by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon after previously pleading guilty to a two-count bill of information that charged her with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and interstate transportation and use of an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371, 1343, 1344, and 1952(a)(3) (Count 1), and aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A (Count 2).  Judge Fallon also sentenced Berry to a three-year term of supervised release after her imprisonment and ordered Berry to pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.  He also scheduled a restitution hearing for April 13, 2023 at 2:00 pm.

According to court documents, BERRY met Randy Jonal Schenck (Schenck) in about early 2013 and soon developed a romantic relationship.  Thereafter, BERRY began working for an escort agency under Schenck’s supervision, often engaging in prostitution activities.  BERRY and Schenck travelled nationally engaging in their prostitution scheme, the proceeds of which Schenck required BERRY to give to him.  Schenck and BERRY often advertised on location-specific bulletin boards, social applications, and classified advertisement websites.  BERRY often used the alias “Desiree Knowles.”  When BERRY did not perform her role efficiently or effectively or otherwise failed to comply with Schenck’s direction, Schenck would threaten, slap, strike, beat, and choke BERRY.  

Thereafter, BERRY and Schenck’s enterprise evolved into one that involved meeting individuals online who were interested in companionship, arranging face-to-face interactions with them, and incapacitating them by giving them illegal drugs and prescription medication with neuro-suppressive side effects, including anti-psychotic medications, which the victims unknowingly ingested.  BERRY and Schenck would then steal the victims’ valuables. 

Between at least November 2015 and September 2017, Schenck and BERRY implemented the scheme on not fewer than fifty (50) occasions throughout the United States, including in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia.  Court documents detail incidents involving nine of the victims.  BERRY and Schenck were arrested at a hotel in Sandy Springs, Georgia, on September 13, 2017.  When law enforcement authorities found BERRY at the hotel, she was bleeding from her nose, had a swollen lip and puncture consistent with her teeth biting through her lip, and black electrical tape around one of her arms.

Among the victims was S.A., a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, whom BERRY met through a social media application on about February 24, 2017.  After exchanging text messages and phone calls, BERRY and S.A. agreed to meet at S.A.’s apartment.  Thereafter, Schenck dropped BERRY off at S.A.’s apartment.   While at S.A.’s apartment, BERRY placed drugs designed to incapacitate S.A., including multiple anti-psychotic medications, into S.A.’s beverages without his knowledge or authorization.  After S.A. lost consciousness, BERRY told R.S. that S.A. was incapacitated.  Thereafter, S.A.’s valuables, including his wallet, two cellular phones, his keys, and his 2012 Toyota Tacoma truck were stolen by R.S. and one or more co-conspirators.  On February 25, 2017, Schenck and BERRY used S.A.’s debit card to make multiple purchases in the New Orleans area.  Additionally, on February 25, 2017, detectives with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a wellness check at S.A.’s residence and found him to be deceased. 

Schenck was charged separately by a federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of Louisiana in February 2020 in a twelve-count indictment.  On May 10, 2022, Schenck pleaded guilty to two of the counts, charging him with interstate transportation and use of an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1952(a)(3) (Count 1), and wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 2 (Count 7).  Schenck was sentenced to 300 months (25 years) in prison on October 6, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter and the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s, EDLA Victim Witness staff members Brandi Calagna, Melissa Meunier and Brad Bordelon.  U.S. Attorney Evans also expressed appreciation for the support provided by numerous law enforcement agencies and private entities involved in the investigation, including the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Tucson (Arizona) Police Department, the Salt River (Arizona) Police Department, the Cobb County (Georgia) Police Department, the Sandy Springs (Georgia) Police Department, the Sacramento (California) Police Department, and Talking Stick Casino (Arizona).  Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, and Melissa Bücher were in charge of the prosecution.