Posted on

IAEA Sees Operational Safety Commitment at Penly Nuclear Power Plant in France, Encourages Continued Improvement

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts said that the operator of Units 1 and 2 of the Penly Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in France has demonstrated a commitment to operational safety. The team also encouraged the operator to continue improvements in areas such as the implementation of maintenance work.

The Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) concluded an 18-day mission to the Penly NPP on 21 September. The mission, which focused on two of the plant’s units, was carried out at the request of the Government of France.

OSART missions aim to improve operational safety by independently assessing safety performance against the IAEA’s safety standards by proposing recommendations and, where appropriate, suggestions for improvement. Safety is an essential element during commissioning and the subsequent safe operation of a nuclear power plant.

The plant, owned by the Electricity de France (EDF), is located close to the city of Dieppe in Normandy, 255 kilometres from Paris. Unit 1 started commercial operation in 1990, and Unit 2 in 1992. The two 1300 megawatt electrical (MW(e)) pressurized water reactors are amongst 56 operating nuclear power reactors in France. Nuclear power currently contributes about 68 per cent of the country’s electricity. This figure is expected to rise as France is constructing an additional reactor and plans to construct at least six more.

The 13-member team comprised experts from Canada, China, Slovakia, Germany, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America, as well as two IAEA officials.

“We observed that the plant’s senior leadership team held safety as a priority and pushed for improvement in all areas,” said team leader John Duguid, Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA. “The team also proposed areas in which improvements can be made to further elevate the plant’s safety performance.”

The team identified good practices to be shared with the nuclear industry globally, including:

  • The updated plant information project (CONNECT) installed at the plant provides real time access to information and effective support to different function groups. This assists in operator monitoring, remote requests for technical assistance and management of emergent work.
  • The plant installed a remote monitoring capability on safety critical seawater piping that helps in avoiding biofouling through optimising chemical treatment.
  • The plant developed and installed a system for monitoring sedimentation in the cooling water intake channel.

The mission also provided recommendations and suggestions to further improve operational safety, including that:

  • The plant should improve the implementation of processes related to the testing of the plants installed systems.
  • The plant should improve its preparation, control and implementation of maintenance activities to ensure equipment reliability and personnel safety.
  • The plant should consider improving the quality and planning of its periodic testing.

“The OSART mission enabled an in-depth assessment of the site and an enriching sharing of the best global practices thanks to the team’s combined expertise,” said François Valmage, Executive Site Manager of Unit 1 and 2 of Penly NPP. “The recommendations and suggestions will help us ensure a continuous improvement of the plant’s operational safety.”

The team provided a draft report of the mission to the plant management. They will have the opportunity to make factual comments on the draft. These comments will be reviewed by the IAEA and the final report will be submitted to the Government of France within three months. France intends to make the report public.

Background

General information about OSART missions can be found on the IAEA website. An OSART mission is designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. It is not a regulatory inspection, nor is it a design review or a substitute for an exhaustive assessment of the plant’s overall safety status.

Follow up missions are standard components of the OSART programme and are typically conducted within two years of the initial mission.

The IAEA Safety Standards provide a robust framework of fundamental principles, requirements, and guidance to ensure safety. They reflect an international consensus and serve as a global reference for protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

Posted on

Nomination of new IBAN Board Member, Mr Sébastien Lepers

Source: NATO

Sébastien Lepers, born in 1973 in Nouméa, New Caledonia (France), was appointed by the North Atlantic Council to the NATO International Board of Auditors (IBAN) as a Board Member for four years from 1 August 2023.

After academic training in the fields of public administration and economic and social sciences, Mr. Sébastien Lepers held during the period 1999 to 2016 various operational functions within the Ministry of Defence (audit, internal control, general administration, public procurement, finance, logistics, secondment abroad in external operations) and then at the French Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) Court of Accounts, from 2016 to 2023 (control, peer review, international cooperation). Within the framework of these various functions, he has already had the opportunity on several occasions to manage the activities of a service, from the design of the work programme to the operational realisation of the various tasks and their follow-up. 
 
