o FBI and Justice Department Response to NAS Review of Scientific Approaches Used During the Investigation of the 2001 Anthrax Letters By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:17:46 EST The FBI and Department of Justice response to the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences report, "Review of the Scientific Approaches Used During the FBI’s Investigation of the 2001 Anthrax Letters." Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Twenty People Indicted in Florida for Health Care Fraud Scheme Involving Approximately $200 Million in Medicare Billing By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:52:10 EST Twenty individuals, including three doctors, were charged today in the Southern District of Florida for various health care fraud, kickback and money laundering charges related to their alleged participation in a fraud scheme involving approximately $200 million in Medicare billing for purported mental health services. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Latin Kings Leader Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for a Racketeering Conspiracy Related to His Gang Activities By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:34:13 EST Erick Roman, aka “Erick Javier Sierra,” “Malian-T” and “King Malian-T,” 34, of Laurel, Md., was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Justice Department Signs Agreement with the Town of Swansea, Massachusetts, to Ensure Civic Access for People with Disabilities By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:55:49 EST An agreement has been reached with the town of Swansea, Mass., to improve access to all aspects of civic life for persons with disabilities. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Federal Courts Order Seizure of Website Domains Involved in Advertising and Distributing Child Pornography By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:22:25 EST Seizure warrants have been executed against 10 domain names of websites engaged in the advertisement and distribution of child pornography. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Construction Manager of Iowa Building Renovation Pleads Guilty to Environmental Crimes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:46:51 EST The construction manager for a renovation project at the Equitable Building in Des Moines, Iowa, pleaded guilty today in federal court to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act and for violating the Clean Air Act’s work practice standards related to asbestos removal. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Virginia Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:57:34 EST Fred Woolum of Lexington, Va., was sentenced today in the Western District of Pennsylvania to 15 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for engaging in a child exploitation enterprise. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Statement of Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Thomas E. Perez Before the Committee on House Administration By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:31:02 EST "The MOVE Act’s enactment in 2009 was the most important advancement in the area of military and overseas voter law in more than 20 years," said Assistant Attorney General Perez. Full Article Testimony
o Statement of Assistant Attorney General for the Civil DivisionTony West Before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:55:55 EST "Central to our mission is the recovery of taxpayer dollars that are lost to fraud, waste and abuse," said Assistant Attorney General West Full Article Testimony
o Secretary Napolitano and Attorney General Holder Form Joint Task Force to Assist Mexico’s Investigation into Yesterday’s Shooting of Two ICE Agents in Mexico By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:09:47 EST Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Attorney General Eric Holder today met to discuss the shooting by unknown assailants of two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents in the line of duty yesterday while driving in Mexico. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Two Individuals Plead Guilty in Connection with Costa Rica-based Business Opportunity Fraud Ventures By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:14:38 EST Two individuals pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud for their roles in business opportunity fraud schemes. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o More Than 100 Members and Associates of Transnational Organized Crime Groups Charged with Offenses Including Bank Fraud, Kidnapping, Racketeering and Health Care Fraud By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:49:53 EST One hundred and two members and associates of transnational organized criminal groups operating in the United States have been charged in indictments unsealed today in Los Angeles; Santa Ana, Calif.; Miami and Denver. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Statement of the Attorney General on the Shootings in Elkins, West Virginia By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:40:33 EST "Today’s shootings in Elkins, West Virginia, demonstrate yet again the danger that our nation’s law enforcement officers confront on a daily basis." Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Two Virginia Businessmen Charged with Illegally Reimbursing Senate and Presidential Campaign Contributions By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:05:55 EST A federal grand jury in Alexandria, Va., today returned an indictment charging William P. Danielczyk Jr. and Eugene R. Biagi with reimbursing $186,600 in contributions to the Senate and Presidential campaign committees of a candidate for federal office, and obstructing the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and the FBI. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Joint U.S.-Croatia Statement on Preventing and Combating Serious Crime Agreement By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:53:12 EST The United States and Croatia today signed an Agreement on Preventing and Combating Serious Crime. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Three Plead Guilty to Civil Rights Conspiracy in Connection with Cross Burning in Athens, Louisiana By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:28:13 EST “Driven by bigotry and hate, the defendants threatened a member of their own family with violence simply because she associated with persons of another race,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division Speaks at Armenian Power Takedown Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:54:01 EST "I am pleased to be here today with my friend, U.S. Attorney Birotte, and our law enforcement partners to announce these indictments, and the arrest of more than 80 members and associates of transnational organized crime groups, including a particularly powerful one based here in California." Full Article Speech
