FBI In the News Updated
Federal Bureau of Investigation
California Movie Distributor Sentenced in $7 Million Independent Film Financing Fraud
Wed, 12 May 2010 09:42:45 -0500
Harel Goldstein, of Calabasas, California, who orchestrated a fraud scheme related to the financing of independent films that caused Comerica Bank to suffer more than $7 million in losses, was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison.
Louisiana Man Charged with Defrauding American Red Cross Following Katrina
Wed, 12 May 2010 09:52:04 -0500
Marvin Harrison, of Hammond, Louisiana, was charged with wire fraud relating to fraudulent applications he made to the American Red Cross for financial assistance during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Louisiana Man Sentenced on Child Pornography Charges
Wed, 12 May 2010 09:53:23 -0500
Wilbur Ray Crain, of Franklin, Louisiana, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for possessing a computer and related computer equipment that contained approximately 60 images and eight videos depicting the sexual victimization of children.
Texas Man Admits Possessing Child Pornography
Wed, 12 May 2010 10:27:16 -0500
Kenneth Dale Chase, of Wise County, Texas, pled guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.
Massachusetts Man Convicted Under Stolen Valor Act
Wed, 12 May 2010 10:43:57 -0500
Michael P. Frisoli, of Millbury, Massachusetts, was convicted of wearing combat decorations, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with combat "V," that he did not earn.
Owner of International Clothing Retailer Arrested for $5.8 Million Bank Fraud
Wed, 12 May 2010 10:54:28 -0500
Kwong Hung Lam, also know as Eric Lam, the president and sole owner of New Century Enterprise Inc., an importer and distributor of casual apparel headquartered in Farmingdale, New York, was arrested on bank fraud charges for allegedly defrauding an Israeli bank out of $5.8 million.
Connecticut Man Charged with New York Bank Robbery
Thu, 13 May 2010 10:58:20 -0500
Dennis Wilson, of Waterbury, Connecticut, was arrested for allegedly committing the September 9, 2009 armed robbery of the Putnam County Savings Bank in Brewster, New York.
Adult Foster Care Facility Owners, Physical Therapist Guilty in Health Fraud Scheme
Wed, 12
May 2010 11:06:27 -0500
Detroit-area residents Tariq Chaudhary, Lura Barrett, and Stephen Cartier pled guilty to their participation in a fraudulent Medicare home health scheme.
Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges
Wed, 12 May 2010 11:25:06 -0500
Charles R. Denning, of Cabool, Missouri, pled guilty to distributing and possessing child pornography.
Missouri Man Indicted for Bank Robbery
Wed, 12 May 2010 11:28:19 -0500
Joshua T. Caprarella, of Sparta, Missouri, was indicted for allegedly robbing Great Southern Bank in Nixa, Missouri on May 6, 2010.
New Jersey Union Official Pleads Guilty to Stealing Union Funds
Wed, 12 May 2010 11:41:48 -0500
Patrick James Brennan, of Mays Landing, New Jersey, the former business manager and secretary treasurer for District Council 711 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, pled guilty to embezzling union money to benefit himself and his family.
Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty to $800,000 Mortgage Fraud Scheme
Wed, 12 May 2010 11:44:44 -0500
Dale Charles Dodge, Jr., of Alexandria, Minnesota, pled guilty to charges connected to a scheme to defraud mortgage lenders and others out of more than $800,000.
Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Credit Union Robbery
Wed, 12 May 2010 11:50:33 -0500
Herman Wilson, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, pled guilty to the October 8, 2009 armed robbery of the Minnesota Building Trades Federal Credit Union in Inver Grove Heights.
Mississippi Loan Broker Sentenced in $1 Million Mortgage Fraud Scheme
Wed, 12 May 2010 11:53:55 -0500
Former mortgage loan broker Gene A. Bradford, of Ridgeland, Mississippi, was sentenced to 48 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal money laundering charges in connection with a $1 million mortgage loan fraud scheme.
Tongan Crip Gang Members, Associates Charged in Utah with RICO, Other Violations
Wed, 12 May 2010 12:05:34 -0500
Seventeen members and associates of the Tongan Crip Gang, also known as TCG, were charged in Salt Lake City in a 29-count federal indictment that alleges the gang is a criminal organization engaged in acts of violence to enhance the gang's prestige and to protect and expand the gang's operations.
Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact sup...@govdelivery.com.
This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Visit us on the web at www.fbi.gov, and also on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation · 935 Pennsylvania Ave NW· Washington DC 20535· 800-439-1420
Federal Bureau of Investigation
California Man Sentenced for Role in $61 Million Ponzi Scheme
Thu, 13 May 2010 13:57:59 -0500
James Halstead, of Tustin, California, was sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for participating in a fraudulent investment scheme with an Orange County attorney that took in more than $61 million before it crashed and caused approximately 140 investors to suffer more than $20 million in losses.
