breaking911--2020-10-22--Border Patrol Arrests Rapist, Child Sex-Offender For Illegally Being In The Country

TUCSON , Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents patrolling in southeastern Arizona arrested two previously incarcerated sex offenders in separate @ @ @ @ @ Sector agents encountered Javier Martin-Martin near Palominas at 4:45 a.m. , following his illegal entry @ @ @ @ @ During records checks , agents learned the 40-year-old Mexican citizen was convicted of rape in @ @ @ @ @ in 2002 .
Martin-Martin served 12 years in prison for his crime .
Around 11 @ @ @ @ @ Douglas arrested Naum Arellano-Ramirez , a 56-year-old Mexican national illegally present in the United States @ @ @ @ @ is a registered sex offender .
He was convicted of continuous sex abuse of a @ @ @ @ @ , California , in 2005 and sentenced to a 12 year prison term .
Martin-Martin @ @ @ @ @ prosecution for immigration violations .

TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents patrolling in southeastern Arizona arrested two previously incarcerated sex offenders in separate incidents Monday morning.
Tucson Sector agents encountered Javier Martin-Martin near Palominas at 4:45 a.m., following his illegal entry into the United States. During records checks, agents learned the 40-year-old Mexican citizen was convicted of rape in Montgomery County, Alabama, in 2002. Martin-Martin served 12 years in prison for his crime.
Around 11 a.m., agents patrolling near Douglas arrested Naum Arellano-Ramirez, a 56-year-old Mexican national illegally present in the United States. Records checks revealed Arellano-Ramirez is a registered sex offender. He was convicted of continuous sex abuse of a child in Santa Barbara County, California, in 2005 and sentenced to a 12 year prison term.
Martin-Martin and Arellano-Ramirez will face federal prosecution for immigration violations.
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breaking911--2020-10-22--Once Greeted As Returning Hero, Doting Father, Army Reservist Ran Sex Trafficking Operation

U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad , Jr. of the Western District of North Carolina sentenced Xaver M. Boston , 31 , of Charlotte , North Carolina , today to serve 40 years in prison and 30 years of supervised release .
Judge Conrad also ordered Boston to pay $ 354,000 in restitution and $ 25,000 pursuant 18 U.S.C .
3014 and the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 .
A federal jury in Charlotte previously convicted Boston on Oct. 11 , 2018 , of six counts of sex trafficking and one count of using an interstate facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , Boston “ was welcomed back from Afghanistan as a returning hero and a doting father who surprised his young daughters at their school in Winston-Salem , ” WYFF reported .
Evidence presented during the three-day trial , including the testimony of three of the four victims identified in the indictment by their initials , revealed that Boston , who served in the U.S. Army as a reserve military policeman , operated an extensive sex trafficking enterprise in the Charlotte area between 2012 and September 2017 , except for a brief period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recruited young women and one teenager by promising to provide them with a place to live and heroin or other opioids .
Boston then advertised the victims on Backpage.com for prostitution and collected the proceeds for his own profit .
Evidence presented at trial showed that Boston used violence to control and coerce the victims .
Testimony revealed that on multiple occasions , Boston choked one victim and punched and slapped other victims .
He also used a pistol to strike one victim in the face , breaking her nose .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the extent to which the defendant in this case used physical violence and opioids to control and exploit the young vulnerable victims of his crime , ” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division .
“ The Civil Rights Division is committed to fighting human trafficking and committed to working with our federal and state partners to provide justice to the victims of this vile crime.
” “ Boston used fear , coercion and violence against young women to build a depraved sex trafficking criminal enterprise , robbing his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human dignity .
I could not be more pleased with his lengthy sentence , ” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray for the Western District of North Carolina .
“ My office will continue to work with our law enforcement counterparts to hold accountable those who engage in this illegal , dehumanizing trade , and partner with community organizations to ensure victims receive the support they need on their path to recovery.
” “ It takes an especially heinous person to physically , psychologically , and sexually abuse someone , ” said Robert R. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FBI Charlotte Field Office .
“ Xaver Boston ’ s victims truly believed he was there to help .
There is no way of knowing the long term damage he caused to their lives , but we do know for certain he will pay with a lengthy federal prison sentence .
”

U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr. of the Western District of North Carolina sentenced Xaver M. Boston, 31, of Charlotte, North Carolina, today to serve 40 years in prison and 30 years of supervised release. Judge Conrad also ordered Boston to pay $354,000 in restitution and $25,000 pursuant 18 U.S.C. 3014 and the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. A federal jury in Charlotte previously convicted Boston on Oct. 11, 2018, of six counts of sex trafficking and one count of using an interstate facility to promote a prostitution enterprise.
In 2017, Boston “was welcomed back from Afghanistan as a returning hero and a doting father who surprised his young daughters at their school in Winston-Salem,” WYFF reported.
Evidence presented during the three-day trial, including the testimony of three of the four victims identified in the indictment by their initials, revealed that Boston, who served in the U.S. Army as a reserve military policeman, operated an extensive sex trafficking enterprise in the Charlotte area between 2012 and September 2017, except for a brief period when he was deployed overseas. Boston recruited young women and one teenager by promising to provide them with a place to live and heroin or other opioids. Boston then advertised the victims on Backpage.com for prostitution and collected the proceeds for his own profit.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Boston used violence to control and coerce the victims. Testimony revealed that on multiple occasions, Boston choked one victim and punched and slapped other victims. He also used a pistol to strike one victim in the face, breaking her nose.
“The seriousness of today’s sentence reflects the extent to which the defendant in this case used physical violence and opioids to control and exploit the young vulnerable victims of his crime,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to fighting human trafficking and committed to working with our federal and state partners to provide justice to the victims of this vile crime.”
“Boston used fear, coercion and violence against young women to build a depraved sex trafficking criminal enterprise, robbing his victims of the most basic standards of human dignity. I could not be more pleased with his lengthy sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray for the Western District of North Carolina. “My office will continue to work with our law enforcement counterparts to hold accountable those who engage in this illegal, dehumanizing trade, and partner with community organizations to ensure victims receive the support they need on their path to recovery.”
“It takes an especially heinous person to physically, psychologically, and sexually abuse someone,” said Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Charlotte Field Office. “Xaver Boston’s victims truly believed he was there to help. There is no way of knowing the long term damage he caused to their lives, but we do know for certain he will pay with a lengthy federal prison sentence.”
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breaking911--2020-10-22--Attorney busted for recording co-worker with hidden phone in bathroom

HOUSTON , TX — Deputies with Constable Mark Herman ’ s Office responded to the 15800 block of Tomball Parkway @ @ @ @ @ Visual Recording investigation .
The victim reported finding a cell phone hidden in the bathroom @ @ @ @ @ victim recovered the phone and found multitudes of videos of herself using the bathroom .
@ @ @ @ @ phone belonged to a known lawyer in the office known as Landon Keating .
Investigators @ @ @ @ @ s High Tech Crimes Unit obtained a search warrant for the cell phone and conducted @ @ @ @ @ a result of this investigation several hundred video and image files of the complainant using @ @ @ @ @ discovered .
Landon Keating was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail , charged @ @ @ @ @ Visual Recordings .
He received a $ 5,000.00 bond for each account out of the @ @ @ @

HOUSTON, TX — Deputies with Constable Mark Herman’s Office responded to the 15800 block of Tomball Parkway in reference to a Invasive Visual Recording investigation.
The victim reported finding a cell phone hidden in the bathroom of her office. The victim recovered the phone and found multitudes of videos of herself using the bathroom. The victim stated that the phone belonged to a known lawyer in the office known as Landon Keating.
Investigators from Constable Mark Herman’s High Tech Crimes Unit obtained a search warrant for the cell phone and conducted an in-depth investigation.
As a result of this investigation several hundred video and image files of the complainant using her own office bathroom were discovered.
The investigation began on June 05, 2020.
Landon Keating was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail, charged with five counts of Invasive Visual Recordings. He received a $5,000.00 bond for each account out of the 208th District Court.
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breaking911--2020-10-22--U.S. says it blacklisted Iran’s ambassador to Iraq

Washington – ( US TREASURY / NEWS RELEASE ) — Today , the U.S. Department of the Treasury ’ s Office of Foreign Assets Control ( OFAC ) is designating ( sanctioning ) Iraj Masjedi , a general in Iran ’ s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force ( IRGC-QF ) and Iran ’ s Ambassador to Iraq , for acting for or on behalf of the IRGC-QF .
A close adviser to former IRGC-QF Commander Qassem Soleimani , Masjedi played a formative role in the IRGC-QF ’ s Iraq policy .
In his decades of service with the group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and support to Iraqi militia groups , and he has directed or supported groups that are responsible for attacks that have killed and wounded U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq .
In his current capacity , Masjedi has exploited his position as the Iranian regime ’ s ambassador in Iraq to obfuscate financial transfers conducted for the benefit of the IRGC-QF .
“ The Iranian regime threatens Iraq ’ s security and sovereignty by appointing IRGC-QF officials as ambassadors in the region to carry out their destabilizing foreign agenda , ” said Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States will continue to employ the tools and authorities at its disposal to target the Iranian regime and IRGC-QF officials that attempt to meddle in the affairs of sovereign nations , including any attempts to influence U.S. elections.
” Masjedi is being designated pursuant to the counterterrorism authority Executive Order ( E.O . )
13224 , as amended , for acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of , directly or indirectly , the IRGC-QF .
The IRGC-QF was designated pursuant to E.O .
13224 in 2007 for support to numerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its external arm , the IRGC-QF , was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on April 8 , 2019 .

