Federal - Executive Branch
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from the U.S. Executive Branch, covering all aspects of the Obama administration including cabinet departments, federal agencies, regulatory and independent agencies.
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Warning Issued by U.S. Attorney, IRS Criminal Investigation Pertaining to New Wave of COVID-19 Scams as Second Round of Economic Impact Payments are Delivered
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, Jan. 26 -- The U.S. Attorney for the District of Virgin Islands, Gretchen C.F. Shappert, issued the following news release on Jan. 25:
Gretchen C.F. Shappert, United States Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands, and Tyler R. Hatcher, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals engaged in fraud schemes.
In the last several months, IRS-CI has seen a variety of Economic Impact Payment (EIP) scams
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ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, Jan. 26 -- The U.S. Attorney for the District of Virgin Islands, Gretchen C.F. Shappert, issued the following news release on Jan. 25:
Gretchen C.F. Shappert, United States Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands, and Tyler R. Hatcher, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals engaged in fraud schemes.
In the last several months, IRS-CI has seen a variety of Economic Impact Payment (EIP) scamsand other financial schemes designed to steal money and personal information from taxpayers. Criminals are taking advantage of the second round of Economic Impact Payments - as well as the approaching tax filing season - to trick honest taxpayers out of their hard-earned money.
"With the roll-out of additional Economic Impact Payments intended to relieve the adverse impact of the coronavirus pandemic, con artists and scammers are using every opportunity to take advantage of innocent people. All Americans should take care to protect their personal information--especially during tax season--and to resist 'to-good-to-be-true' claims related to COVID-19 and Economic Payment scams," said U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert. "We encourage concerned citizens to contact local or federal law enforcement if they receive emails, text messages, or phone calls which seem suspicious. If you see something, say something."
Tyler R. Hatcher, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Miami Field Office warned, "Economic relief efforts are meant to assist those in most need who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Criminals think these funds are an easy target to take advantage of innocent people. But we have other plans for those who try to prey on the public, and we are committed to hold them accountable for their criminal actions. Report any phone calls, emails, or text messages asking for your personal information or offering a deal that seems too good to be true."
Some common COVID-19 scams include:
* Text messages asking taxpayers to disclose bank account information under the guise of receiving the $1,200 Economic Impact Payments.
* Phishing schemes using email, letters and social media messages with key words such as "Coronavirus," "COVID-19," and "stimulus" in varying ways. These communications are blasted to large numbers of people and aim to access personally identifying information and financial account information (including account numbers and passwords).
* The organized and unofficial sale of fake at-home COVID-19 test kits (as well as offers to sell fake cures, vaccines, pills, and professional medical advice regarding unproven COVID-19 treatments).
* Fake donation requests for individuals, groups and areas heavily affected by the disease.
* Bogus opportunities to invest in companies developing COVID-19 vaccines while promising that the "company" will dramatically increase in value as a result.
Although criminals are constantly changing their tactics, taxpayers can help protect themselves by acting as the first line of defense. The best way to avoid falling victim to a scam is knowing how the IRS communicates with taxpayers. The IRS does not send unsolicited texts or emails. The IRS does not call people with threats of jail or lawsuits, nor does it demand tax payments on gift cards.
IRS-CI continues investigating hundreds of COVID-19-related cases with law enforcement agencies domestically and abroad and educating taxpayers about scams.
COVID-19 scams should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or submitted through the NCDF Web Complaint Form. The NCDF is a national coordinating agency within the Department of Justice's Criminal Division dedicated to improving the detection, prevention, investigation and prosecution of criminal conduct related to natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies.
Taxpayers can also report fraud or theft of their Economic Impact Payments to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Reports can be made online at TIPS.TIGTA.GOV.
Taxpayers who receive unsolicited emails or social media attempts to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, should forward the message to phishing@irs.gov. Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential scammers online or on the phone.
To learn more about COVID-19 scams and other financial schemes visit IRS.gov. Official IRS information about COVID-19 and Economic Impact Payments can be found on the Coronavirus Tax Relief page, which is updated frequently.