Florida Title Company Employee, Mortgage Broker Plead Guilty in Fraud Scheme
Thu, 13 May 2010 14:01:19 -0500
Monique Mitchell, an employee of Attorneys Title Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida; and Sheldon Martin, a self-employed licensed mortgage broker in Plantation, Florida, admitted that they knowingly prepared a false HUD-1 Settlement Statement Form in connection with the January 2008 sale of a $1,250,000 home in Fort Lauderdale.
Former Connecticut Attorney Sentenced for Role in Mortgage Fraud Scheme
Thu, 13 May 2010 15:13:51 -0500
Former attorney Douglas Sheehan, of Meridan, Connecticut, was sentenced to six months in prison for his role in a Hartford-area mortgage fraud scheme. Sheehan has been disbarred.
Additional Charges Filed Against Two Men for Massachusetts Church Arson
Thu, 13 May 2010 15:43:06 -0500
Michael Jacques and Thomas Gleason were charged in a superseding indictment with additional offenses related to the burning of the Macedonia Church of God in Christ in Springfield, Massachusetts, a predominantly African-American church, on the morning after Barack Obama was elected President of the United States.
Multi-Agency Strike Leads to Indictments of 78 New York Gang Members, Associates
Thu, 13 May 2010 15:49:00 -0500
Two indictments were unsealed charging 60 members and associates of the Newburgh, New York Bloods gang and 18 members and associates of the Newburgh Latin Kings gang with conspiracies to distribute, and possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and heroin.
Texas Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation Gang Members Sentenced to Life
Thu, 13 May 2010 15:56:30
-0500
The leader of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation in Texas and one of his enforcers were sentenced to life in prison for using a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Texas Airline Contract Employee Arrested for Threatening to Put Bomb on Plane
Thu, 13 May 2010 13:32:15 -0500
Johnathan Ivins, of Lubbock, Texas, a contract employee who worked at Preston Smith International airport in Lubbock, was arrested by FBI agents on charges alleging offenses related to his threat to bomb an airplane.
Texas Man Sentenced for Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy
Thu, 13 May 2010 13:56:14 -0500
Herbert Philip "Andy" Anderson, of Fort Worth, Texas, was sentenced to 360 months in prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy that generated $5 million in proceeds.
Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Role in $14.5 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme
Thu, 13 May 2010 14:23:12 -0500
Detroit-area resident Christopher Collins pled guilty to his participation in a $14.5 million fraudulent Medicare home health care scheme.
Mortgage Servicing Manager
Pleads Guilty to Role in $136 Million Fraud Scheme
Thu, 13 May 2010 14:30:21 -0500
Leroy Hayden, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, the former servicing manager of U.S. Mortgage, pled guilty to a wire fraud charge in connection with the $136 million fraud scheme that bankrupted Pine Brook, New Jersey-based U.S. Mortgage Corp. and its subsidiary, CU National Mortgage, LLC.
New Jersey Man Charged with Bank Robbery
Thu, 13 May 2010 14:43:16 -0500
Israel Cosme, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was charged with robbing a TD Bank in Rahway, New Jersey.
Connecticut Man Sentenced for Dealing Heroin
Thu, 13 May 2010 14:50:54 -0500
Scott Timmons, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, was sentenced to more than five years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Connecticut Man Sentenced for Role in Drug Trafficking Ring
Fri, 14 May 2010 14:53:09 -0500
Spencer McWeeny, of East Haven, Connecticut, was sentenced to five years in prison for participating in a New Haven-area drug trafficking ring that involved the large-scale distribution of cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and oxycodone.
Florida Clinic Owner Charged in $23 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme
Fri, 14 May 2010 15:02:50 -0500
Flor Crisologo, a Miami-area resident who owned and operated an HIV infusion clinic, was arrested and charged for her alleged participation in a $23 million HIV infusion Medicare fraud scheme.
Virginia Real Estate Investment Company President Indicted on Additional Charges
Thu, 13 May 2010 15:04:28 -0500
Yvonne L. Robertson, of Hampton, Virginia, who operated a real estate investment and property management business in Virginia Beach, was charged in a superseding indictment with engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity, as well as with making materially false statements to an agent of the United States.
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charge
Thu, 13 May 2010 15:06:57 -0500
Jeffrey Lee Brackett, of Newport News, Virginia, pled guilty to one count of transportation of child pornography.
Mayfair Capital Group Exec Sentenced for $5.75 Million Securities Fraud Scheme
Thu, 13 May 2010 15:17:13 -0500
Stephen R. Green, the former chairman and CEO of Mayfair Capital Group, was sentenced to 41 months in prison for committing securities fraud arising from his scheme to defraud investors of over $5.75 million for his own use.