Washington – (US TREASURY / NEWS RELEASE) — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating (sanctioning) Iraj Masjedi, a general in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Iran’s Ambassador to Iraq, for acting for or on behalf of the IRGC-QF. A close adviser to former IRGC-QF Commander Qassem Soleimani, Masjedi played a formative role in the IRGC-QF’s Iraq policy. In his decades of service with the group, Masjedi has overseen a program of training and support to Iraqi militia groups, and he has directed or supported groups that are responsible for attacks that have killed and wounded U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq. In his current capacity, Masjedi has exploited his position as the Iranian regime’s ambassador in Iraq to obfuscate financial transfers conducted for the benefit of the IRGC-QF.
“The Iranian regime threatens Iraq’s security and sovereignty by appointing IRGC-QF officials as ambassadors in the region to carry out their destabilizing foreign agenda,” said Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. “The United States will continue to employ the tools and authorities at its disposal to target the Iranian regime and IRGC-QF officials that attempt to meddle in the affairs of sovereign nations, including any attempts to influence U.S. elections.”
Masjedi is being designated pursuant to the counterterrorism authority Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, for acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the IRGC-QF. The IRGC-QF was designated pursuant to E.O. 13224 in 2007 for support to numerous terrorist groups. The IRGC, including its external arm, the IRGC-QF, was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on April 8, 2019.
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breaking911--2020-10-22--LIVESTREAM: Man Climbs Queensboro Bridge

A man has climbed the Queensboro Bridge in New York City and is streaming his standoff with police .

A man has climbed the Queensboro Bridge in New York City and is streaming his standoff with police.
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breaking911--2020-10-22--Trucker Who Drove Through George Floyd Protesters Is Charged

MINNIAPOLIS — The driver of a semi-tanker truck that barely avoided running into protesters on the Interstate 35W bridge over the Mississippi River has been charged with two crimes , Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced Thursday .
Bogdan Vechirko , 35 , of Otsego was charged with a felony count of threats of violence and a gross misdemeanor count of criminal vehicular operation .
He was charged by summons and his first court appearance is Nov. 10 .
The thorough investigation showed that Vechirko wanted to scare people out of his path , according to the complaint .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 1,000 peaceful protesters were sitting and standing on the interstate bridge just east of downtown Minneapolis .
A petroleum tanker truck , driven by Vechirko , approached the bridge from the south and headed right for the crowd at a high rate of speed .
He did not stop until a person in the crowd stumbled and fell forward , according to the complaint .
Investigators reviewed traffic cameras and a number of cell phone videos , all of which showed protesters screaming and running in a panic from the truck .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ videos also showed multiple vehicles stopped in the northbound lanes and drivers heading the wrong direction on entrance ramps , the complaint states .
During the investigation , a similar truck was used to reconstruct Verchirko ’ s drive .
The re-enactment showed that Verchirko ’ s line of sight would have provided him sufficient time to see the crowd and stop his truck well short of them , according to the complaint .
Investigators also spoke to numerous people who said that they thought they were going to be struck or killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person suffered scrapes and abrasions to her leg as she tried to get out of the truck ’ s path .

MINNIAPOLIS — The driver of a semi-tanker truck that barely avoided running into protesters on the Interstate 35W bridge over the Mississippi River has been charged with two crimes, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced Thursday.
Bogdan Vechirko, 35, of Otsego was charged with a felony count of threats of violence and a gross misdemeanor count of criminal vehicular operation. He was charged by summons and his first court appearance is Nov. 10. The thorough investigation showed that Vechirko wanted to scare people out of his path, according to the complaint.
The trucker who was attacked after driving into a massive protest on Interstate in Minneapolis was charged today in the May 31 incident. Bogdan Vechirko, 35, was charged with a felony count of threats of violence and a gross misdemeanor count of criminal vehicular operation. pic.twitter.com/CNe98n6fe2 — GrantB911 (@GrantB911) October 22, 2020
On the afternoon of May 31, more than 1,000 peaceful protesters were sitting and standing on the interstate bridge just east of downtown Minneapolis. A petroleum tanker truck, driven by Vechirko, approached the bridge from the south and headed right for the crowd at a high rate of speed. He did not stop until a person in the crowd stumbled and fell forward, according to the complaint.
Investigators reviewed traffic cameras and a number of cell phone videos, all of which showed protesters screaming and running in a panic from the truck. In addition to the protesters, the videos also showed multiple vehicles stopped in the northbound lanes and drivers heading the wrong direction on entrance ramps, the complaint states.
During the investigation, a similar truck was used to reconstruct Verchirko’s drive. The re-enactment showed that Verchirko’s line of sight would have provided him sufficient time to see the crowd and stop his truck well short of them, according to the complaint.
Investigators also spoke to numerous people who said that they thought they were going to be struck or killed by the truck. At least one person suffered scrapes and abrasions to her leg as she tried to get out of the truck’s path.
Criminal Complaint (PDF)
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breaking911--2020-10-22--FDA approves Gilead’s remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19