W.Va. U.S. Attorney: Berkeley County Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud Involving Hearts2Heros Organization
MARTINSBURG, West Virginia, Jan. 26 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, Bill Powell, issued the following news release on Jan. 25:
Christopher T. Engle, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 41 months of incarceration for wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Engle, age 30, was the co-owner of Hearts2Heros, a for-profit entity that allegedly was meant to support the military by creating and sending care packages to deployed service members. Hearts2Heros employees solicited contributions and misrepresented that the organization was a charity.
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MARTINSBURG, West Virginia, Jan. 26 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, Bill Powell, issued the following news release on Jan. 25:
Christopher T. Engle, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 41 months of incarceration for wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Engle, age 30, was the co-owner of Hearts2Heros, a for-profit entity that allegedly was meant to support the military by creating and sending care packages to deployed service members. Hearts2Heros employees solicited contributions and misrepresented that the organization was a charity.
Engle pled guilty in February 2020 to a one-count information, charging him with "Wire Fraud." Engle admitted that he defrauded donors in the Northern District of West Virginia, taking their donations for Hearts2Heros and using it for personal use. The fraud included thousands of donors from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. The total loss is $286,959.95. Engle was ordered today to pay that amount in full in restitution.
"To steal money from generous and caring people is wrong, but to steal money under the guise of assisting the brave men and women of our military is detrimental to reputable and hard-working charity organizations. I commend the FBI and my staff for their tireless work to ensure that Mr. Engle not only is held accountable, but can no longer prey on the kindness of others," said Powell.
"Mr. Engle should be ashamed of himself," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "Using our military members as pawns to line your pockets is simply disgusting. The FBI values the work our military members do and will always make sure anyone who has the audacity to take advantage of them for financial gain is brought to justice."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
U.S. Navy Conducts Interoperability With NATO in the Black Sea
NAPLES, Italy, Jan. 26 -- The U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa - U.S. 6th Fleet issued the following news:
The U.S. Navy and NATO Air Command, conducted the first joint maritime and air training mission in the Black Sea for 2021, Jan. 23, 2021.
The Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), one U.S. Navy P-8 Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft from VP-46 out of Sigonella, Italy, and NATO Air Command aircraft E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft based out of Geilenkirchen Air Base, Germany, participated in the training.
"Integrated maritime
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NAPLES, Italy, Jan. 26 -- The U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa - U.S. 6th Fleet issued the following news:
The U.S. Navy and NATO Air Command, conducted the first joint maritime and air training mission in the Black Sea for 2021, Jan. 23, 2021.
The Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), one U.S. Navy P-8 Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft from VP-46 out of Sigonella, Italy, and NATO Air Command aircraft E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft based out of Geilenkirchen Air Base, Germany, participated in the training.
"Integrated maritimeoperations demonstrate our ability to seamlessly combine capabilities to provide multi-layered defense across all warfare domains," said Vice Adm. Gene Black, Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet. "We operate in an incredibly complex security environment, which demands high-level cooperation and commitment to ensure regional stability."
Donald Cook began her northbound transit from the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea on Jan. 23 to work with NATO Allies and partners in training missions throughout the region.
The training mission is part of an ongoing integration of air and maritime units throughout U.S. European Command area of operations. The ultimate goal is to refine joint air defense procedures to better defend U.S. Navy ships.
Participants conducted training scenarios to establish air and maritime superiority, which enable freedom of navigation in all international waters and airspace.
"As I observed our combat watchstanders, I was impressed with the crew's growing familiarity with NATO joint interoperability procedures, readiness to cooperate with friendly units, and excitement to perfect our tactical proficiency by real-world application," said Cmdr. Matthew Curnen, commanding officer of USS Donald Cook. "This is exactly what we train for, and the opportunity to perform alongside allied surface and air assets is rewarding."
