Category: Security Intelligence

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Deer Lake — Vehicle stolen from Paradise stopped on TCH by Deer Lake RCMP using spike belt, occupants arrested and charged with multiple offences

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Four individuals from the Avalon peninsula, 51-year-old William Whalen, 44-year-old Stephanie Cole, 24-year-old Dylan Whalen and 22-year-old Enna McGrath, were arrested by Deer Lake RCMP on January 6, 2025, traveling in a vehicle stolen from Paradise.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on January 5, 2025, RCMP NL received a report of the stolen vehicle from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), indicating that the vehicle was traveling west on the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH), entering into RCMP jurisdiction. A short time later the RNC advised that the vehicle had turned around and was heading back into the City.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. the next day, January 6, 2025, Gander RCMP received a report of theft of fuel from a gas station in George’s Point involving the stolen vehicle. The vehicle was located at approximately 6:40 p.m., traveling west on the TCH near Springdale. Springdale RCMP attempted to stop the truck, however the vehicle failed to stop and continued west on the TCH at a high speed and in a dangerous manner. In the interest of public safety, officers did not pursue the vehicle.

A short time later, Deer Lake RCMP observed the stolen vehicle traveling west on the TCH near Howley. Police attempted to stop the vehicle which continued to travel at a high rate of speed and in a dangerous manner. In the interest of public safety, officers did not pursue the vehicle.

The vehicle was later located by the RNC in Corner Brook. Shortly before 8:30 p.m., the vehicle was observed by RCMP heading east on the TCH, east of Corner Brook.

At approximately 8:40 p.m., a spike belt was successfully deployed by RCMP NL on the TCH in Deer Lake and the vehicle came to a stop on a dirt road just off the TCH in Deer Lake. The four occupants were arrested moments later without further incident.

The four individuals attended court in Corner Brook yesterday, January 7, 2025, and were charged with a number of criminal offences.

William Whalen is charged with possession of stolen property, two counts of flight from police and two counts of dangerous operation.

Stephanie Cole is charged with possession of stolen property and flight from police.

Dylan Whalen is charged with possession of stolen property, two counts of flight from police, two counts of dangerous operation, prohibited operation and theft of gas under $5000.00.

Enna McGrath is charged with possession of stolen property and flight from police. In addition, a warrant for her arrest, stemming from a charge laid by the RNC of taking a motor vehicle without consent, was executed.

William Whalen, Stephanie Cole and Enna McGrath were released by the court on a number of conditions and are each set to appear in court at later dates. Dylan Whalen was remanded into custody and will appear in court on January 10, 2025.

The investigation is continuing.

RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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FBI Releases New Subject Photo in New Year’s Day Bourbon Street Attack

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

The FBI is releasing a new photo of Shamsud-Din Jabbar and asking the public for their continued assistance.

This photo captures a different view of him riding through the French Quarter on a bicycle on October 31, 2024. The FBI is asking for anyone in the Quarter that day between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to contact us at 1-800-CALL-FBI if you have information that may help.

The FBI is still interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen or come into contact with either of the two coolers Jabbar placed on Bourbon Street. Anonymous tips can also be sent to tips.fbi.gov.

The FBI will not be providing any on camera interviews at this time.

Select image to view full-size

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Popes Harbour — Man wanted on province-wide arrest warrant

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking information on the whereabouts of a man currently wanted on a province-wide arrest warrant.

Daniel Allen Parsons, 54, from Popes Harbour, is wanted and facing charges of Assault (three counts), Mischief, Uttering Threats and Failure to Comply with a Release Order (two counts).

Parsons is described as 6-foot-2, 190 pounds. He has gray hair and brown eyes.

Police have made several attempts to locate Parsons, and are requesting assistance from the public.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Daniel Allen Parsons is asked to refrain from approaching him and to call police at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

File #: 25-566

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Ardmore Resident Pleads Guilty to Felony Assault Charge

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Richard Alan Chastain, age 52, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea of one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.

