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Former Toledo City Council Member Sentenced for Extortion

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

TOLEDO – U.S. Attorney Becky Lutzko announced that Garrick “Gary” Johnson, a former Toledo City Council member, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick to 4 months. A jury previously found Johnson guilty of Hobbs Act Extortion Under Color of Official Right.

According to court documents and testimony, an FBI source paid then-Councilman Johnson $2,000 in return for his vote on a special use permit to open an internet café on Secor Road in Toledo, Ohio. Although Johnson voted in favor of it, the special use permit ultimately failed to garner the required votes.

“Councilman Johnson chose to betray those he was elected to serve by accepting a bribe, blatantly violating his oath and the public’s trust, as a result, the entire Toledo community suffered,” said United States Attorney, Becky Lutzko. “This investigation and prosecution reflects the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively prosecute individuals engaged in public corruption”. “Finding and investigating public corruption is one of the FBIs highest priorities,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen. “Elected officials are entrusted to make virtuous decisions to the betterment of all. Sadly, Gary Johnson chose a path of criminal conduct and greed over the wellbeing of those he served. We will continue to work on behalf of the American Public to ensure the conduct by elected officials is right and just.”

This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of the FBI, Toledo Resident Agency. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gene Crawford.

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Cambridge — Kings District RCMP investigating a serious collision

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Kings District RCMP is investigating a motor vehicle collision that occurred on Hwy 1. in Cambridge.

On January 26, at approximately 11:23 p.m., Kings District RCMP, fire and EHS responded to a two-vehicle motor vehicle collision on Hwy. 1 involving a Ford pickup truck and a Ford Escape SUV. RCMP officers learned that the truck and the SUV were travelling in opposite directions when they collided head-on.

The driver of the truck and lone occupant, a 24-year-old Kentville man, suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital. The lone occupant of the SUV, a 41-year-old Coldbrook man, was uninjured.

Hwy. 1 was closed for several hours while an RCMP Collision Analyst processed the scene. It has since reopened.

The investigation is ongoing.

File # 2024115076

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AFCENT Commander Statement on Strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen

Source: United States Airforce Central Command

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. —  

“At the direction of U.S. Central Command, U.S. Air Forces Central, CENTCOM’s Joint & Combined Air Component Command, executed deliberate strikes on over 60 targets at 16 Iranian-backed Houthi militant locations, including command and control nodes, munitions depots, launching systems, production facilities, and air defense radar systems.

Over 100 precision-guided munitions of various types were used in the strikes. These strikes were comprised of coalition air and maritime strike and support assets from across the region, including U.S. Naval Forces Central Command aircraft and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles launched from surface and sub-surface platforms.

This multi-national strike reinforces the international community’s commitment to freedom of navigation and against repeated Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles attacks on commercial and U.S. and coalition military vessels in the Red Sea.

We remain committed to our critical partners throughout the Middle East to defend against Iranian-backed Militia Groups, including Houthi militants, and the threat they pose to regional security and stability.”

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Wednesdays develop wing warriors

Source: United States Airforce Central Command

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, Southwest Asia —  

In an effort to promote self-improvement lifestyles, multiple units collaborated to launch a new initiative for deployed members.

The new Wing Wednesday Warrior Development program’s goal is to provide Airmen and Soldiers opportunities to learn about self-improvement methods and to develop leadership skills.

“We want to build leaders,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Friese, the air expeditionary wing chaplain. “The intention is to get the involvement of Airmen and Soldiers in what we are trying to do by educating them on life skills and giving them leadership opportunities by having them present topics.”

The program was started by the installation helping agencies: the chapel corps, legal office, equal opportunity office, mental health clinic and public affairs.

Each Wednesday there is a 30 minute session conducted at the dining facility, minimizing time they would need to spend away from their daily mission-set.

“Most of us are going to eat lunch anyway, so here is an opportunity to come by, have lunch, learn something and be able to motor on with the day,” Friese said.

Some of the subjects covered are obtaining goals, financial readiness, and healthy professional and personal relationships.