Seeking Fugitives in New York Gang Takedown
Fri, 14 May 2010 15:21:19 -0500
On May 13, 2010, a major arrest operation was conducted in Newburgh, New York in connection with the indictment of 78 Bloods and Latin Kings gang members. The FBI and the Safe Streets Task Force are requesting the public's assistance in the search for several fugitives in the investigation.
Alabama Man Sentenced for Role in Major Drug Conspiracy
Fri, 14 May 2010 15:35:53 -0500
Robert Latrent Treadwell, of Gadsden, Alabama, was sentenced to 13.5 years in prison on charges of drug conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm in connection with his role as the leader of a cocaine trafficking ring in Etowah County.
Arkansas Men Pleads Guilty to Operating Illegal Gambling Business
Fri, 14 May 2010 15:39:48
-0500
Dana Kuykendall, Tony Milner, and Gene Baker each pled guilty in Little Rock, Arkansas to their roles in the operation of an illegal gambling business and related offenses.
Texas Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery
Fri, 14 May 2010 15:43:57 -0500
Erik Roshan Roy, of Houston, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison without parole for conspiring to and robbing a Houston Wachovia Bank branch in July 2009 of $280,005.
Bulgarian National Guilty in $1.4 Million International Money Laundering Scheme
Thu, 13 May 2010 15:50:02 -0500
Bulgarian national Georgi Boychev Georgiev pled guilty in Washington, D.C. to his role in laundering money for a transnational criminal group based in Eastern Europe. In less than one year, the criminal conspiracy netted more than $1.4 million from U.S. victims.
Kentucky Corrections Officers Convicted on Civil Rights Charges
Thu, 13 May 2010 15:55:10 -0500
A federal jury in Lexington, Kentucky returned seven guilty verdicts against two former corrections officers with the Lexington-Fayette County Urban Detention Center. The defendants, former Sergeant John McQueen and former Corporal Clarence McCoy, were convicted for conspiring to abuse arrestees; for actually abusing arrestees; and for obstructing justice by lying about the abuse.
New Mexico Man Indicted for Bank Robbery Resulting in Deaths
Thu, 13 May 2010 15:58:49 -0500
Jeremiah Jackson was indicted in connection with the April 6, 2010 robbery of a New Mexico Bank and Trust branch in Albuquerque. Jackson is accused of leading police officers on a high-speed pursuit after the robbery which ended in a fatal crash in which two Albuquerque women died.
Washington Man Charged for Obscene Calls Using Internet Spoofing
Service
Thu, 13 May 2010 16:20:09 -0500
Daniel Christopher Leonard, of Olympia, Washington, was charged in connection with making more than 1,500 harassing and obscene phone calls to women in the U.S. and Canada using an Internet "phone spoof" service.
Connecticut Man Charged with Operating Mortgage Fraud Scheme
Fri, 14 May 2010 16:27:47 -0500
Syed A. Babar, of New London, Connecticut, was indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in connection with his alleged role as the leader of a scheme (which included a mortgage broker, a real estate appraiser, two attorneys, and others) to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars in residential real estate loans.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Owner of California Tax and Bookkeeping Company Sentenced for Fraud
Fri, 14 May 2010 10:13:52 -0500
Roberto Heckscher, who owned and operated a San Francisco tax and bookkeeping company, was sentenced to 240 months in prison in connection with a fraudulent investment scheme he operated from 1979 to 2009 that caused investors to lose between approximately $20 million and $100 million.
Former California Investment Banker Sentenced for Insider Trading
Fri, 14 May 2010 10:17:26 -0500
Former San Francisco investment banker Adnan S. Zaman was sentenced to 26 months in prison for committing securities fraud by engaging in insider trading in 2006 and 2007.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling $693,000 from Charity
Fri, 14 May 2010 10:36:15 -0500
Thom V. Randle, of Chico, California, pled guilty to computer fraud and money laundering in connection with his theft of $693,000 from the Columbian Retirement Home and laundering the proceeds to conceal his criminal activity.
New Jersey Man Sentenced for Crack Distribution
Fri, 14 May 2010 10:53:58 -0500
Marc Gill, of Freehold, New Jersey, was sentenced to 162 months in federal prison for distributing crack cocaine in Freehold Township.
Montana Woman Pleads Guilty to Assaulting
Daughter
Fri, 14 May 2010 10:58:20 -0500
Jamelle Lynn Kennedy, of Poplar, Montana, pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury in connection with abuse inflicted on Kennedy's 6-year-old daughter.
Former Quest Exec Sentenced in Oklahoma for Failing to Report Embezzlement
Fri, 14 May 2010 11:09:07 -0500
Brent Mueller, of Edmond, Oklahoma, the former director of purchasing for Quest Energy Partners, L.P. , was sentenced to two years in prison for failing to report that his boss had embezzled $1 million. Mueller was also ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution, serve one year of supervised release upon release from prison, and perform 104 hours of community service.
