al Three Former Executives Charged in $200 Million Fraud Scheme Involving Fair Financial Company Investors By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:51:15 EDT Three former executives of Fair Financial Company, an Ohio financial services business, were arrested today and charged in an indictment filed in the Southern District of Indiana for their roles in a scheme to defraud approximately 5,000 investors of more than $200 million. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Former Colonial Bank Mortgage Lending Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:28:54 EDT Teresa Kelly, a former operations supervisor in Colonial Bank’s Mortgage Warehouse Lending Division, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit bank, wire and securities fraud for her role in a fraud scheme that contributed to the failures of Colonial Bank and Taylor, Bean & Whitaker. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Maryland Resident Charged with Making False Statements and Submitting False Documents in Applications for Federal Jobs By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:25:09 EDT A Maryland woman has been charged by a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Va., with making false statements and submitting false documents in multiple job applications to U.S. federal government agencies. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division Speaks at the 3rd Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States Summit on Anti-corruption By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:08:57 EDT "This conference comes at an important moment in Russia’s efforts to strengthen its rule of law. In the Justice Department, we have long recognized corruption as a transnational problem. Corruption affects countries rich and poor, large and small, and it has particularly harmful effects on emerging economies." Full Article Speech
al Federal Court Bars Two Los Angeles Residents from Promoting Sham Trust Tax Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:31:41 EDT A federal court has issued a preliminary injunction barring Gwenn Wycoff and Frank Ozak, both of Los Angeles, from promoting so-called “common-law trusts” that help individuals evade taxes. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Denton County, Texas, Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking and Related Federal Charges By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:45:05 EDT Marcus Choice Williams, 36, of Fort Worth, Texas, pleaded guilty this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma C. Ramirez to various felony offenses related to a conspiracy to traffic young women for prostitution. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez at a Press Conference to Announce NOPD Investigation Findings By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:39:48 EDT "The Justice Department opened its investigation of the New Orleans Police Department last year with a single mission: to work with all stakeholders to build a world class police force," said Assistant Attorney General Perez. Full Article Speech
al Deputy Attorney General James Cole at a Press Conference to Announce NOPD Investigation Findings By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:43:38 EDT "Unfortunately, our conclusions reveal that many NOPD officers have failed to live up to what we rightfully expect from our law enforcement officers," said Deputy Attorney General Cole. Full Article Speech
al Justice Department Officials Raise Awareness of Disaster Fraud Hotline for Reporting Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:54:11 EDT The Department of Justice reminds members of the public to be aware of and report any instances of suspected fraudulent charitable contribution schemes related to the natural disasters in Japan. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Owner of Renovated Des Moines, Iowa Building Pleads Guilty to Environmental Crimes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:01:19 EDT The owner of the Equitable Building in Des Moines, Iowa, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Des Moines to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act and to violating the Clean Air Act’s work practice standards related to asbestos removal. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Alabama Couple Charged with Tax Evasion and Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:21:33 EDT A superseding indictment was unsealed against Patricia Ervin and Monty Ervin of Dothan, Ala., charging them with three counts of tax evasion and one count of conspiring to defraud the United States. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Justice Department Issues Letter Regarding Illegal Exclusion of Individuals with HIV/AIDS from Occupational Training and State Licensing By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:09:57 EDT The Justice Department has issued letters to the attorneys general of all 50 states, as well as U.S. territories to request their assistance in addressing the illegal exclusion of individuals with HIV/AIDS from occupational training and state licensing. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Former Executive of California Aftermarket Auto Lights Distributor Agrees to Plead Guilty in Price-Fixing Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:05:58 EDT A former executive of a California aftermarket auto lights distributor has agreed to plead guilty for his participation in a global conspiracy to fix the prices of aftermarket auto lights. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Attorney General Launches Law Enforcement Officer Safety Initiative By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:30:11 EDT “Our law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to ensure the safety and security of the American people in cities and communities across the country, and we need to do everything we can to protect them,” Attorney General Holder said. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Wisconsin Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of Minor in Belize By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:26:24 EDT Today a grand jury in the Eastern District of Wisconsin returned a one-count indictment against U.S. citizen Roland J. Flath for traveling in foreign commerce and engaging in and attempting to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor less than 18 years of age. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Occidental Oil Companies to Pay $2.05 Million to Resolve Allegations of Royalty Underpayments from Federal Land By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:02:11 EDT Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation, and OXY USA Inc. have agreed to pay the United States $2.05 million plus interest to resolve claims that the companies violated the False Claims Act by knowingly underpaying royalties owed on natural gas produced from federal leases. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Chinese Counterfeit Perfume Importers Indicted for Allegedly Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:56:07 EDT A federal grand jury in Brooklyn, N.Y., has returned a two- count indictment against Shaoxia Huang, Shaoxiong Zhou and Shaowu Zhou for trafficking in counterfeit goods and conspiracy. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Second Caesars Palace Nightclub Host Pleads Guilty to Tax Crime By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:01:16 EDT Ali “Shawn” Olyaie, a former “VIP host” at the Pure Nightclub located in Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, pleaded guilty in Las Vegas before U.S. District Court Judge Kent Dawson to one count of filing a false federal individual income tax return for the 2006 tax year. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Statement of the Attorney General on the Retirement of Bureau of Prisons Director Harley Lappin By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 25 Mar 2011 18:16:21 EDT "For more than a quarter of a century, including eight years as Director, his service to the Bureau of Prisons has helped improve public safety, strengthen our corrections systems, and advance the Justice Department’s most critical goals." Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Justice Department Sues Bakersfield, Calif., Landlord for Sexual Harassment By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:38:08 EDT The Justice Department today filed suit against Rawland Leon Sorensen, the owner and manager of more than 50 residential rental properties in Bakersfield, Calif., alleging a pattern or practice of sexual harassment in violation of the Fair Housing Act. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Two Russell County, Ala., Sheriff’s Detectives Indicted for Assaulting a Man in Custody By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:37:48 EDT The Justice Department announced today the arrest of Russell County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Kirby Dollar, 37, and Timothy Watford, 42. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Departments of Justice and Education Reach Settlement with Arizona Department of Education to Ensure That Potential ELL Students Are Properly Identified By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:44:31 EDT The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights today entered into a settlement agreement with the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to ensure that Arizona’s English Language Learner (ELL) students receive the educational services that they need. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Miami Doctor Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Role in $37 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme Involving Miami-Area Home Health Agencies By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 25 Mar 2011 18:53:44 EDT A Miami-area doctor, Fred Dweck, was sentenced to 24 months in prison today for his role in a wide-ranging Medicare fraud scheme involving several Miami-area home health agencies. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al California Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Child Pornography Charges By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:02:04 EDT Charles Douglas Johnson, 47, of Garden Valley, Calif., was sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison for receiving child pornography. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Federal Court Shuts Down Missouri Tax Preparer Who Promoted Tax Scam By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:05:28 EDT A federal court has permanently barred Gerald A. Poynter II of Kansas City, Mo., from preparing federal tax returns for others and from promoting a fraudulent tax scam. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Former Owner of Illinois Technology Company Pleads Guilty in Multi-State Scheme to Defraud the Federal E-Rate Program By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:46:47 EDT A former owner of an Illinois-based technology company has pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to defraud the federal E-Rate program. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al California Man Pleads Guilty and Is Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute and Receive Child Pornography By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:52:09 EDT Paul Schwartz, 49, of Lathrop, Calif., was sentenced today to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and receive child pornography. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al United States and European Union Launch Formal Negotiations for an Agreement to Protect Personal Information Exchanged in the Context of Fighting Crime and Terrorism By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:52:50 EDT A Joint statement on behalf of the United States and the European Union: Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Los Angeles Woman Pleads Guilty to Participating in a Medicare Fraud Scheme Using Fraudulent Medical Clinics and Stolen Doctor Identities to Defraud Medicare of More Than $6.2 Million By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:56:51 EDT A Los Angeles woman has pleaded guilty to using fraudulent medical clinics and the stolen identities of physicians to defraud Medicare of more than $6.2 million. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Federal Court Shuts Down Three Alabama Tax Preparers By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:17:14 EDT A federal court has permanently barred John Lewis, Artels James and Perry Wright from preparing federal tax returns for others. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al San Diego Used Car Wholesaler Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:38:36 EDT Mohammad Jafar Nikbakht, aka Freydoon Nikbakht, pleaded guilty to tax evasion before U.S. District Court Judge John A. Houston in San Diego. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Justice Department Settles Americans with Disabilities Act Lawsuit with Virginia’s Inova Health System By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:52:16 EDT The Justice Department has reached a settlement with Inova Health System to ensure effective communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in the provision of medical services. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al California Man Convicted of Conspiracy and Violating the Clean Air Act by Improperly Handling Asbestos By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:21:18 EDT A Santa Clarita, Calif., resident was convicted today of five environmental charges related to the improper renovation of a San Fernando Valley, Calif., apartment complex – work that caused asbestos to be released into the complex and the surrounding community. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Oral Statement of Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez Before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:41:22 EDT "With each new wave of intolerance, our nation has responded – passing new civil rights laws, striking down old laws that sanctioned discrimination, and eventually recognizing the value of diverse communities and embracing those previously shunned," said Assistant Attorney General Perez. Full Article Testimony