The Indictment alleged that on July 17, 2024, Chastain assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do bodily harm. The crime occurred in Carter County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Ardmore Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.  Chastain will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.

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Muskogee Residents Sentenced for Child Neglect

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Andrew Allen Maher, age 33, and Azalee Louellen Maher, age 28, both of Muskogee, Oklahoma, were sentenced to five years supervised release for child neglect in Indian country.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On April 15, 2024, Andrew Maher and Azalee Maher each pleaded guilty to one count of Child Neglect in Indian Country.  According to investigators, on August 18, 2023, Muskogee officers responding to reports of an accidental firearm discharge at a Muskogee residence discovered a two-year old child with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the lower abdomen.  EMS workers successfully resuscitated and stabilized the child, who was transported for life-saving surgery.  As part of the plea, both defendants admitted failing to provide adequate supervision to the child in their care, resulting in the child accessing a firearm.

The crime occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessie Pippin represented the United States.

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Muskogee County Resident Pleads Guilty To Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Thomas Edward Gailus, age 51, of Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea one count of Possession of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

The Indictment alleged that between April of 2018 and March 23, 2023, Gailus knowingly accessed and possessed visual depictions from the internet of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and that Gailus accessed the images intending to view them.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Honorable Judge D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.  Gailus will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessie Pippin and Dak Cohen and U.S. Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills represented the United States.

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Discover IAEA’s E-Learning Series on Safety Standards

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

“Reflecting an international consensus on what constitutes a high level of safety, the IAEA safety standards are a cornerstone of the IAEA mission in the area of nuclear and radiation safety to protect people and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation,” said Lydie Evrard, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security. “This e-learning series showcases the IAEA’s commitment to promoting a wider understanding of the application of the safety standards.” 

Designed for operators, regulators and other users of IAEA safety standards, this cost-free e-learning series includes modules on all safety requirements, offering users the flexibility to focus on a specific topic or to complete the entire series of 13 modules for a comprehensive understanding of safety standards.  

The e-learning series explains the interconnections among the IAEA safety standards, which cover all nuclear and radiation applications used for peaceful purposes. “The challenge for us lies in ensuring that countries can fully leverage these safety standards to protect both people and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation,” said Dominique Delattre, who managed the initiative as Head of the IAEA Safety Standards and Security Development Section. “This e-learning series serves as a bridge, helping users understand the value of these safety standards and how to apply them effectively.” 

The introductory module, which is available in all six official IAEA languages, provides an overview of the safety standards, explaining how they are structured and developed, their primary objectives and how the safety fundamentals, safety requirements and safety guides are integrated together to form a robust framework for nuclear safety. 

The other modules, which are available in English, cover the safety requirements that must be met when using nuclear technology for peaceful purposes in fields such as health, food and agriculture, industry, energy and research and development. 

Each module explains in simple language the IAEA’s safety requirements, ranging from the governmental, legal and regulatory frameworks that govern nuclear activities and facilities, to practical measures for ensuring safe operation of various types of nuclear facilities. The modules also showcase practical examples. Users receive a certificate for each module they complete. 

Offering high-quality, self-paced modules that take less than an hour to complete, the e-learning series allows learners to easily integrate this training into their schedules and makes it possible to reach a broader group of stakeholders. Since the first module was introduced in 2020, more than 6500 individuals around the world have used the e-learning modules. 

“This initiative covers all IAEA safety requirements for the first time,” said Delattre in summary. “Through these modules, the Agency aims to increase awareness of the IAEA safety standards globally by making knowledge easily accessible to all.”  

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DHS Unveils Playbook for the Deployment of Artificial Intelligence by the Public Sector

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

New Resource for Federal, State, and Local Officials Provides Best Practices for Responsible AI Development in the Public Sector

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the “Playbook for Public Sector Artificial Intelligence Deployment,” an innovative guide designed to help government officials improve the delivery of services through the responsible and effective deployment of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies. The playbook offers actionable steps state, local and federal officials can take and examples of how DHS applied and learned these principles in its own GenAI journey. By implementing the recommended actions and best practices, organizations can build a robust foundation for AI deployment, enhance internal capabilities, and ensure responsible and effective use of AI technologies.