Ohio Executive Charged in $7 Million Ponzi Scheme
Mon, 17 May 2010 12:10:28 -0500
David J. Harriett, of Warren, Ohio, the owner and president of of DJ Harriett, Inc., was charged with one count of mail fraud for executing a Ponzi scheme that defrauded approximately 200 investors of approximately $7 million.
Oregon White Supremacist Admits Mailing Noose to Ohio Civil Rights Leader
Mon, 17 May 2010 13:40:31 -0500
Daniel Lee Jones, a Portland, Oregon white supremacist, pled guilty to mailing a threatening communication containing a hangman's noose to the president of the Lima, Ohio chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Wanted Fugitives Captured After New York Gang Takedown, More Being Sought
Mon, 17 May 2010 14:38:59 -0500
On May 13, 2010, the FBI's Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force (HVSSTF) conducted a major arrest operation in Newburgh, New York following the indictments of 78 gang members on various federal charges. Fourteen fugitives were originally being sought following the operation. To date, five have been captured. The FBI and the HVSSTF are searching for the remaining fugitives and seek the public's assistance.
Former Federal Juror Sentenced in Texas for Jury Tampering
Mon, 17 May 2010 14:51:42 -0500
Maximino Gonzalez, of Palmview, Texas, a former federal juror who served on the jury of the 2008 trial of two brothers charged with drug trafficking which ended in a mistrial, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for jury tampering.
Kansas Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery
Mon, 17 May 2010 15:00:43 -0500
Joseph G. Markham, of Olathe, Kansas, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for bank robbery. Markham told investigators he had lost money gambling and decided to rob the bank so he could pay his bills.
Chinese Nationals Guilty of Illegal Export of Military-Related Electronics Components
Mon, 17 May 2010 15:20:36 -0500
Two Chinese nationals, one of whom resided in the United States, were convicted in Boston, Massachusetts of illegally exporting electronic equipment from the U.S. to China. Several Chinese military entities were among those receiving the exported equipment, which is used in electronic warfare, military radar, fire control, military guidance and control equipment, and satellite communications, including global positioning systems.
Kentucky Man Sentenced for Selling Crack Cocaine
Mon, 17 May 2010 15:26:22 -0500
Timmy Miller, of Columbia, Kentucky, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison for selling crack cocaine.
Kentucky Felon Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Term for Armed Robberies
Mon, 17 May 2010 15:27:40 -0500
Previously convicted felon Carter Eubanks, of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced to 69.5 years in prison for the armed robbery of three Louisville banks. He was on parole supervision at the time of the Louisville robberies.
Ohio Doctor Sentenced in Kentucky for Illegal Distribution of Prescription Pills
Fri, 14 May 2010 15:31:09 -0500
Lloyd Stanley Naramore, a former Cincinnati, Ohio doctor who helped facilitate a large prescription pill conspiracy in eastern Kentucky, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for illegally prescribing thousands of prescription pills.
Two Sentenced in $2 Million Scheme to Defraud Department of Veterans Affairs
Mon, 17 May 2010 15:53:49 -0500
Thomas Darrell Bryant, of LeRoy, West Virginia, and Joe Davis Snooks, Jr., of Roundhill, Kentucky, were each sentenced in Louisville, Kentucky to one year and one day in prison for participating in a scheme to defraud the Department of Veterans Affairs of nearly $2 million through the filing of fraudulent military disability claims.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Missouri Mortgage Brokers Sentenced in $1.2 Million Fraud Scheme
Tue, 18 May 2010 14:28:01 -0500
Three former mortgage brokers were among five co-defendants sentenced in Springfield, Missouri for their roles in a $1.2 million mortgage fraud scheme.
Missouri Man
Pleads Guilty to Supporting al Qaeda, Bank Fraud, Money Laundering
Wed, 19 May 2010 14:32:36 -0500
Khalid Ouazzani, of Kansas City, Missouri, pled guilty to his role in a conspiracy to provide material support to the terrorist organization al Qaeda. He also pleaded guilty to bank fraud and money laundering.
Owner of Factory Direct Spas
Sentenced in Texas for Wire Fraud
Wed, 19 May 2010 16:03:58 -0500
Todd Lanni, of Houston, Texas, the owner of Factory Direct Spas, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for defrauding eBay customers who paid for hot tubs which were never built and never delivered.
Man Charged with Shooting at Helicopter in Puerto Rico, Killing
Co-Pilot
Tue, 18 May 2010 16:13:46 -0500
Edwin Bernard Astacio Espino, aka "Bernard," was charged in San Juan, Puerto Rico in connection with firing an AK-47 rifle at a helicopter operated by the San Juan Municipal Police, which resulted in the death of co-pilot Jesús Quiñones Santiago.
