Month: June 2023

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District Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Drug and Gun Offenses

Source: United States Department of Justice News

            WASHINGTON – Demetrius Green, 33, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for gun and drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge is Craig B. Kailimai, and Interim Chief Ashan Benedict, of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            Green was convicted, on December 14, 2022, after a one-week jury trial, of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person (previous conviction for a term of imprisonment exceeding one year) and three counts of unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (including crack cocaine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone).

            According to the evidence, on January 20, 2020, at approximately 4:45 a.m., Green, a twice convicted felon, stepped onto the back porch of 917 Wahler Place, Southeast, in Washington, D.C., and fired a machinegun into the air. The Metropolitan Police Department (“MPD”) quickly responded and knocked on both the back and front door, but the individual inside refused to come out. MPD officers gathered the spent shell casings from the back porch and obtained pole camera footage from a camera that had been installed days earlier to monitor suspected drug trafficking and violence in the area. The pole camera captured Green stepping onto the back porch and firing off a weapon at 4:45 a.m, and then stepping onto the same back porch on at least two occasions later that morning. After reviewing this footage, law enforcement returned that evening with a search warrant.

            As the warrant was executed, Green attempted to run out the back door, but was stopped and arrested. From inside the residence, MPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) recovered approximately $30,000 of drugs (including 33 zips of crack cocaine, 288 hydromorphone pills, and 700 oxycodone pills), drug paraphernalia, and a machinegun that forensically matched the five spent shell casings that MPD had recovered from the back porch. Green was the only individual inside the residence. Several of Green’s ID cards were found merely feet away from the crack and the machinegun, and Green appeared to be the only person living in what the Government’s expert witness testified was a quintessential “stash house,” where controlled substances were stored in order to be sold to the public.

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Kailimai, and Interim Chief Benedict commended the work of the detectives and patrol officers of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Seventh District, and agents and experts from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  They also expressed appreciation to those who prosecuted the case Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Henek from the office’s Violence Reduction and Trafficking offenses section and Gilead Light from the Federal Major Crimes section.

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Man Convicted of $54M Bribery and Kickback Scheme Involving Fraudulent Prescriptions

Source: United States Department of Justice News

A federal jury convicted a Florida man for his role in a $54 million bribery and kickback scheme involving TRICARE, a federal program that provides health insurance benefits to active duty and retired service members and their families. 

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, David Byron Copeland, 55, of Tallahassee, was a part-owner and senior sales manager at Florida Pharmacy Solutions (FPS), a Florida-based pharmacy that specialized in compounded prescription drugs. Copeland, along with his accomplices, engaged in a practice known as “test billing” to develop the most expensive combination of compounded drugs to maximize reimbursement from TRICARE. Copeland and his accomplices targeted physicians who treated TRICARE beneficiaries and paid bribes and kickbacks to physicians and salespeople to encourage the referral of prescriptions to FPS. The bribes included lavish hunting trips and expensive dinners. In addition, Copeland and his accomplices used “blanket letters of authorization” that allowed FPS to modify the prescription components to make them more profitable.   

Copeland and his sales representatives were paid millions of dollars in kickbacks based on a percentage of the amount that TRICARE reimbursed for their prescriptions, which provided an incentive to seek prescriptions for the most expensive compounded drugs possible, including pain and scar creams. Copeland facilitated the kickbacks through companies he set up to receive and funnel the payments. From late 2012 through mid-2015, FPS billed TRICARE over $54 million for its compounded pharmaceuticals.   

The jury convicted Copeland of two counts of soliciting and receiving illegal health care kickbacks and three counts of offering and paying illegal health care kickbacks. The jury acquitted Copeland of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive illegal health care kickbacks. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 14. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each kickback count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Two other men, James Wesley Moss, the former chief executive officer of FPS, and Michael Gordon, a former FPS sales representative, previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme and are awaiting sentencing.