“The rapid evolution of GenAI presents tremendous opportunities for public sector organizations. DHS is at the forefront of federal efforts to responsibly harness the potential of AI technology,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “This new resource draws from our own experiences to help state and local leaders adopt AI technologies in their own work. Safely harnessing the potential of GenAI requires collaboration across government, industry, academia, and civil society, and we hope state and local leaders join our effort to foster a responsible, mission-focused culture of innovation.”

“The release of this playbook marks a significant step forward in our efforts to integrate safe and secure AI use responsibly and effectively within the public sector,” said DHS Chief Information Officer Eric Hysen. “By sharing our experiences and best practices, we aim to empower other government agencies to leverage AI in a way that enhances their missions while safeguarding the rights and privacy of the individuals they serve.”

Over the past several years, DHS has been at the forefront of integrating AI into its operations. The Department has developed and implemented numerous AI and machine learning (ML) initiatives to enhance its capabilities in areas such as cybersecurity, border security, disaster response, and immigration services. These efforts include the creation of the DHS Artificial Intelligence Task Force, the publication of the DHS Artificial Intelligence Roadmap, and the establishment of the AI Corps to attract top AI talent. DHS remains committed to advancing AI technologies in a manner that upholds the highest standards of privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.

The playbook features detailed case studies from DHS’s own pilots, which tested GenAI applications that enhanced investigative leads, assisted local governments with hazard mitigation planning, and created innovative training opportunities for immigration officers. The cutting-edge guide makes recommendations to state and local leaders based on lessons learned from these pilots and is designed to be an accessible resource for public sector organizations at any stage of their AI journey.

The Playbook traces the steps that DHS took in our own development of GenAI applications:

  • Develop Mission-Enhancing GenAI Use Cases: Approaches for aligning AI projects with organizational priorities and mission needs.
  • Build Coalitions and Foster Effective Governance: Strategies for gaining buy-in within your organization from senior leadership and building cross-organizational coalitions.
  • Leverage Tools and Infrastructure: Recommendations for taking advantage of existing technical tools and infrastructure to support AI development.
  • Use AI Responsibly and Safely: Principles for minimizing potential harm and ensuring ethical AI use.
  • Measure Progress and Defining Success: Methods for tracking the effectiveness of AI deployments through key performance indicators.
  • Train Employees and Hiring Technical Talent: Approaches for upskilling current employees and attracting technical talent.
  • Seek User Feedback: Best practices for engaging users and stakeholders throughout the AI development lifecycle.

This playbook is a product of the Department’s ongoing commitment to transparency and harnessing the transformative potential of AI while ensuring the safety, security, and privacy of the American people. Most recently, DHS published its updated AI Use Case Inventory, providing public visibility into non-classified and non-sensitive uses of AI across the Department. Additionally, the Department has implemented robust training programs to educate employees on responsible AI use and has engaged with external stakeholders, including Congress and the public, to build trust and demonstrate accountability. In November 2024, DHS launched the Roles and Responsibilities Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Critical Infrastructure, a set of actionable recommendations to help promote safe and secure development and deployment of artificial intelligence across all U.S. critical infrastructure, which was written in consultation with DHS’s AI Safety and Security Board, a public-private advisory committee composed of AI leaders representing industry, academia, civil society, and the public sector. 

DHS will continue to share further lessons learned and updates as it advances its AI initiatives. To read the playbook, visit DHS Generative AI Public Sector Playbook | Homeland Security.

To learn more about the ways DHS is safely and responsibly leveraging AI to protect the homeland, visit the Artificial Intelligence at DHS webpage.

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Mr Paweł Wąsik takes up duties as new National Member for Poland at Eurojust

Source: Eurojust

Commenting on his appointment as the new National Member, Mr Wąsik stated: This is a great honour and an incredible opportunity to help strengthen international judicial cooperation in the fight against serious crime. I am pleased that my work and commitment to date have been recognised in this way, all the more so because I am taking up this post at a very demanding time, including the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Polish team at Eurojust has already been doing an excellent job in this direction and, given the scale of the challenge, I am pleased to announce that the Polish authorities have decided to significantly strengthen the composition of the team from 2025.