Illinois Police Chief
Sentenced for Fraud in Prostitution Sting
Tue, 18 May 2010 16:21:58 -0500
Scott J. Fitts, the former chief of police for the village of Grant Park, Illinois, was ordered to serve 63 months in federal prison for running a fraud scheme wherein individuals arrested during prostitution stings made payments to the chief to resolve their cases.
Indiana Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery and Firearm Offenses
Tue, 18 May 2010 16:24:15 -0500
Daniel L. Ravellette, of Vincennes, Indiana, pled guilty in East St. Louis, Illinois to aggravated bank robbery and using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
Ohio
Official Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Embezzlement, and Tax Charges
Tue, 18 May 2010 16:32:18 -0500
William B. Schatz, of Moreland Hills, Ohio, the former general counsel of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, pled guilty to one count of bribery in federally funded programs, one count of theft and embezzlement in federally funded programs, and five counts of filing false tax returns.
California Marijuana Cultivator Sentenced
Tue, 18 May 2010 16:47:58 -0500
Heriberto Sicairos-Quintero, of Gustine, California, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for manufacturing marijuana, aiding and abetting the manufacture of marijuana, and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery
Tue, 18 May 2010 16:53:14 -0500
Rick Steven Wallat, of Cambridge, Minnesota, pled guilty to robbing the People's National Bank in North Branch on October 5, 2009.
South Dakota Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual
Abuse
Tue, 18 May 2010 16:57:16 -0500
Francis M. Baker, Jr., of McLaughlin, South Dakota, pled guilty to a charge of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, admitting that from September 1995 to August 2002, on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, he engaged in sexual acts with a child under 12 years of age.
Maryland Man Guilty in Scheme
to Launder $20 Million in Stolen Proceeds
Tue, 18 May 2010 17:06:18 -0500
Justin Noel Mayhew, of Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty to his role in a scheme to launder $20 million in proceeds of stolen over-the-counter medicines, health and beauty aid products, gift cards, DVDs, tools, and other items.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to
Possessing Child Pornography
Tue, 18 May 2010 17:10:41 -0500
Nathan Sayre, of Millersville, Maryland, pled guilty to possessing thousands of pictures and numerous videos of child pornography obtained from the Internet.
South Carolina Social Services Employee Charged with Embezzlement
Tue, 18 May 2010 17:14:46 -0500
Cindy E. Brady, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was charged with embezzling county property for her own use in 2007, 2008, and 2009 while she was an employee of the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services.
Member of New Jersey Perfume Warehouse Armed Robbery Scheme Pleads Guilty
Tue, 18
May 2010 17:20:33 -0500
Gabriel Vargas, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty in Newark, New Jersey to conspiring to commit the armed robbery of a Carlstadt perfume warehouse, in which he, together with three active NYPD officers, one former NYPD officer, and others, stole approximately $600,000 in perfume while holding 11 employees hostage.
South Carolina Man Convicted for Destroying Motorcycle
Identification Numbers
Tue, 18 May 2010 17:25:46 -0500
Wendell Ray Jenkins of Rock Hill, South Carolina, was convicted of conspiracy to destroy vehicle identification numbers on a Harley Davidson motorcycle and to distribute the parts; obliteration of vehicle identification numbers on a Harley Davidson motorcycle; possession of motorcycle parts with destroyed identification numbers intending to sell those parts; and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
Canadian Doctor Charged in New York with Smuggling, Unlawful Drug Distribution
Tue, 18 May 2010 17:31:17 -0500
Dr. Anthony Galea, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was charged in Buffalo, New York with making false statements to federal officials, smuggling, unlawful distribution of human growth hormone (HGH), introducing an unapproved drug (actovegin) into interstate commerce, and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
Connecticut Man Admits Making Bomb Threats at Office Building
Tue, 18 May 2010 17:36:28 -0500
Juan Rivera, Jr., of Derby, Connecticut, pled guilty to one count of conveying false information or perpetrating a hoax in connection with writing two notes claiming that a bomb would go off at the 26-story office building where he was employed as a maintenance mechanic.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Two Plead Guilty in Connection with Wisconsin Bank Robbery
Wed, 19 May 2010 10:18:22 -0500
Gregory Allen, of Memphis, Tennessee, and his brother, Raymond Allen, of Poynette, Wisconsin, pled guilty to charges related to the February 9, 2010 robbery of an Anchor Bank branch in Madison, Wisconsin.
Utah Mortgage Broker Charged in Fraud Scheme
Wed, 19 May 2010 12:45:15 -0500
Joshua Lee Butcher, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was indicted on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution in connection with his alleged scheme to get construction loans approved using false pretenses.