Following a year from 1999 to the function of Deputy Head of Infrastructure at Ventiseri-Solenzara Air Base 126 ‘Captain Preziosi’, an advanced base in Corsica for tactical training and departure for NATO aircraft, Mr Sébastien Lepers served as head of an administrative, financial and logistical support service at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Air Base 943 ‘Captain Auber’ from 2000 to 2004. These two experiences have enabled him to not only acquire skills in terms of team leadership, but also to participate in the implementation of strategies for pooling support services.  In particular through his participation in concrete and operational missions at different levels of responsibility under the Maritime Pollution Plan (POLMAR), the Adapted Monitoring Module (MAS) for forest fire control, disaster relief and restoration of communication routes following the Lothar and Martin storms, the command of the VIGIPIRATE enhanced security and surveillance system at Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport, participation in Exercise OPÉRA at Creil air base 110 ‘Lieutenant-colonel Guy de La Horie’, and training to obtain the qualifications of Reco NEDEX (RECO NEDEX) and Chief of Command against Nuclear, Radiological, Biological and Chemical Threats (NRBC). As a result of this experience, he served for three years, from 2004 to 2007, as a staff officer and air commissioner, in particular at the Central Directorate of the Air Commissariat (DCCA) in Paris-Balard. On this occasion, he acquired strong skills in managing complex projects, in an environment often requiring strong coordination with other armies, directorates and departments. In 2006, in addition to the initial training at the Air Force Reserve Officers’ School at Évreux Air Base 105 “Commander Viot” in 1999, the Special Officer Training Course (CSFO) of the Air School (EA) on air base 701 in Salon-de-Provence “General Pineau” in 2000 and then at the Air Commissariat School (ECA) on the same site in 2004, he was able to attend the NATO Senior Officer Policy Course at the NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany. In 2009, he was awarded the senior officer’s diploma (DAEOS) by the air force’s central director of general administration and finance.

Subsequently, from 2007 to 2014 he held the duties of internal auditor in three audit structures on the site of the Cité de l’Air and Air Base (CABA) 117 in Paris Balard   “Capitaine Guynemer” (Administration and Finance Audit Department (SAAF) of the Air Force, Joint Administrative and Financial Audit Centre (CAAFI) of the Department of the Armed Forces (CAAFI) of the French Armed Forces Audit Office (C2A) of the Military Staff, a joint body certified in 2013 to the Professional and International Standards of Auditing IIA by the French Audit Institute (IFACI) and, from 2014 to 2016, as financial studies officer, at the rank of principal commissioner in the Ministry of Defence’s financial affairs department (senior officer). These functions have enabled him to master many areas relating to public finances (operational, budgetary and accounting procedures and certification of accounts).

In addition to his duties as a staff officer, Mr. Sébastien Lepers has actively participated in operational missions in the field. After assuming the role of administrative and financial manager of the joint (air, sea, land) and joint staff exercise (Spain, France, Italy, Portugal) EOLO aiming to test the operational capability of the NATO Response Force (NRF) format of the armies in 2006 and then of the French-Indian operational exercise GARUDA on the air base of Kalaïkunda in West Bengal in India in 2007, he also led the administrative, financial and logistical team during a high-voltage NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission at Kandahar Air Field Air Base (KAF) in Afghanistan during an operational stay in 2009, for which he was awarded a NATO Medal (Non-Article 5). A prior mission to the Dushanbe Air Detachment in Tajikistan in 2008 had already enabled him to develop his leadership skills in a tense international context. In 2011, at the request of the Prosecutor of the Republic at the Paris Armies Tribunal and the Armed Forces Inspection (IdA), he conducted an audit mission within the perimeter of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

After more than seventeen years in the administration of the State as a public manager and internal auditor at several hierarchical and functional levels (junior auditor, senior auditor and head of audit mission, supervisor), in particular at the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Sébastien Lepers decided to return to civilian life in the second half of his professional career. He conducted, as a financial magistrate, from 2016 to 2019 at the Court of Accounts, French supreme audit institution, performance, financial and jurisdictional audits first in the seventh and then in the second chamber specialising in the fields of environment, agriculture, energy and transport. 

His extensive experience in both internal and external auditing at different levels of responsibility has been sanctioned by several internationally recognised professional certifications (Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Government Auditing Professional, Certified Risk Management Assurance, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Financial Crime Specialist, etc.). 

