y Georgia Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Prison in Plot to Supply Iran with U.S. Military Aircraft Components By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:08:47 EDT Michael Edward Todd, a U.S. national who is president of The Parts Guys LLC, a company in Port Orange, Fla., that maintains a warehouse at the Middle Georgia Municipal Airport in Macon, was sentenced this morning in federal court in the Middle District of Georgia. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Former Abramoff Colleague Kevin Ring Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Conspiracy, Honest Services Fraud and Payment of Gratuities Related to Illegal Lobbying Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:24:41 EDT Kevin A. Ring, a former lobbyist who worked with Jack A. Abramoff, was sentenced today to 20 months in prison for his role in a scheme to corrupt public officials by providing an illegal stream of things of value, including vacations, employment for a congressman’s wife, meals, drinks, and high-priced tickets to exclusive concerts and sporting events. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y California Man Sentenced in Las Vegas for Filing False Liens Against Federal Employees By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:54:50 EDT Thanh Viet Jeremy Cao of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., was sentenced today in Las Vegas before Judge Kent J. Dawson to 41 months in prison for six counts of filing false liens against employees and officers of the federal government. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole Speaks at the Anti-Violence Initiative Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:24:08 EDT "To see the results of this law enforcement initiative – arresting 80 defendants with firearms, most of whom have gang affiliations – is impressive," said Deputy Attorney General Cole. Full Article Speech
y Eight Northern California Real Estate Investors Agree to Plead Guilty to Bid Rigging at Public Foreclosure Auctions By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:26:00 EDT Eight Northern California real estate investors have agreed to plead guilty today for their roles in two separate conspiracies to rig bids and commit mail fraud at public real estate foreclosure auctions in Northern California. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Justice Department Files Suit Against Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to Protect Employment Rights of U.S. Army Reservist By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:08:31 EDT The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit today against the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections alleging that it violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act by failing to retroactively promote a U.S. Army Reservist based on his successful performance on a make-up promotional examination after he returned from a military deployment. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Justice Department Settles Lawsuit with Washington State Company to Enforce Employment Rights of U.S. Air Force Reservist By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:03:44 EDT The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with James J. Williams Bulk Service Transport Inc. (JJW), its parent company Trans-System Inc. and System TWT Transportation Inc. alleging that the companies violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) by failing to promptly and properly reemploy U.S. Air Force reservist Dave Axtell in April 2009 when he returned from military service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Justice Department Resolves Lawsuit Alleging Disability Discrimination in Sioux Falls, South Dakota By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:03:40 EDT The Justice Department today announced a settlement of its lawsuit alleging that Equity Homes Inc, PBR LLC, BBR LLC and Shane Hartung violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by failing to provide features that would make their multi-family housing developments in Sioux Falls accessible to people with disabilities as required by the Fair Housing Act. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Statements by Attorney General Holder and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Court Approval of Pigford II Settlement Agreement By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:05:11 EDT “This settlement allows the Department of Agriculture and African-American farmers to focus on the future, and brings us one step closer to giving these farmers a chance to have their claims heard,” said Attorney General Holder. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Former Owners of Florida Airline Fuel Supply and Indiana Flight Management Services Companies Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Defraud Ryan International Airlines By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:23:59 EDT A former owner and operator of a Florida-based airline fuel supply service company and a former owner and operator of an Indiana-based flight management services company were sentenced today to serve prison time and to pay restitution for conspiring to commit wire fraud and honest services fraud in separate schemes to defraud Ryan International Airlines. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Attorney General Holder, Federal and State Officials Announce Enforcement Efforts Against Illegal Prescription Drug Distributors in Florida By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:26:48 EDT Federal authorities, along with state and local law enforcement partners, conducted coordinated enforcement actions today against 22 individuals and one pharmacy allegedly involved in the illegal distribution of prescription drugs. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Owner of Houston Health Care Company Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison in Connection with $1.3 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:52:21 EDT Ekpedeme Obot, 35, of Houston, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal in Houston. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Former Asphalt Manager of Pelican Refinery Pleads Guilty in Louisiana to Air Pollution Causing Negligent Endangerment By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:54:44 EDT The former asphalt facilities manager of Pelican Refining Company LLC (PRC), pleaded guilty today to the crime of negligent endangerment under the Clean Air Act in federal court in Lafayette, La. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Federal Court Permanently Bars Two Louisiana Tax Preparers By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 1 Nov 2011 11:33:22 EDT A federal court in the Middle District of Louisiana has permanently barred Cynthia Peters and Melissa Edwards from preparing federal tax returns for others. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Lucchese Organized Crime Family Member and Associate Among 13 Arrested, Charged for Racketeering and Other Offenses, Including Illegal Takeover of Publicly Traded Company By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 1 Nov 2011 12:15:02 EDT Thirteen individuals, including an alleged member and an associate of the Lucchese organized crime family, are charged with racketeering and related offenses in an indictment unsealed this morning in conjunction with arrests in the case. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Justice Department, Six Cities Work to Prevent Youth Violence By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 1 Nov 2011 15:19:49 EDT “The work we are doing is sending an unmistakable message: that, in this country, we will not give up on our children when it comes to combating youth violence,” Attorney General Eric Holder said. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Owner of Miami Company Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Scheme to Defraud the U.S. Export-Import Bank By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 1 Nov 2011 18:04:57 EDT Guillermo O. Mondino, 48, was sentenced by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Statement of Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer Before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 1 Nov 2011 13:54:26 EDT "The fight against transnational organized crime is one of the highest enforcement priorities of the Department of Justice and the Administration," said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. Full Article Testimony
y Brooklyn, N.Y., Medicare Fraud Strike Force Charges 12 Individuals for Participating in Health Care Fraud Schemes Totaling More Than $95 Million By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:26:36 EDT Twelve individuals, including three medical doctors, a doctor of osteopathy and a chiropractor, were charged today in the Eastern District of New York for their roles in separate health care fraud schemes that resulted in the submission of more than $95 million in false claims to the Medicare program. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y International Arms Dealer Viktor Bout Convicted in New York of Terrorism Crimes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 2 Nov 2011 17:51:01 EDT “Today, one of the world’s most prolific arms dealers is being held accountable for his sordid past,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Oral Statement of Assistant Attorney General Laurie Robinson Before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 2 Nov 2011 12:09:26 EDT "OJP’s mission is to increase public safety and improve the fair administration of justice across America through innovative leadership and programs," said Assistant Attorney General Robinson. Full Article Testimony
y Assistant Attorney General Tony West Speaks at the 12th Annual Pharmaceutical Regulatory and Compliance Congress By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 2 Nov 2011 15:13:31 EDT "The work of the Justice Department on health care fraud is part of a comprehensive approach this Administration has taken toward improving the Nation’s overall health care delivery system; an approach that aims to secure better, quality coverage at lower costs for all of us," said Assistant Attorney General West. Full Article Speech
y Alabama Return Preparers Found Guilty of Tax Crimes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 09:43:05 EDT James E. Moss and Avada L. Jenkins were found guilty today of tax crimes relating to “Flash Tax,” a Montgomery, Ala., tax preparation business owned by Moss. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Former Soldier and Civilian Contract Recruiter Pleads Guilty for Role in Wire Fraud Scheme to Obtain Recruiting Bonus By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 17:03:40 EDT A former soldier who also served as a civilian contract recruiter pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to obtain approximately $164,000 in fraudulent recruiting bonuses from various U.S. military components and their contractor. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Remaining Co-Founder of NinjaVideo.net Pleads Guilty to Criminal Copyright Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:59:38 EDT Justin A. Dedemko, 28, of Brooklyn, N.Y., pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga in the Alexandria Division of the Eastern District of Virginia. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Four Hispanic Men By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 18:34:51 EDT Mark Gautreau, 50, pleaded guilty today in federal court in New Orleans for shooting two men on the Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish, La., on Aug. 20, 2006. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Former Lincoln County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office Detective Indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 18:17:57 EDT Former Lincoln County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office Detective Scott Edwards, 49, of Troy, Mo. was indicted on civil rights charges for violating the constitutional rights of five women through acts of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual contact. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Five Alleged MS-13 Leaders Indicted in Washington, D.C., on Racketeering Charges, Accused of Ordering and Carrying out Murders and Other Attacks By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 9 Nov 2011 10:21:51 EST The 32-count superseding indictment, which was returned on Nov. 1, 2011, and unsealed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, charges various defendants with taking part in a racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering and other offenses. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Indiana Waste Treatment Company, Its Owner and a Manager Charged with Conspiracy and Violating the Clean Water Act By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 11:21:05 EDT Tierra Environmental, owner Ronald Holmes and manager Stewart J. Roth have been charged with illegally discharging wastewater into the sewers of the Hammond Sanitary District from a closed facility. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Former Airline Executive Pleads Guilty in Schemes to Defraud Illinois-Based Ryan International Airlines By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 15:34:40 EDT A former executive of Ryan International Airlines, a charter airline company located in Rockford, Ill., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in West Palm Beach, Fla., to participating in kickback schemes to defraud Ryan. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Federal Court Orders Iowa Construction Company to Pay Employment Taxes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 14:55:47 EDT A federal court has ordered Advanced Underground Construction LLC and William David Ward II to begin paying employment taxes to the United States on a timely basis. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Florida Man Sentenced to 90 Years in Prison for Production of Child Pornography By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 16:15:58 EDT Wesley William Brandt of Davenport, Fla., was sentenced today to 90 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for production of child pornography. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Former Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Jail Major Indicted for Assaulting an Inmate By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 17:26:11 EDT James Donis, 47, a former major at the Allegheny County, Penn., Jail, and a resident of Glenshaw, Penn., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on civil rights charges stemming from an April 2010 incident in which Donis allegedly punched an inmate in the face. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Point Blank Pays U.S. $1 Million for the Sale of Defective Zylon Bulletproof Vests By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 7 Nov 2011 16:53:47 EST The United States alleged that the Pompano Beach, Fla.,and Jacksboro, Tenn., companies manufactured and sold Zylon bulletproof vests despite possessing information showing that the Zylon materials degraded quickly over time and were not suitable for ballistic use. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Member of Barrio Azteca Gang Pleads Guilty in El Paso, Texas, to Racketeering Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 7 Nov 2011 18:50:23 EST Jorge Diaz, 33, aka “Payaso,” and “Narizon,” of El Paso, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norbert J. Garney in the Western District of Texas, El Paso Division, to racketeering conspiracy. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez Speaks at the 15th Annual Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Colloquium By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 7 Nov 2011 10:47:59 EST "It is critical to continue our dialogue about how we can ensure a level playing field for all who are seeking economic opportunity and a fair chance at the American Dream," said Assistant Attorney General Perez. Full Article Speech
y Miami-Area Patient Recruiter Pleads Guilty in $25 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 8 Nov 2011 10:40:45 EST Beatriz Torres-Cruz, 50, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joan A. Lenard in Miami to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of solicitation of health care kickbacks. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y New York Resident Sentenced in Miami in Connection with Fraudulent Business Opportunity Schemes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 8 Nov 2011 17:20:17 EST Michael Eisenberg, a resident of Long Island, N.Y., was sentenced Monday in connection with a series of fraudulent business opportunity ventures. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole Speaks at the Department of Justice’s Annual American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month Commemorative Program By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 8 Nov 2011 12:42:44 EST "As we honor American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage month, we work to build on our continued progress strengthening tribal law enforcement," said Deputy Attorney General Cole. Full Article Speech
y Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer Speaks at the 26th National Conference on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 8 Nov 2011 14:21:42 EST "The FCPA is an important mechanism for holding individuals and corporations accountable for fostering corruption abroad, and for motivating others to act responsibly," said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. Full Article Speech
y Justice Department Files Complaint Against City of Pittsfield, Mass., for Violating the Employment Rights of a U.S. Navy Reservist By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 9 Nov 2011 10:06:32 EST The Justice Department announced today the filing of a complaint against the city of Pittsfield, Mass., for violating the rights of a U.S. Navy Reservist under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Colombian Paramilitary Leader Sentenced in Miami to 33 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Narco-Terrorism By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 9 Nov 2011 15:03:51 EST Carlos Mario Jimenez-Naranjo, aka “Macaco,” a paramilitary leader and one of Colombia’s most notorious drug traffickers, has been sentenced to 33 years in prison. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Buffalo Developer Indicted for Illegally Filling Over 90 Acres of Wetlands in Amherst, N.Y. By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 9 Nov 2011 16:54:58 EST William L. Huntress and his companies, Acquest Transit LLC and Acquest Development LLC, were charged in the Western District of New York for illegally filling wetlands in Amherst, N.Y., as detailed in the seven count indictment. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Ninth Person Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Fraudulently Control Condominium Homeowners’ Associations in Las Vegas By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 9 Nov 2011 16:38:43 EST Daniel Solomon, 39, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lloyd D. George in the District of Nevada to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Department’s Veterans’ Appreciation Ceremony By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:03:03 EDT "This morning, we honor an extraordinary group of individuals – the 19,000 courageous soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who – in components and offices all around the world – form the backbone of the Justice Department family," said the Attorney General Holder. Full Article Speech
y Fort Lauderdale-area Halfway House Owners Plead Guilty to Kickback Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:41:42 EST Robert Jenkins, 36, and Nikki Jenkins, 36, each pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno in the Southern District of Florida to one count of conspiracy to solicit and receive health care kickbacks. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Federal Court Bars Eastern Pennsylvania Woman from Preparing Tax Returns By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:49:48 EST A federal court in Philadelphia has permanently barred Dorthea Alexander from preparing federal tax returns for others Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Former Arizona Army National Guard Member Charged with Participating in Bribery and Drug Trafficking Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:47:27 EST The 10-count indictment returned today in U.S. District Court in Arizona charges Adalberto Valenzuela, 31, of Tucson, Ariz., with two counts of conspiracy, two counts of bribery, two counts of bribery involving programs receiving federal funds, two counts of Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right and two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Tenth Person Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Fraudulently Control Condominium Homeowners’ Associations in Las Vegas By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:28:20 EST Denise Keser, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro in the District of Nevada to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Keser is the tenth person to plead guilty in connection with the scheme to defraud HOAs in the Las Vegas area. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Caltrans to Pay $10 Million to Remediate the Presidio’s Mountain Lake and to Re-route Highway 1 Drainage to Avoid Future Contamination By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:14:43 EST Federal officials announced a civil settlement with the state of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) resolving claims brought by the Presidio Trust and the U.S. Army resulting from Caltrans’ construction and operation of Highway 1 (also known as Park Presidio Boulevard) through the Presidio of San Francisco. Full Article OPA Press Releases