Colorado Man Sentenced for Fraudulent Loan Scheme
Wed, 19 May 2010 12:50:08 -0500
David Gwin, of Aurora, Colorado, was sentenced late yesterday to serve eight years in federal prison for wire fraud and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from wire fraud.
Maryland Mortgage Broker Sentenced in $2.3 Million Mortgage Fraud Scheme
Wed, 19 May 2010 12:52:30 -0500
Mortgage broker David Wehrs, Sr., of Annapolis, Maryland, was sentenced to three years in prison on charges related to his theft of $2.3 million from investors and home buyers in order to day trade and pay personal and business expenses.
Maryland Couple Indicted for Producing Child Pornography
Wed, 19 May 2010 12:56:54 -0500
John Fred Nicklas, IV and Shannon Leigh Honea, both of Middle River, Maryland, were indicted on charges of conspiring to and sexually exploiting minors to produce child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
New York Man Indicted in California for Armed Bank Robbery
Wed, 19 May 2010 13:00:16 -0500
Jason E. Dunlap, of New York City, was indicted in San Francisco, California on multiple counts of armed bank robbery and for interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle. Dunlap is alleged to have robbed five San Francisco-area banks. During four of the robberies, he is alleged to have put the life of another in jeopardy through his use of a knife.
Florida Residents Sentenced in Connection with $10 Million Land Sale Scheme
Wed, 19 May 2010 13:05:09 -0500
Daniel Stephen, of Miramar, Florida, and Patricia De Pons, of Miami Shores, Florida, were sentenced to 240 months and 151 months in prison, respectively, in connection with their participation in a fraud scheme to sell vacant land to more than 1,000 victims, resulting in more than $10 million in losses.
Pennsylvania Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography
Wed, 19 May 2010 13:08:29 -0500
Michael J. Fitzpatrick, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was indicted for allegedly knowingly possessing pictures and videos which were produced using minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
West Virginia Man Sentenced on Child Pornography Charge
Wed, 19 May 2010 13:12:10 -0500
Robert Dale Eady, of Branchland, West Virginia, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for distributing child pornography.
Thu, 20 May 2010 13:16:08 -0500
David Kim Carroll, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, pled guilty to stealing $15,525 from a Wells Fargo Bank branch in St. Louis Park, Minnesota on March 3, 2010.
Michigan Store Operators Sentenced for Fraud
Wed, 19 May 2010 13:18:17 -0500
Aidarus Abbas Mohamed, Mohamed Mohamed-Abas Sheikh, Ahmed Mohamed Abas, and Abdurahman Mohamed Abas, who owned and operated the Abbas Phone Card and Grocery store in Ypsilanti, Michigan, were sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiring to commit federal crimes and to defraud the United States, and to committing food stamp and WIC fraud.
Michigan Man Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Minor
Wed, 19 May 2010 13:23:03 -0500
Eugene Walter George Rantanen, of L'Anse, Michigan, a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for sexually abusing a minor.
Colorado Serial Bank Robber Indicted
Thu, 20 May 2010 15:01:45 -0500
Eric Dodd, also known as the "Portfolio Bandit," of unincorporated Adams County, Colorado, was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly robbing 11 Colorado banks.
North Carolina Man Charged
with Fatal Shooting on Indian Reservation
Thu, 20 May 2010 15:44:04 -0500
James Ernest Lespier, of Cherokee, North Carolina, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was arrested on a charge of murder in connection with a fatal shooting which allegedly took place on the reservation on May 18, 2010.
Medical Equipment
Supplier Sentenced in Texas for Health Care Fraud
Thu, 20 May 2010 15:49:14 -0500
Obele Ife Chidi, of Nigeria, who owned a durable medical equipment supply business in Richardson, Texas with her husband, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison in connection with her role in using the identifying information of two physicians to submit more than $991,000 in false claims to Medicare, seeking reimbursement for power wheelchairs.
Indiana Man Arrested for Illinois Bank Robbery
Thu, 20 May 2010 15:54:56 -0500
Shawn B. Travis, of Hammond, Indiana, was arrested after being charged with the January 2010 robbery of a Chicago, Illinois bank.
Ponzi Scheme and Mortgage Fraud
Mastermind Sentenced in California
Thu, 20 May 2010 16:01:33 -0500
Patricia Morgen, the founder and head of Chicago Development and Planning, was sentenced in San Francisco to 15 years and eight months in prison and ordered to pay more than $9 million in restitution for wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering in connection with her role in schemes involving more than 400 victims and 20 fraudulently acquired properties.
