on Pennsylvania Tax Defier Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:11:32 EDT Troy A. Beam of Shippensburg, Pa., was sentenced today to 74 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Christopher C. Conner, the Justice Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Former Detention Officer and Inmate Sentenced in North Carolina for Assault on Another Inmate By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:18:31 EDT The Justice Department announced today that Senior U.S. District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced former Sergeant Danny Ray Duncan, of the Columbus County Detention Center in Whiteville, N.C., and inmate Terry McMillian on charges relating to the assault of another inmate. Duncan, 63, received 20 months in prison followed by two years supervised release. McMillian, 26, received 46 months in prison followed by three years supervised release. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Sherman Act Award Ceremony By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:55:20 EDT "Those of you who’ve had the privilege – and great benefit – of working with Jim know that he is a fearless and tireless advocate for fairness and justice. For decades, he has worked to protect the American people from anticompetitive conduct – and has stood out as an effective and innovative leader in this field," said Attorney General Holder. Full Article Speech
on Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against City of New Berlin, Wisconsin, for Blocking Affordable Housing By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:55:41 EDT The Department of Justice announced today that it has settled its lawsuit against the city of New Berlin, Wis., for race discrimination in violation of the Fair Housing Act. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on New Orleans Police Officer Sentenced for Perjury and Obstruction of Justice By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:21:05 EDT A former New Orleans Police Department officer Ronald Mitchell was sentenced today to 20 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Sarah Vance for lying under oath and obstructing justice. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on North Hollywood, Calif., Man Sentenced in Los Angeles to 20 Years in Prison for Participating in International Child Pornography Ring By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:51:58 EDT Harout Hagop Sarafian was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virginia A. Phillips. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the National Action Network 14th Annual Convention By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:43:49 EDT "Although 44 years have passed since our nation first mourned the loss of Dr. King, it is clear that his spirit lives on. His enduring contributions have allowed me to stand on this stage as our nation’s first African-American Attorney General, and to serve alongside our first African-American President. And the dream that he shared – on the National Mall that now includes a memorial in his honor – has inspired countless acts of compassion and collaboration, including the creation of the National Action Network more than two decades ago," said Attorney General Holder. Full Article Speech
on Acting Assistant Attorney General Sharis A. Pozen Speaks at the E Books Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:16:15 EDT "It is important for the department to conclude its investigation and bring this action to maintain an open and competitive marketplace while we are in the early stages of this emerging technology–electronic books. Ensuring an open and competitive marketplace allows for innovation, which is good for businesses participating in that marketplace and is good for consumers," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Pozen. Full Article Speech
on Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the E-books Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:17:26 EDT "In recent years, we have seen the rapid growth – and the many benefits – of electronic books. E-books are transforming our daily lives, and improving how information and content is shared. For the growing number of Americans who want to take advantage of this new technology, the Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that e-books are as affordable as possible," said Attorney General Holder. Full Article Speech
on Two Harlan County, Kentucky, Men Indicted for Federal Hate Crime Against Individual Because of Sexual Orientation By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:06:12 EDT A federal grand jury in London, Ky., returned a three-count indictment charging David Jason Jenkins, 37, and Anthony Ray Jenkins, 20, for kidnapping and assaulting Kevin Pennington, and for conspiring with each other and with other unnamed individuals to commit the kidnapping. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Five Indicted in Alabama for Conspiracy to Obtain Tax Refunds Using Stolen Identities By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:41:35 EDT A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Alabama returned a 37-count indictment against Mary Bennett, Milton Bennett, Narendrakumar Patel, Corinthian Bennett and Eugenia Burks for their roles in an identity theft and tax fraud scheme, the Justice Department, the U.S. Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today. All five are charged with conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. The indictment also charges various defendants with mail fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, theft of government funds and forgery of state securities. The indictment was returned on Feb. 15, 2012, and unsealed today following the arrests of the defendants. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Pennsylvania Man Arrested for Tax Evasion By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:51:03 EDT Stephen Thomas of York, Pa., was arrested on charges of attempted tax evasion, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today. On April 4, 2012, a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned an indictment charging Thomas with three counts of attempted evasion of his personal income taxes. The indictment was unsealed following Thomas’s arrest. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West Speaks at the Y Factor: Men Leading by Example Event By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:04:25 EDT "When we survey the landscape around the country and see great efforts such as this summit taking place, it reminds us that in the 17 years since the Violence Against Women Act was first passed, we can truly say we've made great progress in the way communities respond to domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and stalking," said Acting Associate Attorney General West. Full Article Speech