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Darrin K. Jones of the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DOD-OIG), Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Southeast Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Omar Perez of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office; Special Agent in Charge David Spilker of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG), Southeast Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge David Walker of the FBI Tampa Field Office made the announcement.

The DOD-OIG, HHS-OIG, VA-OIG, and FBI investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Devon Helfmeyer, Katie Rookard, and Clayton Solomon of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

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

Source: United States Navy

Awardees, family members, and staff gathered at the Pentagon Auditorium in
Washington, DC.  Mr. Frederick J. Stefany, ASN (RD&A) Acting, personally recognized top scientists and engineers from across the Department of the Navy (DON) and highlighted their incredible accomplishments.

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 inspire 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  ten years of cumulative experience), Emergent Scientists, Individual Engineers, Individual Scientists, Group of Scientists and Engineers from a single command, and Group of Scientists and 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 2023 are:

EMERGENT ENGINEERS

·Dr. Jacob D. Dennis, NAWC Weapons Division
·Improved critical elements of the airframe, air inlet, combustor, and other vital flight components for the Navy’s Supersonic Propulsion-Enabled Advanced Ramjet (SPEAR) project
·Mr. David I. Foster, NSWC Carderock Division

·Developed the baseline Acoustic Trials Measurement System 4 noise-floor requirements, supporting acoustic signature evaluation of the Navy’s newest ballistic missile submarine, USS COLUMBIA
·Mr. Christopher Linko, NAVAIR
·Led several tasks to increase windshield and canopy readiness across the
fleet by approximately 43%, which has had a positive impact on overall
F/A-18 A-F and EA-18G readiness

EMERGENT SCIENTISTS

·Dr. Jeffrey B. Bolkhovsky, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
·Developed wearable-based technologies to track cognitive readiness
during fatigue and cold stress
·Dr. Sophie M. Colston, Naval Research Laboratory
·Developed and demonstrated point-of-need DNA sequencing to support
near real-time situational assessments relevant to pathogen identification,
envenomation risks, and Navy-relevant environmental conditions
·Dr. Carlos M. Torres Jr., NIWC Pacific
·Demonstrated for the first time a rapid-prototyping setup in electronic and
optoelectronic properties of two-dimensional (2D) and quantum materials

INDIVIDUAL ENGINEERS

·Mr. Robert B. Adamson, Naval Research Laboratory
·Provided technical innovation and leadership in the development and maturation of the Communications-as-a-Service (CaaS) software-based network routing capability for tactical and other Naval systems requiring high-assurance delivery of mission-critical data
·Dr. Kenan L. Cole, Naval Research Laboratory
·Developed, fabricated, and field-tested four unique electronic attack systems across five major field tests
·Ms. Victoria L. Kelly, PEO Integrated Warfare Systems
·Led the integration, testing, and installation of AEGIS Baseline 10.0, which
interfaces with the Navy’s most advanced radar, to provide an integrated
combat system for DDG 51 Flight III destroyers
·Mr. Michael A. Klapp, MARCORSYSCOM
·Led the design, integration, and demonstration test efforts of the Medium Range Intercept Capability to modernize the United States Marine Corps Warfighting Concepts of counter-cruise missile capability
·Mr. Gerritt E. Lang, NAVFAC EXWC

·Recognized the lack of a standard and consistent methodology for assessing the strength of critical waterfront facility components as they age, specifically mooring bollards
·Mr. Kristian T. Palaoro, NIWC Atlantic
· Aided the establishment of processes for the adoption and implementation of the Data Analytics Platform
·Mr. Christopher Scrapper, Jr., NIWC Pacific
·Established a novel framework for disaggregated systems-of-systems and emerging long-range weapon systems across the kill web
·CDR Robert J. Smith, PEO Integrated Warfare Systems
·Integrated the Navy’s most advanced ship radar system with a new combat system baseline and upgraded ship hull, mechanical, and electrical systems

