on Campaign Worker Pleads Guilty to Buying Votes in a Donna, Texas, School Board Election By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 5 May 2014 15:20:41 EDT A campaign worker pleaded guilty today for paying voters to vote in the November 2012 school board election in Donna, Texas. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to Hold Workshop on Conditional Pricing Practices By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 6 May 2014 10:07:27 EDT The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will hold a joint public workshop to explore the economic and legal analysis of conditional pricing practices among firms in a supply chain. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Government Settles False Claims Act Allegations Against Florida-Based Baptist Health System for $2.5 Million By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 6 May 2014 10:43:36 EDT Baptist Health System Inc. (Baptist Health), the parent company for a network of affiliated hospitals and medical providers in the Jacksonville, Florida, area, has agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle allegations that its subsidiaries violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to federal health care programs for medically unnecessary services and drugs. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Virginia Couple Pleads Guilty to Immigration Charges for Harboring Domestic Servant in Their Home By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 6 May 2014 13:36:21 EDT The Department of Justice announced today that Abdelkader and Hnia Amal pleaded guilty to one count of alien harboring in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Former Lowndes County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Conspiracy Charge By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 6 May 2014 18:33:51 EDT Jason Stacks, a former Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Deputy, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to use his law enforcement authority to unlawfully detain and take money from motorists. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Justice Department Settles Immigration-Related Discrimination Claim Against Master Klean Janitorial By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 7 May 2014 13:33:19 EDT The Justice Department reached an agreement today with Master Klean Janitorial, a company based in Denver, resolving claims that the company engaged in a pattern or practice of discriminatory documentary requests based on citizenship status in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Minnesota Man Charged with Immigration Fraud for Failing to Disclose Crimes Committed in Bosnia and Military Service During the Bosnian Conflict By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 7 May 2014 16:36:52 EDT Zdenko Jakia, 45, of Forest Lake, Minnesota, was arrested today on immigration fraud charges for failing to disclose multiple crimes committed in Bosnia-Herzegovina and his military service during the armed conflict there in the 1990s. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Wyoming Businessman Sentenced to Prison for Using Concealed Caribbean Bank Account in Tax Evasion Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 7 May 2014 17:51:22 EDT Robert C. Sathre was sentenced today to serve 36 months in federal prison for tax evasion by U.S. District Judge Alan B. Johnson in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Acting Assistant Attorney General Dreher Speaks at the District of Columbia Bar Association Panel on U.S. Efforts to Combat Wildlife Trafficking By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 7 May 2014 13:25:20 EDT "The Department of Justice, principally through ENRD, has long been a leader in the fight against wildlife trafficking. I would like to take just a moment to tell you a bit about the Environment Division that I lead," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Dreher. Full Article Speech
on Attorney General Holder and Secretary Duncan Issue Guidance for School Districts to Ensure Equal Access for All Children to Public Schools, Regardless of Immigration Status By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 8 May 2014 10:05:38 EDT Attorney General Eric Holder and Secretary Arne Duncan today announced updated guidance to assist public elementary and secondary schools to ensure enrollment processes are consistent with the law and fulfill their obligation to provide all children – no matter their background – equal access to an education. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on United States Files Complaint Against Stevens-Henager College, Inc. Alleging False Claims Act Violations for Illegal Recruiting By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 8 May 2014 10:46:19 EDT The United States has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Stevens-Henager College, Inc. and its owner, The Center for Excellence in Higher Education, for illegally compensating recruiters, the Department of Justice announced today. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Real Estate Developer Pleads Guilty to $50 Million Securities Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 8 May 2014 14:32:05 EDT A commercial real estate developer pleaded guilty for his role in a $50 million securities fraud scheme. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Former Executive Director of Virgin Islands Legislature Charged with Bribery and Extortion in Award of Government Contracts By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 8 May 2014 14:41:48 EDT The former executive director of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands was indicted today by a federal grand jury in the Virgin Islands for accepting bribes and engaging in extortion in the award of contracts with the Legislature. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Attorney General Holder Delivers Remarks on Guidance for School Districts to Ensure Equal Access for All Children to Public Schools, Regardless of Immigration Status By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 8 May 2014 10:06:35 EDT Especially as we approach the 60th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education, in which Chief Justice Earl Warren called education “a right which must be made available to all on equal terms,” it is imperative that we do everything in our power to end policies or practices that deny this right to those who are constitutionally entitled to it. Full Article Speech