The Black Sea is a critical waterway for maritime commerce and stability throughout Europe. The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea to work with our NATO Allies and partners, including Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine. It is in the world's best interest to maintain a stable, prosperous Black Sea region and deter aggressive actors who seek destabilization for their own gain.
The U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force routinely operate in the Black Sea consistent with international law, including the Montreux Convention. The U.S. participation in this joint maritime and air training mission demonstrates the U.S. commitment to working closely with NATO allies and partners to enhance maritime security and stability, readiness, and naval capability.
Donald Cook is one of four U.S. Navy destroyers based in Rota, Spain, and assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 in support of NATO's Integrated Air Missile Defense architecture. These Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Europe ships have the flexibility to operate throughout the waters of Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle, demonstrating their mastery of the maritime domain.
VP-46 is currently forward deployed to the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout Europe and Africa.
U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with joint, allied, and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence Adds Antigen Testing Lab to COVID-19 Mitigation Strategy
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Jan. 26 -- The U.S. Army Medicine issued the following news:
It took nearly 8,000 COVID antigen tests, at least that many screenings and 14 days of restriction of movement (ROM), but in-person learning at the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) safely resumed after post-holiday block leave (HBL) reintegration this week.
Dr. Nadia Pearson, the MEDCoE Command Surgeon and Chief of the MEDCoE Force Health Protection Cell responsible for the MEDCoE HBL reintegration plan, said she credits Soldier and leader professionalism and discipline
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JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Jan. 26 -- The U.S. Army Medicine issued the following news:
It took nearly 8,000 COVID antigen tests, at least that many screenings and 14 days of restriction of movement (ROM), but in-person learning at the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) safely resumed after post-holiday block leave (HBL) reintegration this week.
Dr. Nadia Pearson, the MEDCoE Command Surgeon and Chief of the MEDCoE Force Health Protection Cell responsible for the MEDCoE HBL reintegration plan, said she credits Soldier and leader professionalism and disciplinefor successful execution of HBL and subsequent reintegration of over 3,000 trainees who traveled all over the continental United States for HBL.
"Our plan relied on a robust Force Health Protection education plan for trainees and their families on ways to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID," said Pearson. "However, knowing what to do to prevent COVID and doing the right thing when no one is looking are two different things."
Before HBL, MEDCoE instructors and leaders worked hard to advise Soldiers on the impacts of travel and helped them review mitigation measures that the Soldiers would need to continue while on leave, locally or otherwise. The Soldiers also departed with many hard copy and digital resources with important information like safer ways to celebrate the holidays, how to lower their COVID risk, signs and symptoms for self-monitoring and how to report any changes in their COVID status.
During travel to and from HBL, Soldiers were responsible for wearing facemasks and adhering to COVID-19 protocols to protect themselves and their loved ones. Soldiers were also required to check in with their chain of command over the break and report any COVID symptoms or risk factors immediately.
Prior to returning, trainees were advised to self-screen and quarantine in place in the event of symptoms or close contact with known COVID positive personnel. Upon arrival back to JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, students were immediately screened for signs and symptoms that may have developed during travel. If they had an elevated temperature or any COVID symptoms, they were seen by one of MEDCoE's on-site, healthcare providers. When necessary, the healthcare provider sent Soldiers to be tested for COVID-19 by the HBL testing team at a separate location.
"Based on the relatively small number of post-HBL COVID cases, or suspected COVID cases, we have seen," remarked Pearson, "our Soldiers did the right thing while on leave." She said she was pleased that the vast majority of trainees returned to base well-rested, healthy and COVID-free. "With that as the measure, Holiday Block Leave was extremely successful."
Once all of the initial post-HBL screening and testing was complete, students entered a mandatory 14-day restriction of movement (ROM) during which they completed virtual training. Pearson explained that coordination between course managers, instructors and Force Health Protection was a critical aspect of the HBL reintegration plan.
"Our courses and cadre have done a great job in facilitation of continued learning through virtual capabilities so that Soldiers do not miss instruction during ROM, and we can re-establish the relative safety of the training bubble," explained Pearson.