As part of his various duties (deputy director and acting director on two occasions) in the Directorate of International Relations, External Audit and Francophonie (DRIAEF) of the French Court of Accounts from April 2018 to July 2023, Mr. Sébastien Lepers was able to benefit in the context of multilateral and bilateral cooperation projects, from a transversal and strategic vision of all the missions carried out by French financial courts in the international field (performance audit, financial audit (certification of accounts), compliance audit, jurisdictional audit, flash audit, structural notes) promoting good practices and values of democracy, the rule of law, social development, transparency of administration and good governance of public finances.  His contribution to international activity could take place both in the multilateral context (Forum of SAIs with jurisdiction, Association having in common the use of French (AISCCUF), working groups of the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), the Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions of Europe (EUROSAI) and the EU SAI Contact Committee coordinated by the European Court of Auditors) and in the implementation of bilateral cooperation projects. In this regard, the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda by the French Government, or the regular use of multiple donors (European Commission, World Bank, African Development Bank, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), State Secretariat for the Economy of the Swiss Confederation, Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, International Organisation of La Francophonie, French Development Agency (AFD), etc.) to finance the institutional capacity building projects of foreign counterparts have been permanent challenges for the French Court of Accounts and the AISCCUF, both members of the INTOSAI community. The multilateral work in various INTOSAI working groups on the development and adoption of International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI) audit guidelines and standards has also provided an opportunity to strengthen its expertise in the ISSAI, International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards for external and internal audit in the areas of compliance, performance and finance.
 

Posted on

Operations co-funded by the EU lead to 197 arrests in Spain

Source: Europol

Europol has supported the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) in 29 investigations, co-funded by EU financial mechanism. The operations, in line with EU priorities against serious and organised crime, targeted a number of criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud and corruption, among other crimes.  The 29 criminal investigations, led by Spain and involving other EU Member States…

Posted on

Man jailed for 28 years for sustained campaign of abuse against young girl

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A paedophile who groomed, manipulated and sexually abused a young girl in Hackney has been jailed following a Met investigation.

Anthony Maina, 52 (21.05.71), of Allen Road, Stoke Newington, was sentenced to 28 years’ imprisonment at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday, 21 September.

Maina was previously found guilty of 17 offences on 18 May, namely seven counts of rape, eight counts of assault by penetration and two counts of sexual activity with a child.

Detective Constable Stefan Wimmer of Central North Command Unit worked closely with the survivor and her family over three years in order to build a case against Maina. He said: “As the investigating officer, I can quite frankly say that this is some of the most vile and despicable psychological manipulation and sexual abuse I have ever encountered in my policing service. It is sickening to think that individuals like Maina exist.”

The survivor went to her local police station in December 2018 to report the sexual abuse she was subjected to, which was becoming unbearable for her.

Measures were immediately put in place to ensure that she was safe from further harm and an extensive investigation was commenced. The investigation was complex and involved a number of nuanced and lengthy enquiries.

Maina, who occupied a position of trust, had exploited his position in order to groom her and ultimately commit the vilest sexual offences. He would regularly buy her gifts, clothing, food and mobile phones in an attempt to gain her loyalty. He would also try to normalise the abuse he was committing by referring to her as ‘his girl’ and his ‘best friend in the universe’.

If she hadn’t contacted him for any longer than a day he would accuse her of having ‘neglected’ him, and if she met up with anyone her age he would claim that they were a ‘bad influence’ on her.

Maina’s actual aim was to isolate the survivor from all of those around her and prevent her from confiding in anyone regarding the abuse he was committing. It was also to gradually knock away at her confidence to prevent her from questioning what he was doing.

He would ask the survivor to come to his property under false pretences, such as to receive a parcel or let some workmen in, and would abuse her. When she began to challenge this, he would suggest to her other family members she was being insolent and unhelpful, to in effect force her to come to his property.

DC Wimmer continued: “As is consistent with his character, Maina did not show a flicker of remorse over the course of the investigation, and tried to claim in interview the survivor was merely a ‘troublemaker’ in an attempt to discredit her.

“The survivor, on the other hand, has shown an immense amount of patience, courage and resolve since the moment she came to police and I have nothing but admiration for her. It is because of her bravery in coming forward and assisting police that Maina is behind bars. I hope that the sentence provides her with some solace, and that in time she can put this horrific episode of her life behind her.”

The survivor herself wished to say the following: “To all survivors that are going through any type of abuse, I would encourage you to come forward because I didn’t think that I’d get this outcome, but I did, and now that he’s sentenced he’s going to prison for many years, and I won’t have to endure him anymore. You shouldn’t feel worried, you just need to be patient and strong. It will be a weight off your shoulders.”

