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Former High School Football Player Pleads Guilty to Making Racially Motivated Threats to African-American Assistant Football Coach

Jonathan Caine, 20, of Nashville, Tenn., pleaded guilty today to a federal hate crime for making racially motivated threats to an African-American assistant football coach at a local high school in, the Justice Department announced.



  • OPA Press Releases

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In 61st Year of DOJ Awards Program, Attorney General Holder Recognizes Department Employees and Others for Their Service

Attorney General Eric Holder recognizes 270 Justice Department employees for their distinguished public service today as part of the 61st Annual Attorney General Awards program. In addition, 53 other individuals, including federal employees and civilians, are also honored for their work. These annual awards recognize department employees and other individuals for their dedication to carrying out the Department of Justice¡¦s mission.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Justice Department Charges Minn. Condominium Association, Management Company and Property Manager with Discrimination Against Families with Children

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit today against the homeowner’s association, management company and property manager of a Minnetonka, Minn., condominium complex, alleging that they discriminated against families with children in violation of the Fair Housing Act.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Justice Department Seeks to Intervene in Lawsuit Alleging H&s Tax Preparation Website Is Inaccessible to Individuals with Disabilities

The Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz announced today that they have moved to intervene in National Federation of the Blind et al v. HRB Digital LLC et al, a private lawsuit alleging disability discrimination by HRB Digital LLC and HRB Tax Group Inc., subsidiaries of H&R Block Inc.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the Investiture Ceremony of U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Zachary Fardon

Over the course of a remarkable and highly-varied career – spanning more than two decades of service to the legal profession – Zach Fardon has demonstrated his commitment to the cause of justice, and to the highest ideals of America’s legal system.




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Three Subsidiaries of Weatherford International Limited Agree to Plead Guilty to FCPA and Export Control Violations

Three subsidiaries of Weatherford International Limited (Weatherford International), a Swiss oil services company that trades on the New York Stock Exchange, have agreed to plead guilty to anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and export controls violations under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA)



  • OPA Press Releases

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Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. Agrees to Plead Guilty to Price Fixing on Automobile Parts Installed in U.S. Cars

Osaka, Japan-based Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. has agreed to plead guilty and to pay a $120 million criminal fine for its role in two separate conspiracies to fix the prices of automotive components involving anti-vibration rubber and driveshaft parts installed in cars sold in the United States and elsewhere.



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Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Oklahoma Child Care Center to Ensure Equal Rights for Children with Disabilities

The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with Camelot Child Development Center of Oklahoma City and Edmond, Okla., under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).



  • OPA Press Releases

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Stanley Electric Co. Ltd. Agrees to Plead Guilty to Price Fixing on Automobile Parts Installed in U.s. Cars

Stanley Electric Co. Ltd., a Tokyo-based company, has agreed to plead guilty and to pay a $1.44 million criminal fine for its participation in a conspiracy to fix prices of lamp ballasts installed in cars sold in the United States and elsewhere.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Former Suppliers of Beef to National School Lunch Program Settle Allegations of Improper Practices and Mistreating Cows

Several California companies and individuals that formerly supplied beef to the National School Lunch Program have agreed to settle allegations of inhumane handling of cattle, circumventing appropriate inspection of nonambulatory disabled (“downer”) cattle and false representations regarding their eligibility to process beef.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Former KKK Leader Indicted for Cross Burning in Alabama; Second KKK Member Indicted for Perjury

Steven Joshua Dinkle, former Exalted Cyclops of a chapter of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in Ozark, Ala., was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 27, in Mississippi for burning a cross at the entrance to a predominantly African-American neighborhood and for obstructing the investigation into the offense.



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Health Care Clinic Owners Sentenced for Role in $8 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme

Two health care clinic owners were sentenced today in connection with an $8 million health care fraud scheme involving the now-defunct home health care company Flores Home Health Care Inc.



  • OPA Press Releases

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CVS’ Caremark Will Pay $4.25 Million for Allegedly Denying Medicaid Claims for Reimbursement of Prescription Drug Costs

Caremark LLC, a pharmacy benefit management company (PBM), will pay the government and five states a total of $4.25 million to settle allegations that it knowingly failed to reimburse Medicaid for prescription drug costs paid on behalf of Medicaid beneficiaries, who also were eligible for drug benefits under Caremark-administered private health plans.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Alabama Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

Clarence Hicks, of Montgomery, Ala., was sentenced to serve 57 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $210,555.62 in restitution for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. for the Middle District of Alabama.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Justice Department Files Lawsuit to Stop Tennessee Woman from Preparing Tax Returns

The Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit in a federal court in Memphis today to stop Stephanie Edmond and her businesses, the Tax Factory and Tax Factory Enterprise Inc., from preparing federal income tax returns.



