|
| This thread has been locked, it will not receive new replies. |
|
Locked on 01/02/2008 8:57:28 PM PST by Religion Moderator, reason:
New thread: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1947527/posts |
Posted on 12/01/2007 8:47:13 PM PST by nwctwx
|
http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071206/NATION/112060084/1001
“Iraqi officers go missing in U.S.”
By Sara A. Carter
December 6, 2007
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Intelligence officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, say nearly a dozen Iraqis fled military training facilities in the U.S., including a brigadier general who went to Canada with his family earlier this year.
Army officials yesterday confirmed that five Iraqi military personnel whom the Army had been training disappeared between 2005 and 2007. They did not know how many other Iraqis sponsored by the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy may have done the same.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071206/FOREIGN/112060042/1003
“Nuke disclosure still incomplete”
By Nicholas Kralev
December 6, 2007
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “North Korea is still balking at disclosing all of its nuclear materials and capabilities in a declaration expected by year’s end, the chief U.S. negotiator with the reclusive state said yesterday.”
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/Read.aspx?GUID=05C3A84A-5F6A-4765-AB93-21970F81F40D
“Fatwa Fraud?”
By Patrick Poole
FrontPageMagazine.com | Thursday, December 06, 2007
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2373832
TERRORISM FOCUS
“The Two Faces of Salafism in Azerbaijan”
By Anar Valiyev
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1935508/posts
#
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1196847266369&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Dec 6, 2007 9:29 | Updated Dec 6, 2007 12:38
“’US nuclear report based on notes of Iranian officials’”
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=mcdonalds
#
Note: The following text is a quote:
https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=76604
YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Lebanon Private Sector Threat
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Middle East / N. Africa - Lebanon
4 Dec 2007
Printer Friendly Email Article
RELATED REPORTS
26 Nov 2007
TRAVEL WARNING: LEBANON
16 Nov 2007
WARDEN MESSAGE: LEBANON ELECTION-RELATED POTENTIAL FOR VIOLENCE, DEMONSTRATIONS
17 Oct 2007
TRAVEL WARNING: LEBANON
24 Sep 2007
WARDEN MESSAGE: LEBANON ONGOING CONCERNS
10 Jul 2007
SURVEY RESULTS: LEBANON BENCHMARKING
U.S. Embassy Beirut issued the following Warden Message on December 4, 2007:
The U.S. Embassy has learned that extremist organizations may be plotting an attack against the McDonald’s restaurant franchise in the area of Sidon in the near future. U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise added vigilance when near this establishment and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
The Embassy continues to limit the movement of its own personnel in Lebanon and reminds American citizens to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. American citizens should also carefully assess the need to visit popular gathering spots or other public places where large numbers of people gather.
Americans living or traveling in Lebanon are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Lebanon. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
The U.S. Embassy is located in Awkar, near Antelias, Beirut, Lebanon. Public access hours for American citizens are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. However, American citizens who require emergency services outside of these hours may contact the Embassy by telephone at any time. The telephone numbers are (961-4) 542-600, 543-600, and fax 544-209. Website: http://lebanon.usembassy.gov. The Arabic language website is: http://arabic.lebanon.usembassy.gov/.
For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department’s web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and other Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=76600
YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
“Warden Message: Damascus Residential Security Notice”
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Middle East / N. Africa - Syria
5 Dec 2007
https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=76603
YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
“Warden Message: DRC North Kivu Province Travel Deferrment Urged”
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Sub-Saharan Africa - Congo (Democratic Republic)
5 Dec 2007
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Thu Dec 06 2007 03:31:22 GMT-0800 (PST).
Worldwide Caution
October 09, 2007
PERSECUTION.ORG
http://www.persecution.org
I don't either, but Israel has very strict gun laws. I believe West Bank residents would be allowed a rifle and a handgun, one of each. Possible they're simply enforcing that law, though the timing is odd.
Thank you for the feedback.
I appreciate it.
Hi tmp02.
UPDATE:
This subject was not the shooter.
http://danielfaulkner.com/index.html
“DANIEL FAULKNER”
#
New Book:
“Murdered by Mumia: A Life Sentence of Loss, Pain, and Injustice”
by Maureen Faulkner and Michael A. Smerconish
December 5, 2007
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2007/December/07_crm_970.html
Two Foreign Nationals Arrested for Smuggling
East Africans to the United States
WASHINGTON – Two foreign nationals have been arrested on charges of conspiracy and alien smuggling in connection with their roles in smuggling East Africans to the United States, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Taylor for the District of Columbia, and Assistant Secretary Julie L. Myers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced today.
