White Bear First Nation — Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes investigating suspicious death

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On December 3, 2024 at approximately 2:30 a.m., Carlyle RCMP received a report of an injured individual at a residence on White Bear First Nation.

Officers immediately responded and located a deceased adult male. The adult male has been identified as a 33-year-old from Coronach. His family has been notified.

The death is considered suspicious and Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes took carriage of the investigation.

Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes is asking anyone with information to report it immediately to local police by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Investigators advise there will be an increased police presence on White Bear First Nation for an undetermined amount of time.

We are unable to provide additional information about this investigation at this time. Updates will be provided when available. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.

Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms nurse earns RADM Elizabeth S. Niemyer Award for advancing patient safety

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Lt. Cmdr. Joseph “Joey” Biddix, a perioperative nurse and Division Officer of the Sterile Processing Department at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms (NHTP) from June 2022 to June 2023, has been honored with a 1st place finish in the Navy Nurse Corps’ RADM Elizabeth S. Niemyer Award for Evidence-Based Practice. His award-winning project, Tackling Intraoperative Hypothermia: Implementing a Prewarming Protocol at a Remote Military Treatment Facility, showcased the successful implementation of a prewarming protocol at NHTP, beginning in June 2023.

The RADM Elizabeth S. Niemyer Award celebrates Navy nurses who significantly enhance the nursing profession through evidence-based practice (EBP) projects. Winners are recognized for their dedication to improving clinical outcomes, advancing professional nursing practices, and prioritizing patient care. Biddix’s achievement exemplifies the impact of applying research to real-world challenges in military healthcare settings.

Intraoperative Hypothermia (IH), defined as a drop in core body temperature below 36°C during surgery, poses a significant risk to patient safety. It can lead to adverse outcomes such as increased bleeding, heightened risk of surgical site infections, and worsened postoperative pain. While standard warming measures like Bair Hugger devices and warmed intravenous fluids are commonly used in operating rooms, Biddix noticed these interventions were insufficient for many patients at NHTP.

“Maintaining normothermia during surgery is a collaborative effort of the whole perioperative team,” Biddix explained. “However, I observed that despite employing standard warming measures, many of our patients were still experiencing hypothermia during surgery.”

This observation prompted Biddix to investigate potential solutions, drawing inspiration from his previous experience at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. There, he recalled a fellow nurse attempting to launch a prewarming initiative. Intrigued by the concept, Biddix conducted a thorough literature review to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a similar protocol at NHTP.

“Prewarming has been studied for many years and has consistently been shown to be a safe and effective intervention for preventing intraoperative hypothermia,” Biddix said. “However, it’s not yet common practice, partly because research often takes up to 17 years to transition into widespread clinical application.”

To ensure the success of the project, Biddix selected the Johns Hopkins Model for Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) to guide the initiative. This framework emphasizes the importance of a structured approach, including a comprehensive review of existing research, stakeholder engagement, and measurable outcomes.

One of the key steps in the project was conducting a stakeholder analysis to identify and engage all necessary team members. Biddix brought together perioperative nurses, anesthesia providers, and preoperative corpsmen, ensuring their voices were heard and their concerns addressed.

“Many quality improvement projects fail because leaders don’t engage the right people early on,” Biddix explained. “When I met with the corpsmen in pre-op, I explained what IH is and why it’s a problem. Once they understood the negative outcomes associated with IH, they were more engaged and motivated to be part of the solution.”

The team then developed a prewarming protocol that utilized existing equipment, such as forced-air warming blankets, avoiding additional costs. By incorporating the new protocol into the corpsmen’s existing workflows, Biddix ensured the intervention was efficient and minimally disruptive.

“We didn’t want to create a process that was burdensome or added too many steps to what they were already doing,” Biddix explained. “Simplicity and integration into existing workflows were critical to the project’s success.”

To monitor the project’s impact, the team established both process and outcome measures. Process measures included ensuring prewarming was provided to the appropriate patients for at least 30 minutes before surgery and documenting key details, such as start times and patient refusals. Outcome measures focused on tracking rates of IH, its duration, and patients’ temperature trends compared to historical data.