on Attorney General Holder Delivers Remarks at Justice Department Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Event By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 8 May 2014 11:19:03 EDT Within the Department, we have moved forward with our groundbreaking Diversity Management Initiative to promote diversity within our own ranks. Through our close partnership with the Federal Asian Pacific American Council, we have helped to create considerable new opportunities for our employees to thrive – both personally and professionally. And thanks to the tireless efforts of employee organizations like DOJ Pan Asia and others, we continue to encourage every member of the DOJ family to grow, to learn, and to advance in their lives and careers. Full Article Speech
on Former Chief Executive Officer of Oil Services Company Indicted in New Jersey on Foreign Bribery and Kickback Charges By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 9 May 2014 15:20:31 EDT The former co-chief executive officer (CEO) of PetroTiger Ltd. – a British Virgin Islands oil and gas company with operations in Colombia and offices in New Jersey – was indicted today for his role in a scheme to pay bribes to foreign government officials in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and to defraud PetroTiger. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Swiss Asset Management Firm and Related Companies Agree to Resolve Criminal Tax Investigation By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 9 May 2014 16:09:16 EDT Swisspartners Investment Network AG, a Swiss-based asset management firm, and three of its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the Swisspartners Group), entered into a non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and agreed to pay $4.4 million to the United States. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Former Maryland Sergeant Sentenced for Obstruction of Justice By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 9 May 2014 17:27:20 EDT Josh Hummer, formerly a sergeant at Roxbury Correctional Institution (RCI) in Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to serve 12 months and a day in prison for obstruction of justice. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Three Florida Residents Sentenced for Mail Fraud in Connection with Misrepresenting Business Opportunities By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 12 May 2014 13:23:25 EDT Three individuals who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with operating a series of fraudulent business opportunity companies were sentenced in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Former New York Tax Liens Investment Company Executive Pleads Guilty for Role in Bid Rigging Scheme at Municipal Tax Lien Auctions By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 12 May 2014 11:55:56 EDT A former New York-based tax liens company executive pleaded guilty today for his role in a conspiracy to rig bids at auctions conducted by New Jersey municipalities for the sale of tax liens. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Minnesota Man Indicted for Sexual Assault on U.S. Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 12 May 2014 13:12:08 EDT A Minnesota man who worked at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan, was indicted today in the District of Minnesota on charges of sexual abuse, production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Private Security Guard Sentenced for Providing Armed Security for Drug Transaction By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 12 May 2014 13:16:42 EDT A former private security guard was sentenced in the District of Puerto Rico today for his role in providing armed security for a drug transaction. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Civil Rights Division Highlights Accomplishments and New Records for 2013 By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 12 May 2014 14:37:13 EDT The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division today released its accomplishments report for 2013. This report supplements the division’s first accomplishments report, issued last year, on the division’s work during the first four years of Attorney General Eric Holder’s leadership. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Justice Department to Monitor Elections in Nebraska By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 12 May 2014 17:32:11 EDT The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor elections on May 13, 2014, in Colfax and Douglas Counties, Nebraska, to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights statutes. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Justice Department, Health and Human Services and Other Law Enforcement Officials to Announce Significant Medicare Fraud Strike Force Actions By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 09:57:08 EDT Officials from the Justice Department, Health and Human Services and other law enforcement partners will hold a press conference today, Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. EDT, to announce Medicare Fraud Strike Force law enforcement actions in Miami and throughout the nation. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Attorney General Holder and Secretary Duncan to Announce Law Enforcement Action to Protect Military Servicemembers from Unfair Lending Practices By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 10:08:10 EDT Attorney General Eric Holder and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will hold a press conference to announce a major law enforcement action to protect military servicemembers from unfair lending practices today, Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at 1:15 p.m. EDT. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Justice Department Reaches $60 Million Settlement with Sallie Mae to Resolve Allegations of Charging Military Servicemembers Excessive Rates on Student Loans By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 13:40:20 EDT The Department of Justice today announced the federal government’s first lawsuit filed against owners and servicers of student loans for violating the rights of servicemembers eligible for benefits and protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Medicare Fraud Strike Force Charges 90 Individuals for Approximately $260 Million in False Billing By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 13:41:21 EDT Attorney General Eric Holder and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that a nationwide takedown by Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in six cities has resulted in charges against 90 individuals. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Dallas-Based Physician and Home Health Agency Director of Nursing Convicted in $3 Million Medicare Fraud Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 14:52:19 EDT Late yesterday, a federal jury in the Northern District of Texas convicted a physician and a home health agency manager for their participation in a $3 million Medicare fraud conspiracy. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at Press Conference Announcing Law Enforcement Action to Protect Military Servicemembers from Unfair Lending Practices By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 13:42:03 EDT "By requiring Sallie Mae to compensate its victims, we are sending a clear message to all lenders and servicers who would deprive our servicemembers of the basic benefits and protections to which they are entitled: this type of conduct is more than just inappropriate; it is inexcusable. And it will not be tolerated." Full Article Speech
on Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund 26th Annual Candlelight Vigil By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 13:33:19 EDT As difficult as times may be – and as wrenching as every loss we mark this evening – we affirm this week that our work must go on. Each of us is called to serve, to protect, and to help forge a society worthy of the passion, the dedication, and the sacrifices made by each of our fallen heroes. To create not merely a monument to their stories, but a living memorial. And to build a country dedicated to preserving and perpetuating their memories by reaching for the better and brighter future that all of our citizens deserve. Full Article Speech
on Statement By Attorney General Holder on the Planned Departure of Deputy Director of Public Affairs Gina Talamona By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 12:02:43 EDT “For 27 years, Gina Talamona has been a tremendous asset to the Department of Justice and an exceptionally dedicated public servant. She’s been the backbone of our dedicated Office of Public Affairs team, providing leadership and sound guidance to Attorneys General and other leaders from administrations of both parties." Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Statement from the Department of Justice and Office of Director of National Intelligence on the Declassification of Additional Documents Regarding the Collection of Bulk Telephony Metadata Under Section 215 of the USA Patriot Act By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 14:55:44 EDT Today, the Department of Justice and Office of the Director of National Intelligence released, in redacted form, a previously classified series of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court filings and orders from 2009-2010 concerning the collection of bulk telephony metadata under Section 215 of the USA Patriot Act. These documents relate to a robust interaction that occurred between the Department of Justice and a telecommunications service provider that included the provider’s review of prior FISC applications, orders and opinions, regarding lawful compliance with those orders. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on North Carolina Seafood Distributor Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 11:57:39 EDT Jeffrey Wayne Scott, 48, of Wilmington, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to tax evasion in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Attorney General Holder Criticizes Excessive Use of Solitary Confinement for Juveniles with Mental Illness By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 12:15:50 EDT Speaking in a video message posted on the Justice Department’s website, Attorney General Eric Holder on Wednesday called for an end to the excessive use of solitary confinement for youth that suffer from mental illness. Attorney General Holder said the practices can have lasting, substantial effects on young people that could result in self-harm or, in some cases, even suicide. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Readout of the Attorney General’s Meeting with D.C.-area College Campus Leadership on Addressing Campus Sexual Assault By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 16:20:50 EDT Today, Attorney General Eric Holder met with campus leadership from eight Washington, D.C.-area colleges and universities: American University; Catholic University of America; Gallaudet University; Georgetown University; George Washington University; Howard University; Trinity University; and University of the District of Columbia, to discuss how administrations are addressing sexual assault on campus. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on EPA Requires Global Titanium Manufacturer to Investigate and Clean Up PCB Contamination in Nevada By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 13:57:22 EDT Titanium Metals Corporation (TIMET), one of the world’s largest producers of titanium parts for jet engines, has agreed to pay a record $13.75 million civil penalty and perform an extensive investigation and cleanup of potential contamination stemming primarily from the unauthorized manufacture and disposal of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) at its manufacturing facility in Henderson, Nevada. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Louisiana-Pacific Corp. Abandons Its Proposed Acquisition of Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd. By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 14:52:19 EDT Louisiana-Pacific Corp. (LP) abandoned its plan to acquire Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd., its close competitor in the sale of a type of manufactured wood-based panel called oriented strand board (OSB), after the Department of Justice expressed concerns about the transaction’s likely anticompetitive effects. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Patient Recruiter Sentenced in Detroit for Role in $14.5 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 14:36:56 EDT A patient recruiter who participated in a Medicare fraud scheme that totaled almost $14.5 million was sentenced in Detroit yesterday to serve 86 months in prison. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Tennessee Salvage Company Owner and Operator Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Violate the Clean Air Act By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 15:55:07 EDT The owner and operator of a Tennessee salvage and demolition company, A&E Salvage Inc., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Greeneville, Tennessee, for conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Texas Man Indicted for Federal Hate Crime and Kidnapping Charges for Assault Based on Victim’s Sexual Orientation By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 17:54:43 EDT A federal grand jury returned a two count indictment against Brice Johnson, 19, of Springtown, Texas, charging him with willfully causing bodily injury to a person because of the actual or perceived sexual orientation of that person and with kidnapping. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Marubeni Corporation Sentenced for Foreign Bribery Violations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 May 2014 14:01:50 EDT Marubeni Corporation, a Japanese trading company involved in the handling of products and provision of services in a broad range of sectors around the world, including power generation, was sentenced today for its participation in a scheme to pay bribes to high-ranking government officials in Indonesia. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Former Officer Is 12th Sentenced in Connection with Series of Assaults on Inmate at Roxbury Correctional Institution By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 May 2014 14:16:19 EDT U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Reginald Martin, formerly an officer at Roxbury Correctional Institution in Hagerstown, Maryland, to serve 12 months and one day in prison for his role in the assault of inmate Kenneth Davis. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Member of Organization That Operated Online Marketplace for Stolen Personal Information Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 May 2014 15:12:16 EDT A Phoenix man convicted after a jury trial last December of conspiracy and racketeering offenses for his involvement in a sophisticated cybercrime organization was sentenced today to serve 20 years in prison. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Justice Department Sues to Shut Down Montgomery, Alabama, Tax Return Preparer By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 May 2014 15:49:58 EDT The United States filed a complaint today to bar Laquanda O. Gilmore (aka Laquanda Garrott) and her company, L&g Associates LLC, from preparing federal tax returns for others, the Justice Department announced. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Six Miami-Area Residents Plead Guilty to Mortgage Fraud Scheme Involving Four Condominium Developments By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 May 2014 17:42:35 EDT Six Miami-area residents, including three former loan officers, pleaded guilty in the Southern District of Florida this week to participating in a fraudulent scheme designed to enrich real estate developers. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Former Owner of Airline Fuel Supply Company Sentenced to Prison for Role in Scheme to Defraud Illinois-Based Ryan International Airlines By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 May 2014 17:53:34 EDT A former owner and operator of a Florida-based airline fuel supply service company was sentenced today to serve 50 months in prison for participating in a scheme to defraud Illinois-based Ryan International Airlines. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Former Alabama KKK Leader Sentenced to Prison for Cross Burning and Obstruction of Justice By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 May 2014 17:51:08 EDT Steven Joshua Dinkle, 28, former Exalted Cyclops of the Ozark, Alabama, chapter of the International Keystone Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge W. Keith Watkins to serve 24 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a cross burning in 2009. Full Article OPA Press Releases
on Attorney General Holder Delivers Remarks at the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund for the 60th Anniversary of Brown V. Board of Education By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 16 May 2014 10:09:10 EDT Since 1940, LDF has performed critical work to rally Americans from all backgrounds to the unifying cause of justice – standing on the front lines of our fight to guarantee security, advance opportunity, and ensure equal treatment under law. Full Article Speech
on U.S. Charges Five Chinese Military Hackers for Cyber Espionage Against U.S. Corporations and a Labor Organization for Commercial Advantage By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 19 May 2014 10:26:43 EDT A grand jury in the Western District of Pennsylvania (WDPA) indicted five Chinese military hackers for computer hacking, economic espionage and other offenses directed at six American victims in the U.S. nuclear power, metals and solar products industries. Full Article OPA Press Releases