After the ROM period, the Force Health Protection Cell conducted antigen tests on each trainee at least twice in the COVID-19 Surveillance Center (CSC), the new Point of Care Lab. "The antigen test is a great tool that gives our team and instructors confidence that the students don't have asymptomatic infections and can return to in-person training," said Pearson.
Pearson plans to keep the CSC open as a means of surveillance of trainees, instructors and staff for COVID-19 as long as there is a need as determined by elevated COVID cases in the surrounding community. Asymptomatic MEDCoE Soldiers and DoD civilians eligible for care at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) are eligible to get the antigen test at the CSC. She says, however, MEDCoE antigen tests are not currently used for symptomatic personnel.
"At this time, anyone who has symptoms should seek care and a test at their primary care, local drive-through testing site, or BAMC's Wilford Hall Emergency Rooms," said Pearson.
Pearson wants to clarify that the antigen test is not the same as the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. PCR tests detect the presence of the virus's genetic material with results usually within 24-48 hours. Antigen tests detect specific proteins on the surface of the coronavirus. Antigen test results are quicker than PCR and may be provided in as soon as 15 minutes. While positive tests are said to be highly accurate, antigen tests are not as sensitive as PCR tests and have had some instances of false negative tests.
"Reminder: the antigen test is not the PCR test," explained Pearson. The COVID Antigen Test is being used by the MEDCoE as a surveillance and screening tool to detect those with no symptoms or close contacts of known positive people in order to stop the spread early. "The Antigen test indicates someone who may have an acute infection and may be spreading the illness unknowingly."
The Force Health Protection Cell plans to publicize walk-in hours of operation for the COVID-19 Surveillance Center by early February.
DOD Issues Statement on Transgender Service in the Military
WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 -- The U.S. Department of Defense issued the following statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on transgender service in the military:
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"I fully support the President's direction that all transgender individuals who wish to serve in the United States military and can meet the appropriate standards shall be able to do so openly and free from discrimination.
"The Department will immediately take appropriate policy action to ensure individuals who identify as transgender are eligible to enter and serve in their self-identified gender. These changes will ensure
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 -- The U.S. Department of Defense issued the following statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on transgender service in the military:
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"I fully support the President's direction that all transgender individuals who wish to serve in the United States military and can meet the appropriate standards shall be able to do so openly and free from discrimination.
"The Department will immediately take appropriate policy action to ensure individuals who identify as transgender are eligible to enter and serve in their self-identified gender. These changes will ensureno one will be separated or discharged, or denied reenlistment, solely on the basis of gender identity. Prospective recruits may serve in their self-identified gender when they have met the appropriate standards for accession into the military services. This revised policy will also ensure all medically-necessary transition related care authorized by law is available to all Service members and will re-examine all cases of transgender Service members that may be in some form of adverse administrative proceedings.
"Over the next 60 days, I look forward to working with the senior civilian and military leaders of the Department as we expeditiously develop the appropriate policies and procedures to implement these changes.
"The United States Armed Forces are in the business of defending our fellow citizens from our enemies, foreign and domestic. I believe we accomplish that mission more effectively when we represent all our fellow citizens. I also believe we should avail ourselves of the best possible talent in our population, regardless of gender identity. We would be rendering ourselves less fit to the task if we excluded from our ranks people who meet our standards and who have the skills and the devotion to serve in uniform.
"This is the right thing to do. It is also the smart thing to do."