al Susan B. Carbon, Director of the Office on Violence Against Women, Speaks at the 4th Annual Army Sexual Harassment / Assault Response Prevention Summit By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:23:19 EDT "As members of the military, you are leaders in our nation. Your communities admire you. Your voices matter. And your voices will make a key difference in changing the national dialogue on sexual assault. We can work together to achieve cultural change to stop sexual assault." Full Article Speech
al Alabama Sisters Indicted for Tax Fraud and Identity Theft By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:26:34 EDT Loretta and Tracey Fergerson were indicted by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Alabama on a variety of charges stemming from an identity theft and tax fraud conspiracy. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Former Employee of Charlotte, North Carolina-Based Bank Pleads Guilty for His Role in Falsifying Bank Records Involving Proceeds of Municipal Bonds By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:48:47 EDT According to charges filed today in U.S. District Court in New York City, Brian Scott Zwerner engaged in a conspiracy to falsify bank records related to the marketing profits for an investment agreement and other municipal finance contracts, including derivative contracts. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Statement of Todd Hinnen, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:17:05 EDT Today I will address other national security investigative authorities enacted or amended as part of the USA PATRIOT Act, focusing in particular on the legal authorities relating to national security letters. Full Article Testimony
al Prepared Statement of Laurie Robinson, Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs, Before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:28:52 EDT Chairman Wolf, Ranking Member Fattah and distinguished Members of the Subcommittee, I’m very pleased to be here to discuss the President’s 2012 budget request for the Office of Justice Programs. Full Article Testimony
al Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Department of Justice’s Women’s History Month Celebration By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:20:24 EDT "Today, we gather to reflect on the extraordinary contributions – and countless sacrifices – that women have made in strengthening the Justice Department, and in building and advancing this nation." Full Article Speech
al Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission Seek Public Comment on Proposed Statement of Antitrust Enforcement Regarding Accountable Care Organizations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:09:43 EDT The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today issued a joint statement about how the agencies will enforce U.S. antitrust laws in regard to new Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission Sign Antitrust Cooperation Agreement with Chile By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:20:28 EDT Christine Varney, Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, today signed an antitrust cooperation agreement with the Chilean antitrust agency on behalf of the Department of Justice. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Former TBW Financial Analyst Pleads Guilty to $1.5 Billion Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:12:34 EDT Sean W. Ragland, a former senior financial analyst at Taylor, Bean &s mortgage lending facility, Ocala Funding. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Alleged Aryan Brotherhood Members Charged for Roles in Jefferson County, Texas, Shooting By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:38:24 EDT Two alleged members and associates of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) were arraigned today on charges related to their alleged roles in the 2009 shooting of a man in Jefferson County, Texas. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez of the Civil Rights Divison Speaks on the Justice Department’s Investigation into the Seattle Police Department By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:03:15 EDT "Our goal with this investigation – as with all of our police pattern and practice investigations – is simple: to ensure that the community has an effective, accountable police department that controls crime, ensures respect for the Constitution, and earns the trust of the public it is charged with protecting." Full Article Speech
al Antitrust Division Issues 2011 Edition of Its Annual Newsletter By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 1 Apr 2011 09:26:32 EDT The newsletter provides information about the recent activities and accomplishments of the Antitrust Division for the general public as well as the legal and business communities. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al U.S. Files Complaint Against Texas-Based Healthpoint Ltd. Under the False Claims Act By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 1 Apr 2011 10:48:46 EDT The United States has filed a complaint against Healthpoint Ltd., alleging civil False Claims Act violations arising from the company’s sale of an unapproved prescription drug that was ineligible for payment under Medicaid and Medicare. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Founder and Treasurer of Washington D.C. Labor Union Charged with Stealing Pension Funds for Personal Use, Violating a Court Order and Obstructing Investigation By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 1 Apr 2011 16:18:50 EDT The founder and treasurer of the National Association of Special Police and Security Officers (NASPSO) was charged today in a superseding indictment with mail fraud, theft from a labor organization, obstruction of justice, criminal contempt and various recordkeeping offenses related to his operation of a pension plan for NASPSO members. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al North Carolina Hospital to Pay U.S. $1.9 Million to Resolve Allegations Related to Kyphoplasty and Other Procedures By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 4 Apr 2011 11:48:29 EDT Rex Healthcare, a 655-bed hospital in Raleigh, N.C., has agreed to pay the United States $1.9 million, plus interest, to settle allegations that it submitted false claims to Medicare. Full Article OPA Press Releases
al Two Chinese Nationals Charged with Illegally Attempting to Export Military Satellite Components to the PRC By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 4 Apr 2011 13:31:40 EDT Two Chinese nationals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Va., for attempting to obtain radiation-hardened microchips, which are prohibited defense items used in the military and aerospace industry. Full Article OPA Press Releases