Defense News: Surface Combat Systems Training Command Announces Headquarters Civilian of the Year

Source: United States Navy

Mr. Alesander “Alex” Alicea, a human resource liaison for SCSTC’s manpower and personnel department, N1, was selected for this high achievement.  Alicea was selected as Civilian of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2022 and has been part of the SCSTC team for one and a half years.
 
“Alex’s tireless efforts have enabled SCSTC to successfully execute the mission in the training and development of our Sailors,” said Capt. George A. Kessler, Jr., SCSTC’s commodore. “As a human resources liaison, Alicea shapes the workforce that molds Sailors and Officers into Combat Systems Warfighters across the Surface Force.”
 
Leading the Performance Awards Review Board (PARB) process, Alicea ensured that all actions were completed accurately and in a timely manner. He then led a team to analyze how to improve the performance process resulting in several developments that will be implemented in the next performance cycle.
 
He also completed over 250 Requests for Personnel Action and 100 new hiring actions. All were completed accurately and he even took time during the past holiday stand-down to ensure new employees were onboard and welcomed in the command. 
 
Alicea completely overhauled his department’s SharePoint portal as well. His efforts have led to greater transparency and efficiency in hiring and awarding actions.
 
“Recognizing our phenomenal civilian workforce for their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job,” said Mr. Brian Deters, SCSTC’s executive director.  “Alex is a superb example of the incredible team we have here and throughout the SCSTC domain. This is a significant achievement and I truly believe the biggest winner is our personnel because of the vital support they receive daily from Alex.”
 
Alicea’s supervisor, Mr. Chris Simmons, SCSTC’s manpower and personnel director, nominated him for the award.
 
“Alex’s commitment to the command is unwavering,” said Simmons. “He shows commitment and dedication in everything he does.  He has been recognized by the Naval Education and Training Command’s N1 team, Office of Civilian Human Resources, numerous human resources specialists, and his peers as a professional, caring, and thoughtful expert in his field. He completes all actions with a high degree of accuracy, he is self-motivated, and he is not afraid to engage at all levels to make a situation right for all involved parties. Alex has set the standard at SCSTC.”
 
Additionally, Alicea is the SCSTC N1 lead for one departmental and two cross-departmental’s Get Real Get Better (GRGB) projects as well. He continues to review related Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) products and processes and provides cogent and technical analysis. Alex’s recent enquiry has resulted in a complete overhaul of SCSTC’s training tracking process.  He also spearheads monthly lunch sessions for his team that help create a positive and encouraging working environment.
 
Outside the office, he is a pillar of the community.  Alicea is currently filling important leadership positions and volunteering numerous hours supporting his local veterans. He is a recognized officer with the Colonial Beach Moose Lodge 1267 and an active member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12202 and American Legion Post 148. 
 
“It is an honor to represent our civilian workforce at HQ,” said Alicea.  “As a HR professional, I really appreciate when leaders take time out of their hectic schedules to recognize our amazing personnel. I am grateful to be part of the SCSTC team.”
 
The criteria for SCSTC’s Headquarters Civilian of the Year Award includes superior service in support of the command and its mission, notable contributions to the training and development of Sailors, and demonstrated professionalism in his or her assigned duties.
 
Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) falls under the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).  As the owner of the Force Development pillar within MyNavy HR, NETC recruits, trains and delivers those who serve our nation, taking them from “street to fleet” by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat ready warfighters.
 
SCSTC is a training organization of over 6,500 staff and students across 12 global locations and implements culture of excellence and warrior toughness by building a Surface Warrior mindset to complement the technical and tactical skillsets of building the kill chain and closing the fire control loop. SCSTC delivers system and platform specific combat systems training to a growing surface Navy. SCSTC delivers training to over 35,000 U.S. Navy Sailors as well as 700 international Sailors from 22 partner nations annually.  Our overall mission is to train the fleet so that our Navy can fight and win! 
 
For information about the Surface Combat Systems Training Command, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/SCSTC    
 
Visit SCSTC on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/SurfaceCombatSystemsTrainingCommand
 
 

Former Correctional Officer Sentenced To 36 Months In Prison For Obstructing Investigation Into Smuggling Of Firearm Into Metropolitan Correctional Center

Source: United States Department of Justice News

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that GREG MCKENZIE, a former Bureau of Prisons correctional officer, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for obstructing a federal investigation into the smuggling of a firearm into the Metropolitan Correctional Center (“MCC”) by lying to federal investigators about using a prepaid cellphone to communicate secretly with Deejay White, the inmate who possessed the firearm in the MCC, and his wife Dawntiana White, who helped smuggle in the firearm.  The loaded firearm was recovered from inside the MCC on March 5, 2020.  MCKENZIE pled guilty before United States District Judge P. Kevin Castel on September 14, 2022.  Judge Castel sentenced MCKENZIE earlier today.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Greg McKenzie, a former correctional officer, obstructed an investigation into the smuggling of a firearm into the MCC that endangered the safety of inmates, prison staff, and the greater community.  By lying about his secret communications with the very inmate who possessed a firearm in the MCC and that inmate’s wife, who helped smuggle the firearm into the MCC, McKenzie thwarted a serious criminal investigation and sacrificed the integrity of the institution he swore to protect.  McKenzie’s sentence underscores this Office’s commitment to holding public servants accountable and ensuring that no one is above the law.”

