of Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the National Council of La Raza Annual Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Sat, 7 Jul 2012 11:47:52 EDT "For my colleagues – and for me – our civil rights enforcement efforts are, and will remain, a top priority. And under the leadership of my good friend, and your good friend, Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez – I’m proud to report that the Department’s civil rights enforcement efforts have never been stronger or more effective," said Attorney General Holder. Full Article Speech
of Five Individuals Charged in Connection with Death of a Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent, $1 Million FBI Reward Announced By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 9 Jul 2012 13:10:47 EDT An indictment charging five individuals involved in the death of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was unsealed today in Tucson, and a reward of up to $1 million from the FBI for information leading to the arrest of four fugitives, was announced by Department of Justice officials. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Regarding Alleged Violation of Us Army Reservist’s Reemployment Rights By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 9 Jul 2012 16:50:42 EDT The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement in its lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PDOC). Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Telecommunications Firm to Pay Us $1 Million to Settle Alleged Violations of the Trade Agreements Act By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 9 Jul 2012 16:53:06 EDT ADC Telecommunications Inc. will pay the United States $1 million to resolve allegations that the company submitted false claims to federal agencies when it sold telecommunications goods manufactured in countries prohibited by the Trade Agreements Act (TAA). Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Owner of Insulation Service Company Pleads Guilty to Million Dollar Bid-Rigging and Fraud Conspiracies at New York City Hospital By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:57:59 EDT The owner of a former New York City insulation service company pleaded guilty today to a three-count indictment charging him with conspiring to rig bids on contracts for re-insulation services to New York Presbyterian Hospital, conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service and filing a false tax return. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of New York Member of the Internet Piracy Group “IMAGiNE” Pleads Guilty to Copyright Infringement Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 11 Jul 2012 19:04:28 EDT A New York man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to willfully reproduce and distribute tens of thousands of infringing copies of copyrighted works without permission, including infringing copies of movies before they were commercially released on DVD. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Former New Mexico Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Violations of Inmate By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 12 Jul 2012 18:26:46 EDT Sylvester Bruce, 44, a former corrections officer with Navajo Nation’s Shiprock Detention Center (SDC) in Shiprock, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court on charges related to the sexual abuse of an inmate during the summer and fall of 2010. Specifically, Bruce pleaded guilty to one count of violating the civil rights of the victim when he touched her breasts against her will. Bruce also pleaded guilty to making material false statements to the FBI when he denied taking pictures of inmates inside the cells of the SDC. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Former Police Officer of Puerto Rico Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Role in Providing Security for Drug Transactions By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 12 Jul 2012 18:45:10 EDT A former police officer of Puerto Rico was sentenced today in San Juan to 40 years in prison for his role in providing security for drug transactions, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Joseph S. Campbell of the FBI’s San Juan Division. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole Speaks at the Ceremony for the Cultural Repatriation of Peruvian Antiquities By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:46:31 EDT "The recovery and repatriation of lost and stolen art to its rightful owner – whether to a private citizen or to a foreign government (as in this case) showcases what can be achieved when law enforcement partners from around the globe work together to do the right thing for all involved," said Deputy Attorney General Cole. Full Article Speech
of Hazardous Waste Generators Agree to $56.4 Million Cleanup of Former Texas City, Texas, Waste Disposal Site By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:59:57 EDT The Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today an agreement with over three dozen companies and government agencies that will result in a $56.4 million cleanup of the “Malone Services Company” Superfund Site in Texas City, Texas, a former waste-disposal site near the shore of Galveston Bay. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of National President, National Vice President and 39 Members and Associates of the Devils Diciples Motorcycle Gang Indicted By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:28:15 EDT An indictment unsealed today in the Eastern District of Michigan charges 41 members and associates of the Devils Diciples Motorcycle Gang, including National President Jeff Garvin Smith and National Vice President Paul Anthony Darrah, for their alleged participation in a variety of criminal offenses. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Alabama Businessman, Lobbyist and Legislator Sentenced to Prison for Roles in Wide-Ranging Conspiracy to Influence and Corrupt Activities of Alabama State Legislature By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 16 Jul 2012 20:00:53 EDT Three individuals, including Alabama businessman Ronald Gilley, lobbyist Jarrod Massey and former Alabama state representative Terry Spicer were sentenced to prison today in Montgomery, Ala., for bribery-related offenses. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Readout of Attorney General Eric Holder’s Meeting and MoU Signing with Malaysian Minister for Home Affairs By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:48:15 EDT Attorney General Eric Holder and Malaysian Minister for Home Affairs Datuk Seri Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein met today, during the Attorney General’s official visit to Malaysia, to discuss transnational crime, terrorism and other areas of mutual law enforcement cooperation. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of U.S. and Tennessee Announce Clean Water Act Agreement with the City of Chattanooga By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:01:34 EDT The Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General announced today a comprehensive Clean Water Act settlement with the city of Chattanooga, Tenn. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Justice Department Settles with State of Nevada to Enforce Employment Rights of Returning Army Reservist By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:49:16 EDT The settlement in this case represents the largest recovery the Civil Rights Division has obtained on behalf of a returning service member since 2004, when it assumed jurisdiction for the enforcement of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Former New York Employee of a Financial Institution Pleads Guilty for His Role in Fraud Conspiracy Involving Municipal Bonds By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:24:55 EDT A former financial institution employee pleaded guilty today for his participation in a conspiracy related to municipal bonds. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Justice Department Files Lawsuit Requiring Rutherford County, Tenn., to Allow Mosque to Open in City of Murfreesboro By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:10:51 EDT The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a federal lawsuit against Rutherford County, Tenn., alleging that the county violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA) when, in compliance with a state chancery court ruling, it refused to process or issue a certificate of occupancy to the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro for a recently constructed mosque. The department’s complaint states that a certificate of occupancy is needed immediately so that the Islamic Center can hold worship services at the new facility during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which begins at sundown on July 19. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Former CFO of North Carolina Assisted Living Facility Chain Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:25:30 EDT Michael R. Elliott, former chief financial officer of Caremerica Inc., pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Justice Department and IRS announced. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Hacker Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Role in Two Hacking Schemes Involving a Total of More Than 240,000 Stolen Credit Card Numbers By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:53:34 EDT Aleksandr Suvorov, of Estonia, was sentenced today to seven years in prison for his role in two separate hacking schemes involving a total of more than 240,000 stolen credit card numbers. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Maine Resident Charged and Arrested for Allegedly Engaging in Cyber “Sextortion” of New Hampshire Victim By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:47:18 EDT John Bryan Villegas, 21, of Kittery, Maine, was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance today in federal court in New Hampshire. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Former President of Texas Company Indicted for Employee Deaths and Environmental Violations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 19 Jul 2012 12:31:33 EDT Port Arthur Chemical and Environmental Services LLC (PACES) and its former president Matthew L. Bowman have been charged with conspiracy to illegally transport hazardous materials, resulting in the deaths of two employees, in an indictment handed down by a federal grand jury in Beaumont, Texas. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Former Employee of Nursing Home Company Operating in North Carolina and Virginia Sentenced to Serve 63 Months in Prison for Kickback Schemes and Tax Evasion By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Jul 2012 09:30:30 EDT The former director of corporate maintenance and renovations at Medical Facilities of America Inc. (MFA) was today sentenced to serve 63 months in prison for accepting kickbacks from contractors and evading federal income taxes. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Two Foreign Nationals Plead Guilty to Trafficking the Identities of Puerto Rican U.S. Citizens By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 19 Jul 2012 17:52:00 EDT Two foreign nationals have pleaded guilty for their roles in a scheme to traffic the identities of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens and corresponding identity documents. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Singapore Academy of Law By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 19 Jul 2012 09:21:34 EDT "This evening, I’m proud to echo President Obama’s message of partnership – and to express my nation’s dedication to working alongside critical allies like Singapore to promote peace, opportunity, and prosperity throughout Asia. And I am privileged to be a part of the Obama Administration’s broad engagement with this region as we address new ways to confront serious legal issues and to combat cross-border crimes," said Attorney General Holder. Full Article Speech