“The ability to measure progress is essential,” Biddix emphasized. “You can’t know if your project is working without clearly defined metrics.”

Within two weeks of launching the protocol, the team achieved 100% compliance. The results were remarkable: the rate of intraoperative hypothermia dropped by 42.8%, and patients who still experienced IH had shorter episodes and recovered to normothermia more quickly.

“Additionally, prewarmed patients had better temperatures upon arrival to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU),” Biddix said. “This not only improved patient safety but also boosted the corpsmen’s confidence in their ability to make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes.”

As with any quality improvement initiative, the project faced initial challenges. One significant hurdle was ensuring staff consistently remembered to implement prewarming and document it properly. Biddix addressed this by being present at the start of each day to observe and provide real-time feedback.

NHTP’s small size and remote location also posed unique challenges. However, Biddix saw this as an opportunity rather than a limitation.

“The facility’s size allows for manageable, impactful projects,” Biddix explained.

The success of Biddix’s project earned him the RADM Elizabeth S. Niemyer Award, highlighting the impact of his efforts on patient care and clinical practice. The protocol has also attracted attention beyond NHTP; it was submitted to the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Journal, where it is currently under review for publication.

“If published, I hope other facilities implement our protocol,” Biddix said. “Disseminating quality improvement projects is vital for advancing nursing practice and sharing lessons learned across the healthcare community.”

Now stationed with Fleet Surgical Team Nine in San Diego, Biddix continues to champion evidence-based practice in perioperative nursing. Reflecting on his experience at NHTP, he encourages other Navy nurses to embrace the opportunities provided by smaller facilities to innovate and improve care.

“Even though NHTP is remote, it’s a great place to take on meaningful projects,” Biddix said. “If there’s a process you wish was smoother or a safety concern you want to address, take on the challenge. You might be surprised by the difference you can make.”

Biddix’s work serves as an example of how evidence-based practice can transform patient outcomes, even in resource-limited settings. His commitment to patient safety, innovation, and teamwork possibly helps set a standard of excellence for military healthcare providers.

RM of Headingley — Headingley RCMP searching for missing teen

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On December 2, 2024, at approximately 4 :30 pm, Headingley RCMP received a call about a missing 14-year-old female.

Brooke Kenny, resides at an address in the RM of Headingley, and has not been heard from since approximately 12:00 pm, on December 2, 2024

Brooke was supposed to meet with someone at the 7-11 in the 1100 block of Portage Avenue in Winnipeg, and is believed to still be in Winnipeg.

Brooke is approximately 5 feet tall, 105 pounds, with black hair. She was last seen wearing a black hoodie, light green jacket with fur on the hood, and red and black pajama pants.

If you, or anyone you know have information on her whereabouts, please call Headingley RCMP at 204-888-0358, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com

Headingley RCMP continue to investigate.

Justice Department Sues Kentucky Rental Property Owner for Sexual Harassment

Source: United States Attorneys General 6

The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Joseph E. Johnson, also known as Joe Johnson, the owner and operator of rental properties in Lexington, Kentucky, for engaging in sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

“For decades, this landlord used his position of power to sexually harass vulnerable women who simply wanted roofs over their heads,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Women should not live in fear when they pay their rent or seek repairs. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act’s prohibition on this conduct.”

“Sexual harassment in housing deprives its victims of the safety and security that a home is supposed to provide,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “That makes compelling enforcement of the Fair Housing Act critical to ensuring that victims can gain relief from such inexcusable conduct and seek a safe and secure home for their families.”

The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky alleges that, for decades, Johnson has sexually harassed numerous female tenants. According to the complaint, Johnson has offered housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual contact, made unwelcome sexual comments and advances to female tenants, subjected female tenants to unwelcome touching and groping, taken adverse housing-related actions against female tenants who refused his sexual advances and failed to act when made aware of similar harassing behavior by one or more of his employees.

The lawsuit, which is the result of a joint investigative effort of the Justice Department with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Office of Inspector General, seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, a civil penalty against the defendant to vindicate the public interest and a court order barring future discrimination.