Detective Superintendent Charmaine Laurencin of the Met’s Central North Command Unit said: “I am immensely proud of the investigating officer for the dedication and commitment they have shown to a complex and disturbing investigation. It is with thanks to their perseverance and care to the survivor, a vile predator is where he belongs.

“We will listen to and support anyone who has suffered abuse, no matter how long ago it was. There are dedicated, specialist teams with specific training who will work with you and investigate.”

Posted on

U.S. Coast Guard, partners participate in joint mass rescue training in American Samoa.

Source: United States Coast Guard

 

09/21/2023 06:13 PM EDT

HONOLULU – The U.S. Coast Guard and partners participated in the American Samoa Mass Rescue Operation Tabletop Exercise at the Pago Pago International Airport, in August.

For breaking news follow us on twitter @USCGHawaiiPac

Posted on

Pilot Butte, Balgonie — Update: Saskatchewan RCMP responding to serious motor vehicle collision between Pilot Butte and Balgonie

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at approximately 9:35 p.m., White Butte RCMP responded to a three-vehicle collision on Highway 46, between Pilot Butte and Balgonie.

White Butte RCMP and Balgonie Fire Department responded immediately. Initial investigation determined that three cars collided.

The one car had two occupants, the driver and the passenger. The driver was taken to hospital for injuries described as serious in nature. The front passenger, a 30-year-old female, was declared deceased on scene by EMS. Her family has been notified.

The driver and sole occupants of the other two cars were taken to hospital with injuries described as serious in nature.

The investigation is ongoing with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP Collision Analyst

Posted on

Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from November 21, 2023, to May 20, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Afghanistan that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about how to register for TPS as a new or current beneficiary under Afghanistan’s extension and redesignation.

After reviewing the country conditions in Afghanistan and consulting with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas determined that an 18-month TPS extension and redesignation is warranted because conditions, including armed conflict, that support Afghanistan’s TPS designation are ongoing.

“Today’s announcement to extend and redesignate TPS for Afghanistan allows us to continue to offer safety and protection to Afghan nationals who are unable to return to their country,” said Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “DHS will continue to support Afghan nationals through this temporary form of humanitarian relief.”

A country may be designated for TPS when conditions in the country fall into one or more of the three statutory bases for designation: ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. Afghanistan’s designation is based on the serious threat posed by ongoing armed conflict; lack of access to food, clean water and healthcare; and destroyed infrastructure, internal displacement and economic instability.

The extension of TPS for Afghanistan allows approximately 3,100 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through May 20, 2025, if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. The redesignation of Afghanistan for TPS allows an estimated 14,600 additional Afghan nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Afghanistan) who entered the United States since the last continuous residence date of March 15, 2022, and who have been continuously residing in the United States since September 20, 2023, and continuously physically present in the United States since November 21, 2023, to file initial applications to obtain TPS, if they are otherwise eligible. Certain OAW parolees may also be eligible to file late initial applications for TPS.

Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for and were granted TPS under Afghanistan’s prior designation. Current beneficiaries under TPS for Afghanistan must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from September 25, 2023 through November 24, 2023, to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization.

DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through November 20, 2024 the validity of EADs previously issued under Afghanistan’s TPS designation.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process pending applications filed under the previous TPS designation for Afghanistan. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, as of September 25, 2023 do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Afghanistan, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through May 20, 2025, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.

Under the redesignation of Afghanistan, eligible individuals who do not have TPS may submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the initial registration period that runs from September 25, 2023, through May 20, 2025. Applicants also may apply for TPS-related EADs and for travel authorization. Applicants can request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821, or separately later.

Afghan nationals who were granted parole under Operation Allies Welcome, or re-parole, may apply for and receive TPS, if eligible. Applying for re-parole does not affect a TPS application, and being a TPS beneficiary does not affect an application for re-parole. Eligibility for ORR-funded services that extend to qualifying Afghan parolees, including those granted re-parole under the new re-parole process, require Afghans to maintain parole. TPS beneficiaries are not eligible for certain Afghan parolee benefits if their parole lapses. DHS cannot provide legal advice but encourages Afghan parolees to seek any more durable immigration pathways, like asylum and adjustment of status, for which they may be eligible.