Texas Medical Equipment Company Owner Guilty in Health Care Fraud Scheme
Thu, 20 May 2010 16:05:46 -0500
William M. Reece, Jr., the owner and operator of a Houston-area durable medical equipment company, pled guilty in connection with his role in submitting approximately $600,000 in fraudulent claims to Medicare for equipment and supplies that were medically unnecessary and were never actually provided to Medicare beneficiaries.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty in Alabama to Possession of Child Pornography
Thu, 20 May 2010 16:15:52 -0500
Raymond Alfred Gagnon, of San Antonio, Texas, a former resident of Cullman County, Alabama who was investigated in connection with the disappearance and murder of a Vermont girl in 2008, pled guilty in Huntsville to possessing child pornography.
Oregon Armed Bank Robbers Sentenced
Thu, 20 May 2010 16:20:12 -0500
Robert Alan Peters was sentenced in Medford, Oregon to 10 years in federal prison for the 2008 armed bank robbery of the Umpqua Bank in Grants Pass, Oregon. Co-defendant Anthony George Arrigo was sentenced the previous week to 10 years in federal prison for assisting Peters.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Six California Residents Charged in $20 Million Mortgage Fraud Scheme
Thu, 20 May 2010 09:43:59 -0500
Six individuals were indicted in San Diego, California for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. The defendants are charged with submitting false and fraudulent mortgage loan applications and related documents to banks and other lending institutions, thereby inducing the institutions to make approximately 36 loans totaling approximately $20,800,000.
Three Texas Mexican Mafia Members Convicted on Racketeering Charges
Thu, 20 May 2010 11:43:08 -0500
Texas Mexican Mafia (TMM) General Jacinto Navajar and TMM Lieutenants Jose Martinez and Mike Garcia were convicted in San Antonio, Texas on racketeering charges in connection with furthering their criminal enterprise by committing 22 murders, two attempted murders, robbery, and extortion, plus distributing heroin and cocaine.
Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession, Contraband Charges
Thu, 20 May 2010 11:57:45 -0500
Hazam Ali Ahmed, of Knoxville, Tennessee, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm; conspiracy to transport, possess and distribute contraband cigarettes; knowingly receiving, transporting, possessing, and distributing contraband cigarettes; knowingly receiving, possessing, and selling counterfeited tax stamps, which are part of interstate commerce; knowingly transporting in interstate commerce stolen goods valued at $5000 or more; and money laundering by conducting a financial transaction involving proceeds of a specified unlawful activity.
West Virginia Men Plead Guilty to Bank Robbery
Thu, 20 May 2010 13:15:50 -0500
Brian Lee Corbett and Jason Williamson, both of Chapmanville, West Virginia, pled guilty to their roles in robbing a Logan County bank of approximately $33,000 last year.
Wisconsin Men Charged with Bank Robbery
Thu, 20 May 2010 13:29:12 -0500
Christopher Gordon, of Ingram, Wisconsin, and David Best of Hawkins, Wisconsin, face federal charges stemming from the October 14, 2009 robbery of the Security Bank in Ridgeland, Wisconsin. A third co-conspirator was killed in a shootout with police on October 30, 2009, following another bank robbery.
Five Wisconsin Men Charged with Mortgage Fraud Crimes
Fri, 21 May 2010 13:41:14 -0500
Brian Bowling, Jason Khodadad, Joseph Bowman, Joshua Hughes, and Richard Hurkman were charged in Madison, Wisconsin with submitting false loan applications to banks and mortgage lenders to obtain home mortgages.
New Task Force Launched in Virginia to Fight Financial Fraud
Fri, 21 May 2010 13:53:28 -0500
Federal and state officials announced the creation of the Virginia Financial and Securities Fraud Task Force, an unprecedented partnership between criminal investigators and civil regulators to investigate and prosecute complex financial fraud cases in the nation and in Virginia.
Fifth Louisiana Officer Charged in Cover-Up of Shooting Following Hurricane Katrina
Fri, 21 May 2010 13:55:33 -0500
Ignatius Hills, a former officer with the New Orleans Police Department, was charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice and misprision of a felony in connection with the federal investigation of a police-involved shooting on the Danziger Bridge in the days after Hurricane Katrina.
Virginia MS-13 Leader Sentenced to Life in Prison for Role in Murder
Fri, 21 May 2010 14:01:12 -0500
Carlos Bladimir Montoya, of Sterling, Virginia, the leader of the Unidos Locos Salvatrucha clique of MS-13, was sentenced to life plus a consecutive 120 months in prison for his role in the murder of a rival gang member on May 5, 2007.
D.C. Man Guilty of Attempting to Rob Armored Truck Carrying Over $2 Million
Thu, 20 May 2010 14:04:52 -0500
Toumani Touray Thomas, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty in Greenbelt, Maryland to attempting to rob a Dunbar armored truck containing over $2 million in cash and firing a rifle during the robbery attempt.