Mohammed Kamel Ibrahim, a.k.a. “Hakim,” 26, a native of Ghana and naturalized citizen of Mexico, and Sampson Lovelace Boateng, a.k.a. “Pastor,” 53, are charged in a 28-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia on Oct. 31, 2007, and unsealed today. Ibrahim was detained on a provisional arrest warrant this morning by Mexican authorities in Mexico City in response to a U.S. government request for his arrest and extradition. Boateng, Ibrahim’s co-defendant, was arrested at Miami International Airport on Nov. 5, 2007, after arriving on a commercial airline flight from Belize. Boateng had his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge John M. Facciola in Washington, D.C. He is being held without bond.
According to the indictment, Ibrahim operated an alien-smuggling organization based in Mexico City that had been moving aliens, primarily East Africans, to the United States through Mexico since at least 2005. Beginning in June 2006 and continuing through February 2007, Ibrahim worked with Boateng, a Belize-based alien smuggler and document provider, and others to smuggle unauthorized aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain.
The indictment alleges that Ibrahim and various co-conspirators recruited East African aliens who wished to be smuggled into the United States in exchange for money. Ibrahim worked through Boateng and others to fraudulently procure various foreign travel documents, such as Mexican visas, that enabled aliens to travel through Africa, South America, and Central America en route to the United States. Using the fraudulently obtained Mexican visas, East African aliens traveled into Mexico City, where they were met by Ibrahim and his associates. After housing the aliens for several days or weeks in Mexico City, Ibrahim and his associates smuggled the aliens into the United States through various means, including by storing the aliens for more than twelve hours at a time in the luggage compartments of buses traveling north to the United States border.
“The Department of Justice is committed to aggressively prosecuting individuals who undermine our national security and seek to profit off of the movement of illegal aliens through our borders,” said Assistant Attorney General Fisher. “These arrests underscore the strong partnerships we have within the law enforcement community both in the United States and abroad.”
“Alien smuggling rings such as this one threaten our national security by thwarting the country’s efforts to control lawful immigration and secure our borders,” stated U.S. Attorney Taylor. “Smugglers also prey on desperate persons from around the world and, as happened here, expose those persons to the risk of great physical harm. The charges announced today are an example of the commitment of the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to combating human smuggling.”
“Criminal smuggling organizations earn millions of dollars through the ruthless exploitation of illegal aliens,” said Julie L. Myers, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for ICE. “I’m proud of the international cooperation between ICE agents and our law enforcement partners in Mexico and Belize that culminated in these arrests. By attacking these organized criminal networks in a comprehensive way, we are shutting down vulnerabilities in our country and in theirs.”
If convicted, Ibrahim and Boateng face a maximum five years in prison for conspiracy and 10 years in prison for each violation of encouraging and inducing aliens to come to the United States for profit. In addition, the maximum penalty for bringing aliens to the United States for profit is 10 years for a first or second violation, and 15 years for any other violation. They are also subject to fines of $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by ICE in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. International support and coordination was provided by the ICE Attaché in Mexico City. Valuable assistance was provided by the Diplomatic Security Office of the U.S. Embassy and the DEA Attaché Office in Belize. Mexican and Belizean authorities also provided substantial support.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Brian Rogers of the Domestic Security Section of the Department of Justice and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Bratt of the District of Columbia. Valuable support was provided by Attorneys Mary Ann Snow and Patricia Petty of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.
###
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txs/releases/December%202007/071203Gawasmmah.htm
Dec. 3 , 2007
FORMER STORE OWNER SENTENCED FOR IMPORTING AND DISTRIBUTING COUNTERFEIT DRUGS
(HOUSTON, Texas) – The former owner of RU Sophisticated clothing store has been sentenced to prison for conspiring to import and distribute counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today.
Mohammad Gawasmmah, 40, was sentenced Fri., Nov. 30, 2007, by U.S. District Judge Melinda Harmon to 20 months imprisonment for aiding and abetting the importation and distribution of counterfeit and misbranded Viagra and Cialis. Both pharmaceutical drugs, Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and Cialis by Eli Lilly Company. Indicted in January 2007, Gawasmmah pleaded guilty in May 2007.
Special Agents with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an investigation producing evidence proving that in July 2005, Gawasmmah traveled to China to purchase general merchandise for RU Sophisticated, a store he operated on Harwin Drive in Houston. While in China, Gawasmmah met and negotiated with several individuals who offered to sell him counterfeit Viagra and Cialis tablets, and imported the counterfeit pharmaceuticals in a general merchandise container. The loose counterfeit Viagra and Cialis tablets were packaged in plastic bags along with bottles and counterfeit labeling. Once the container arrived in Houston, the tablets were then placed in bottles and the counterfeit labeling was affixed to the bottles. Beginning in November 2005 and continuing through June 13, 2006, Gawasmmah directed Fayez Aledous, an indicted co-conspirator, to make deliveries of the counterfeit drugs to an individual who, in actuality, was an undercover agent.