— Veklury Is First and Only FDA-Approved Treatment for COVID-19 in the United States — — Veklury Shortened Time to Recovery By Five Days in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients — FOSTER CITY , Calif.– ( BUSINESS WIRE ) – Gilead Sciences , Inc. ( Nasdaq : GILD ) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) has approved the antiviral drug Veklury® ( remdesivir ) for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization .
As an antiviral drug , Veklury works to stop replication of SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes COVID-19 .
Previously authorized by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , Veklury is now the first and only approved COVID-19 treatment in the United States .
The drug is now widely available in hospitals across the country , following early investments to rapidly expand manufacturing capacity to increase supply .
In the United States , Veklury is indicated for adults and pediatric patients ( 12 years of age and older and weighing at least 40 kg ) for the treatment of COVID-19 requiring hospitalization .
Veklury should only be administered in a hospital or in a healthcare setting capable of providing acute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Veklury is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to Veklury or any of its components ; please see below for additional Important Safety Information for Veklury .
This approval is based on three randomized controlled trials including the recently published , final results of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ’ ( NIAID ) double blind , placebo-controlled Phase 3 ACTT-1 trial , which showed that treatment with Veklury resulted in clinically meaningful improvements across multiple outcome assessments compared with placebo in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 .
Based on the strength @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a standard of care for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients .
“ The approval of Veklury marks an important milestone in efforts to help address the pandemic by offering an effective treatment that helps patients recover faster and , in turn , helps preserve scarce healthcare resources , ” said Barry Zingman , MD , Professor of Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center , New York .
“ The availability of a rigorously tested treatment that can significantly speed recovery and offers other benefits such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventilation , provides hospitalized patients and their families important hope and offers healthcare providers a critical tool as they care for patients in need.
” “ Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic , Gilead has worked relentlessly to help find solutions to this global health crisis .
It is incredible to be in the position today , less than one year since the earliest case reports of the disease now known as COVID-19 , of having an FDA-approved treatment in the U.S. that is available for all appropriate patients in need , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer , Gilead Sciences .
“ The speed and rigor with which Veklury has been developed and approved in the U.S. reflect the shared commitment of Gilead , government agencies and clinical trial investigators to advance well-tolerated , effective treatment options for the fight against COVID-19 .
We will continue to work at speed with the aim of enhancing patient outcomes with Veklury to ensure all patients with COVID-19 have the best chance at recovery.
” In the randomized , double-blind , placebo-controlled ACTT-1 trial , Veklury significantly improved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – by five days in the overall study population ( 10 vs. 15 days ; rate ratio , 1.29 ; 95 % CI , 1.12 to 1.49 ; p < 0.001 ) and seven days in patients who required oxygen support at baseline ( 11 vs. 18 days ; rate ratio , 1.31 ; 95 % CI , 1.12 to 1.52 ) .
As a secondary endpoint , Veklury also reduced disease progression in patients needing oxygen , resulting in a significantly lower incidence of new mechanical ventilation or ECMO ( 13 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , -15 to -4 ) .
In the overall patient population , there was a trend toward reduced mortality with Veklury compared with placebo at Day 29 ( 11.4 % vs. 15.2 % , HR 0.73 ; 95 % CI , 0.52 to 1.03 ) .
Additional mortality data from a post-hoc analysis were published in the New England Journal of Medicineon October 8 , 2020 .
The ACTT-1 trial results are complemented by results of two Phase 3 open-label trials of Veklury conducted in adult patients with severe and moderate COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients who required supplemental oxygen and who were not mechanically ventilated , found that a five-day or a 10-day treatment course of Veklury achieved similar clinical outcomes ( odds ratio 0.75 ; 95 % CI , 0.51 to 1.12 ) .
The SIMPLE-Moderate trial , conducted in hospitalized patients who did not require supplemental oxygen , showed statistically improved clinical outcomes with a five-day treatment course of Veklury compared with standard of care ( odds ratio 1.65 ; 95 % CI , 1.09 to 2.48 ; p=0.017 ) .
The odds of improvement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course of Veklury versus standard of care were also favorable , trending toward but not reaching statistical significance ( odds ratio 1.31 ; 95 % CI , 0.88 to 1.95 ) .
The incidence of adverse events associated with Veklury was similar to placebo in the ACTT-1 trial .
Rates of serious adverse events ( SAEs ) were numerically higher in the placebo group compared with the Veklury group .
Treatment discontinuation , all-cause grade 3 and 4 adverse events ( AEs ) and laboratory abnormalities were similar across groups .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reactions occurring in at least 5 % of subjects in either the Veklury 5-day or 10-day group , respectively , were nausea ( 5 % vs 3 % ) , AST increased ( 3 % vs 6 % ) , and ALT increased ( 2 % vs 7 % ) .
In the SIMPLE-Moderate trial , the most common adverse reaction occurring in at least 5 % of subjects in the Veklury groups was nausea ( 7 % in the 5-day group , 4 % in the 10-day group ) .
In parallel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FDA also issued a new Emergency Use Authorization ( EUA ) for the use of Veklury to treat hospitalized pediatric patients under 12 years of age weighing at least 3.5 kg or hospitalized pediatric patients weighing 3.5 kg to less than 40 kg with suspected or laboratory confirmed COVID-19 for whom use of an intravenous ( IV ) agent is clinically appropriate .
This authorization is temporary and may be revoked , and does not take the place of the formal submission , review and approval process for the use of Veklury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Veklury in pediatric patients under 12 years of age or weighing less than 40 kg has not been approved by FDA , and the safety and efficacy of Veklury for this use has not been established .
For information about the authorized use of Veklury in pediatric patients and mandatory requirements of the EUA in the U.S. , please review the Fact Sheets and FDA Letter of Authorization available at www.gilead.com/remdesivir .
The global , randomized , double-blind , placebo-controlled , Phase 3 clinical trial ACTT-1 ( NTC04280705 ) sponsored by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( NIAID ) evaluated the efficacy and safety of a 10-day treatment course of Veklury versus placebo in 1,063 hospitalized adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and mild , moderate or severe COVID-19 who also were receiving treatment with standard of care .
The primary outcome measure of ACTT-1 was time to recovery within 29 days after randomization .
Recovery was defined as discharged from the hospital without limitations on activities , discharged from the hospital with limitations on activities and/or requiring home oxygen , or hospitalized but not requiring supplemental oxygen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gilead ’ s two open-label Phase 3 trials of Veklury were conducted in countries with a high prevalence of COVID-19 infections and included U.S. trial sites that serve diverse communities .
The SIMPLE-Severe trial ( NCT04292899 ) was a randomized , open-label multi-center study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of five-day and 10-day dosing durations of Veklury plus standard of care in 397 hospitalized adult patients with severe COVID-19 .
Severe COVID-19 was defined as patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection , an SpO2 of ≤94 % on room air , and radiological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was clinical status on Day 14 assessed on a 7-point ordinal scale .
Treatment with Veklury was stopped in subjects who were discharged from the hospital prior to completion of their protocol-defined duration of treatment .
The SIMPLE-Moderate trial ( NCT04292730 ) was a randomized , controlled , open-label multi-center study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of five-day and 10-day dosing durations of Veklury plus standard of care compared with standard of care alone in 600 hospitalized adult patients with moderate COVID-19 .
Moderate COVID-19 was defined as confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pneumonia .
The primary endpoint was clinical status on Day 11 assessed on a 7-point ordinal scale .
Veklury ( remdesivir ) is a nucleotide analog invented by Gilead , building on more than a decade of the company ’ s antiviral research .
Veklury has broad-spectrum antiviral activity both in vitro and in vivo in animal models against multiple emerging viral pathogens , including Ebola , SARS , Marburg , MERS and SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes COVID-19 .
Veklury has been approved or authorized for temporary use as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In our continuing commitment to develop effective treatments for COVID-19 , multiple ongoing international Phase 3 clinical trials are evaluating the safety and efficacy of Veklury for the treatment of COVID-19 , in different patient populations , formulations , and in combination with other therapies .
As announced on October 1 , 2020 , Gilead is now meeting real-time demand for Veklury in the United States and anticipates meeting global demand for Veklury in October , even in the event of potential future surges of COVID-19 .
• VEKLURY is contraindicated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypersensitivity reactions to VEKLURY or any of its components .
• Hypersensitivity , including infusion-related and anaphylactic reactions : Hypersensitivity , including infusion-related and anaphylactic reactions , has been observed during and following administration of VEKLURY .
Monitor patients under close medical supervision for hypersensitivity reactions during and following administration of VEKLURY .
Symptoms may include hypotension , hypertension , tachycardia , bradycardia , hypoxia , fever , dyspnea , wheezing , angioedema , rash , nausea , diaphoresis , and shivering .
Slower infusion rates ( maximum infusion time ≤120 minutes ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a severe infusion-related hypersensitivity reaction occurs , immediately discontinue VEKLURY and initiate appropriate treatment ( see Contraindications ) .
• Increased risk of transaminase elevations : Transaminase elevations have been observed in healthy volunteers and in patients with COVID-19 who received VEKLURY ; these elevations have also been reported as a clinical feature of COVID-19 .
Perform hepatic laboratory testing in all patients ( see Dosage and administration ) .
Consider discontinuing VEKLURY if ALT levels increase to > 10x ULN .
Discontinue VEKLURY if ALT elevation is accompanied by signs or symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced antiviral activity when coadministered with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine : Coadministration of VEKLURY with chloroquine phosphate or hydroxychloroquine sulfate is not recommended due to antagonism observed in cell culture , which may lead to a decrease in antiviral activity of VEKLURY • The most common adverse reaction ( ≥5 % all grades ) was nausea .
• The most common lab abnormalities ( ≥5 % all grades ) were increases in ALT and AST .
• Drug interaction trials of VEKLURY and other concomitant medications have not been conducted in humans .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ≥12 years old and weighing ≥40 kg : 200 mg on Day 1 , followed by once-daily maintenance doses of 100 mg from Day 2 administered only via intravenous infusion over 30 to 120 minutes .
• Treatment duration : For patients not requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ( ECMO ) : 5 days ; may be extended up to 5 additional days ( 10 days total ) if clinical improvement is not observed .
For patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and/or ECMO : 10 days .
• Testing prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hepatic laboratory , and prothrombin time testing prior to initiating VEKLURY and during use as clinically appropriate .
• Renal impairment : VEKLURY is not recommended in individuals with eGFR < 30 mL/min .
• Pregnancy : There are insufficient human data on the use of VEKLURY during pregnancy .
Pregnant women hospitalized with COVID-19 are at risk for serious morbidity and mortality .
VEKLURY should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk for the mother and the fetus .
• Lactation : It is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ milk .
Breastfeeding individuals with COVID-19 should follow practices according to clinical guidelines to avoid exposing the infant to COVID-19 .
VEKLURY is indicated for adults and pediatric patients ( 12 years of age and older and weighing at least 40 kg ) for the treatment of COVID-19 requiring hospitalization .
Veklury should only be administered in a hospital or in a healthcare setting capable of providing acute care comparable to inpatient hospital care .
Gilead Sciences , Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers , develops and commercializes innovative medicines in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company strives to transform and simplify care for people with life-threatening illnesses around the world .
Gilead has operations in more than 35 countries worldwide , with headquarters in Foster City , California .