Senior Airman Angelina Coleman, a force support squadron Airmen, attended a lesson on how life-hacks can be vital to one’s future and was inspired to work with the helping agencies to conduct a goal-oriented class.

Coleman, who joined the Air Force at 39, talked about the obstacles she had to overcome in order to be able to enlist in the service. Through small, focused goals, she was able to overcome the hardships and become a sister-in-arms.

“I think the program opens up a lot of opportunities to the Airmen on base,” Coleman said. “I [deployed] here with goals in mind and didn’t know what it would look like, but they are giving us the tools to make those goals successful here.”

The program gives attendees different perspectives and ways of achieving things, whether it is having better communication skills or being able to save extra cash.

According to the Department of Defense’s annual report on financial preparedness, approximately 52 percent of active duty service members save and invest regularly each month.

During the month of January, the topic is finances. Briefers are presenting materials on how to save efficiently and how to set goals to achieve financial freedom.

“All of this is intended so that people can come in and learn, gain and grow, wherever they find themselves at this particular season in life,” Friese said. “They will be able to add value into elements that they may learn and hear ideas that will make sense six months, a year, or even five years from now.”

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COMACC visits AFCENT Airmen at Shaw AFB

Source: United States Airforce Central Command

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. —  

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, visits Airmen assigned to Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) Jan. 4, 2023, at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. During his visit, Kelly got a first-hand look at how Airmen support the ACC and U.S. Central Command mission at Shaw AFB, and recognized individuals for their exceptional performance. (U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Robert Porter and Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal)

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U.S. Air Force and Royal Bahraini Air Force participate in joint Ballast Cannon exercise

Source: United States Airforce Central Command

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Philip Miller, right, a Traffic Management Craftsman, receives multi-capable Airman training from Senior Airman Michael Kaminski, left, a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, for Exercise Ballast Cannon 24.3 at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 7, 2024. Exercise Ballast Cannon occurs nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force to support the U.S. Air Force’s rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel. The long-standing relationships the U.S. Air Force has developed within the CENTCOM AOR enables regular and routine training which advances the coalition’s ability to become a seamless operational force across every warfighting domain. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Megan Floyd)

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US, Bahrain showcase expeditionary deployment capabilities

Source: United States Airforce Central Command

Bahrain —  

Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central)’s 378th Air Expeditionary Wing and 379th Air Expeditionary Wing are executing Ballast Cannon 24.3 alongside the Royal Bahraini Air Force, January 6-12, 2023, in Bahrain.

As a routine exercise occurring nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force, this iteration supports the U.S. Air Force’s rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel.

The bilateral training focuses on strengthening the bonds between coalition forces and building a foundation for future engagements in support of the Combined Defense of the Arabian Peninsula. The training objectives benefiting both nations include aerial refueling, coalition command and control, and tactical integration.

“Through decades of collaboration and cooperation with our wonderful partners in the region, we have developed key relationships, bolstering our ability to integrate and employ airpower across the coalition,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Quaid Quadri, 378th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander.

“Together with our allies and partners, we continue to maintain and propel forward enduring institutions and networks necessary to remain agile and effective,” Quadri continued. “By constantly integrating with our partners at the tactical edge, while still testing our expeditionary capabilities, we are building readiness and developing operational approaches that complicate the adversary’s problem as well as maintains our strategic advantage.”

The long-standing relationships the U.S. Air Force has developed within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility enables regular and routine training, which advances the coalition’s ability to become a seamless operational force across every warfighting domain.

Incorporating Agile Combat Employment concepts into the Ballast Cannon series support combined training and operations focused on enhancing strategic basing capabilities and strengthening coalition interoperability.

Tech. Sgt. John Raebig, an F-16 crew chief, marshals a U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon to a parking space at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 6, 2024. As a routine exercise Ballast Cannon occurs nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force to support the U.S. Air Force’s rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel. The long-standing relationships the U.S. Air Force has developed within the CENTCOM AOR enables regular and routine training, which advances the coalition’s ability to become a seamless operational force across every warfighting domain. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)

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Colombia Joins Combined Maritime Forces in Middle East as 41st Member

Source: United States Naval Central Command

MANAMA, Bahrain —

Combined Maritime Forces welcomed Colombia as the 41st member of the world’s largest maritime security partnership, Jan 21.