o Medicare Fraud Strike Force Charges 111 Individuals for More Than $225 Million in False Billing and Expands Operations to Two Additional Cities By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:13:03 EST The Medicare Fraud Strike Force today charged 111 defendants in nine cities, including doctors, nurses, health care company owners and executives, and others, for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving more than $225 million in false billing. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Arkansas Woman Barred from Preparing Federal Tax Returns for Others By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:49:41 EST An Arkansas woman who operates Foster’s Income Tax Service in Knobel, Ark., has been permanently barred from preparing federal tax returns for others. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Guam Bar Owner Found Guilty for Sex Trafficking and Related Crimes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:27:54 EST An owner of bar in Guam was found guilty today of sex trafficking, and coercion and enticement for prostitution related to a scheme to force young women and one juvenile girl into prostitution. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Romanian Man Pleads Guilty for Role in International Fraud Scheme Involving Online Auction Websites By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:48:07 EST A Romanian man pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly in Chicago to one count each of wire fraud and conspiracy for his role in moving and hiding the illicit proceeds of an international fraud scheme. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Justice Department Announces Settlement with Developer of Idaho Condominium Complex By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:49:19 EST A developer of a condominium complex in Post Falls, Idaho, has agreed to settle a lawsuit alleging that they violated the Fair Housing Act by developing the complex with features that made it inaccessible to persons with disabilities, announced the Department of Justice. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Press Conference on Medicare Fraud Strike Force Actions By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:16:08 EST "As today’s arrests prove, the federal government is working aggressively to pursue health care criminals around the country and to bring offenders to justice." Full Article Speech
o Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli Speaks at the American Indian Higher Education Consortium Annual Winter Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:01:14 EST "Whether it’s an 18-year-old who wants to be the first person in his family to attend college and become a teacher, or a 32-year-old single mother taking evening courses in nursing, or a tribal elder who enjoys participating in courses on tribal history and language, the threads that weave your colleges together with your communities are especially strong and resilient." Full Article Speech
o Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at Rep. Crowley’s 12th Annual Congressional Black History Month Commemoration By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:37:05 EST "Today, as we commemorate Black History Month, we honor our nation’s past. But we must also reaffirm our vision of the future that we will share and, together, must build." Full Article Speech
o Federal Court Bars Florida Woman from Preparing Tax Returns for Others By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:23:54 EST "A Florida woman has been permanently barred from preparing federal income tax returns for others, the Department of Justice announced today." Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Ohio Businessman Charged with Failing to Report Foreign Bank Account at UBS in Switzerland By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:07:15 EST An Ohio man residing in Switzerland was charged by information in the Northern District of Ohio for filing false personal income tax returns for the years 2004 through 2008, the Department of Justice announced today. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Securities Attorney and Five Others Indicted for Conspiracy, Wire and Mail Fraud in Stock Manipulation Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:13:19 EST Six individuals, including a securities attorney, were charged in an indictment unsealed today with defrauding investors in a stock manipulation scheme from 2003 to 2008. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Office Manager of Los Angeles Medical Supply Business Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud Medicare of More Than $6 Million in Wheelchair Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:57:05 EST The office manager of a Los Angeles durable medical equipment (DME) company pleaded guilty today to conspiring with her former church pastor to run a power wheelchair scheme that defrauded Medicare of more than $6 million, the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services (HHS) announced. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o U.S. Government Intervenes in False Claims Lawsuit Against Kellogg Brown & Root Services Inc. By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:01:19 EST The government has intervened in a lawsuit against Kellogg Brown & Root Services Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Eleven Alleged Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Members Charged for Roles in Assault By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:01:53 EST Eleven alleged members of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) have been indicted for their alleged roles in the 2008 beating of a gang prospect in Tomball, Texas. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Assistant Attorney General Tony West Speaks at the ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security Breakfast By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:58:21 EDT "It’s a pleasure to be here with you to talk about the work we’re doing in the Civil Division to promote and protect the Nation’s national security interests," said Assistant Attorney General West. Full Article Speech
o Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Memorial Service for Deputy U.S. Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:49:35 EST "Although an unspeakable, and devastating, tragedy has unfortunately brought each of us here today, it is an extraordinary life that binds us together," said Attorney General Holder. Full Article Speech