INDIVIDUAL SCIENTISTS

·Dr. Keegan P. Delaney, NSWC Carderock Division
·Advanced predictive signature technology and the development of novel tools within the Navy
·Ms. Kathleen B. Hickey, NIWC Pacific
·Generated a ten-fold increase in the throughput of target processing, enabling target identification in a manner that did not exist prior to her engagement
·Mr. Aaron G Meldrum, NAWC Aircraft Division
·Accelerated the iteration time for algorithm improvement in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
·Dr. Richard D. Tatum, NSWC Panama City Division
·Developed mathematical theory and selection approach to design advanced autonomous systems

GROUP AWARDS

Atlantic Thunder 22 Hulk Data & Battle Damage Assess, NSWC CD/ NIWC PAC
·Dr. Ken F. Nahshon
·Mr. Michael A. Kipp
·Dr. Mark Bilinski
·Ensured the success of the inaugural U.S. Sixth Fleet Sink Exercise
FlexDAR, NRL
·Mr. Gregory C. Tavik
·Mr. Mark A. Busse
·Mr. James B. Evins

·Ms. Winjoy Cheung
·Mr. Clifford W. Owen
·Developed and demonstrated advanced distributed radar technology with the Flexible Distributed Array Radar (FlexDAR) testbed NAWCAD CARGO TEAM V-22 BLUE CRAYON EFFORT, NAWC Aircraft Division
·Ms. Michele L. Hoefer
·Mr. Cory J. Kopa
·Mr. Bryan M. LaRochelle
·Mr. David W. Hamm
·Mr. Steven J. Karsky
·Developed critical engineering requirements and production of prototypes that enabled the demonstration of anti-submarine warfare capabilities delivered from the V-22 platform Project Link RDT&E Team, NAWC Training Systems Division
·Dr. Michael W. Natali
·Mr. Rocco Portoghese
·Dr. Benito Graniela
·Developed, built, and tested the Navy’s first T-45C Mixed Reality (MR) prototype simulator Squirrelworks, NIWC Atlantic
·Mr. Joseph F. Koets
·Mr. Joseph W. Mills
·Mr. John E. Cutter
·Mr. Michael G. Smith
·Mr. Marcus J. McDonald
·Created an autonomous Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare (EMW) force multiplier capability in the Navy Phantom Shadow program STAFAC-AMFIP Critical Design Team, NSWC Carderock Division
·Mr. Keith J. Hertel
·Mr. Craig A. Nielsen
·Mr. Todd A. Eklund
·Mrs. Teresa Dukek
·Mrs. Lilimar A. Ruhlmann
·Developed an acoustic signature measurement system with capabilities of greater magnitude than current technology Cross-Doman Autonomy and Sensing Team (CAST), NAWC AD / NSWC CD
·Mr. Derek M. Alley
·Mr. Donald J. Cooper

·Mr. Stephen W. Balinski
·Dr. Matthew B. Greytak
·Mr. Benjamin C. Gordon
·Collaborated to deploy a state-of-the-art laser imaging sensor using unmanned, autonomous platforms Electronic Warfare Adaptive Training, NAWCTSD / NUWC NP
·Mr. Marc-Andre M. Prince
·Mrs. Alice E. Henry
·Dr. Wendi L. Van Buskirk
·Dr. Jason E. Hochreiter
·Dr. Bradford L. Schroeder
·Developed and successfully integrated the Electronic Warfare Adaptive Trainer (EWAT) into the BLQ-10 tactical system to provide an on-board training system for submarine EW Operators Navy Modern Service Delivery (MSD) Team, NIWC LANT, PEO Digital
·Mr. Justin M. Fanelli
·Mr. Darren R. Turner
·Mr. Bradley C. Punch
·Mr. Michael J. Day
·Mr. Kristopher R. Halvorson
·Delivered Modern Service Delivery construct and solutions in both the pilot and deployment phases across the Department of the Navy The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition serves as the Navy Service Acquisition Executive (SAE). ASN(RD&A) has the authority, responsibility, and accountability for all acquisition functions and programs and for enforcement of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment procedures. The Assistant Secretary represents the Department of the Navy to USD (A&S) and 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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Defense News: The Department of the Navy Announces Correction to Records of the ‘Philadelphia 15’

Source: United States Navy

“This simply was the right decision,” said Parker. “I believe acknowledging and addressing past injustice only makes us stronger, because it brings us ever closer to the ideals upon which our nation was founded.”