— Veklury Is First and Only FDA-Approved Treatment for COVID-19 in the United States —
— Veklury Shortened Time to Recovery By Five Days in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients —
FOSTER CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the antiviral drug Veklury® (remdesivir) for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization. As an antiviral drug, Veklury works to stop replication of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Previously authorized by the FDA for emergency use to treat COVID-19, Veklury is now the first and only approved COVID-19 treatment in the United States. The drug is now widely available in hospitals across the country, following early investments to rapidly expand manufacturing capacity to increase supply.
In the United States, Veklury is indicated for adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older and weighing at least 40 kg) for the treatment of COVID-19 requiring hospitalization. Veklury should only be administered in a hospital or in a healthcare setting capable of providing acute care comparable to inpatient hospital care. Veklury is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to Veklury or any of its components; please see below for additional Important Safety Information for Veklury.
This approval is based on three randomized controlled trials including the recently published, final results of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ (NIAID) double blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 ACTT-1 trial, which showed that treatment with Veklury resulted in clinically meaningful improvements across multiple outcome assessments compared with placebo in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Based on the strength of these data, Veklury has become a standard of care for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.
“The approval of Veklury marks an important milestone in efforts to help address the pandemic by offering an effective treatment that helps patients recover faster and, in turn, helps preserve scarce healthcare resources,” said Barry Zingman, MD, Professor of Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, New York. “The availability of a rigorously tested treatment that can significantly speed recovery and offers other benefits such as lower rates of progression to mechanical ventilation, provides hospitalized patients and their families important hope and offers healthcare providers a critical tool as they care for patients in need.”
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gilead has worked relentlessly to help find solutions to this global health crisis. It is incredible to be in the position today, less than one year since the earliest case reports of the disease now known as COVID-19, of having an FDA-approved treatment in the U.S. that is available for all appropriate patients in need,” said Daniel O’Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gilead Sciences. “The speed and rigor with which Veklury has been developed and approved in the U.S. reflect the shared commitment of Gilead, government agencies and clinical trial investigators to advance well-tolerated, effective treatment options for the fight against COVID-19. We will continue to work at speed with the aim of enhancing patient outcomes with Veklury to ensure all patients with COVID-19 have the best chance at recovery.”
In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ACTT-1 trial, Veklury significantly improved time to recovery as compared to placebo – by five days in the overall study population (10 vs. 15 days; rate ratio, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.49; p<0.001) and seven days in patients who required oxygen support at baseline (11 vs. 18 days; rate ratio, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.52). As a secondary endpoint, Veklury also reduced disease progression in patients needing oxygen, resulting in a significantly lower incidence of new mechanical ventilation or ECMO (13% vs. 23%; 95% CI, -15 to -4). In the overall patient population, there was a trend toward reduced mortality with Veklury compared with placebo at Day 29 (11.4% vs. 15.2%, HR 0.73; 95% CI, 0.52 to 1.03). Additional mortality data from a post-hoc analysis were published in the New England Journal of Medicineon October 8, 2020.
The ACTT-1 trial results are complemented by results of two Phase 3 open-label trials of Veklury conducted in adult patients with severe and moderate COVID-19. The SIMPLE-Severe trial, conducted in hospitalized patients who required supplemental oxygen and who were not mechanically ventilated, found that a five-day or a 10-day treatment course of Veklury achieved similar clinical outcomes (odds ratio 0.75; 95% CI, 0.51 to 1.12). The SIMPLE-Moderate trial, conducted in hospitalized patients who did not require supplemental oxygen, showed statistically improved clinical outcomes with a five-day treatment course of Veklury compared with standard of care (odds ratio 1.65; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.48; p=0.017). The odds of improvement in clinical status with the 10-day treatment course of Veklury versus standard of care were also favorable, trending toward but not reaching statistical significance (odds ratio 1.31; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.95).
The incidence of adverse events associated with Veklury was similar to placebo in the ACTT-1 trial. Rates of serious adverse events (SAEs) were numerically higher in the placebo group compared with the Veklury group. Treatment discontinuation, all-cause grade 3 and 4 adverse events (AEs) and laboratory abnormalities were similar across groups. In the SIMPLE-Severe trial, the most common adverse reactions occurring in at least 5% of subjects in either the Veklury 5-day or 10-day group, respectively, were nausea (5% vs 3%), AST increased (3% vs 6%), and ALT increased (2% vs 7%). In the SIMPLE-Moderate trial, the most common adverse reaction occurring in at least 5% of subjects in the Veklury groups was nausea (7% in the 5-day group, 4% in the 10-day group).
In parallel with the FDA approval of Veklury, the FDA also issued a new Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the use of Veklury to treat hospitalized pediatric patients under 12 years of age weighing at least 3.5 kg or hospitalized pediatric patients weighing 3.5 kg to less than 40 kg with suspected or laboratory confirmed COVID-19 for whom use of an intravenous (IV) agent is clinically appropriate. This authorization is temporary and may be revoked, and does not take the place of the formal submission, review and approval process for the use of Veklury in this patient population. The use of Veklury in pediatric patients under 12 years of age or weighing less than 40 kg has not been approved by FDA, and the safety and efficacy of Veklury for this use has not been established. For information about the authorized use of Veklury in pediatric patients and mandatory requirements of the EUA in the U.S., please review the Fact Sheets and FDA Letter of Authorization available at www.gilead.com/remdesivir.
About the ACTT-1 Trial
The global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 3 clinical trial ACTT-1 (NTC04280705) sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) evaluated the efficacy and safety of a 10-day treatment course of Veklury versus placebo in 1,063 hospitalized adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and mild, moderate or severe COVID-19 who also were receiving treatment with standard of care.
The primary outcome measure of ACTT-1 was time to recovery within 29 days after randomization. Recovery was defined as discharged from the hospital without limitations on activities, discharged from the hospital with limitations on activities and/or requiring home oxygen, or hospitalized but not requiring supplemental oxygen and no longer requiring ongoing medical care.
About the SIMPLE Trials
Gilead’s two open-label Phase 3 trials of Veklury were conducted in countries with a high prevalence of COVID-19 infections and included U.S. trial sites that serve diverse communities.
The SIMPLE-Severe trial (NCT04292899) was a randomized, open-label multi-center study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of five-day and 10-day dosing durations of Veklury plus standard of care in 397 hospitalized adult patients with severe COVID-19. Severe COVID-19 was defined as patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, an SpO2 of ≤94% on room air, and radiological evidence of pneumonia. The primary endpoint was clinical status on Day 14 assessed on a 7-point ordinal scale. Treatment with Veklury was stopped in subjects who were discharged from the hospital prior to completion of their protocol-defined duration of treatment.
The SIMPLE-Moderate trial (NCT04292730) was a randomized, controlled, open-label multi-center study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of five-day and 10-day dosing durations of Veklury plus standard of care compared with standard of care alone in 600 hospitalized adult patients with moderate COVID-19. Moderate COVID-19 was defined as confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, SpO2 >94% and radiological evidence of pneumonia. The primary endpoint was clinical status on Day 11 assessed on a 7-point ordinal scale.
About Veklury
Veklury (remdesivir) is a nucleotide analog invented by Gilead, building on more than a decade of the company’s antiviral research. Veklury has broad-spectrum antiviral activity both in vitro and in vivo in animal models against multiple emerging viral pathogens, including Ebola, SARS, Marburg, MERS and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Veklury has been approved or authorized for temporary use as a COVID-19 treatment in approximately 50 countries worldwide. In our continuing commitment to develop effective treatments for COVID-19, multiple ongoing international Phase 3 clinical trials are evaluating the safety and efficacy of Veklury for the treatment of COVID-19, in different patient populations, formulations, and in combination with other therapies.
As announced on October 1, 2020, Gilead is now meeting real-time demand for Veklury in the United States and anticipates meeting global demand for Veklury in October, even in the event of potential future surges of COVID-19.
U.S. Important Safety Information for Veklury
Contraindication
VEKLURY is contraindicated in patients with a history of clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions to VEKLURY or any of its components.
Warnings and precautions
Hypersensitivity, including infusion-related and anaphylactic reactions: Hypersensitivity, including infusion-related and anaphylactic reactions, has been observed during and following administration of VEKLURY. Monitor patients under close medical supervision for hypersensitivity reactions during and following administration of VEKLURY. Symptoms may include hypotension, hypertension, tachycardia, bradycardia, hypoxia, fever, dyspnea, wheezing, angioedema, rash, nausea, diaphoresis, and shivering. Slower infusion rates (maximum infusion time ≤120 minutes) can potentially prevent these reactions. If a severe infusion-related hypersensitivity reaction occurs, immediately discontinue VEKLURY and initiate appropriate treatment (see Contraindications).
Increased risk of transaminase elevations: Transaminase elevations have been observed in healthy volunteers and in patients with COVID-19 who received VEKLURY; these elevations have also been reported as a clinical feature of COVID-19. Perform hepatic laboratory testing in all patients (see Dosage and administration). Consider discontinuing VEKLURY if ALT levels increase to >10x ULN. Discontinue VEKLURY if ALT elevation is accompanied by signs or symptoms of liver inflammation.
Risk of reduced antiviral activity when coadministered with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine: Coadministration of VEKLURY with chloroquine phosphate or hydroxychloroquine sulfate is not recommended due to antagonism observed in cell culture, which may lead to a decrease in antiviral activity of VEKLURY
Adverse reactions
The most common adverse reaction (≥5% all grades) was nausea.
The most common lab abnormalities (≥5% all grades) were increases in ALT and AST.
Drug interactions
Drug interaction trials of VEKLURY and other concomitant medications have not been conducted in humans.
Dosage and administration
Dosage: For adults and pediatric patients ≥12 years old and weighing ≥40 kg: 200 mg on Day 1, followed by once-daily maintenance doses of 100 mg from Day 2 administered only via intravenous infusion over 30 to 120 minutes.
Treatment duration: For patients not requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO): 5 days; may be extended up to 5 additional days (10 days total) if clinical improvement is not observed. For patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and/or ECMO: 10 days.
Testing prior to and during treatment: Perform eGFR, hepatic laboratory, and prothrombin time testing prior to initiating VEKLURY and during use as clinically appropriate.
Renal impairment: VEKLURY is not recommended in individuals with eGFR <30 mL/min.
Dose preparation and administration: See full Prescribing Information.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy: There are insufficient human data on the use of VEKLURY during pregnancy. Pregnant women hospitalized with COVID-19 are at risk for serious morbidity and mortality. VEKLURY should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk for the mother and the fetus.
Lactation: It is not known whether VEKLURY can pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding individuals with COVID-19 should follow practices according to clinical guidelines to avoid exposing the infant to COVID-19.
U.S. Indication for Veklury
VEKLURY is indicated for adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older and weighing at least 40 kg) for the treatment of COVID-19 requiring hospitalization. Veklury should only be administered in a hospital or in a healthcare setting capable of providing acute care comparable to inpatient hospital care.
About Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. The company strives to transform and simplify care for people with life-threatening illnesses around the world. Gilead has operations in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.
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breaking911--2020-10-22--New York Gang Leader Who Wanted to Kill Wife’s Lover Convicted

Vance Collins , a/k/a “ Big AK , ” and Ramon Ramirez , a/k/a “ Obendy , ” were found guilty of hiring gang members to murder an individual believed to be having an affair with Ramirez ’ s wife .
Collins was also convicted of possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony .
Both were convicted yesterday after a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel .
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said : “ Vance Collins and Ramon Ramirez tried to arrange for a murder .
Now , in the first criminal trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic , the defendants stand convicted and will face punishment for their crimes.
” According to the allegations in the Indictment and evidence at trial : In around 2017 , Ramirez learned that his wife was having an affair with another man ( the “ Victim ” ) .
Ramirez enlisted Collins , a high-ranking gang leader , to hire someone to kill the Victim .
Collins turned to a member of his gang , who in turn enlisted another gang member , and those two gang members took steps to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shoot or stab the Victim to death .
One night in October 2018 , the two hitmen encountered the Victim at the Victim ’ s home ; however , the presence of another person thwarted their plan .
One of the hitmen was arrested shortly thereafter , and the Victim was not killed .
During his arrest , Collins was found to be in possession of three firearms , including one that he and one of the hitmen had acquired to use in the plot to kill the Victim .