DOD I.G. Issues Memorandum on Special Operations Command's Supply Chain Risk Management for Security, Acquisition & Delivery of Specialized Equipment
WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 -- The Defense Inspector General issued the following memorandum on "Evaluation of U.S. Special Operations Command's Supply Chain Risk Management for the Security, Acquisition, and Delivery of Specialized Equipment" (Project No. D2021-DEV0PD-0052.000):
MEMORANDUM FOR UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS AND LOW INTENSITY CONFLICT COMMANDER, UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
SUBJECT: Evaluation of U.S. Special Operations Command's Supply Chain Risk Management for the Security, Acquisition, and Delivery
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 -- The Defense Inspector General issued the following memorandum on "Evaluation of U.S. Special Operations Command's Supply Chain Risk Management for the Security, Acquisition, and Delivery of Specialized Equipment" (Project No. D2021-DEV0PD-0052.000):
MEMORANDUM FOR UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS AND LOW INTENSITY CONFLICT COMMANDER, UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
SUBJECT: Evaluation of U.S. Special Operations Command's Supply Chain Risk Management for the Security, Acquisition, and Deliveryof Specialized Equipment (Project No. D2021-DEV0PD-0052.000)
We plan to begin the evaluation in January 2021. The objective of this evaluation is to determine the extent to which U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) developed and implemented supply chain risk management procedures in accordance with the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement and Department of Defense policy to identify, assess, and mitigate risk during the acquisition and development of USSOCOM specialized equipment. We may revise the objective as the evaluation proceeds, and we will also consider suggestions from management for additional or revised objectives.
We will perform the evaluation at the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict and USSOCOM. We may identify additional offices and personnel during the evaluation.
Please provide us with a point of contact for the evaluation within 5 days of the date of this memorandum. The point of contact should be a Government employee--a GS-15, pay band equivalent or military equivalent. Send the contact's name, title, grade/pay band, phone number, and e-mail address to [text omitted by the source].
You can obtain information about the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General from DoD Directive 5106.01, "Inspector General of the Department of Defense," April 20, 2012, as amended; DoD Directive 5106.04, "Defense Inspectors General," May 22, 2014; and DoD Instruction 7050.03, "Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense Access to Records and Information," March 22, 2013. Our website is http://www.dodig.mil.
If you have any questions, please contact [text omitted by the source].
Michael J. Roark, Deputy Inspector General for Evaluations
cc:
Inspector General, U.S. Special Operations Command
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MEMO: https://media.defense.gov/2021/Jan/25/2002570048/-1/-1/1/D2021-DEV0PD-0052.000_REDACTED.PDF
[Category: IGIGRep]
Air Force Global Strike Flyover to Support Super Bowl 55 in Tampa
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 26 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news:
Three different Air Force Global Strike Command bombers will conduct a first-of-its-kind trifecta flyover during the National Anthem performance at the 55th Super Bowl, Feb. 7, over Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
"Supporting this event is a tremendous honor for our command and the U.S. Air Force," said Gen. Tim Ray, AFGSC commander. "We look forward to this opportunity to showcase the reliability, flexibility and precision of our bomber fleet to the nation during this exciting event."
The bomber flyover,
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 26 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news:
Three different Air Force Global Strike Command bombers will conduct a first-of-its-kind trifecta flyover during the National Anthem performance at the 55th Super Bowl, Feb. 7, over Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
"Supporting this event is a tremendous honor for our command and the U.S. Air Force," said Gen. Tim Ray, AFGSC commander. "We look forward to this opportunity to showcase the reliability, flexibility and precision of our bomber fleet to the nation during this exciting event."
The bomber flyover,will feature:
- B-1B Lancer from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
- B-2 Spirit from Whiteman AFB, Missouri
- B-52 Stratofortress from Minot AFB, North Dakota
The aircraft will take off for the Super Bowl LV flyover from their respective bases, join up for the flyover, and return to base following the event, demonstrating the flexibility of AFGSC's bombers and their ability to deploy anywhere in the world from the continental United States.
The U.S. Air Force performs close to 1,000 flyovers a year, which serves as a way to showcase the capabilities of its aircraft while also inspiring patriotism and future generations of aviation enthusiasts. These flyovers are done at no additional cost to the taxpayer and serve as time-over-target training for our pilots, aircrew and ground control teams.
Digital content for Super Bowl LIV flyover can be found:
https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/SuperBowlLVFlyover
Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @usairforce
