at Department of Justice and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence Announce the Publication of Additional Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court Filings, Opinions and Orders Regarding Collection Under Section 501 of the Foreign Intelligence Su By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 25 Apr 2014 19:01:54 EDT On January 3, 2014, the Director of National Intelligence declassified and disclosed publically that the U.S. government had filed an application with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court seeking renewal of the authority to collect telephony metadata in bulk, and that, the FISC renewed that authority. The Office of the Director National Intelligence also announced that the Administration was undertaking a declassification review of the FISC's January 3 primary order. On February 12, 2014, and following a declassification review by the Executive Branch, the FISC released in redacted form the previously classified January 3 primary order it had issued in Docket Number BR 14-01, along with a number of other documents. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels Speaks at the Department of Justice’s 2014 Nationwide Tour to Raise Awareness of Sexual Assault on College Campuses By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 25 Apr 2014 10:25:37 EDT "When universities fail to respond adequately to campus sexual assault, they engage in their own sex discrimination by forcing the affected students to attend school in a hostile sex-based environment." Full Article Speech
at Justice Department Statement on U.S. District Court Finding That Department’s Settlement with US Airways/American Airlines is in the Public Interest By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 09:43:56 EDT "We’re pleased that the court agreed that the department’s remedy will enhance system-wide competition in the airline industry," said Assistant Attorney General Baer Full Article OPA Press Releases
at International Community Mobilizes to Recover Stolen Assets for People of Ukraine By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 09:16:39 EDT A high-level international meeting to support the Government of Ukraine in recovering stolen assets begins tomorrow in London. The gathering is a landmark for Ukraine in underscoring the rule of law and international cooperation. The international community and the Government of Ukraine are united in their commitment and determination in returning stolen assets to the people of Ukraine. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Attorney General Holder: Justice Dept. to Collect Data on Stops, Arrests as Part of Effort to Curb Racial Bias in Criminal Justice System By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:34:03 EDT Noting that African-American and Hispanic males are arrested at disproportionately high rates, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said Monday that the Justice Department will seek to collect data about stops, searches and arrests as part of a larger effort to analyze and reduce the possible effect of bias within the criminal justice system. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Army National Guard Soldier Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the U.S. National Guard Bureau By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 14:19:23 EDT A soldier in the Texas Army National Guard pleaded guilty today for his role in a bribery and fraud scheme that caused more than $30,000 in losses to the U.S. National Guard Bureau. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Houston Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Bomb Synagogue By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 16:26:19 EDT Dante Phearse, 33, has entered a plea of guilty to calling in a bomb threat to Congregation Beth Israel, a synagogue in Houston. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at “Karl Lee” Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Using a Web of Front Companies to Evade U.S. Sanctions By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 10:16:14 EDT Li Fangwei, who is more commonly known by his alias “Karl Lee,” is charged with violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by using United States-based financial institutions to engage in millions of dollars of U.S. dollar transactions in violation of economic sanctions that prohibited such financial transactions. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Jamaican Citizen Sentenced in Connection with International Lottery Scheme That Defrauded Elderly Americans By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 14:27:42 EDT Oneike Mickhale Barnett, a Jamaican citizen, was sentenced today in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in connection with his role in a fraudulent lottery scheme based in Jamaica that targeted victims in the United States. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at California Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Racially Motivated Assault on White Man and African-American Woman By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 16:40:53 EDT Perry Sylvester Jackson, 28, of Marysville, Calif., was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge John A. Mendez to serve 70 months in prison for violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in a 2011 racially motivated attack against a white man and an African-American woman in Marysville. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Florida Resident Sentenced in Connection with International Lottery Scheme That Defrauded Elderly Americans By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 18:28:40 EDT Charmaine Anne King was sentenced today in connection with her role in a fraudulent international lottery scheme that targeted U.S. citizens. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Attorney General Holder Delivers Remarks at the Ukraine Forum on Asset Recovery By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 08:55:19 EDT The goals that bind together every nation represented here are, as ever, rooted in our long shared and defining values. For well over a century, our mutual commitment to cooperation has played an indispensable role in ensuring stability, international security and bolstering global collaboration. And today, once again, this community of nations stands as one – our ranks strengthened by partners, old and new, from around the world, and our peoples united by a joint and pressing obligation: to respond to the challenges of this day, to help resolve the conflicts of this hour, and to stand with the people of Ukraine in this moment as they rightfully chart their own, independent course to safety, prosperity, and peace. Full Article Speech
