l Justice Department Settles Civil Contempt Claim Against Exelon Corporation By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 Nov 2012 09:45:08 EST Exelon Corporation has agreed to pay $400,000 as part of a civil settlement with the Department of Justice that resolves Exelon’s alleged violations of two court orders entered in connection with Exelon’s acquisition of Constellation Energy Group. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Justice Department Requires Divestitures in Star Atlantic’s Acquisition of Veolia By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:26:52 EST The Department of Justice announced today that it has reached a settlement that will require Star Atlantic Waste Holdings L.P. and Veolia ES Solid Waste Inc. to divest commercial waste collection or disposal assets in northern New Jersey, central Georgia, and the Macon, Ga., metropolitan area in order to proceed with Star Atlantic’s proposed $1.9 billion acquisition of Veolia. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Justice Department Announces Sweep of Criminal and Civil Business Opportunity Cases By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:13:54 EST The Justice Department announced today the filing of several criminal and civil business opportunity fraud cases, initiated as part of a joint sweep with the Federal Trade Commission and several states. Business opportunity fraud schemes take advantage of people looking for work by luring them in with false promises of big profits and leaving them worse off than they started. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Gamer Charged with Hacking into and Disabling New Hampshire Gaming Company’s Computer Servers By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 Nov 2012 12:29:18 EST Anil Kheda, 24, of the Netherlands, is charged with one count of conspiring to commit computer intrusion and one count of making extortionate interstate threats. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Department of Justice Completes Review of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Use of Force Policies and Practices By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:46:02 EST The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) today announced the completion and delivery of an eight-month review of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s use of force policies and practices. The report, funded by a grant from the COPS Office, lists 75 findings and recommendations regarding officer-involved shootings and other use-of-force issues. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l BP Exploration and Production Inc. Agrees to Plead Guilty to Felony Manslaughter, Environmental Crimes and Obstruction of Congress Surrounding Deepwater Horizon Incident By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:14:49 EST BP Exploration and Production Inc. (BP) has agreed to plead guilty to felony manslaughter, environmental crimes and obstruction of Congress and pay a record $4 billion in criminal fines and penalties for its conduct leading to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster that killed 11 people and caused the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history, Attorney General Eric Holder announced today. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart Delery Speaks at the “Operation Lost Opportunity” Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:24:16 EST "Financial fraud affects people every day and can be devastating for victims. Business opportunity schemes prey on people who want to work to support themselves and their families. But instead of getting meaningful employment, victims are defrauded out of their money, their credit, and their time," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Delery. Full Article Speech
l Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the BP Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:18:44 EST "Today, in U.S. District Court here in the Eastern District of Louisiana, the Department filed a 14-count information charging BP with 11 counts of felony manslaughter, one count of felony obstruction of Congress, and violations of the Clean Water and Migratory Bird Treaty Acts in connection with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that began in April 2010," said Attorney General Holder. Full Article Speech
l Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer Speaks at the BP Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:21:39 EST "We hope that today’s acknowledgement by BP of its misconduct – through its agreement to plead guilty to 11 counts of felony manslaughter – brings some measure of justice to the family members of the people who died onboard the rig," said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. Full Article Speech
l Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez Speaks at the UT Diversity and Civility Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:38:08 EST "Too many of our neighbors are still victims of discrimination, bigotry, and violence. Too many are denied opportunities to participate fully in their communities and build valued lives for their families. But at the Division, we are in the opportunity business. And we are committed to working together with all of you to expand access to the promise of American life and the fundamental civil rights protected by our federal laws," said Assistant Attorney General Perez. Full Article Speech
l Federal Court Shuts Down South Florida Tax Preparer By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:42:33 EST A federal court in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., has permanently barred a Broward County man from preparing federal tax returns for others, the Justice Department announced today. Jayvon Copeland, who last month pleaded guilty in a criminal case to conspiracy to defraud the United States, consented to the injunction order without admitting the allegations in the civil complaint filed against him last April. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Spokane Police Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights and Obstruction Violations in Connection with In-custody Death of Otto Zehm By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:25:42 EST A federal judge sentenced Spokane, Wash., Police Officer Karl F. Thompson Jr. to 51 months in prison followed by three years supervised release for civil rights and obstruction violations stemming from his March 18, 2006, beating of an unarmed citizen and an extensive cover-up that followed, the Justice Department announced today. Following a Taser deployment and a rapid series of baton blows to the head, neck and body, the victim, the late Otto Zehm, 36, was hogtied, stopped breathing and was transported to the hospital, where he died two days later. The defendant claimed the beating was justified because he felt threatened by a plastic bottle of soda Zehm was holding. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Justice Department and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Settle Pay Discrimination Lawsuits Against Two Texas State Agencies By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:59:41 EST The Justice Department and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced today that they have reached a settlement with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Texas General Land Office (GLO) to resolve allegations that both state agencies were liable for pay discrimination on the basis of sex, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Pay Act of 1963. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Ohio Automobile Parts Supplier Executive Pleads Guilty in Price-Fixing and Bid-Rigging Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:41:35 EST An executive at the Ohio subsidiary of a Japanese automotive supplier pleaded guilty today for his role in a conspiracy to fix prices and rig bids of anti-vibration rubber parts sold in the United States and elsewhere. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against Ebay Inc. Over Agreement Not to Hire Intuit Inc. Employees By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:49:47 EST The Department of Justice filed a civil antitrust lawsuit today against eBay Inc., alleging that it violated antitrust laws when it entered into an agreement not to recruit or hire Intuit Inc.’s employees. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Federal Court Permanently Bars Michigan Lawyer from Promoting Alleged Tax Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:59:32 EST A federal court has permanently barred a Michigan lawyer, Tammy Daniels of Farmington Hills, from promoting an alleged tax fraud scheme, the Justice Department announced today. The civil injunction order, to which Daniels consented without admitting the allegations against her, was signed by Judge Paul D. Borman of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. In August the court enjoined Daniels’s co-defendants, Damian and Holly Jackson, from preparing federal tax returns for others and promoting the scheme. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Program Director and Therapist from Miami-Area Mental Health Care Corporation Convicted for Participating in $205 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 17:12:38 EST Program director Lydia Ward, 47, and therapist Nichole Eckert, 35, were each found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Two Patient Recruiters Sentenced in Miami for Roles in $50 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 17:04:15 EST Anthony Roberts, 45, and Derek Alexander, 39, both of Miami, were each sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola Jr. in the Southern District of Florida. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Al-Qaeda Operative Sentenced to Life in Prison in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against the United States since 9/11 By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:50:54 EST Earlier today, Adis Medunjanin, age 34, a Queens, N.Y., resident who joined al-Qaeda, then plotted and attempted to commit suicide terrorist attacks, was sentenced in the Eastern District of New York to life in prison for multiple federal terrorism offenses. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Former Police of Puerto Rico Officer Sentenced to 181 Months in Prison for Providing Armed Security for Drug Transaction By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 17:37:09 EST Yamil Navedo Ramirez, 39, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Juan M. Perez-Gimenez in the District of Puerto Rico. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer Speaks at the American Conference Institute’s 28th National Conference on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:21:36 EST "Nothing is more important than curbing corruption around the world – and we must, and we will, continue to do everything we can to ensure that young people across the globe can dream big dreams without having to worry that a corrupt leader will extinguish them," said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. Full Article Speech
l Assistant Attorney General Perez Speaks at the George Washington University Law School Symposium By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:17:22 EST "Let’s work to prevent fraud, but let’s not erect new, unnecessary requirements that have a discriminatory impact. Let’s have a debate on the merits without trying to make it harder for our perceived opponents to vote," said Assistant Attorney General Perez. Full Article Speech
l Assistant Attorney General Perez Speaks at the Grand Opening of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:33:41 EST "We are a nation of great principles of religious freedom. But as we have learned, these principles are not self-executing. We have to work hard to preserve them," said Assistant Attorney General Perez. Full Article Speech
l San Diego Used Car Wholesaler Sentenced on Tax Evasion By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 10:16:01 EST Mohammad Jafar Nikbakht, aka Freydoon Nikbakht, was sentenced Friday to 15 months in prison for evading his individual income taxes. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Agreement Furthers Cleanup of the Quanta Resources Superfund Site in Edgewater, New Jersey By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:03:45 EST Another important step toward cleaning up the Quanta Resources Superfund site in Edgewater, N.J., was announced today by the Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Nearly $1 Million Now Available to Support Partnerships Offering Education and Workforce Training for Incarcerated Individuals Exiting Prisons By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 12:30:24 EST The Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Education announced today a new, nearly $1 million grant fund entitled, “Promoting Reentry Success through Continuity of Educational Opportunities”, that will invest in innovative programs preparing incarcerated individuals to successfully reenter society with the support of education and workforce training. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l United States Sues Houston-based KBR and Kuwaiti Subcontractor for False Claims on Contracts to House American Troops in Iraq By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:12:02 EST The United States has filed a civil complaint against Kellogg, Brown & Root Services Inc. (KBR) and First Kuwaiti Trading Company for submitting inflated claims for the delivery and installation of trailers to house troops in Iraq. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l New Mexico Man Sentenced to Prison for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:06:01 EST Douglas Kuester, 43, a tax preparer from Silver City, N.M., was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for filing false claims and aggravated identity theft, the Justice Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today. Kuester was also ordered to pay $911,000 in restitution and will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission to Hold Workshop on Patent Assertion Entity Activities By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:24:29 EST The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced today that they will hold a joint public workshop on Dec. 10, 2012, to explore the impact of patent assertion entity (PAE) activities on innovation and competition and the implications for antitrust enforcement and policy. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Detroit-Area Nurse Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Role in $13.8 Million Home Health Care Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 17:30:15 EST Anthony Parkman, 41, of Southfield, Mich., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Gerald E. Rosen in the Eastern District of Michigan. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Former Executives of Stanford Financial Group Entities Convicted for Roles in Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 18:33:41 EST A Houston federal jury has convicted Gilbert T. Lopez Jr., the former chief accounting officer of Stanford Financial Group Company, and Mark J. Kuhrt, the former global controller of Stanford Financial Group Global Management, for their roles in helping Robert Allen Stanford perpetrate a fraud scheme involving Stanford International Bank (SIB). Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Group of Owned and Affiliated Florida Hospitals Agree to Pay US $10.1 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:21:07 EST Morton Plant Mease Health Care Inc. and its affiliated hospitals (Morton Plant) have agreed to pay $10,169,114 to the federal government to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for services rendered to Medicare patients, the Justice Department announced today. Morton Plant owns and operates, or is affiliated with, Morton Plant Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, St. Anthony’s Hospital, Mease Countryside Hospital and Mease Dunedin Hospital. These hospitals are part of the BayCare Health System in Florida’s Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Iranian National and His Company Charged in Plot Involving Export of Military Antennas from the United States By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 11:00:14 EST Amin Ravan, a citizen of Iran, and his Iran-based company, IC Market Iran, have been charged in an indictment unsealed today with conspiracy to defraud the United States, smuggling, and violating the Arms Export Control Act in connection with the unlawful export of 55 military antennas from the United States to Singapore and Hong Kong. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Colorado Tax Defier Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Fraud and Tax Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 11:00:06 EST Curtis L. Morris, age 43, of Elizabeth, Colo., was sentenced Monday in Denver to 120 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Blackburn, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced. Judge Blackburn also ordered Morris to pay $$1,916,831 in restitution to the IRS. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Working Group Members Announce Charges Against Credit Suisse By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:49:17 EST Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Working Group Co-Chair New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today filed a Martin Act complaint against Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and its affiliates for making fraudulent misrepresentations and omissions to promote the sale of RMBS to investors. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Justice Department Enters into Settlement Agreement to Reform the East Haven, Conn., Police Department By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:13:30 EST The Justice Department today announced that it has entered into a comprehensive settlement agreement with the town of East Haven, Conn., to resolve the department’s complaint alleging that the East Haven Police Department (EHPD) engaged in a pattern or practice of unlawful discrimination against individuals on account of race, color or national origin. The agreement also resolves allegations that EHPD engaged in a pattern or practice of use of excessive force and unconstitutional searches and seizures. The department and town jointly filed the agreement in federal district court today seeking the court’s approval and continued jurisdiction to enforce its terms. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Florida’s Technological Research and Development Authority Pays $15 Million to Resolve False Claims Allegations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:31:42 EST The Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA) has agreed to pay $15 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act in connection with grants from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the Department of Commerce, the Justice Department announced today. TRDA, which was created by the Florida legislature as a special district, owns and operates a system of incubator facilities to nurture small businesses by providing low-rent office space and business development assistance. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Two Plead Guilty in Miami for Roles in $63 Million Mental Health Care Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:13:44 EST –A registered nurse pleaded guilty today and a former program coordinator pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with a health care fraud scheme involving defunct health provider Health Care Solutions Network Inc. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l U.S. and Mississippi Announce Clean Water Act Agreement with the City of Jackson By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 16:00:56 EST The Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality announced today a comprehensive Clean Water Act settlement with the city of Jackson, Miss. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Former Executive at Florida-Based Lender Processing Services Inc. Admits Role in Mortgage-Related Document Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:15:34 EST A former executive of Lender Processing Services Inc. (LPS) – a publicly traded company based in Jacksonville, Fla. – pleaded guilty today, admitting her participation in a six-year scheme to prepare and file more than 1 million fraudulently signed and notarized mortgage-related documents with property recorders’ offices throughout the United States. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l South Carolina-based Harmony Care Hospice Inc. and CEO/Owner Daniel J. Burton to Pay U.S. $1.286 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:04:41 EST Harmony Care Hospice Inc. (Harmony) and Harmony owner and chief executive officer Daniel J. Burton have agreed to pay the United States $1,286,999.32 to settle allegations that the South Carolina-based company submitted false claims to Medicare for patients under care at its hospice facilities, the Justice Department announced today. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Louisiana Generating to Install Pollution Controls and Pay $14 Million in Penalties and Projects to Resolve Clean Air Act Violations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:54:40 EST Louisiana Generating, an electric generating company owned by NRG Energy Inc., has agreed to a settlement at its Big Cajun II coal-fired power plant in New Roads, La., which will result in the elimination of over 27,300 tons of harmful emissions per year. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Justice Department Asks Court to Dismiss Matter Involving the Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center Because Center Has Complied with Agreement By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:36:59 EST The Justice Department announced that it has filed a joint motion with the state of Arkansas to dismiss the settlement in United States v. Arkansas, a case involving conditions at the Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center in Alexander, Ark. The state has fully complied with the settlement, which includes reforms in mental health care, fire safety, education and religious freedom for the youth residing at the facility. In addition to complying with the settlement, during the course of the department’s investigation and settlement, the state shifted its focus on juvenile justice from an institution-based model to a community-based model. The result has been a significant statewide decrease in the number of incarcerated youth. At the same time, crime in Arkansas has dropped even though the population of youth under 18 has grown. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Hungarian Woman Pleads Guilty in Tennessee for Role in International Fraud Scheme Involving Online Marketplace Websites By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:33:24 EST Beatrix Boka, 34, of Hungary, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger in the Middle District of Tennessee to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l California Jewelry Store Owner Convicted of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Conspiracy to Launder the Proceeds of Bank Fraud By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:27:31 EST A federal jury sitting in Santa Ana, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, convicted Safieh Fard of one count of conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and one count of conspiracy to launder the proceeds of bank fraud obtained after submitting fraudulent mortgage applications, the Justice Department and IRS Criminal Investigation announced. Fard’s co-conspirators, her sister Sedigheh Bahramian, and two of her sons, Mohsen Kikalaye and Ahmad Kikalaye, pleaded guilty to related counts of bank fraud in 2010. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Two Members and One Associate of Violent North Carolina Latin Kings Gang Convicted for Racketeering Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 23 Nov 2012 12:17:22 EST A federal jury in Winston-Salem, N.C., has convicted two members of the North Carolina Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN) and one associate of the gang for a racketeering conspiracy involving violent crimes and drug distribution for the benefit of the criminal organization. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Mexican National Sentenced to 54 Months in Prison for Trafficking the Identities of Puerto Rican U.S. Citizens By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:01:25 EST Jose Sergio Garcia-Ramirez, 37, formerly of Rockford, Ill., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gustavo A. Gelpí, in the District of Puerto Rico. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Fraudulent Telemarketer Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:24:16 EST Osman Bah, 25, of Owings Mills, Md., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn of the Western District of North Carolina. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Former Chicago Massage Parlor Operator Sentenced to Life in Prison for Human Trafficking of Four Women By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 18:12:25 EST Alex Campbell, 45, of Glenview, Ill., a former northwest suburban massage parlor owner was sentenced today to life in federal prison for various crimes including sex-trafficking, forced labor, harboring illegal aliens, confiscating passports to further forced labor and extortion involving four foreign women whom he mentally and physically abused while forcing them to work for him, the Justice Department announced today. The defendant, who operated the Day and Night Spa on Northwest Highway in Mt. Prospect, Ill., used violence and threats of violence to force three women from the Ukraine and one from Belarus to work for him without pay and, at times, little to no subsistence between July 2008 and January 2010. Full Article OPA Press Releases
l Los Angeles-Area Doctor Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud Medicare of Over $11 Million By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 19:14:45 EST Dr. Juan Tomas Van Putten, 66, of Ladera Heights, Calif., pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge George Wu in the Central District of California to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Full Article OPA Press Releases