The Federal Register notice explains eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD.

Posted on

FEATURE STORY: Devil’s Handler

Source: United States Coast Guard

09/21/2023 01:10 PM EDT

Devil took off like a bullet chasing his prey to protect his handler. The prey ran down the field, only to have Devil launch at him, ensnaring his arm in a vice-like grip full of sharp canine teeth. People from all over the world watched in utter silence, as the prey—better known as the decoy—attempted to dislodge Devil, but to no avail.

For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Posted on

Maryland Man Working for the Government Charged with Espionage

Source: United States Department of Justice

            WASHINGTON – A government contractor is charged by criminal complaint, unsealed today, with espionage. Abraham Teklu Lemma, 50, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Ethiopian descent living in Silver Spring, Maryland, is charged with gathering or delivering national defense information to aid a foreign government; conspiracy to gather or deliver national defense information to aid a foreign government; and having unauthorized possession of national defense information and willfully retaining it.

            The charges were announced by United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen, of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.

            Lemma worked as an IT administrator for the Department of State, and as a Management Analyst for the Department of Justice. In those positions, Lemma was granted a TOP SECRET security clearance and granted access to classified systems. 

            According to the criminal complaint, between December 19, 2022, and August 7, 2023, Lemma copied classified information from Intelligence Reports and deleted the classification markings from them. Lemma then removed the information, which was classified as SECRET and TOP SECRET, from secure facilities at the Department of State against protocol. The materials related to a specific country and/or geographic region. Lemma accessed, copied, removed, and retained this information without authorization.

            It is further alleged that Lemma used an encrypted application to transmit classified national defense information to a foreign official associated with the specific country’s intelligence service. In these communications, Lemma expressed an interest and willingness to assist the foreign official in providing information. In one communication, the foreign official stated  stated, “[i]t’s time to continue ur support.”  Lemma responded, “Roger that!” In another chat, the foreign official praised Lemma’s efforts, stating “[a]lways this beautiful country have [sic] some special people who scarify [sic] their life to protect our proud history. You always remembered. It doesn’t matter the results.”

            The two espionage charges carry a potential sentence of death or any term of years up to life, and the retention charge carries a maximum sentence of ten years.  A federal judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

            This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office.

            It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tejpal Chawla and Alexandra Hughes for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Matthew McKenzie of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Posted on

San Fernando Valley Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Masterminding Check-Kiting Scheme That Defrauded Major Banks

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

LOS ANGELES – The ringleader and mastermind of a check-kiting scheme who conspired with his wife and other family members to defraud major banks out of more than $1.7 million has been sentenced to 81 months in federal prison, the Justice Department announced today.

Ara Malkhasyan, 52, of Winnetka, was sentenced late Tuesday by United States District Judge Dolly M. Gee, who will schedule restitution hearing in the coming weeks.

Malkhasyan pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

From May 2015 to September 2017, Malkhasyan and his co-conspirators obtained genuine Armenian passports issued to other people, altered the passports to include the photos of themselves, and used the fraudulent documents to obtain other identity documents and to open bank accounts at the victim banks.

Malkhasyan and his accomplices used the bank accounts, which were opened in the names that appeared on the altered passports, to write bad checks to other fraudulently obtained bank accounts. They exploited bank rules that allowed them to transfer money from one account to another, and then to immediately withdraw funds at ATMs in Las Vegas casinos and other locations before the checks bounced.

In total, Malkhasyan and his co-conspirators used 331 fraudulently altered Armenian passports to unlawfully obtain $1,304,307 from Bank of America.

In a separate scheme, from April 2017 to May 2019, Malkhasyan conspired with his brother-in-law, Smbat Khechumyan, 41, of North Hollywood, to conduct similar forged and fraudulent check scheme in which one of them would open a Wells Fargo account using a stolen Armenian passport, counterfeit Ukrainian or Belarusian passport, deposit forged checks into the account, and then withdraw funds from the account through ATMs at Las Vegas casinos. Wells Fargo suffered a loss of $401,420.

Khechumyan pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. He is serving a two-year prison sentence for his crimes.

Sveta Khechumyan, 49, of Winnetka, Malkhasyan’s wife and Smbat’s sister, pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 3.

In total, prosecutors have secured nine guilty pleas in this case.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter and received substantial assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI.

Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Butler of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.