Vance Collins, a/k/a “Big AK,” and Ramon Ramirez, a/k/a “Obendy,” were found guilty of hiring gang members to murder an individual believed to be having an affair with Ramirez’s wife. Collins was also convicted of possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony. Both were convicted yesterday after a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Vance Collins and Ramon Ramirez tried to arrange for a murder. Now, in the first criminal trial in this District since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the defendants stand convicted and will face punishment for their crimes.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment and evidence at trial:
In around 2017, Ramirez learned that his wife was having an affair with another man (the “Victim”). Ramirez enlisted Collins, a high-ranking gang leader, to hire someone to kill the Victim. Collins turned to a member of his gang, who in turn enlisted another gang member, and those two gang members took steps to locate and surveil the Victim, intending to shoot or stab the Victim to death. One night in October 2018, the two hitmen encountered the Victim at the Victim’s home; however, the presence of another person thwarted their plan. One of the hitmen was arrested shortly thereafter, and the Victim was not killed. During his arrest, Collins was found to be in possession of three firearms, including one that he and one of the hitmen had acquired to use in the plot to kill the Victim.
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breaking911--2020-10-22--Trump Administration Releases “60 Minutes” Footage of Unedited, Contentious Interview

President Trump on Thursday violated an agreement with CBS News and released the White House ’ s recording of an @ @ @ @ @ , ” three days ahead of the expected Sunday airing on CBS .
Correspondent Lesley @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , the economy and other key issues in the campaign .
Look @ @ @ @ @ and rudeness on behalf of 60 Minutes and CBS .
Tonight ’ s anchor , @ @ @ @ @ worse !
# MAGA More bias , hatred and rudeness on 60 Minutes with our @ @ @ @ @ More bias , hatred and rudeness on 60 Minutes with our Great Vice President — @ @ @

President Trump on Thursday violated an agreement with CBS News and released the White House’s recording of an interview with “60 Minutes,” three days ahead of the expected Sunday airing on CBS. Correspondent Lesley Stahl asked the president about the coronavirus pandemic, the economy and other key issues in the campaign.
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breaking911--2020-10-23--5-Year-Old Girl In California Accidentally Shot And Killed By Another Child, Police Say

MERCED , Calif. — On Thursday afternoon , around 2:30 , Merced Police Officers responded to a report of gunshot @ @ @ @ @ of East 26th Street .
Officers responded to the scene and located the crime scene @ @ @ @ @ 26th Street .
Officers also received a report of a 5-year-old gunshot victim dropped off @ @ @ @ @ man who dropped off the victim was seen leaving the hospital .
Officers attempted to @ @ @ @ @ the driver refused to stop and engaged in a high-speed pursuit .
The driver finally @ @ @ @ @ custody and was identified as Rodney Matthews .
Detectives believe the 5 year old victim @ @ @ @ @ child-aged family member .
Rodney Matthews was arrested and booked on charges of child endangerment @ @ @ @ @ of a child , felony reckless driving while evading officers , and a prohibited person @ @ @ @ @ ammunition .
Merced Police Detectives and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the crime @ @ @ @ @

MERCED, Calif. — On Thursday afternoon, around 2:30, Merced Police Officers responded to a report of gunshot heard in the 1600 block of East 26th Street.
Officers responded to the scene and located the crime scene at a home on East 26th Street. Officers also received a report of a 5-year-old gunshot victim dropped off at Mercy Hospital.
The man who dropped off the victim was seen leaving the hospital. Officers attempted to stop the subject, but the driver refused to stop and engaged in a high-speed pursuit.
The driver finally stopped and was taken into custody and was identified as Rodney Matthews.
Detectives believe the 5 year old victim was accidentally shot by another child-aged family member.
Rodney Matthews was arrested and booked on charges of child endangerment which resulted in the death of a child, felony reckless driving while evading officers, and a prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Merced Police Detectives and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the crime scene and are investigating.
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breaking911--2020-10-23--LIVE: Trump, Biden Debate In Final Face-off Of 2020 Presidential Election

Watch live on Thursday , Oct. 22 at 9 p.m .
ET : President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee @ @ @ @ @ a debate moderated by NBC News ’ Kristen Welker .

Watch live on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 9 p.m. ET: President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden face off in a debate moderated by NBC News’ Kristen Welker.
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breaking911--2020-10-27--AMY CONEY BARRETT CONFIRMED

AMY CONEY BARRETT CONFIRMED

The majority in the Senate Monday voted to confirm Trump-nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ conservatives .
Barrett succeeds late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
Justice Clarence Thomas will administer @ @ @ @ @ Barrett tonight at The White House .

The majority in the Senate Monday voted to confirm Trump-nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court, a massive win for conservatives. Barrett succeeds late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Justice Clarence Thomas will administer the official constitutional oath to Barrett tonight at The White House.
WATCH: Senate Confirms Amy Coney Barrett As a Supreme Court Justice – https://t.co/VRPeIWrTaa pic.twitter.com/iWNQtoz28c — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) October 27, 2020
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breaking911--2020-10-26--Protests Erupt After Armed Man Shot Dead By Philly Police

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Police fatally shot a man armed with a knife on the city ’ s Westside Monday .
Police say they responded to the location for a domestic incident when they encountered the suspect .
The unidentified man was given multiple commands to drop the knife but refused , police say .
As he continued to walk toward the officers , he was shot multiple times .
The incident was captured on video .
After the incident , a group of angry residents gathered at the scene to protest–some saying the officers involved should had used a taser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philadelphia District Attorney ’ s Office takes its obligation to try to be fair and to seek evenhanded justice seriously .
The DAO Special Investigations Unit responded to today ’ s fatal shooting of a civilian by police shortly after it occurred , and has been on scene with other DAO personnel since that time investigating , as we do jointly with the PPD Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation Unit , in shootings and fatalities by other means involving police .
We intend to go where the facts and law lead us and to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and without bias of any kind .
“ People who witnessed this incident or have information they believe to be relevant to this investigation are encouraged to contact the District Attorney ’ s Office Special Investigations Unit hotline : 215–686–9608.
” “ In the hours and days following this shooting , we ask Philadelphians to come together to uphold people ’ s freedom to express themselves peacefully and to reject violence of any kind .
”

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Police fatally shot a man armed with a knife on the city’s Westside Monday.
Police say they responded to the location for a domestic incident when they encountered the suspect. The unidentified man was given multiple commands to drop the knife but refused, police say. As he continued to walk toward the officers, he was shot multiple times. The incident was captured on video.
WARNING — GRAPHIC: Video shows knife-wielding man shot dead by police in Philadelphia. A crowd of protesters has gathered at the scene. pic.twitter.com/GTzeUjw5IE — GrantB911 (@GrantB911) October 26, 2020
After the incident, a group of angry residents gathered at the scene to protest–some saying the officers involved should had used a taser and not live rounds.
Emotions are running high among a growing crowd of neighbors, many of whom witnessed the officer involved shooting. @PPDCommish spoke with some of them on scene. Full video on my Facebook page @6abc https://t.co/qCAYVqN37a pic.twitter.com/IVJ40nCxB2 — Christie Ileto (@Christie_Ileto) October 26, 2020
I’m in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood of Philadelphia, where police shot a Black man less than an hour ago. Witnesses say he had a knife but was not charging police. Numerous shell casings are in the street. Neighbors are irate, crying, yelling at police. pic.twitter.com/oWtIJTDdUw — Ellie Rushing (@EllieRushing) October 26, 2020
District Attorney Larry Krasner issued the following statement:
“The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office takes its obligation to try to be fair and to seek evenhanded justice seriously. The DAO Special Investigations Unit responded to today’s fatal shooting of a civilian by police shortly after it occurred, and has been on scene with other DAO personnel since that time investigating, as we do jointly with the PPD Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation Unit, in shootings and fatalities by other means involving police. We intend to go where the facts and law lead us and to do so carefully, without rushing to judgment and without bias of any kind.
“People who witnessed this incident or have information they believe to be relevant to this investigation are encouraged to contact the District Attorney’s Office Special Investigations Unit hotline: 215–686–9608.”
“In the hours and days following this shooting, we ask Philadelphians to come together to uphold people’s freedom to express themselves peacefully and to reject violence of any kind.”
(c) 2020 Breaking911 – T. Grant Benson / @GrantB911
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breaking911--2020-10-26--U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Election Day Program to Combat Fraud