According to the Indictment, public court filings, and statements made in court proceedings:

On or about March 5, 2020, a loaded .22 caliber firearm (the “Firearm”) was recovered from inside an MCC prison cell that had last been occupied by two inmates, including Deejay White.  Approximately five weeks earlier, on January 30, 2020, MCKENZIE purchased a prepaid cellphone (the “McKenzie Prepaid Cellphone”) and used it to communicate with Deejay White and his wife Dawntiana on multiple occasions on January 31, 2020, and February 1, 2020.  In addition, cellphone location information indicated that on the evening of January 31, 2020, MCKENZIE and Dawntiana each traveled to the same vicinity in the Bronx at about the same time, after which MCKENZIE drove to lower Manhattan and started a shift at the MCC at midnight.  MCKENZIE’s assignment for that shift was to work on the unit where Deejay was housed. 

Surveillance video and call detail records further established that, upon entering the MCC for his shift, MCKENZIE circumvented a metal detector.  Shortly after MCKENZIE’s shift began, Deejay White used a contraband cellphone to call and then text the McKenzie Prepaid Cellphone.  Within minutes, MCKENZIE returned to Deejay White’s cellblock – alone – while appearing to carry an object under his left arm. 

On July 23, 2021, Deejay White pled guilty to possessing the Firearm inside the MCC before Judge Castel, and on July 13, 2021, Dawntiana White pled guilty to conspiring to smuggle the Firearm into the MCC before U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla.

On November 4, 2021, two federal agents conducted a voluntary interview with MCKENZIE.  During the interview, MCKENZIE falsely denied ownership, possession, and use of the McKenzie Prepaid Cellphone, and falsely denied ever using any prepaid cellphone to communicate with an MCC inmate or inmate’s associate.   

*                *                *

In addition to his prison sentence, MCKENZIE, 35, of Danbury, Connecticut, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General, Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New York.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption and Narcotics Units.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aline R. Flodr, Jonathan E. Rebold, and Daniel H. Wolf are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Juliana N. Murray. 

Parkersburg Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Federal Drug and Gun Crimes

Source: United States Department of Justice News

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ashley Kawczynski, 32, of Parkersburg, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 5, 2022, law enforcement arrested Kawczynski at her Parkersburg residence after responding to a report that she was overheard threatening to kill her son. Officers searched the residence and found approximately 328 grams of methamphetamine, 164 grams of fentanyl, a Ruger Model LCP Max .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Springfield model Hellcat 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Kawczynski admitted that she possessed the controlled substances with the intent to distribute them, and possessed the firearms to protect herself, her drugs, and her drug proceeds. 

Officers had been investigating the drug trafficking activities of Kawczynski for several months. Kawczynski admitted that she conspired with others between February 2022 and July 5, 2022, to distribute fentanyl, and sold fentanyl on four occasions to a confidential informant in April and May, 2022. 

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, and the West Virginia State Police.

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-160.

###

 

 

Enfield Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy

Source: United States Department of Justice News

             CONCORD, N.H. –United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced that Gary Sewell, 41, previously of Enfield, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for participating in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. 

             According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendants were involved in a conspiracy to ship methamphetamine from Arizona to New Hampshire.  In May of 2019, Drug Enforcement Administration agents were alerted to suspicious parcels sent from Sewell and co-defendant Heather Dubeau in Arizona to two different addresses in New Hampshire.  Investigators obtained a warrant to open the packages and found that one contained over 336 grams of methamphetamine and the other contained over 665 grams of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was intended for further distribution. 

            All of Sewell’s co-defendants previously pleaded guilty. Andrew Hutchins pleaded guilty on May 5, 2022, and was sentenced on August 30, 2022.  Dubeau pleaded guilty on May 4, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 16, 2023.  Eli Margolis pleaded guilty on May 27, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 16, 2023.  Chad Rombow pleaded guilty on January 26, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 21, 2023. Dylan Miles pleaded guilty on February 15, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 27, 2023. 

            “The distribution of methamphetamine is a major concern in the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “We will be aggressive in our efforts to address the public safety issues presented by this dangerous drug.” 

            U.S. Attorney Jane Young stated after the conviction:  “The defendant actively engaged in a conspiracy to ship methamphetamine from Arizona to New Hampshire, such conduct will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted.”

            This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anna Krasinski. 

###

California Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking in California and New Hampshire

Source: United States Department of Justice News

             CONCORD –Robert Perez, Jr., 33, of Perris, California pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in California and New Hampshire, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in late-2020 or early 2021, Perez conspired with individuals in California and New Hampshire to ship a total of approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine through the U.S. Postal Service from California to several individuals in New Hampshire for distribution. In August 2022, United States Drug Enforcement agents from New Hampshire travelled to Riverside, California, and arrested Perez, Jr. Thereafter, Perez, Jr. appeared before a federal magistrate judge in the Central District of California and was ordered detained pending his transfer to New Hampshire.

            Perez, Jr. is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2023.

            This matter was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Nashua, New Hampshire Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis.

            This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

###