Since August 2023, Mr Wąsik has been Chair of the Economic Crime Team at Eurojust, coordinating and overseeing the support to specialised judicial experts and the coordination of cases concerning crimes such as swindling, fraud and money laundering. From July 2020 to 2023, he was Vice-Chair of the Economic Crime Team.

Mr Wąsik has extensive experience in combatting economic crimes. From 2010 until joining Eurojust in 2016, he worked as a public prosecutor at the Department of Economic Crime in the Circuit Prosecutor’s Office of Poznan. He started working for the Polish judiciary in June 2003 as a public prosecutor in the District Office of Poznan Grunwald.

The new National Member for Poland obtained a Master in Law at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan in 2000. He undertook several postgraduate studies in Economic and Business Law, Economic Criminal Law, and Financial Investigations and Analysis of Financial Crimes in Warsaw, Krakow and Strasbourg. He also followed a specialised study in asset recovery at the Basel Institute on Governance in 2018. In addition to his native Polish, Mr Wąsik speaks English and French.

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Saskatchewan — Complaints about people not wanting to clean their room, littered ice cream and a mean cat are some of the calls to police that “missed the mark” in 2024

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

With 367,707 calls for service, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Divisional Operational Communications Centre (DOCC) had another busy year in 2024, taking calls ranging from 911 mis-dials and false alarms to serious incidents regarding matters of public safety.

“Our annual list is fun, but it’s important to realize that DOCC officers play a really important role during emergencies. We are the first voice someone hears when they reach out for help from police. We are there until emergency services arrive to help them. We dispatch police officers to calls and provide them assistance during them,” says Lee Rosin, Recruiter and Training Facilitator for DOCC. “It’s important that these lines remain open for those who reach out for help through 911 or 310-RCMP.”

Here are the top 10 calls that “missed the mark” in 2024:

10. Who are you? A concerned individual called 911 to advise that they didn’t recognize someone on their social media friend list.

9. Spick and span: A frustrated individual called to complain that their parents were forcing them to clean their room.

8. Stop stressing meowt: A caller advised that a fox was wandering the neighbourhood and scaring a local cat.

7. To bee or not to bee: 911 dispatchers received a call from a person saying that they had a problem with bees in their home.

6. Tech support: A concerned individual called 911 to ask for help unlocking their cell phone.

5. Litter bug: An individual called 911 to report that someone had thrown their ice cream on the ground.

4. Cut the cat-itude: A caller advised that their cat was being mean to them and they were hoping an officer would come and help with the situation.

3. Loads of fun: 911 dispatchers received a call from a person who was having trouble with their washing machine.

2. I’m counting on you: An individual called 911 asking for help on a math equation as they didn’t want to fail their test in the morning.

1. Party’s over: 911 dispatchers received a call from an individual saying that their tambourine was taken from a party they attended.

Please remember: whether you’re frustrated with your washing machine, trying to unlock your phone or suspicious of a fox – calling 911 must be reserved for emergencies and crimes in progress.

Saskatchewan RCMP would like to remind the public that there are ramifications for those who misuse 911. Not only is there a chance of preventing someone with a life-threatening emergency from getting help, there is also a summary offence charge under the Emergency 911 Systems Act with fines up to $2000.

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RCMP 911 call-takers and dispatchers provide a critical service within the RCMP that supports both public and officer safety.

Join the Saskatchewan RCMP Operational Communication Centre and be a part of a team where you’ll make a difference each and every day.

For more information or to apply, visit: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/telecommunications-operators-9-1-1-dispatcher

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WATCH: Saskatchewan RCMP Operational Communication Centre call-takers, dispatchers, a Member Operations Support Services (MOSS) Officer and a registered psychiatric nurse share the top ten reasons not to call 911 that they heard in 2024 in a video shared on our official Saskatchewan RCMP social media channels.