“It is a privilege to have Colombia as an official part of CMF,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, CMF commander. “We welcome the Colombians in the largest international naval coalition, dedicated to maritime security and stability in the Middle East, and protecting some of the world’s most important waterways. I look forward to sharing our experiences and being ‘Ready Together’ with our new partners.”

CMF is comprised of a headquarters staff and five combined task forces focusing on defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation, and promoting a safe maritime environment. The naval partnership upholds the international rules-based order by supporting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

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Brazil Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force 151

Source: United States Naval Central Command

MANAMA, Bahrain —

The Brazilian Navy assumed command of Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) counter-piracy focused task force during a change of command ceremony here, Jan. 23.

Philippine Navy Capt. Mateo Carido turned over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 to Brazilian Navy Rear Adm. Antonio Braz de Souza. While Commander of CTF 151, Carido met with key partners from many nations, including Sychelles, Djibouti and Dubai. These engagements provide an opportunity to reach countries not yet members of CMF and discuss the work of the multinational naval partnership, as well as strengthening ties between CMF member nations. 

Since assuming command last August, Carido oversaw ships working in support of the task force as they conducted multinational exercises to hone skills and promote transnational relationships. Ships also routinely conducted maritime patrols in the Gulf of Aden to directly suppress piracy outside territorial waters of coastal states, in coordination with the European Union Naval Force.

“We would like to express our sincerest gratitude most particularly to CMF, led by Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, for the trust and confidence given to me to lead this multinational counter-piracy task force,” said Carido. “To my team, thank you so much for your dedication and full support to the Philippine-led CTF 151, indeed, we are ready together.”

Braz de Souza takes command of CTF 151 following a tour as Chief of Staff of the Command in Chief of the Fleet. Over the years, he has participated in numerous missions navigating the South Atlantic Ocean, including rescuing the survivors of the Air France Flight 447 crash in 2009. He has also led oceanographic research missions, and as the head advisor of the submarine development program, his strategic vision shaped the future of Brazilian underwater defense.

“By accepting the invitation to guide this force once again, the Brazilian Navy, the first South American country to play a prominent role in this multinational maritime partnership, reaffirms its dedication to the maritime community, and particularly to the Combined Maritime Forces,” said Braz de Souza. “This commitment aims at enhancing overall security and stability, further contributing to the collective well-being.”

CTF 151 was established as a multinational task force in January 2009, and is one of five operational task forces under CMF. In conjunction with the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), and together with independently deployed naval ships, CTF 151 helps to patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.

CMF headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 40 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

CMF’s other task forces include CTF 150, which conducts maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf against threats from no-state actors; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training.

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Illegal Drugs Seized by CMF French-led Combined Task Force 150 in Arabian Sea

Source: United States Naval Central Command

MANAMA, Bahrain —

A U.S. Coast Guard cutter operating under the French-led Combined Task Force 150 of the Combined Maritime Forces seized about $8.1 million worth of illegal drugs from a vessel in the Arabian Sea, Jan. 16.

The Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145) seized 173 kilograms of methamphetamines following a search. The Coast Guardsmen properly disposed of the drugs and released the vessel.

This is the second interdiction by CTF 150 of the year and marks the 14th time they have seized illegal narcotics at sea since France took command in July 2023. During their tenure, more than 16 tons of illegal narcotics with a street value of over $600 million were seized and disposed of, preventing criminal and terrorist organizations generating income from drug smuggling. The seizure came one day before France turned over command of the task force to the Royal Canadian Navy.

The mission of Combined Task Force 150 is to disrupt the ability of non-state actors to move weapons or drugs, or engage in other illicit activities, in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

CTF 150 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the world’s largest multinational naval partnership, and focuses on maritime security operations in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

The 39-nation naval partnership upholds the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.