NEWARK , N.J. – U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today that Assistant U.S .
Attorneys Allan Urgent , Mark McCarren and Gabriel Vidoni will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department ’ s nationwide Election Day Program .
“ The right to vote without interference or discrimination , and to have that vote counted , is a cornerstone of our democracy , ” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said .
“ We will not tolerate voter intimidation , voter bribery , election fraud or theft of ballots .
We take seriously our responsibility to maintain the integrity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns , and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities , the public can call the Election Day Hotline – 888-636-6596 .
This number will be active Oct. 30 , 2020 , through Nov. 6 , 2020 , and will be staffed live on Election Day , Nov. 3 , 2020 .
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters , buying and selling votes , impersonating voters , altering vote tallies , stuffing ballot boxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their wishes or without their input .
It also contains special protections for the rights of voters , and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them .
For example , actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them , or by photographing or videotaping them , under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law .
Further , federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their choice ( where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy ) .
AUSAs Urgent , McCarren and Vidoni serve as the District Election Officers ( DEOs ) for the District of New Jersey , and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District ’ s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington .
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls , and combating these violations whenever and wherever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals , and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day .
In addition to the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office ’ s Hotline , the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office can be reached by the public at 973-792-3000 .
The public may also call the FBI ’ s national tip line – 1-800-CALL-FBI ( 1-800-225-5324 ) , and calls will be routed as appropriate .
The public may also submit online tips or complaints to the FBI via https : //www.fbi.gov/tips .
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington , DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https : //civilrights.justice.gov/ .
In the case of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities .
State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places , and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency .
U.S. Attorney Carpenito said , “ Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate .
It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office , the FBI , or the Civil Rights Division .
”

NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allan Urgent, Mark McCarren and Gabriel Vidoni will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program.
“The right to vote without interference or discrimination, and to have that vote counted, is a cornerstone of our democracy,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “We will not tolerate voter intimidation, voter bribery, election fraud or theft of ballots. We take seriously our responsibility to maintain the integrity of the election process.”
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, the public can call the Election Day Hotline – 888-636-6596. This number will be active Oct. 30, 2020, through Nov. 6, 2020, and will be staffed live on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
AUSAs Urgent, McCarren and Vidoni serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the District of New Jersey, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.
In addition to the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Hotline, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The FBI Newark field office can be reached by the public at 973-792-3000. The public may also call the FBI’s national tip line – 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), and calls will be routed as appropriate. The public may also submit online tips or complaints to the FBI via https://www.fbi.gov/tips .
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
In the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
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breaking911--2020-10-26--He was caught with child porn while on probation for the same offense. He’ll now do 11 years in pris

He was caught with child porn while on probation for the same offense. He’ll now do 11 years in prison.

St. Charles , Illinois — 33-year-old David C. Schiferl on Oct. 23 , 2020 , agreed to a sentence of 11 years of imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections in exchange for a guilty plea to the offense of possession of child pornography of a victim younger than 13 with the intent to disseminate , a felony .
In addition to the prison term , Schiferl must register for life as a sexual offender in accordance with the Illinois Sexual Offender Registration Act .
Kane County Assistant State ’ s Attorney Bill Engerman stated in court that investigators with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Carpentersville Police Department traced suspected pornographic images of a child to Schiferl ’ s home .
They served a search warrant at his home on Aug , 23 , 2018 , and found an image of a child being sexually abused on Schiferl ’ s mobile phone .
Schiferl admitted that the image belonged to him .
Schiferl at the time was serving a sentence of probation for a 2017 Lake County conviction for possession of child pornography .
Kane County State ’ s Attorney Joe McMahon said , “ Child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has long-term consequences for victims .
Images often linger in cyberspace for years , repeatedly victimizing the child , even into adulthood .
This defendant belongs in prison .
”

St. Charles, Illinois — 33-year-old David C. Schiferl on Oct. 23, 2020, agreed to a sentence of 11 years of imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections in exchange for a guilty plea to the offense of possession of child pornography of a victim younger than 13 with the intent to disseminate, a felony.
In addition to the prison term, Schiferl must register for life as a sexual offender in accordance with the Illinois Sexual Offender Registration Act.
Kane County Assistant State’s Attorney Bill Engerman stated in court that investigators with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the Carpentersville Police Department traced suspected pornographic images of a child to Schiferl’s home.
They served a search warrant at his home on Aug, 23, 2018, and found an image of
a child being sexually abused on Schiferl’s mobile phone. Schiferl admitted that the image belonged to him.
Schiferl at the time was serving a sentence of probation for a 2017 Lake County
conviction for possession of child pornography.
Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said, “Child pornography is a form of child abuse and has long-term consequences for victims. Images often linger in cyberspace for years, repeatedly victimizing the child, even into adulthood. This defendant belongs in prison.”
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breaking911--2020-10-26--Toddler Sexual Abuse Investigation Leads To 3 Alleged Adult Victims

Magnolia , Texas — ( Montgomery County DA / News Release ) — On Thursday , the Montgomery County Sheriff ’ s Office conducted a search and arrest warrant operation for Felipe de Jesus Ledezma-Arellano at a residence on Springwood Dr. Magnolia , Texas .
The operation was conducted with the assistance of the US Marshals Service , the FBI , and the Montgomery County District Attorney ’ s Office .
During the execution of this operation , Felipe was located and taken into custody on a sexual assault warrant .
This has been an extensive and ongoing investigation by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Special Victim ’ s Unit .
The initial report indicated that a two year old female child was possibly a victim of sexual abuse at a Magnolia residence .
As Detectives investigated further , they identified three additional adult female victims in this case that were subjected to prolonged periods of domestic violence and sexual abuse at the hands of Felipe .
Ledezma was arrested for sexual assault and booked in the Montgomery County Jail with a $ 30,000 bond and has since been released after posting bond .
Due to the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already been identified , the Montgomery County Sheriff ’ s Office is asking that any women who may have been romantically involved with Felipe De Jesus Ledezma-Arellano , contact the Montgomery County Sheriff ’ s Office immediately at 936-760-5800

Magnolia, Texas — (Montgomery County DA / News Release) — On Thursday, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search and arrest warrant operation for Felipe de Jesus Ledezma-Arellano at a residence on Springwood Dr. Magnolia, Texas. The operation was conducted with the assistance of the US Marshals Service, the FBI, and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. During the execution of this operation, Felipe was located and taken into custody on a sexual assault warrant.
This has been an extensive and ongoing investigation by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Victim’s Unit. The initial report indicated that a two year old female child was possibly a victim of sexual abuse at a Magnolia residence. As Detectives investigated further, they identified three additional adult female victims in this case that were subjected to prolonged periods of domestic violence and sexual abuse at the hands of Felipe.
Ledezma was arrested for sexual assault and booked in the Montgomery County Jail with a $30,000 bond and has since been released after posting bond.
Due to the number of victims in this case that have already been identified, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is asking that any women who may have been romantically involved with Felipe De Jesus Ledezma-Arellano, contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 936-760-5800
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breaking911--2020-10-26--Tennessee Man Indicted in Connection with Girlfriend’s Suicide

BIG SANDY , Tenn. – A joint investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Benton County Sheriff ’ s Office has resulted in the indictment of a Benton County man following his girlfriend ’ s suicide .
On November 26 , 2019 , at the request of 24th District Attorney General Matt Stowe , TBI Special Agents joined the Benton County Sheriff ’ s Office in investigating the death of Melanie Herndon .
Herndon was found deceased inside her residence in the 4700 block of Point Mason Road in Big Sandy .
Investigators were first alerted to Herndon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her boyfriend ’ s father who lives in Los Angeles , California .
Jimmy Beck Jr. told his father that Herndon had committed suicide that morning .
He then flew to California and relayed the story to his father , who called the Benton County Sheriff ’ s Office .
Jimmy Beck Jr. has never contacted authorities to personally report the incident or give an account of what he witnessed .
An autopsy determined Herndon died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound .
On October 19th , the Benton County Grand Jury returned indictments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Failure to Report a Death Under Suspicious , Unusual or Unnatural Circumstances and one count of Tampering with or Fabricating Evidence .
Today , Jimmy Beck Jr. returned to Benton County from California , was arrested , and booked into the Benton County Jail on $ 5,000 bond .

BIG SANDY, Tenn. – A joint investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the indictment of a Benton County man following his girlfriend’s suicide.
On November 26, 2019, at the request of 24th District Attorney General Matt Stowe, TBI Special Agents joined the Benton County Sheriff’s Office in investigating the death of Melanie Herndon. Herndon was found deceased inside her residence in the 4700 block of Point Mason Road in Big Sandy.
Investigators were first alerted to Herndon’s death by a call from her boyfriend’s father who lives in Los Angeles, California. Jimmy Beck Jr. told his father that Herndon had committed suicide that morning. He then flew to California and relayed the story to his father, who called the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. Jimmy Beck Jr. has never contacted authorities to personally report the incident or give an account of what he witnessed. An autopsy determined Herndon died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
On October 19th, the Benton County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Beck Jr. with one count of Failure to Report a Death Under Suspicious, Unusual or Unnatural Circumstances and one count of Tampering with or Fabricating Evidence. Today, Jimmy Beck Jr. returned to Benton County from California, was arrested, and booked into the Benton County Jail on $5,000 bond.
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breaking911--2020-10-26--LIVE: Trump Holds Rally Blitz In Pennsylvania

Watch live as President Trump delivers remarks at a ‘ Make America Great Again Victory Rally ’ at Altoona-Blair County @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump is holding three rallies in the state Monday .