The investigation lead to the discovery of a self-storage unit leased by Gawasmmah, also on Harwin Drive in Houston. The execution of a search warrant at the unit resulted in the seizure of approximately 45,000 counterfeit Viagra tablets and 15,000 counterfeit Cialis tablets. Aledous has also pleaded guilty to multiple counts arising from the scheme and is serving a 21-month prison term.
Gawasmmah must also serve a three-year term of supervised release once his prison terms is completed.
This case was investigated by DHS, ICE and the FDA and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samuel Louis.
###
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txs/releases/December%202007/071204HernandezandBanegas.htm
Dec. 4 , 2007
“TWO ALIENS IN POSSESSION OF FIREARMS CONVICTED”
(HOUSTON, Texas) -
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txs/releases/December%202007/071206HPL.htm
Dec. 6 , 2007
HPL GANG LEADER AND OTHERS FOUND GUILTY
(MCALLEN, Texas) – Jesus Espinoza, 29, leader of the Hermanos Pistoleros Latinos (HPL) gang, was found guilty along with several others in association with home invasion, carjacking and other drug-related crimes, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. A federal Jury returned its verdict at the conclusion of the seven-day trial, Dec. 4, 2007.
The investigation began after McAllen police received a tip claiming a group of men were planning to commit a home invasion. On July 17, 2006, McAllen police went to the house located at the corner of 2nd Street and Gardenia where an officer witnessed a black Lincoln Navigator park across the street from the house. He then saw several vehicles arrive, with men entering and exiting the house with packages and putting them into the vehicles. A McAllen officer made a traffic stop on the black Lincoln Navigator and identified the driver, Daniel Sustaita, 27, and passenger, Abel Marquez, 26. Other officers attempted to make a traffic stop on a red mini-van which fled. A high speed chase ensued until the mini-van crashed in Pharr, Texas, where officers found several handguns, bullet-proof vests, masks and 15 kilograms of cocaine. Officers then arrested Jose Antonio Gomez, 37, David Flores Jr., 26, and Juan Vallejo Jr., 27.
The investigation later revealed the individuals involved in this home invasion belonged to two separate groups, each headed by Espinoza and Jose Isidro Jimenez, 27, respectively. The evidence presented during the trial showed Sustaita and Marquez were the individuals who told Jimenez that a large amount of cocaine was being stored at the house in McAllen. Jimenez had numerous contacts with individuals who either knew where drugs were being stored or when drugs were being transported by vehicles. These two groups would collaborate because Espinoza and his gang members were always ready and able to break down doors at gunpoint to steal drugs. Further, Espinoza had numerous contacts with individuals who bought drugs; therefore, was able to quickly sell the stolen drugs. The evidence presented during this trial showed Espinoza is the head of the HPL gang in the Rio Grande Valley and that before any of his gang members would commit these types of crimes, they must get permission and authorization from him. Furthermore, the evidence showed Espinoza also sold the stolen drugs.
During the investigation, agents learned these groups had committed several other home invasions and carjackings. On June 5, 2006, several men broke into an apartment complex in Mission, Texas, at gunpoint and demanded cocaine from the husband and wife occupying the apartment. These men pistol-whipped the husband and put a gun to the wife’s head. When they were unable to find any drugs, they took several items including the man’s pick-up truck. The investigation revealed Jimenez received a tip that several kilograms of cocaine were being stored at that apartment. On June 23, 2006, several men, at gunpoint, took two occupants out of a pick-up truck, reportedly because Jimenez received a tip that it was carrying cocaine. When officers found the truck abandoned nearby, they found a package containing approximately seven kilograms of cocaine. Cruz Villegas, 23, was the driver of the Jeep Cherokee that followed the pick-up truck to McAllen, stopped it behind the truck and allowed his passengers to get out and take the pick-up truck at gunpoint.
During the prosecution of this case 16 individuals were indicted. Espinoza, Sustaita, Marquez and Villegas proceeded to trial and were found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and to knowingly using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Furthermore, Espinoza, Sustaita and Marquez were found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine in relation to the McAllen home invasion, while Espinoza and Villegas were found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine in relation to the McAllen carjacking. Espinoza was also found guilty of attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine in relation to the Mission home invasion. Gomez, Flores, Vallejo, Jimenez, along with Jaime Alberto Saavedra, 28, Robert Ortega Martinez, 27, Rolando Garcia, 30, have pleaded guilty to the charges related to the McAllen home invasion. Edurando Ontiveros Trevino, 37, and Gerardo Gomez-Garcia, 30, pleaded guilty to the Mission home invasion; while Victor Marquez-Reyes, 28, an illegal alien, pleaded guilty to the McAllen carjacking. These 14 defendants are in federal custody.