of Former Financial Services Executive Indicted for His Participation in a Far-Reaching Conspiracy and Scheme to Defraud Involving Investment Contracts for the Proceeds of Municipal Bonds By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Jul 2012 12:36:23 EDT A former financial services executive was indicted yesterday for his participation in a far-reaching conspiracy and scheme to defraud related to bidding for contracts for the investment of municipal bond proceeds and other municipal finance contracts. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation of Child Pornography By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:23:21 EDT Anthony Mangione, 51, of Parkland, Fla., pleaded guilty today to one count of transportation of child pornography. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Justice Department Settled Claims of Discrimination Against United Natural Foods Inc. By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Jul 2012 17:29:46 EDT The Justice Department announced today that it reached a settlement agreement with United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), resolving allegations that the company discriminated under the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), when it impermissibly “reverified” the work authority of lawful permanent residents and required some non-citizen workers to provide specific Form I-9 documentation. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Fishermen and Seafood Wholesaler Convicted of Conspiring to Obstruct Justice, Falsify Food Safety and Oyster Harvest Records, and Traffic in Illegal Oysters By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Jul 2012 17:57:20 EDT After a seven week trial in federal court in Camden, N.J., multiple defendants were convicted on various felony counts of creating false records, trafficking in illegally possessed oysters, obstructing the Food and Drug Administration’s regulation of public health and safety, and conspiring to commit those crimes. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Acting Director of the Office on Violence Against Women Bea Hanson Speaks at the National Lieutenant Governors Association Annual Meeting By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:23:22 EDT "Your role in the executive and legislative branches is unique, and you can use that position to engage with your states and encourage innovative, non-traditional partnerships across government and between local units of government and non-governmental organizations. These partnerships can create dynamic solutions to challenges we see across the country every day," said Acting Director Hanson. Full Article Speech
of Three Men Sentenced in Houston for Federal Hate Crimes Related to the Assault of African-American Man By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:56:03 EDT Kerstetter was sentenced to 77 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Cannon was sentenced to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. And McLaughlin was sentenced to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of U.S. Restrains More Than $3 Million in Corruption Proceeds Related to Former Governor of Nigeria By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 23 Jul 2012 17:40:34 EDT Through an application to register and enforce two orders from United Kingdom courts, the Department of Justice has secured a restraining order against more than $3 million in corruption proceeds located in the United States related to James Onanefe Ibori, the former governor of Nigeria’s oil-rich Delta State. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Mary Lou Leary Speaks at the Center for AIDS Research Corrections Subgroup By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:07:52 EDT "For too long, our jails and prisons have been thought of as sealed institutions, where all problems – and all dangers – are contained. But that is clearly not the case. Health care is a powerful example of how issues that are unresolved – and, too often, exacerbated – in the corrections setting can lead to public health and public safety risks," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Leary. Full Article Speech
of Missouri Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Vandalism and Arson of Biracial Man’s Home By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:49:58 EDT Charles Wilhelm, 23, of Independence, was sentenced in the Western District of Missouri by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Pleads Guilty in Miami to Civil Rights Violations for Sexual Assault of Three Women By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:30:09 EDT U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer Paulo Morales, 47, of Miami, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Miami to three civil rights offenses for sexually groping three women in his custody. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Former North Carolina Builder Arrested and Charged with Tax Obstruction and Conversion of Government Property By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:12:06 EDT William B. Clayton, a residential builder formerly of Corolla, N.C., was arrested yesterday on charges of obstructing the tax laws and converting government property. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Alabama Real Estate Investor Pleads Guilty to Conspiracies to Rig Bids and Commit Mail Fraud for the Purchase of Real Estate at Public Foreclosure Auctions By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 25 Jul 2012 09:32:29 EDT An Alabama real estate investor pleaded guilty today for his role in conspiracies to rig bids and commit mail fraud at public real estate foreclosure auctions in southern Alabama. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Justice Department Announces Consent Decree with City of New Orleans to Resolve Allegations of Unlawful Misconduct by New Orleans Police Department By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:06:32 EDT The Department of Justice announced today that the United States has entered into a comprehensive, cooperative consent decree with the city of New Orleans to resolve allegations of unlawful police misconduct by the New Orleans Police Department. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Acting Director of the Office on Violence Against Women Bea Hanson Speaks at the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention Boston Site Visit By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 10:08:39 EDT "As we work to help keep our children safe, we cannot view youth violence and violence against women as separate and distinct, but, instead, as intertwined. To realize our vision for safe and healthy communities, we must start with safe and healthy homes," said Acting Director Hanson. Full Article Speech
of Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the City of New Orleans Consent Decree Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:55:43 EDT "There can be no question that today’s action represents a critical step forward. It reaffirms the Justice Department’s commitment to fair and vigorous law enforcement at every level. It underscores our determination to work alongside federal, state, local, and tribal authorities to protect not only the safety – but the essential civil rights – of everyone in this country," said Attorney General Holder. Full Article Speech
of Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez Speaks at the City of New Orleans Consent Decree Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:00:28 EDT "There is significant emphasis on transparency, community engagement and sustainability. The decree places tools in the hands of the entire community so that long after the agreement has ended, effective, constitutional policing will endure. There are creative approaches to assessing compliance that focus on meaningful outcomes and encourage innovation," said Assistant Attorney General Perez. Full Article Speech
of Wilcox County, Georgia, Jailer Pleads Guilty in Connection with Assault of Three Inmates By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:41:56 EDT The Justice Department announced today that former Wilcox County, Ga., Jailer Casey Owens pleaded guilty to a misprision of a felony in connection with an incident in which several people, including law enforcement officials, assaulted three inmates inside of the Wilcox County Jail in Abbeville, Ga. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Co-Owners of Houston-Area Durable Medical Equipment Company Sentenced to Prison for Role in $1.18 Million Medicare Fraud By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:08:19 EDT Clifford Ubani, 54, and Princewill Njoku, 53, the former co-owners of Family Healthcare Services, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller in the Southern District of Texas in Houston. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Two Southern California Men Each Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Their Roles in a Nationwide Breach of Credit and Debit Card Terminals at Michaels Stores Inc. By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 25 Jul 2012 16:46:42 EDT Eduard Arakelyan, 21, and Arman Vardanyan, 23, were each sentenced yesterday to serve 36 months in prison on bank fraud and conspiracy charges, and an additional, consecutive 24 months in prison for the identity theft charge. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Justice Department Requires Divestitures in Order for United Technologies Corporation to Proceed with Its Acquisition of Goodrich Corporation By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 08:52:18 EDT The Department of Justice announced today that it will require United Technologies Corporation (UTC) to divest certain assets used in the production of electrical power systems and aircraft engine control systems in order to proceed with its acquisition of Goodrich Corporation. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Admitted Associate of New England La Cosa Nostra Sentenced to Prison for Participation in Hobbs Act Extortion Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:29:40 EDT Albino “Albie” Folcarelli, 54, of Johnston, R.I., an admitted associate of the New England La Cosa Nostra (NELCN), was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Providence, R.I., today to serve 84 months in federal prison for his participation in an extortion conspiracy to extort $25,000 from a Rhode Island individual by using implied threats of violence, including visits to the individual’s place of employment and home. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Portsmouth, Va., Bail Bondsman Pleads Guilty to Bribing Public Officials By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:41:15 EDT A bail bondsman in Portsmouth, Va., pleaded guilty today in the Eastern District of Virginia for bribing public officials in exchange for receiving favorable treatment. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Justice Department Announces Americans with Disabilities Act Barrier-free Health Care Initiative by Us Attorney’s Offices Nationwide By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:49:20 EDT U.S. Attorney’s offices across the nation are partnering with the Civil Rights Division to target their enforcement efforts on a critical area for individuals with disabilities through a new Barrier-Free Health Care Initiative, the Justice Department announced today. The announcement comes on the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was passed on July 26, 1990. Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez announced the new initiative today at an event celebrating the anniversary of the ADA in Washington, D.C. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Justice Department Reaches $12 Million Settlement to Resolve Violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act by Capital One By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:44:11 EDT Capital One N.A. and Capital One Bank (USA) N.A. (together Capital One), have agreed to pay approximately $12 million to resolve a lawsuit by the Department of Justice alleging the companies violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Full Article OPA Press Releases
of Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez Speaks at the Justice Department Celebration of the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:50:47 EDT "Thanks to the work of so many of you in this room, the ADA has both literally and figuratively opened millions of doors for individuals with disabilities across this nation. Just as importantly, it has revolutionized the way our society thinks about individuals with disabilities, and it has revolutionized the way people with disabilities live in our communities," said Assistant Attorney General Perez. Full Article Speech
of Justice Department Announces Agreement with City of Seattle to Implement Reforms of Seattle Police Department By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 27 Jul 2012 18:32:02 EDT The United States has entered into a comprehensive, cooperative agreement with the city of Seattle to implement sustainable reforms within the Seattle Police Department (SPD), the Justice Department announced today. The agreement seeks to resolve issues raised by the Justice Department’s investigation into SPD through federal court oversight of reform efforts to ensure effective and constitutional policing in Seattle. The agreement includes a settlement agreement and stipulated order of resolution (settlement agreement), filed in federal court in Seattle today, that is subject to an independent monitor and court oversight, and separately a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to be enforced by the parties with community oversight and the assistance of the monitor. Full Article OPA Press Releases