Minnesota Man Sentenced for Selling Counterfeit Currency
Thu, 20 May 2010 14:10:57 -0500
Jeffery Cardell Rogers, of Plymouth, Minnesota, was sentenced to 23 months in prison for selling 153 counterfeit $20 bills.
Minnesota Teacher Indicted on Child Pornography Charges
Thu, 20 May 2010 14:12:16 -0500
Gregg Alan Larsen, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a former special education teacher for the St. Paul Public School District, was indicted in federal court for allegedly producing, distributing, and possessing child pornography.
Indian Reservation Resident Indicted in Michigan for Assault
Thu, 20 May 2010 14:19:45 -0500
Edison Troy Pelcher, of Mount Pleasant, Michigan, a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Nation, was indicted for assaulting a female victim by hitting her in the head with a bottle while she was sleeping.
Michigan Man Indicted for Assault on Indian Reservation
Thu, 20 May 2010 14:24:17 -0500
Gizhep Gimiwon Pego, of Mount Pleasant, Michigan, a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Nation, was indicted in connection with allegedly assaulting a man by knocking the victim to the ground and repeatedly kicking him in the head until police arrived on the scene.
Michigan Sex Offender Sentenced in California
Thu, 20 May 2010 15:01:36 -0500
Jeffrey Alan Brohn, of Flushing, Michigan, was sentenced in Fresno, California to seven years and three months in prison for using the Internet to induce a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, travel in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity, and failure to register as a sex offender.
California Residents Sentenced for Major Counterfeit DVD Business and Fraud
Thu, 20 May 2010 15:04:40 -0500
Karen Jean Freyling and Steven Walter Butts, both of Turlock, California, were sentenced for their convictions stemming from the operation of a major Internet-based DVD importation and distribution business as well as fraudulent receipt of government benefits.
California Serial Armed Bank Robber Indicted
Fri, 21 May 2010 15:13:38 -0500
Belko Yovanovich, of Somerset, California, dubbed the "Poodle Bandit" by investigators due to the curly gray wig he wore as part of his disguise, was charged with committing six armed bank robberies throughout the Central Valley.
Massive Drug Trafficking Enterprise Busted in East Texas, 44 in Custody
Thu, 20 May 2010 15:39:02 -0500
Several individuals charged with involvement in a methamphetamine manufacturing and distribution criminal enterprise in East Texas have been arrested and charged with drug offenses.
Leader of Diamond Hijacking and Robbery Crew Sentenced in New York
Thu, 20 May 2010 15:44:01 -0500
Hector Rivera was sentenced in Manhattan federal court to 32 years in prison for leading a robbery and extortion crew that targeted diamond businesses and shipments from the Diamond District in midtown Manhattan.
CEO of Smart Online, His Brother Sentenced for Manipulation of Company Stock
Thu, 20 May 2010 15:46:21 -0500
Dennis Michael Nouri, the former CEO of Smart Online, was sentenced in New York to 96 months in prison, and his brother, Reza Eric Nouri, a fomer Smart Online employee, was sentenced to 18 months in prison following their convictions for engaging in a fraudulent scheme designed to manipulate the price of the securities of Smart Online, which was publicly traded on the OTC-Bulletin Board.
Ortho-McNeil Guilty of Illegally Promoting Epilepsy Drug, Fined $6.14 Million
Fri, 21 May 2010 15:54:53 -0500
Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical LLC, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, pled guilty in Boston to one count of misdemeanor violation of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for illegally promoting its epilepsy drug Topamax for uses that were not approved by the FDA. The company was also sentenced to pay a criminal fine of $6.14 million.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charge
Fri, 21 May 2010
15:58:25 -0500
Matthew Allen Skillman, of Oakland, Maryland, pled guilty to distribution of child pornography.
Maryland Woman Pleads Guilty in $1.2 Million Mortgage Fraud Scheme
Fri, 21 May 2010 16:01:11 -0500
Melva Massey, of Waldorf, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud in connection with making false statements to banks to obtain more than $1.2 million in three home mortgage loans within a three-month period.
Utah Man Pleads Guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact on Navaho Nation
Fri, 21 May 2010 16:10:16 -0500
Michael Whitehorse, of Montezuma Creek, Utah, pled guilty to a charge of abusive sexual contact, admitting that on December 2, 2009, while on Navajo Nation land, he knowingly engaged in sexual contact with the victim while she was being forcibly restrained.
Inspection Service Company President Sentenced for Bribing New Jersey Official
Fri, 21 May 2010 16:20:41 -0500
Russell B. McLaughlin, of Chalfont, Pennsylvania, the former president of a private inspection services company, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for bribing Anthony Saccomanno, the former director of the Cherry Hill (New Jersey) Department of Code Enforcement and Inspections, in exchange for Saccomanno's assistance in obtaining municipal contracts.