Ricardo Villegas and Baudel Armando Balderas, both United States citizens from Mission, Texas, were also indicted and are fugitives reportedly involved in all three crimes in addition to another home invasion Oct. 2, 2006, in Mission where they allegedly stole 160 kilograms of marijuana at gunpoint. Warrants remain pending for their arrest. The public is reminded that an indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence, and these two defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. If anyone has information as to the whereabouts of these two individuals, please contact the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in McAllen at 956-992-8400.
Espinoza, Sustaita, Abel, Marquez, and Villegas are facing a term of a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and a five-year term of supervised release. Gomez, Flores and Vallejo are scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 26, 2008, while Saavedra Martinez, Garcia, Trevino, Gomez-Garcia and Marquez-Reyes are scheduled for Feb.12, 2008, and Jimenez will be sentenced Jan.17, 2008. The remaining four defendants are expected to be sentenced in February 2008.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Texas Department of Public Safety and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anibal J. Alaniz.
###
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.ice.gov/pi/news/newsreleases/articles/071206nyc.htm
ICE arrests 22 sex offenders in New York City operation
More than 10,000 child predators and sex offenders arrested nationwide and more than 700 in the New York area
NEW YORK, NY - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the New York City Department of Probation today announced the arrests of 22 child predators and criminal alien sex offenders in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan. Today’s initiative is a part of the on-going Operation Predator initiative and a national priority for ICE.
All of those arrested today were on probation in New York City for prior felony or misdemeanor convictions for sex crimes including rape, sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, endangering the welfare of a child, sodomy and promoting prostitution. The youngest victim was a six year old girl and one of the victims was a 15 year old boy.
Those arrested today include:
A citizen of Italy was arrested by the New York City Police Department and charged with sexual misconduct, criminal sexual act, sex abuse & endangering the welfare of a child. He was convicted of criminal sexual act and sentenced to six months imprisonment and 10 years probation. The victim was a fifteen year old boy.
A citizen of Trinidad and Tobago was arrested by the New York City Police Department and charged with rape, sexual misconduct and endangering the welfare of a minor. He was convicted of rape. He was sentenced to 10 years probation. The victim was his 13 year old female neighbor.
A citizen of Ecuador was arrested by the New York City Police Department and charged with rape, criminal sex act & endangering the welfare of a child. He was convicted of rape and sentenced to 10 years probation. The victim was a twelve year old girl.
“ICE is committed to insuring the public safety of our communities and we will not tolerate the actions of sexual predators and those who threaten the welfare of our children,” said New York ICE Acting Special Agent in Charge Salvatore Dalessandro. “If you are preying on our children, we are going to find you; and if you are not a U.S. citizen, we will deport you. We will continue to partner with New York City Probation and other law enforcement agencies to this end.”
NYC Probation Commissioner Martin F. Horn said, “In our view, the sex offenders turned over to ICE today do not deserve to remain in this country. The taxpayers should not be asked to pay for the supervision of people who come here from other countries and commit appalling crimes. When they are deported, New York City will be a safer place for everyone. We welcome the opportunity to work once again with ICE in this important endeavor.”
Today’s arrests included citizens of the following countries: Burma, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, India, Italy, Jamaica, Korea, Mexico, Poland and Trinidad. Non-citizen sex offenders are subject to administrative removal from the U.S. by ICE. Eleven of the aliens were in the country illegally and 11were legal permanent residents. ICE agents transported the aliens to an ICE detention facility where they will be detained and placed into removal proceedings. All will have the opportunity to have their cases heard before an Immigration Judge.
ICE’s Operation Predator protects children by investigating and presenting for prosecution pedophiles, Internet predators, human traffickers, international sex tourists and other predatory criminals. Since Operation Predator was launched in July, 2003, ICE agents have arrested more than 10,000 child predators and sex offenders nationwide. Since July, 2003, there have been more than 700 child predator and sex offender arrests in the New York area.
ICE has a toll-free number for the public to provide leads to its enforcement team on any violations, including tips about child pornography, child sex offenders and others preying on children. The toll-free number (1-866-DHS-2ICE) is monitored 24 hours a day by officers at the ICE Law Enforcement Support Center. For more information on Operation Predator, please visit the ICE website at www.ice.gov.
— ICE —
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