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Justice Department Files Lawsuit Alleging Disability-Based Discrimination at Hartville, Ohio, Condominium Complex

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit late yesterday against the owners, builders and designers of a 54-unit condominium complex in Hartville, Ohio, for violations of the Fair Housing Act (FHA).



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Two Foreign Nationals Plead Guilty in Puerto Rican Identity Trafficking Conspiracy

A Dominican national and a Mexican national each pleaded guilty today in connection with their roles in trafficking the identities of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens and corresponding identity documents.



  • OPA Press Releases

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United States Agrees to Comprehensive Settlement with Suffolk County Police Department to Resolve Investigation of Discriminatory Policing Against Latinos

The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced today that they have tentatively agreed to a settlement with the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) which calls for SCPD to implement new and enhanced policies and procedures to ensure nondiscrimination in the provision of police services to Latino communities in Suffolk County.



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Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud and Mail Fraud

Michael Edwards pleaded guilty today to one count of corruptly endeavoring to obstruct the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and one count of mail fraud, the Justice Department and IRS announced.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Three Patient Recruiters for Miami Home Health Company Plead Guilty for Roles in $48 Million Fraud Scheme

Three patient recruiters for a Miami health care company pleaded guilty today for their participation in a $48 million home health Medicare fraud scheme.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Former Medical Doctor Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct with Minors in Kenya

A former medical doctor was sentenced today to serve 20 years in prison for engaging in illicit sexual conduct with minors in Kenya.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Federal Agents Arrest Operators of Loan Modification Scam That Targeted Struggling Homeowners

Federal agents arrested Bryan D’Antonio and Charles Wayne Farris for operating the Rodis Law Group and America’s Law Group, businesses that allegedly offered bogus loan modification assistance to struggling homeowners; and Attorney Ronald Rodis surrendered to federal agents on for his alleged role in the operation.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Justice Department Sues to Stop Somerville, N.J., Man from Preparing Tax Returns

The United States filed a lawsuit yesterday in The District of New Jersey to bar Eric Majette of Somerville, N.J., from preparing federal tax returns, the Justice Department announced today.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Miami Home Health Company Owner and Recruiter Sentenced for Role in $48 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme

A patient recruiter of a Miami health care company was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison today for his participation in a $48 million home health Medicare fraud scheme.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the Civil Division Awards Ceremony

It’s a great privilege to join you in congratulating our 2013 Civil Division award recipients. And it’s an honor to help welcome all of the proud family members, friends, and distinguished guests who have taken the time to be here in the Great Hall, and whose support – and sacrifices – have been essential to everything that our awardees have accomplished. Make no mistake: every one of you shares in the recognitions that we are about to bestow.




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Government Files Suit Against Canton, Ohio-based Tab Construction and Its Owner for Allegedly Defrauding the Historically Underutilized Business Zone Program

The government has filed a complaint against Canton, Ohio-based TAB Construction Co. Inc. (TAB) and its owner, William E. Richardson III, for allegedly making false statements to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to obtain certification as a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) company.



  • OPA Press Releases

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California Businessman Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Defraud the IRS

Gary Mach, of Palm Desert, Calif., was sentenced to 16 months in prison, two months of house arrest, and 18 months of probation and ordered to pay $270,725 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Justice Department and IRS announced today.



  • OPA Press Releases

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20 Detroit-area Residents Charged in Medicare Fraud Strike Force Takedown for Approximately $34 Million in False Billing

Twenty Detroit-area residents have been charged for their roles in physician home visit, home health care, chiropractic and psychotherapy schemes to submit more than $34 million in false billing to Medicare.



  • OPA Press Releases

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New York Antiques Dealer Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Wildlife Smuggling

Qiang Wang, aka Jeffrey Wang, a New York antiques dealer, was sentenced in federal court in Manhattan today to 37 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to smuggle Asian artifacts made from rhinoceros horns and ivory and violating wildlife trafficking laws



  • OPA Press Releases

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Statement of Attorney General Eric Holder on the Death of Nelson Mandela

I join President Obama in expressing my heartfelt condolences to the people of South Africa, and the entire Mandela family, on the passing of Nelson Mandela.



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Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the Investiture Ceremony for U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana Kenneth A. Polite Jr

As we administer the Oath of Office to him today, there can be no question that Kenneth Polite is well-suited – and superbly qualified – to lead the hardworking men and women who serve this important United States Attorney’s Office, and to extend the tradition of excellence and integrity that has always defined our very best United States Attorneys.




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Information Technology Specialist at National Science Foundation Pleads Guilty to Stealing $90,000 from Government

An information technology specialist working for the National Science Foundation (NSF) pleaded guilty late yesterday to theft of government property totaling more than $90,000



  • OPA Press Releases

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Justice Department Files Lawsuit to Stop Tennessee Man from Preparing Tax Returns

The Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit today in Memphis federal court to stop Grady Smith, who does business as One Price Refunds, from preparing federal tax returns.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Newseum to Improve Access for People with Disabilities

The Department of Justice announced today that it has reached a settlement with Newseum Inc., which owns and operates the Newseum, to address alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).