o Alaska-Based Company Pays U.S. More Than $1.5 Million to Settle False Claims Allegations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:18:51 EST General Communication Inc. (GCI) has paid $1,556,075 to settle allegations that Alaska DigiTel LLC, a former Alaska limited liability company now owned by GCI, submitted false claims to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Low Income Support Program, the Justice Department announced today. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Justice Department Settles with National Board of Medical Examiners Over Refusal to Provide Testing Accommodations to Yale Medical School Student By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:15:10 EST The Justice Department today announced a settlement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), a private, non-profit organization that administers the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), a standardized examination related to medical licensing. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Memorial Service for Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent Jaime J. Zapata By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 22 Feb 2011 09:56:20 EST "Agent Zapata’s story is one that we must not forget. And it’s one that we won’t. He was a hero in every sense of the word, a man whose acts of valor are a testament to what is best about our country and our national – and international – law enforcement community." Full Article Speech
o Justice Department Sues Georgia Man to Stop Him from Preparing Tax Returns for Others By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:46:41 EST The United States has asked a federal court to stop Cecil Collier, who operates under the trade name “Cairo Fast Tax,” from preparing federal tax returns for others. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Statement of the Attorney General on Litigation Involving the Defense of Marriage Act By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:10:04 EST The Attorney General made a statement today about the Department’s course of action in two lawsuits, Pedersen v. OPM and Windsor v. United States, challenging Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage for federal purposes as only between a man and a woman. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Letter from the Attorney General to Congress on Litigation Involving the Defense of Marriage Act By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:13:37 EST The Attorney General sent the following letter today to Congressional leadership to inform them of the Department’s course of action in two lawsuits, Pedersen v. OPM and Windsor v. United States, challenging Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage for federal purposes as only between a man and a woman. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o U.S. Sues Two California Lawyers & Kentucky Financial Professional to Block Nationwide Promotion of "Intermediary Transaction" Tax Shelter By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:06:40 EST The United States has sued two Southern California attorneys and a Kentucky financial professional to bar them from promoting an allegedly abusive tax shelter known as an “intermediary transaction.” Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Four Swiss Bankers Charged with Helping U.S. Taxpayers Use Secret Accounts at Swiss Banks to Evade U.S. Taxes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:59:33 EST Marco Parenti Adami, Emanuel Agustino, Michele Bergantino and Roger Schaerer, bankers at an international bank, were indicted by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia and charged with conspiring with other Swiss bankers to defraud the United States. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Liberian Shipping Company Sentenced to Pay $2.4 Million for Falsifying Oil Record Book and Lying to Cover up Illegal Discharges of Waste By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:40:06 EST Cardiff Marine Inc, a Liberian-registered shipping company, was sentenced today in federal court in Baltimore after pleading guilty to a felony violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Los Angeles Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Violate the Clean Air Act’s Asbestos Work Practice Standards By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:37:15 EST John Bostick pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act’s asbestos work practice standards during the renovation of a 204-unit apartment building in Winnetka, Calif., in 2006. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime in Connection with Mosque Arson in Arlington, Texas By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:00:28 EST Henry Clay Glaspell, of Arlington, Texas, pleaded guilty today to a hate crime charge stemming from the ethnically-motivated arson of a children’s playground at the Dar El-Eman Islamic Center in Arlington in July 2010. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Two Shenandoah, Pa., Men Sentenced for the Fatal Beating of Luis Ramirez By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:04:24 EST Brandon Piekarsky, 19, and Derrick Donchak, 21, both of Shenandoah, Pa., were sentenced today to nine years in prison for the fatal beating of Luis Ramirez. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Cincinnati Area Return Preparer Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Preparing False Tax Returns By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:44:48 EST A former resident of Cincinnati was sentenced to 30 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Sandra S. Beckwith for aiding and assisting in the preparation of false client tax returns and for filing a false individual income return. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Six Alleged Bloods Gang Members and Associates Indicted in Tennessee on Federal Racketeering and Murder Charges By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:04:28 EST A superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Nashville, Tenn., was unsealed today, charging six alleged members of the violent gang known as the Bloods with various racketeering and murder charges. Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Circus President and Former Employee Plead Guilty to Violating Endangered Species Act for Unlawful Purchase and Sale of Asian Elephants By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:58:08 EST John Pugh, Wilbur Davenport, and Cole Brothers Circus Inc., entered plea agreements yesterday in U.S. District Court in Beaumont, Texas to resolve Endangered Species Act (ESA) violations related to the purchase and sale of two Asian elephants named “Tina” and “Jewel.” Full Article OPA Press Releases
o Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Duquesne University School of Law’s Centennial Anniversary By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:01:24 EST "For the last century, since the Holy Ghost Fathers founded this law school in 1911, Duquesne has stood as a force for progress – and as an institution dedicated to training highly skilled, ethical lawyers and to strengthening the effectiveness and integrity of our justice system." Full Article Speech
o Texas Resident Arrested on Charge of Attempted Use of Weapon of Mass Destruction By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:33:21 EST Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, 20, a citizen of Saudi Arabia and resident of Lubbock, Texas, was arrested late yesterday by FBI agents in Texas on a federal charge of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction in connection with his alleged purchase of chemicals and equipment necessary to make an improvised explosive device (IED) and his research of potential U.S. targets. Full Article OPA Press Releases