Watch live as President Trump delivers remarks at a ‘Make America Great Again Victory Rally’ at Altoona-Blair County Airport in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania. Trump is holding three rallies in the state Monday.
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breaking911--2020-10-26--Sheriff: Texas Boy, 3, Fatally Shoots Self At His Birthday Party

PORTER , Texas — On saturday , at about 4:15 pm , Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ 23000 block of Owens Rd in Porter , Texas in reference to a Welfare Check @ @ @ @ @ was learned there was a three-year-old boy with a gunshot wound .
Family and friends @ @ @ @ @ the birthday of the three-year-old , and while playing cards , heard a gunshot .
@ @ @ @ @ a gunshot wound to the chest .
Police say the child found the pistol after @ @ @ @ @ family member ’ s pocket .
The child was rushed to the nearest fire station @ @ @ @ @ wounds .

PORTER, Texas — On saturday, at about 4:15 pm, Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office were called to the 23000 block of Owens Rd in Porter, Texas in reference to a Welfare Check.
Upon arrival, it was learned there was a three-year-old boy with a gunshot wound. Family and friends had gathered earlier to celebrate the birthday of the three-year-old, and while playing cards, heard a gunshot. The child was located with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Police say the child found the pistol after it fell out of a family member’s pocket. The child was rushed to the nearest fire station where he succumbed to his wounds.
The investigation is ongoing.
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breaking911--2020-10-26--Florida Man in ‘Garbage Bag Suit’ Set Garbage Trucks On Fire, Causing Millions in Damage

Pompano Beach , FLA. — Broward Sheriff ’ s Office Violent Crimes detectives are looking for a man , dressed in black , who set fire to several garbage trucks .
At approximately 2:12 a.m. Sunday , Oct. 18 , an unknown male subject wearing a black garbage bag type suit and goggles entered the Waste Pro facility located at 3101 N.W .
16th Ter .
in Pompano Beach .
After the male forced entry , by torching the gate , to gain access into the compound he walked toward the rear of the property alongside the garbage trucks with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Surveillance video of the incident shows the subject walk to the rear of the property and light a garbage truck on fire .
He then proceeded to walk back toward the front gate lighting several other garage trucks on fire before opening a door to the building , placing a clear bottle of liquid on the floor and lighting the liquid causing the building to catch fire .
The suspect is then seen leaving the compound through the gate and then fled in a black sedan .
There was an addition white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a possible lookout in the area .
Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding the identity of this subject to contact BSO Violent Crimes Detective Tammy Encina at 954-652-6557 .

Pompano Beach, FLA. — Broward Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes detectives are looking for a man, dressed in black, who set fire to several garbage trucks.
At approximately 2:12 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, an unknown male subject wearing a black garbage bag type suit and goggles entered the Waste Pro facility located at 3101 N.W. 16th Ter. in Pompano Beach. After the male forced entry, by torching the gate, to gain access into the compound he walked toward the rear of the property alongside the garbage trucks with what appeared to be a gas canister.
Surveillance video of the incident shows the subject walk to the rear of the property and light a garbage truck on fire. He then proceeded to walk back toward the front gate lighting several other garage trucks on fire before opening a door to the building, placing a clear bottle of liquid on the floor and lighting the liquid causing the building to catch fire. The suspect is then seen leaving the compound through the gate and then fled in a black sedan. There was an addition white SUV type vehicle that was being used as a possible lookout in the area.
Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding the identity of this subject to contact BSO Violent Crimes Detective Tammy Encina at 954-652-6557.
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breaking911--2020-10-27--FULL VIDEO: ’60 Minutes’ Airs Trump Interview Cut Short By President

In an interview that ’ s made headlines this week , Lesley Stahl presses President Trump on rising coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ be if re-elected .
Stahl also speaks with Trump ’ s running mate , Vice @ @ @ @

In an interview that’s made headlines this week, Lesley Stahl presses President Trump on rising coronavirus cases and what his priorities would be if re-elected. Stahl also speaks with Trump’s running mate, Vice President Mike Pence.
WATCH NEXT: Joe Biden’s ’60 Minutes’ interview.
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breaking911--2020-10-27--Houston Settles DOJ’s ‘Intolerable,’ ‘Egregious’ Firehouse Harassment Suit

The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with the City of Houston resolving allegations that personnel at Houston Fire Department ( HFD ) Station 54 discriminated and retaliated against former firefighter Jane Draycott in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 .
Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race , color , national origin , sex and religion .
The department also announced the April 28 , 2020 settlement of the Title VII claims brought in its lawsuit on behalf of Houston firefighter Paula @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving Draycott ’ s claims is entered by the court , all Title VII claims brought by the United States in its lawsuit will be resolved .
“ There is no place in the workplace for the type of egregious sexual harassment that these two female Houston firefighters suffered in this case , and the retaliation one firefighter endured after she complained is intolerable and unlawful .
Sexual harassment and retaliation of this kind artificially slam shut the doors of equal employment opportunity for women who work in jobs historically dominated by men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ S. Dreiband .
“ These two strong women and anyone else who is hardworking and courageous enough to serve as a first responder deserve the full protection of the Civil Rights Act .
The Department of Justice is and will remain dedicated to enforcing these protections so that firefighters and other public safety officials can protect and serve the public free from illegal sex discrimination.
” “ This settlement agreement exemplifies our commitment to civil rights and sends a clear message that the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office will continue to protect all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from unlawful discrimination , retaliation and sexual harassment in the workplace , ” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick for the Southern District of Texas .
“ The type of systematic discrimination suffered by HFD female firefighters can only be prevented when employers unequivocally promote a workplace free from discrimination.
” Draycott and Keyes each filed charges of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ( EEOC ) .
The EEOC ’ s Houston Office investigated the charges and made reasonable cause findings .
After unsuccessful conciliation efforts , the EEOC referred the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the department ’ s complaint , filed in the Southern District of Texas , female firefighters Jane Draycott and Paula Keyes were subjected to a hostile work environment based on sex when they were employed at the HFD ’ s Station 54 , located at Bush Intercontinental Airport in north Houston .
The complaint alleged that , during the time that both Draycott and Keyes worked at Station 54 , they were subjected to the soiling of their bathroom by male co-workers who urinated against the walls , floors , and sinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over time to dangerous activities that jeopardized the personal safety of Keyes and Draycott and their ability to do their jobs , to include the disconnection of the cold water in their showers and the silencing of the public announcement speakers in their residential areas such that they could not respond to emergency fire calls .
This conduct was persistent even though Draycott complained about it through her chain of command .
Prior to Draycott ’ s and Keyes ’ transfer to Station 54 , other female firefighters who had previously worked at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HFD about the conduct .
According to the complaint , the HFD did not take meaningful steps to stop the discrimination against these other women .
The complaint further alleged the harassing conduct culminated in death threats and vulgar race- and gender-based slurs written on the walls of their work and living spaces and on their personal possessions .
Finally , the complaint also alleged that the HFD retaliated against Draycott for complaining about her working conditions by publicly disparaging her in a workplace meeting in order to force her to leave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s employment earlier than anticipated due to the intolerable working conditions .
Under the terms of the Oct. 26 , 2020 consent decree with the City of Houston concerning HFD ’ s Station 54 , which is subject to court approval , the city must provide training to certain supervisory staff and provide proof of compliance for up to 12 months .
The city also agreed to pay Draycott $ 275,000.00 to resolve the claims of sex-based harassment and retaliation stemming from her employment with the HFD .
In a separate settlement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city agreed to pay $ 67,500.00 to Keyes to resolve similar claims alleged by the United States in its complaint via a separate settlement agreement .
The Civil Rights Division ’ s Employment Litigation Section brought and resolved the case in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for the Southern District of Texas .
This matter was handled by Employment Litigation Section attorneys Karen Woodard , Jeremy Monteiro , Hector Ruiz , and Hillary Valderrama and Assistant United States Attorneys Keith Wyatt and Elizabeth Karpati of the Southern District of Texas @