  • OPA Press Releases

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Virginia Man Sentenced for Conducting $270 Million Investment Fraud Scheme

The owner of a Virginia-based investment firm was sentenced today to serve 144 months in prison for orchestrating a $270 million stock loan scheme that defrauded his clients of more than $35 million.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Former Sea Star Line President Sentenced to Serve Five Years in Prison for Role in Price-Fixing Conspiracy Involving Coastal Freight Services Between the Continental United States and Puerto Rico

The former president of Sea Star Line LLC, a Jacksonville, Fla.-based water freight carrier, was sentenced to serve five years in prison and to pay a $25,000 criminal fine for his participation in a conspiracy to fix rates and surcharges for freight transported by water between the continental United States and Puerto Rico.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Owner of New York Sportswear Distribution Business Sentenced for Tax Fraud

Harry Neuhoff, a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., was sentenced to serve 12 months and one day in prison and three years supervised release for tax evasion, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Northrop Grumman Corp. Pays $11.4 Million to Resolve Allegations That It Improperly Charged Costs to Government Contracts

The Justice Department announced today that Northrop Grumman Corp. has paid the United States $11.4 million to settle a government claim for penalties provided under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and False Claims Act allegations stemming from its failure to abide by a 2002 settlement agreement with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA).



  • OPA Press Releases

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First Public Hearing of the American Indian and Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence Task Force Held in Bismarck, N.D.

The Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of the Task Force on American Indian/Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence held its first public hearing today in Bismarck, N.D., convening tribal researchers, advocates and local community members to discuss domestic violence and child physical and sexual abuse in Indian Country.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Alabama Man Pleads Guilty for His Role in Racially Motivated Cross Burning

Thomas Windell Smith, 24, of Dothan, Ala., turned himself in and pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, to one count of conspiring to violate housing rights, the Justice Department announced today.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Utah Resident Pleads Guilty to Filing False Claims for Tax Refunds Totaling $653,884

Stanley J. Wardle, 65, of Spanish Fork, Utah, pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City to nine counts of filing false claims for income tax refunds, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Associate Attorney General Tony West Delivers Remarks at the American Indian / Alaskan Native Children Exposed to Violence Hearing

ifty years ago Attorney General Robert Kennedy came here to Bismarck and spoke of the "tragic irony" of First Americans living in the freest country in the world yet imprisoned by conditions of poverty and deprivation -- conditions not found in the natural order of things but manmade, imposed and perpetuated by bigotry and greed and violence.




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Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole Delivers Remarks at the Office of National Drug Control Policy Drug Policy Reform Conference

As we move forward with these and other reforms, we will continue to stand and work alongside you, drawing upon your experience, relying on your expertise, and depending on your engagement to refine and strengthen each new proposal.




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German Engineering Firm Bilfinger Resolves Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Charges and Agrees to Pay $32 Million Criminal Penalty

Bilfinger SE, an international engineering and services company based in Mannheim, Germany, has agreed to pay a $32 million penalty to resolve charges that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) by bribing government officials of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to obtain and retain contracts



  • OPA Press Releases

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U.S., U.K. Law Enforcement Launch Task Force to Counter Online Child Exploitation

The U.S. Department of Justice today hosted a meeting to launch a joint task force between the United Kingdom and the United States to counter online child exploitation



  • OPA Press Releases

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Alabama Shrimper Convicted for Shooting Dolphin

An Alabama man pleaded guilty yesterday in a federal court in Gulfport, Miss., to knowingly shooting a dolphin, the Justice Department announced.



  • OPA Press Releases

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John Charles Mccluskey to Receive Life Prison Sentence for Murdering Oklahoma Couple

– John Charles McCluskey, 48, will receive a life prison sentence for a host of crimes arising out of the carjacking and murder of a couple from Tecumseh, Oklahoma



  • OPA Press Releases

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Federal Court Shuts Down Atlanta-Area Tax Preparer

A federal court in Atlanta permanently barred Matthew Adegbite and his companies, MAS & Associates CPA LLC and Mathew A. Adegbite CPA PC, from preparing federal income tax returns for others, the Justice Department announced today.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Former Chief Executive of Mortgage Servicing Company Sentenced for Scheme to Withhold Funds from Wells Fargo Bank

Earl Gross, 74, of Las Vegas, the former President and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Mortgage, a loan servicing company, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison for his role in an $8 million scheme to defraud Wells Fargo Bank



  • OPA Press Releases

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Emergency Room Doctor Sentenced for Failure to File Tax Returns

Dr. Michael Austin, 57, of Atlanta, Ga., was sentenced today to serve one year and one day in federal prison for willfully failing to file individual income tax returns for tax years 2008 and 2009, announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore for the Middle District of Georgia.



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