“It is unacceptable for landlords to threaten or commit sexual harassment or abuse against tenants,” said HUD Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis. “The defendant allegedly preyed upon vulnerable tenants and retaliated against them when they spurned his sexual advances. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold housing providers accountable for this type of horrible conduct.”

The Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017. The initiative, which is led by the Civil Rights Division in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or others who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the Justice Department has filed 47 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing, recovering damages and civil penalties from those violating the law.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by Joe Johnson, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, should contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291, select 1 for English and select option number 2 then option number 00 to leave a message. To leave a message in Spanish, select 2 for Spanish, and select option number 1 and then option number 00 to leave a message. Individuals may also email the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov or submit a report online. Reports also may be made by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.

Hartford Man Sentenced to 34 Months in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing Multiple Firearms

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WESLEY S. PEARSON, 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 34 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 16, 2023, Bloomfield Police arrested Pearson after a domestic violence incident.  Later that day, having applied for and received a Risk Protection Order from the Connecticut Superior Court, police searched the Bloomfield home where Pearson had been residing and seized three Glock handguns, two that were affixed with a “switch” that converted them to fully automatic firearms and a third that had an obliterated serial number; an L.A.R. Mfg. Grizzly15, multicaliber, short-barreled rifle; a privately manufactured AR-style pistol (“ghost gun”); 24 firearm magazines, including two high-capacity magazines; approximately 280 rounds of ammunition; and other firearm accessories.

The investigation revealed that Pearson directed music videos, under the name “The Kid Wes,” which featured suspected Hartford gang members celebrating gang violence and drug trafficking, among other topics.  He also created his own videos, including one titled “Pray for Me” in which he raps “we outside every day on that strip…we got them Glocks with a switch, come out and play us, at least a hundred shots.”

Pearson was previously convicted in state court of a felony drug offense.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Pearson has been detained since May 16, 2023.  On June 3, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

This investigation was conducted by the Bloomfield Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.

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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In May 2021, the Justice 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.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

Hartford Man Sentenced to 34 Months in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing Multiple Firearms

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WESLEY S. PEARSON, 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 34 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 16, 2023, Bloomfield Police arrested Pearson after a domestic violence incident.  Later that day, having applied for and received a Risk Protection Order from the Connecticut Superior Court, police searched the Bloomfield home where Pearson had been residing and seized three Glock handguns, two that were affixed with a “switch” that converted them to fully automatic firearms and a third that had an obliterated serial number; an L.A.R. Mfg. Grizzly15, multicaliber, short-barreled rifle; a privately manufactured AR-style pistol (“ghost gun”); 24 firearm magazines, including two high-capacity magazines; approximately 280 rounds of ammunition; and other firearm accessories.

The investigation revealed that Pearson directed music videos, under the name “The Kid Wes,” which featured suspected Hartford gang members celebrating gang violence and drug trafficking, among other topics.  He also created his own videos, including one titled “Pray for Me” in which he raps “we outside every day on that strip…we got them Glocks with a switch, come out and play us, at least a hundred shots.”

Pearson was previously convicted in state court of a felony drug offense.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Pearson has been detained since May 16, 2023.  On June 3, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

This investigation was conducted by the Bloomfield Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.

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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In May 2021, the Justice 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.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

Hartford Man Sentenced to 34 Months in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing Multiple Firearms

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WESLEY S. PEARSON, 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 34 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 16, 2023, Bloomfield Police arrested Pearson after a domestic violence incident.  Later that day, having applied for and received a Risk Protection Order from the Connecticut Superior Court, police searched the Bloomfield home where Pearson had been residing and seized three Glock handguns, two that were affixed with a “switch” that converted them to fully automatic firearms and a third that had an obliterated serial number; an L.A.R. Mfg. Grizzly15, multicaliber, short-barreled rifle; a privately manufactured AR-style pistol (“ghost gun”); 24 firearm magazines, including two high-capacity magazines; approximately 280 rounds of ammunition; and other firearm accessories.

The investigation revealed that Pearson directed music videos, under the name “The Kid Wes,” which featured suspected Hartford gang members celebrating gang violence and drug trafficking, among other topics.  He also created his own videos, including one titled “Pray for Me” in which he raps “we outside every day on that strip…we got them Glocks with a switch, come out and play us, at least a hundred shots.”

