l Dolton, Ill., Police Officer Arrested on Federal Civil Rights and Obstruction Charges Involving Alleged Use of Excessive Force By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 1 Nov 2011 17:01:46 EDT Kevin Fletcher, 34, of Dolton, was indicted on two counts of violating the victims’ civil right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a person acting under color of law and one count of obstruction of justice. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Justice Department Files Lawsuit Alleging Racial and Familial Status Discrimination in Apartment Complexes in Massillon, Ohio By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 1 Nov 2011 17:03:06 EDT The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the owners of Yorkshire Apartments, Thackeray Ledges and Wales Ridge Apartments in Massillon, Ohio, for discriminating on the basis of race and familial status when renting their apartments in violation of the Fair Housing Act. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l 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
l 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
l Federal Court Bars Oregon Man from Promoting Tax-Fraud Schemes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:48:44 EDT A federal court has permanently barred Robert Pendell from promoting any scheme that assists or advises customers to attempt to violate the tax laws. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l 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
l Former New Orleans Police Department Lieutenant Sentenced in Connection with Shootings on Danziger Bridge By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 2 Nov 2011 18:45:12 EDT A former lieutenant with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), was sentenced today for his role in a conspiracy to obstruct justice and for misprision of a felony, in connection with a federal investigation of two police-involved shootings that left two civilians dead and four others seriously wounded in the area of the Danziger Bridge in the days after Hurricane Katrina. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Spokane, Wash., Police Officer Convicted of Civil Rights and Obstruction Violations in Connection with Beating Otto Zehm By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 2 Nov 2011 19:24:12 EDT A federal jury today convicted Spokane, Wash., Police Officer Karl F. Thompson Jr., 64, of civil rights and obstruction charges stemming from his March 18, 2006, beating of an unarmed citizen and an extensive cover-up that followed. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l 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
l 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
l 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
l 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
l Detroit-Area Man Arrested in Connection with $30 Million Medicare Home Health Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 10:14:49 EDT Zafar Mehmood, 45, allegedly masterminded a $30 million scheme involving the submission of fraudulent claims submitted to Medicare for services that were medically unnecessary and/or never provided through at least four home health agencies. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Justice Department Settles with Lowe’s Hardware Store for USERRA Violations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:34:13 EDT Lowe’s, a national hardware store chain, has agreed to settle the Justice Department’s claims alleging that the company violated the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) when it terminated the employment of Matthew King, a U.S. Army Guard member and Iraq War veteran, without just cause. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l 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
l 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
l 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
l 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
l 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
l 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
l 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
l Two Individuals Sentenced in Connection with $2.5 Million Reverse Mortgage and Loan Modification Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 15:51:16 EDT Two individuals – a loan officer and a title agent – have been sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William P. Dimitrouleas in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., for their participation in a nationwide $2.5 million reverse mortgage fraud scheme. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l 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
l Self-Proclaimed “Governor” of Alabama and Wife Convicted of Tax Fraud By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 17:10:44 EDT A federal jury in Montgomery, Ala., today convicted Monty Ervin and Patricia Ervin of conspiracy to defraud the United States and three counts of tax evasion. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l 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
l Federal Court Shuts Down Tax Return Preparer Siblings in Southern California By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 7 Nov 2011 13:44:29 EST A federal court has permanently barred Karen Berry, Carla Berry and their tax preparation business, N.C.K. Services Inc., from preparing federal tax returns for others. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Justice Department to Monitor Elections in California, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 7 Nov 2011 13:45:52 EST The Justice Department announced today that the Civil Rights Division will monitor elections on Nov. 8, 2011, in Alameda County, Calif.; Springfield, Mass.; Humphreys, Leflore, Panola and Wilkinson Counties, Miss.; Lorain County, Ohio; and Jasper, Texas. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l 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
l Justice Department Files Suit Against Pittsburgh Woman for FACE Violations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 7 Nov 2011 17:43:34 EST According to court documents, in January 2011, Ms. Parente used physical force against two volunteer escorts who were accompanying a patient into the Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania Liberty Avenue clinic. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l 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
l 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
l 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
l Hawaiian Firearms Business Owner Convicted of Federal Tax Offenses By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 8 Nov 2011 15:53:54 EST Arthur Lee Ong of Honolulu was convicted by a federal jury Monday of conspiracy to defraud the United States and tax evasion. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Justice Department Requires Divestiture to Preserve Health-Insurance Competition in Montana By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 8 Nov 2011 16:42:29 EST The Department of Justice will require New West Health Services Inc. to sell the majority of its commercial health-insurance business to a third-party buyer and provide additional relief in order to preserve health-insurance competition in Montana. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l 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
l 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
l 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
l 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
l 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
l 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
l 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
l 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
l 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
l 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
l 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
l 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
l Justice Department Asks Federal Court to Shut Down South Florida Tax Preparer By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:51:12 EST The United States has sued Kenia Marrero seeking to bar her and her business, Kenia Immigration Services, from preparing federal tax returns for others. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l 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
l Justice Department Announces Dismissal of Case Regarding Conditions at the Dallas County Jail By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:47:54 EST The Justice Department announced today that District Court Judge David C. Godbey has granted the request of the department and Dallas County to end court supervision of a lawsuit concerning conditions at the Dallas County Jail. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Department of Justice Announces Compensation for Servicemembers as Part of Settlement with Bank of America By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:48:39 EST The Justice Department announced today that, as part of its settlement with BAC Home Loans Servicing LP, a subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation, servicemembers whose homes were unlawfully foreclosed upon will each receive a minimum $116,785 plus compensation for any equity lost to compensate them for the bank’s alleged violation of the Servicemember Civil Relief Act. Full Article OPA Press Releases