The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with the City of Houston resolving allegations that personnel at Houston Fire Department (HFD) Station 54 discriminated and retaliated against former firefighter Jane Draycott in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and religion.
The department also announced the April 28, 2020 settlement of the Title VII claims brought in its lawsuit on behalf of Houston firefighter Paula Keyes. Once the resolution announced today involving Draycott’s claims is entered by the court, all Title VII claims brought by the United States in its lawsuit will be resolved.
“There is no place in the workplace for the type of egregious sexual harassment that these two female Houston firefighters suffered in this case, and the retaliation one firefighter endured after she complained is intolerable and unlawful. Sexual harassment and retaliation of this kind artificially slam shut the doors of equal employment opportunity for women who work in jobs historically dominated by men,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric S. Dreiband. “These two strong women and anyone else who is hardworking and courageous enough to serve as a first responder deserve the full protection of the Civil Rights Act. The Department of Justice is and will remain dedicated to enforcing these protections so that firefighters and other public safety officials can protect and serve the public free from illegal sex discrimination.”
“This settlement agreement exemplifies our commitment to civil rights and sends a clear message that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to protect all Americans, including public sector employees, from unlawful discrimination, retaliation and sexual harassment in the workplace,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick for the Southern District of Texas. “The type of systematic discrimination suffered by HFD female firefighters can only be prevented when employers unequivocally promote a workplace free from discrimination.”
Draycott and Keyes each filed charges of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC’s Houston Office investigated the charges and made reasonable cause findings. After unsuccessful conciliation efforts, the EEOC referred the charges to the Justice Department.
According to the department’s complaint, filed in the Southern District of Texas, female firefighters Jane Draycott and Paula Keyes were subjected to a hostile work environment based on sex when they were employed at the HFD’s Station 54, located at Bush Intercontinental Airport in north Houston. The complaint alleged that, during the time that both Draycott and Keyes worked at Station 54, they were subjected to the soiling of their bathroom by male co-workers who urinated against the walls, floors, and sinks of that space. That misconduct escalated over time to dangerous activities that jeopardized the personal safety of Keyes and Draycott and their ability to do their jobs, to include the disconnection of the cold water in their showers and the silencing of the public announcement speakers in their residential areas such that they could not respond to emergency fire calls. This conduct was persistent even though Draycott complained about it through her chain of command. Prior to Draycott’s and Keyes’ transfer to Station 54, other female firefighters who had previously worked at Station 54 made similar complaints to the HFD about the conduct. According to the complaint, the HFD did not take meaningful steps to stop the discrimination against these other women.
The complaint further alleged the harassing conduct culminated in death threats and vulgar race- and gender-based slurs written on the walls of their work and living spaces and on their personal possessions. Finally, the complaint also alleged that the HFD retaliated against Draycott for complaining about her working conditions by publicly disparaging her in a workplace meeting in order to force her to leave the station. Ultimately, Draycott left HFD’s employment earlier than anticipated due to the intolerable working conditions.
Under the terms of the Oct. 26, 2020 consent decree with the City of Houston concerning HFD’s Station 54, which is subject to court approval, the city must provide training to certain supervisory staff and provide proof of compliance for up to 12 months. The city also agreed to pay Draycott $275,000.00 to resolve the claims of sex-based harassment and retaliation stemming from her employment with the HFD. In a separate settlement agreement executed in April 2020, the city agreed to pay $67,500.00 to Keyes to resolve similar claims alleged by the United States in its complaint via a separate settlement agreement.
The Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section brought and resolved the case in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. This matter was handled by Employment Litigation Section attorneys Karen Woodard, Jeremy Monteiro, Hector Ruiz, and Hillary Valderrama and Assistant United States Attorneys Keith Wyatt and Elizabeth Karpati of the Southern District of Texas.
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breaking911--2020-10-27--Mom Watches as Man Kills Autistic Teen Stepbrother: Cops

HERMITAGE , Tenn. — Homicide detectives this morning charged the mother and adult stepbrother of a 14-year-old with murdering him inside their home on Topeka Drive in Hermitage .
Sayeed Neilson , who had autism , appears to have died from assault-related trauma .
His mother , Rebecca Greenwood , 52 , and her other son , David Matheny , 33 , are charged with criminal homicide , aggravated child abuse and evidence tampering .
Greenwood called 911 at 11:50 a.m. Friday to report that her son appeared to be deceased .
The initial story from Greenwood and Matheny was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday and hit his head .
They said Matheny got Nelson to his feet , helped dry him off and assisted him into bed .
Greenwood told officers that she and Matheny checked on him several times before going to a local bar for drinks .
Greenwood and Matheny said they purchased cleaning products at a grocery store Friday morning , cleaned the house , and subsequently found Nelson unresponsive in his room .
Detectives saw that the injuries to Nelson were inconsistent with just a fall .
Greenwood and Matheny were taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during which Greenwood admitted to seeing Matheny punch Nelson and kick him in the head .
She admitted to telling Matheny to stop the assault before walking away without ensuring that he did stop .
Matheny , during his interview , admitted to having an altercation with his stepbrother , but denied causing him serious injury .
Detectives believe the defendants ’ cleaning of the house was related to destroying or limiting the availability of evidence .
Greenwood and Matheny have been ordered held without bond .

HERMITAGE, Tenn. — Homicide detectives this morning charged the mother and adult stepbrother of a 14-year-old with murdering him inside their home on Topeka Drive in Hermitage.
Sayeed Neilson, who had autism, appears to have died from assault-related trauma. His mother, Rebecca Greenwood, 52, and her other son, David Matheny, 33, are charged with criminal homicide, aggravated child abuse and evidence tampering.
Greenwood called 911 at 11:50 a.m. Friday to report that her son appeared to be deceased. The initial story from Greenwood and Matheny was that Nelson fell in the shower on Thursday and hit his head. They said Matheny got Nelson to his feet, helped dry him off and assisted him into bed. Greenwood told officers that she and Matheny checked on him several times before going to a local bar for drinks.
Greenwood and Matheny said they purchased cleaning products at a grocery store Friday morning, cleaned the house, and subsequently found Nelson unresponsive in his room.
Detectives saw that the injuries to Nelson were inconsistent with just a fall. Greenwood and Matheny were taken to police headquarters for detailed interviews, during which Greenwood admitted to seeing Matheny punch Nelson and kick him in the head. She admitted to telling Matheny to stop the assault before walking away without ensuring that he did stop. Matheny, during his interview, admitted to having an altercation with his stepbrother, but denied causing him serious injury.
Detectives believe the defendants’ cleaning of the house was related to destroying or limiting the availability of evidence.
Greenwood and Matheny have been ordered held without bond.
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breaking911--2020-10-28--VIDEO: Crooks Rob 2 Different Delivery Drivers A Few Hours Apart At The Same Pharmacy

HOUSTON , Texas — On Tuesday , October 13 , 2020 at 10:15 am , a UPS employee was delivering packages of prescription medicine at the Bizmart Pharmacy , located at 9504 Long Point , in Houston , Texas .
As the delivery driver was dropping off two packages , he noticed an unknown male approaching his open truck .
The complainant stated that something didn ’ t feel right about the male walking towards him , so he set the packages down at the front door of the pharmacy and began walking back towards his truck , at which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him against his truck and held him there while the other suspect grabbed the packages at the door .
During the robbery , one of the suspect stated that they had a gun and threatened the complainant if he resisted .
The suspects then ran back to a blue Nissan Rogue and a dark colored Dodge Charger and fled the scene .
The same suspects are believed to be responsible for another robbery a few hours later at the same location .
In that robbery , a FedEx employee was delivering a package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ran up to him and forcibly grabbed the package that he was delivering .
The suspects then ran back to the Dodge Charger and fled the scene .
Houston PD # 1359636-20 Suspect description : Black male , 20 to 25 years old , thin build , black jacket , black pants and wore sandals .
Suspect # 2 : Black male , 20 to 25 years old , thin build , gray hoodie , blue jeans and black shoes .
Suspect # 3 : Black male , orange 20 to 25 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , blue jeans and white and black shoes .
Crime Stoppers may pay up to $ 5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect in this case .
Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS ( 8477 ) or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org

HOUSTON, Texas — On Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 10:15 am, a UPS employee was delivering packages of prescription medicine at the Bizmart Pharmacy, located at 9504 Long Point, in Houston, Texas. As the delivery driver was dropping off two packages, he noticed an unknown male approaching his open truck. The complainant stated that something didn’t feel right about the male walking towards him, so he set the packages down at the front door of the pharmacy and began walking back towards his truck, at which time two additional males appeared and pinned him against his truck and held him there while the other suspect grabbed the packages at the door. During the robbery, one of the suspect stated that they had a gun and threatened the complainant if he resisted. The suspects then ran back to a blue Nissan Rogue and a dark colored Dodge Charger and fled the scene.
Houston police looking for crooks who robbed 2 different delivery drivers a few hours apart at the same pharmacy. One driver set the packages by the door and began walking back towards his truck when the suspects pinned him against his truck and stole the packages. pic.twitter.com/RgJ3rdQ6wy — GrantB911 (@GrantB911) October 28, 2020
The same suspects are believed to be responsible for another robbery a few hours later at the same location. In that robbery, a FedEx employee was delivering a package to the pharmacy when two unknown males ran up to him and forcibly grabbed the package that he was delivering. The suspects then ran back to the Dodge Charger and fled the scene. Houston PD #1359636-20
Suspect description: Black male, 20 to 25 years old, thin build, black jacket, black pants and wore sandals. Suspect #2: Black male, 20 to 25 years old, thin build, gray hoodie, blue jeans and black shoes. Suspect #3: Black male, orange 20 to 25 years old, heavy set, orange hoodie, blue jeans and white and black shoes.
Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org
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breaking911--2020-10-27--LIVE: Unrest In Philly for Second Night, National Guard on the Ground

LIVE : Protesters march in Philadelphia after fatal police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr.–Last night , the protests turned violent @ @ @ @ @ city had deployed the National Guard .

LIVE: Protesters march in Philadelphia after fatal police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr.–Last night, the protests turned violent. In response, the city had deployed the National Guard.
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