Pearson was previously convicted in state court of a felony drug offense.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Pearson has been detained since May 16, 2023.  On June 3, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

This investigation was conducted by the Bloomfield Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.

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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In May 2021, the Justice 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.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation — Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services investigating homicide

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On November 22, 2024, at 2:25 pm, the Canupawakpa Detachment of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) received a request to check on the wellbeing of a 37-year-old male from the community.

MFNPS officers attended but could not immediately locate the male. They continued to follow up but were not able to find him.

On November 30, 2024, MFNPS officers located the body of the 37-year-old male deceased.

His death is being treated as a homicide.

Police are requesting anyone with information in relation to this homicide to call the MFNPS tip line at 1-833-978-0048, Manitoba Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Manitoba First Nations Police Service, along with RCMP Major Crime Services and RCMP Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation — Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services investigating homicide

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On November 22, 2024, at 2:25 pm, the Canupawakpa Detachment of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) received a request to check on the wellbeing of a 37-year-old male from the community.

MFNPS officers attended but could not immediately locate the male. They continued to follow up but were not able to find him.

On November 30, 2024, MFNPS officers located the body of the 37-year-old male deceased.

His death is being treated as a homicide.

Police are requesting anyone with information in relation to this homicide to call the MFNPS tip line at 1-833-978-0048, Manitoba Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Manitoba First Nations Police Service, along with RCMP Major Crime Services and RCMP Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

MARFORK Hosts Gifts for Hope

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

 “Would you like to make a difference?” This question could be heard coming from U.S. Marines clad in dress blues amidst a lively display of service members, civilians, and families lining up in multiple stores to prepare for the holidays. As many bought the latest gifts for their families, many more stopped before a single scarlet table labeled “Gifts for Hope” to support a cause helmed by U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Korea, on U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, South Korea, Nov.29-30, 2024.

In partnership with the Seoul Welfare Children Committee, MARFORK created the “Gifts for Hope” initiative where, for two days, U.S. Marines collect, package, and distribute donations to disadvantaged orphans in South Korea. Marines with MARFORK took the time to give back to the local community by donating a gift or working to collect donations near the merchandise mart section of the main postal exchange at USAG Humphreys. In the early afternoon, Marines dressed in their dress blue bravos, set up a donation table, and prepared a small tree decorated with small tags. The tags indicated the type of gift a potential donator could purchase for a child, and who the gift would go to.

“This is the second year we’re doing something like this… there’s community involvement opportunities all the time, but something like [Gifts for Hope] on this scale is something else because it’s the entire Humphreys community coming together to support the local South Korean community for the holidays,” said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Hemme, a career planner at MARFORK and lead planner for Gifts for Hope.

Maj. Gen. William E. Souza III, Commander of MARFORK, and Sgt. Maj. Ismael G. Bamba, Command Senior Enlisted Leader of MARFORK, also stood alongside their Marines and participated by garnering interest for the initiative.

“It was an incredible opportunity for us to reach out to a community that have not seen this before. It wasn’t just Marines offering support, it was Americans. The outreach was incredible to see,” said Maj. Gen. Souza III.

As service members and civilians alike gathered to donate, they also took the time to sign their names on the tree tags that were placed on the donated gifts. Many donators delivered heartfelt messages to the children their gift would go to as part of the initiative to directly contribute to providing holiday cheer for children at locations such as the Eden I. Vill Orphanage in Seongdong Gu, Seoul, South Korea.

“It is always great to be a part of a group of Marines who aim to make a difference in the world…If you give a Marine an opportunity, we will make a difference, it doesn’t matter how big or small. Being part of a unit that not only cares for its service members but also cares about citizens of South Korea that may need more hope than most was a touching, honorable, and memorable moment for me. It was meaningful to impact a child’s life,” said Sgt. Maj. Bamba.

MARFORK’s newfound holiday tradition of delivering joy to less fortunate youth stand as a testament to one of many ways U.S. Marines seek to serve their community and make a difference in any clime and place.