on Departments of Justice and Education Reach Agreement with the University of California, San Diego to Resolve Harassment Allegations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:11:26 EDT The Departments of Justice and Education reached a settlement agreement with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), to resolve an investigation into complaints of racial harassment against African-American students on campus. Titles IV and VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 each prohibit harassment based on race. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Justice Department Settles with Air Methods Corporation and Lifemed Alaska Llc to Enforce the Employment Rights to Army National Guard Member in Alaska By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:29:14 EDT The Justice Department today announced that it has resolved a lawsuit alleging that Air Methods Corp. and LifeMed Alaska, LLC willfully violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) by discriminating against and failing to reemploy Chief Warrant Officer Third Class Jonathon L. Goodwin of Wasilla, Alaska. The suit was filed in federal district court in Alaska. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Ammed Direct Llc to Pay $18 Million to United States and Tennessee to Resolve False Claims Allegations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:31:33 EDT AmMed Direct LLC has agreed to pay the United States and the state of Tennessee $18 million plus interest to settle allegations that it submitted false claims to Medicare and Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare), the Justice Department announced today. Under the agreement, AmMed will pay $17,560,997 to the United States and $439,003 to Tennessee. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Two Harlan County, Kentucky, Women Plead Guilty to Federal Hate Crime Against Individual Because of Sexual Orientation By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:34:48 EDT The Justice Department announced today that two Harlan County women admitted they assisted others in kidnapping and assaulting a gay man because of his sexual orientation. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Five Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Gang Members Sentenced in Houston for Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:25:51 EDT Five members of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) have been sentenced to federal prison for their role in an aggravated assault that took place in Tomball, Texas, in September 2008. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Thomas E. Perez Speaks at the Rutgers Law Voting Symposium By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:58:00 EDT "It is an unfortunate reality that unlawful discrimination in voting persists, just as it does in the workplace, in schools, and in so many other parts of our lives," said Assistant Attorney General Perez. Full Article Speech
on Former Partner at Major International Accounting Firm Sentenced to Prison for Tax Crimes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:47:53 EDT Stephen A. Favato, a resident of Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., and a former partner in BDO Seidman LLP’s Woodbridge, N.J., office, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for tax crimes, the Justice Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today. In August 2010, a jury sitting in Newark, N.J., found Favato guilty of one count of corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the Internal Revenue laws and one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of a false income tax return. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Former Executive of New York-Based Tax Liens Company Pleads Guilty to Bid Rigging at Municipal Tax Lien Auctions in New Jersey By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:00:13 EDT A former executive of a New York-based tax liens company who supervised the purchasing of municipal tax liens at auctions in New Jersey pleaded guilty today for his role in a conspiracy to rig bids for the sale of tax liens auctioned by municipalities throughout the state. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Former Chief Engineer of South Pacific Tuna Vessel Pleads Guilty to Covering up Environmental Crimes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:25:33 EDT A former chief engineer from the tuna fishing vessel San Nikunau pleaded guilty today in federal court to violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Loan Officer Pleads Guilty for Role in Mortgage Fraud Scheme That Resulted in More Than $6.5 Million in Losses By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:13:03 EDT Alejandro Curbelo, 32, aka Alex Curbelo, of Miami, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joan Lenard. Curbelo was indicted and arrested on Jan. 24, 2012. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Tennessee Engineering Consultant and Wife Charged with Tax Crimes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:27:34 EDT On April 17, 2012, a federal grand jury returned a four count indictment charging Beverly S. Beavers and James E. Beavers of Knoxville, Tenn., with conspiracy to defraud the United States and filing false claims for tax refunds, the Justice Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole Speaks at the 12th Annual International Family Justice Center Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:21:34 EDT "While the Department of Justice does a great deal in this area, it is committed to doing more to serve survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse and to prevent these terrible crimes from occurring in the first place. That is why, led by the excellent work of the Office on Violence Against Women, we are working to support a coordinated community response to address the causes and consequences of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and child abuse," said Deputy Attorney General Cole. Full Article Speech
on Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the White House Event on the Violence Against Women Act By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:57:12 EDT "Today, as Attorney General – and as the father of two teenage girls – this work remains both a personal and professional priority. And for our nation’s Department of Justice, vigorously enforcing the provisions of the Violence Against Women Act is part of our solemn commitment to the citizens we are privileged to serve," said Attorney General Holder. Full Article Speech
on Utah Tax Defier Pleads Guilty in Nine-year Scam to Defraud the United States, Is Sentenced to Two-year Prison Term By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:36:10 EDT Stephen Murphy, a Utah resident, pleaded guilty in federal court in Salt Lake City to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, and was sentenced the same day to 24 months in prison, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today. U.S. District Court Judge Dee Benson presided over the plea hearing and sentencing, which took place yesterday. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on U.S. Pharmaceutical Company Merck Sharp & Dohme Sentenced in Connection with Unlawful Promotion of Vioxx By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:03:06 EDT American pharmaceutical company Merck, Sharp & Dohme was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris in Boston to pay a criminal fine in the amount of $321,636,000 in connection with its guilty plea related to its promotion and marketing of the painkiller Vioxx (rofecoxib), the Justice Department announced today. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Audit of Gulf Coast Claims Facility Results in $64 Million in Additional Payments By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:03:04 EDT The Department of Justice today released the executive summary of the report by an independent auditor of the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF), the facility set up to process claims in the wake of the April 20, 2010, Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole Speaks at the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Small Business Procurement Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:27:34 EDT "At the Department of Justice, we know that small businesses are adaptable and innovative. We have come to rely on them to support many of our most important missions, from ensuring the national security to combating violent crime, fighting financial fraud, and protecting those most in need of our help – our children; the elderly; and victims of hate crimes, human trafficking and exploitation," said Deputy Attorney General Cole. Full Article Speech
on Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Memorial Service for Police Chief Michael Maloney By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:34:08 EDT "From the time he walked this gridiron, Michael Maloney was a leader. Shortly after he graduated from high school, he discovered a passion for public service that came to shape his life – and improved so many others. Although he could have chosen an easier path – or a safer one – he wanted to use his skills and many talents to help people and communities in need. He wanted to make a difference. And, by any measure, he succeeded," said Attorney General Holder. Full Article Speech
on Alabama Real Estate Investor Agrees to Plead Guilty to Conspiracies to Rig Bids and Commit Mail Fraud for the Purchase of Real Estate at Public Foreclosure Auctions By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:37:44 EDT An Alabama real estate investor has agreed to plead guilty and to serve prison time for his role in conspiracies to rig bids and commit mail fraud at public real estate foreclosure auctions in southern Alabama. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Walgreens Pharmacy Chain Pays $7.9 Million to Resolve False Prescription Billing Case By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:18:52 EDT Walgreens, an Illinois-based corporation operating a national retail pharmacy chain, has paid the United States and participating states $7.9 million to resolve allegations that Walgreens violated the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Attorney General Eric Holder Honors Individuals and Organizations for Service to Crime Victims By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:00:24 EDT Attorney General Eric Holder today honored award recipients as part of the 29th observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 22-28. This year’s theme, “Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim” highlights the importance of ensuring services and support to all victims, their families and communities as they heal and seek a successful future. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Ohio Attorney Convicted of Tax Fraud and Obstruction of Justice Crimes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:00:40 EDT The Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today that attorney Aristotle “Rick” R. Matsa, of Worthington, Ohio, was convicted of numerous tax fraud and obstruction of justice related offenses, including witness tampering and making a false statement. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on International Competition Network Launches New Initiatives on Enforcement Cooperation, Investigative Process and Working with the Courts By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:17:13 EDT The International Competition Network (ICN) launched and approved three new initiatives on international enforcement cooperation, the investigative process in competition cases and working with the courts. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Kazakhstani National Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering for “Hack and Dump” Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:43:24 EDT Daniyar Zhaxalyk, 25, a citizen of Kazakhstan who entered the United States on a student visa, pleaded guilty today in Houston to one count of money laundering. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Mary Lou Leary Speaks at the National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:06:10 EDT "For me, personally, working with victims has been the most rewarding aspect of my career, bar none. Nothing compares with the satisfaction of helping to restore a sense of dignity and safety to a crime victim – and nothing has greater impact," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Leary. Full Article Speech
on Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:09:05 EDT "This year’s 12 awardees have helped change the course of recovery for survivors of sexual assault; created one of the first state corrections-based victim assistance programs in the nation; and promoted awareness of – and improvements to – federal victims’ rights laws," said Attorney General Holder. Full Article Speech
on Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Thomas E. Perez Speaks at the NSBA Council of School Attorneys By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:00:35 EDT We live in a nation where education is considered perhaps the single most important factor in determining whether an individual will find success in life. As a government – and as attorneys tasked with protecting our children’s ability to succeed in schools across the country - we have a critical responsibility to work together to break down any barriers a child might face in accessing his or her right to a quality education. Full Article Speech
on Departments of Justice and Education Reach Settlement with Boston Public Schools to Ensure Equal Opportunites for ELL Students By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:47:55 EDT The Department of Justice and the Department of Education reached agreement with the Boston Public Schools (the district) and its superintendent today to ensure that English Language Learner (ELL) students in Boston receive the services and supports they need to overcome language barriers, as required by the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This agreement replaces an interim settlement agreement entered on Oct. 1, 2010, which required the district to implement short-term remedies to ensure that thousands of students improperly excluded from the district’s ELL programs were promptly assessed and provided services. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Ohio Construction Firm Agrees to Pay $500,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:49:24 EDT Anthony Allega Cement Contractor Inc., a Cleveland construction firm, has agreed to pay the United States $500,000 to resolve allegations that it knowingly submitted false claims related to a federally-funded construction project, the Justice Department announced today. The United States alleged that Allega submitted false claims that made it appear that the company was in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, as required in order to obtain and maintain Allega’s contract with the government. The DBE program provides opportunities to businesses owned by minorities and women, as well as socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, to participate in federally-funded construction and design projects. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on New Jersey Financial Investor and His Company Plead Guilty to Bid Rigging at Municipal Tax Lien Auctions By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:08:40 EDT A financial investor who purchased municipal tax liens at auctions in New Jersey, as well as a company in which he was a partner, pleaded guilty today for their roles in a conspiracy to rig bids for the sale of tax liens auctioned by municipalities throughout the state. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Fujikura Ltd. Agrees to Plead Guilty to Price Fixing on Auto Parts Installed in U.S. Cars By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:21:54 EDT Tokyo-based Fujikura Ltd. has agreed to plead guilty and to pay a $20 million criminal fine for its role in a conspiracy to fix prices of automotive wire harnesses and related products installed in U.S. cars. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against the City of Jacksonville, Florida’s Fire and Rescue Department for Race Discrimination By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:41:36 EDT The Justice Department today filed a lawsuit against the city of Jacksonville, Fla., alleging that the city is engaged in a pattern or practice of employment discrimination against African-Americans in its fire and rescue department in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The lawsuit challenges the fire department’s use of written examinations for the promotion of firefighters to four ranks – Lieutenant, Captain, and District Chief, all in the suppression line, and Engineer. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Two Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Gang Members Sentenced in Houston for Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:57:34 EDT On April 20, 2012, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. sentenced Michael Burkett, 34, aka “Redneck,” to 27 months in prison and Shane Dallmeyer, 31, aka “Lock Jaw,” to 33 months in prison. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 400 Months in Prison for Role in Violent Home Invasion Robberies of Business Owners in Four States By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:40:36 EDT Tahn Le, 44, of Philadelphia, was sentenced today to 400 months in prison for his participation in a conspiracy to commit violent home invasion robberies of successful Asian business owners in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on ATK Launch Systems Inc. Settles False Claims Product Substitution Case for Nearly $37 Million By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:56:02 EDT ATK has agreed to pay the United States $21 million in cash and provide necessary in-kind services worth $15,967,160 to fix the 76,000 unsafe para-flares remaining in the government’s inventory. The settlement resolves a False Claims Act suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Sharis A. Pozen Speaks at the Brookings Institution By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:11:51 EDT My time at the division has been a remarkable experience and I welcome this opportunity to highlight the division’s great work and achievements on behalf of American consumers. Full Article Speech
on Attorney General Eric Holder’s Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence Holds Final Public Hearing in Detroit By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:46:30 EDT At the final hearing of Attorney General Eric Holder’s National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence in Detroit, officials from the Justice Department and the city of Detroit underscored efforts to keep kids safe and prevent youth violence. The task force is a key part of Attorney General Holder’s Defending Childhood Initiative to prevent and reduce children’s exposure to violence. Full Article OPA Press Releases