The ‘Philadelphia 15’ were fifteen African-American Sailors assigned to USS Philadelphia who, in October 1940, authored a letter published in the Pittsburgh Courier describing the racial discrimination, abuse, and inability to advance into other, higher-ranking positions. They urged African-American mothers not to let their sons join the Navy and were subsequently discharged because of the letter with “bad conduct discharges,” or “undesirable” charges.

After thorough review of the case by leadership within the DON, it was deemed appropriate and necessary to correct the record and upgrade the discharges of these Sailors.

“The record contained evidence that suggested the race of these sailors may have been a factor that impermissibly motivated some of the decisions made by the Navy regarding these sailors,” said Bobby Hogue, Principal Deputy ASN M&RA. “That was enough for me to initiate the case.”

If any family members of the Philadelphia 15 would like to reach out to the DON for future notifications on the topic or more information, please reach out to PTGN_CHINFOnewsdesk@navy.mil or 703-697-5342.

Members of the Philadelphia 15:

Ernest Bosley, Arval Perry Cooper, Shannon Goodwin, Theodore Hansbrough, Byron Johnson, Floyd Owens, John Ponder, James Ponder, James Porter, George Rice, Otto Robinson, Floyd St. Clair, Fred Tucker, Robert Turner, Jesse Watford

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Defense News: U.S. Navy Hosts French Marine Nationale, Holds Bilateral Strategic Dialogue

Source: United States Navy

In keeping with the U.S. Navy’s focus on fostering strong relationships with allies and partners, the U.S. Navy and French Marine Nationale enacted a Strategic Interoperability Framework (SIF) in December 2021 with the goal of enhancing high-end warfighting interoperability. The framework divides interoperability into four warfighting functions (surface, undersea, air, and special operations) and two combat support functions (assured communications/data exchange and naval logistics). A priority for both US and French Heads of Navy, the framework aims to give Fleet commanders additional operational flexibility during competition, crisis or conflict, preparing partners to operate together.

Citing the criticality of partnership in the U.S. Navy’s strategic role in pursuing peace and stability, Vice Adm. Black reflected on his experience working with allies overseas.

“I enjoyed working hand-in-hand with our French Marine Nationale partners and friends” said Black. “I have had the honor of sailing alongside our French allies many times, and I am always impressed with their professionalism and skill, which they put on full display during several recent NATO exercises. As we continue to collaborate, I look forward to growing our ability to work together to meet shared challenges.”

Rear Adm. Rey noted recent successes of the partnership in action, including the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) that deployed alongside France’s Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group as part of a cooperative deployment from November 2022 to March 2023. The deployment included operations in the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean, demonstrating the uniqueness and scope of the relationship. Rey also commented on the benefits of the SIF in enabling more advanced interoperability objectives for future deployments to the Pacific.

“I thank our U.S. Navy friends for the continued partnership,” said Rey. “Our forces continue to operate shoulder to shoulder, as they have for centuries. Dialogues like the one we had today enable mutual understanding and make us even more capable and ready to accomplish any mission we set out to complete.”

France is America’s oldest ally, dating back to 1781 when France supported the U.S. during the Revolutionary War. In the years since, the strong bond between the two allies has matured, continuing a long-standing tradition of exceptional military partnership.

The leaders will convene again next year for a Strategic Dialogue in France. For more information on the SIF, see: https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2878786/navy-french-marine-nationale-sign-strategic-interoperability-framework/.

The Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5) is the principal advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on Navy strategies, plans and policies, including planning and coordinating the global employment of naval forces.