at Deputy Attorney General Cole Delivers Remarks on the White House Task Force Protecting Students from Sexual Assault By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 14:48:49 EDT It will be no small feat, but we ultimately must change the culture on campuses and in communities, so that everyone understands that sexual assault is never acceptable. Full Article Speech
at Oklahoma Attorney Pleads Guilty to Failing to Pay Employment Taxes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 30 Apr 2014 14:05:52 EDT Assistant Attorney General for the Tax Division Kathryn Keneally, U.S. Attorney Sanford C. Coats for the Western District of Oklahoma, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today that Larry Douglas Friesen pleaded guilty to three counts of willfully failing to pay employment taxes Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Attorney General Holder Delivers Remarks at Ukraine Forum on Asset Recovery Closing Session By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 30 Apr 2014 15:27:54 EDT Although our Forum has reached its conclusion, the work we perform will not end. We will not lose sight of these critical challenges. And we will not diminish our focus on eliminating corruption wherever it occurs, and whatever form it takes. Full Article Speech
at Alabama Man Indicted for Threatening African-American Man and Another Person at Restaurant By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 1 May 2014 16:49:24 EDT Jeremy Heath Higgins was indicted for threatening an African-American man at a Quinton, Alabama, restaurant, and for threatening another person who ordered Higgins to leave the restaurant due to his behavior. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Assistant Attorney General Bill Baer Speaks at the Conference Call Regarding the Justice Department’s Settlement with eBay Inc. to End Anticompetitive “No Poach” Hiring Agreements By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 1 May 2014 10:55:19 EDT "This is one further step towards closing an unfortunate chapter for Silicon Valley and other companies who unlawfully agreed to deny their employees the opportunity to receive competing job offers. These so-called “do not poach” or anti-solicitation agreements are per se unlawful, and the Antitrust Division takes them very seriously," said Assistant Attorney General Baer. Full Article Speech
at Two Alleged Members of the Almighty Imperial Gangsters Nation Indicted for Murder in Aid of Racketeering By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 2 May 2014 13:36:35 EDT Two alleged members of the Almighty Imperial Gangsters Nation have been indicted for their alleged roles in a 2007 murder in the Southern District of Florida. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Federal Racketeering and Attempted Murder Charges Brought Against Leaders and Associates of the Nuestra Familia Gang By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 5 May 2014 13:14:42 EDT A second superseding indictment was unsealed today adding 19 counts including racketeering conspiracy and attempted murder against three defendants for their alleged participation in the violent Nuestra Familia gang. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against the State of Hawaii and the Hawaii Department of Transportation for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 5 May 2014 14:20:13 EDT The Justice Department announced today the filing of a lawsuit against the state of Hawaii and the state of Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports Division (HDOT-Airports) alleging that the defendants discriminated against former employee Sherry Valmoja by subjecting her to sexual harassment in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Government Settles False Claims Act Allegations Against Florida-Based Baptist Health System for $2.5 Million By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 6 May 2014 10:43:36 EDT Baptist Health System Inc. (Baptist Health), the parent company for a network of affiliated hospitals and medical providers in the Jacksonville, Florida, area, has agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle allegations that its subsidiaries violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to federal health care programs for medically unnecessary services and drugs. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Virginia Couple Pleads Guilty to Immigration Charges for Harboring Domestic Servant in Their Home By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 6 May 2014 13:36:21 EDT The Department of Justice announced today that Abdelkader and Hnia Amal pleaded guilty to one count of alien harboring in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Justice Department Settles Immigration-Related Discrimination Claim Against Master Klean Janitorial By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 7 May 2014 13:33:19 EDT The Justice Department reached an agreement today with Master Klean Janitorial, a company based in Denver, resolving claims that the company engaged in a pattern or practice of discriminatory documentary requests based on citizenship status in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Minnesota Man Charged with Immigration Fraud for Failing to Disclose Crimes Committed in Bosnia and Military Service During the Bosnian Conflict By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 7 May 2014 16:36:52 EDT Zdenko Jakia, 45, of Forest Lake, Minnesota, was arrested today on immigration fraud charges for failing to disclose multiple crimes committed in Bosnia-Herzegovina and his military service during the armed conflict there in the 1990s. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Acting Assistant Attorney General Dreher Speaks at the District of Columbia Bar Association Panel on U.S. Efforts to Combat Wildlife Trafficking By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 7 May 2014 13:25:20 EDT "The Department of Justice, principally through ENRD, has long been a leader in the fight against wildlife trafficking. I would like to take just a moment to tell you a bit about the Environment Division that I lead," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Dreher. Full Article Speech
at Attorney General Holder and Secretary Duncan Issue Guidance for School Districts to Ensure Equal Access for All Children to Public Schools, Regardless of Immigration Status By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 8 May 2014 10:05:38 EDT Attorney General Eric Holder and Secretary Arne Duncan today announced updated guidance to assist public elementary and secondary schools to ensure enrollment processes are consistent with the law and fulfill their obligation to provide all children – no matter their background – equal access to an education. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at United States Files Complaint Against Stevens-Henager College, Inc. Alleging False Claims Act Violations for Illegal Recruiting By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 8 May 2014 10:46:19 EDT The United States has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Stevens-Henager College, Inc. and its owner, The Center for Excellence in Higher Education, for illegally compensating recruiters, the Department of Justice announced today. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Real Estate Developer Pleads Guilty to $50 Million Securities Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 8 May 2014 14:32:05 EDT A commercial real estate developer pleaded guilty for his role in a $50 million securities fraud scheme. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Former Executive Director of Virgin Islands Legislature Charged with Bribery and Extortion in Award of Government Contracts By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 8 May 2014 14:41:48 EDT The former executive director of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands was indicted today by a federal grand jury in the Virgin Islands for accepting bribes and engaging in extortion in the award of contracts with the Legislature. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Attorney General Holder Delivers Remarks on Guidance for School Districts to Ensure Equal Access for All Children to Public Schools, Regardless of Immigration Status By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 8 May 2014 10:06:35 EDT Especially as we approach the 60th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education, in which Chief Justice Earl Warren called education “a right which must be made available to all on equal terms,” it is imperative that we do everything in our power to end policies or practices that deny this right to those who are constitutionally entitled to it. Full Article Speech
at Attorney General Holder Delivers Remarks at Justice Department Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Event By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 8 May 2014 11:19:03 EDT Within the Department, we have moved forward with our groundbreaking Diversity Management Initiative to promote diversity within our own ranks. Through our close partnership with the Federal Asian Pacific American Council, we have helped to create considerable new opportunities for our employees to thrive – both personally and professionally. And thanks to the tireless efforts of employee organizations like DOJ Pan Asia and others, we continue to encourage every member of the DOJ family to grow, to learn, and to advance in their lives and careers. Full Article Speech
at Swiss Asset Management Firm and Related Companies Agree to Resolve Criminal Tax Investigation By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 9 May 2014 16:09:16 EDT Swisspartners Investment Network AG, a Swiss-based asset management firm, and three of its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the Swisspartners Group), entered into a non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and agreed to pay $4.4 million to the United States. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Former New York Tax Liens Investment Company Executive Pleads Guilty for Role in Bid Rigging Scheme at Municipal Tax Lien Auctions By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 12 May 2014 11:55:56 EDT A former New York-based tax liens company executive pleaded guilty today for his role in a conspiracy to rig bids at auctions conducted by New Jersey municipalities for the sale of tax liens. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Private Security Guard Sentenced for Providing Armed Security for Drug Transaction By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 12 May 2014 13:16:42 EDT A former private security guard was sentenced in the District of Puerto Rico today for his role in providing armed security for a drug transaction. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Attorney General Holder and Secretary Duncan to Announce Law Enforcement Action to Protect Military Servicemembers from Unfair Lending Practices By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 10:08:10 EDT Attorney General Eric Holder and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will hold a press conference to announce a major law enforcement action to protect military servicemembers from unfair lending practices today, Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at 1:15 p.m. EDT. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Justice Department Reaches $60 Million Settlement with Sallie Mae to Resolve Allegations of Charging Military Servicemembers Excessive Rates on Student Loans By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 13:40:20 EDT The Department of Justice today announced the federal government’s first lawsuit filed against owners and servicers of student loans for violating the rights of servicemembers eligible for benefits and protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Medicare Fraud Strike Force Charges 90 Individuals for Approximately $260 Million in False Billing By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 13:41:21 EDT Attorney General Eric Holder and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that a nationwide takedown by Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in six cities has resulted in charges against 90 individuals. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at Press Conference Announcing Law Enforcement Action to Protect Military Servicemembers from Unfair Lending Practices By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 13:42:03 EDT "By requiring Sallie Mae to compensate its victims, we are sending a clear message to all lenders and servicers who would deprive our servicemembers of the basic benefits and protections to which they are entitled: this type of conduct is more than just inappropriate; it is inexcusable. And it will not be tolerated." Full Article Speech
at Remarks by Acting Assistant Attorney General David A. O’Neil for the Medicare Fraud Strike Force Takedown By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 13:48:59 EDT In today’s nationwide takedown, scores of defendants were arrested across the country for engaging in health care fraud – to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent bills to Medicare. Among the defendants charged today were doctors, home health care providers, doctor’s assistants, pharmacy owners and medical supply company executives. Full Article Speech
at Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund 26th Annual Candlelight Vigil By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 13:33:19 EDT As difficult as times may be – and as wrenching as every loss we mark this evening – we affirm this week that our work must go on. Each of us is called to serve, to protect, and to help forge a society worthy of the passion, the dedication, and the sacrifices made by each of our fallen heroes. To create not merely a monument to their stories, but a living memorial. And to build a country dedicated to preserving and perpetuating their memories by reaching for the better and brighter future that all of our citizens deserve. Full Article Speech
at Statement By Attorney General Holder on the Planned Departure of Deputy Director of Public Affairs Gina Talamona By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 12:02:43 EDT “For 27 years, Gina Talamona has been a tremendous asset to the Department of Justice and an exceptionally dedicated public servant. She’s been the backbone of our dedicated Office of Public Affairs team, providing leadership and sound guidance to Attorneys General and other leaders from administrations of both parties." Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Statement from the Department of Justice and Office of Director of National Intelligence on the Declassification of Additional Documents Regarding the Collection of Bulk Telephony Metadata Under Section 215 of the USA Patriot Act By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 14:55:44 EDT Today, the Department of Justice and Office of the Director of National Intelligence released, in redacted form, a previously classified series of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court filings and orders from 2009-2010 concerning the collection of bulk telephony metadata under Section 215 of the USA Patriot Act. These documents relate to a robust interaction that occurred between the Department of Justice and a telecommunications service provider that included the provider’s review of prior FISC applications, orders and opinions, regarding lawful compliance with those orders. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Attorney General Holder Criticizes Excessive Use of Solitary Confinement for Juveniles with Mental Illness By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 12:15:50 EDT Speaking in a video message posted on the Justice Department’s website, Attorney General Eric Holder on Wednesday called for an end to the excessive use of solitary confinement for youth that suffer from mental illness. Attorney General Holder said the practices can have lasting, substantial effects on young people that could result in self-harm or, in some cases, even suicide. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Readout of the Attorney General’s Meeting with D.C.-area College Campus Leadership on Addressing Campus Sexual Assault By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 16:20:50 EDT Today, Attorney General Eric Holder met with campus leadership from eight Washington, D.C.-area colleges and universities: American University; Catholic University of America; Gallaudet University; Georgetown University; George Washington University; Howard University; Trinity University; and University of the District of Columbia, to discuss how administrations are addressing sexual assault on campus. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at EPA Requires Global Titanium Manufacturer to Investigate and Clean Up PCB Contamination in Nevada By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 13:57:22 EDT Titanium Metals Corporation (TIMET), one of the world’s largest producers of titanium parts for jet engines, has agreed to pay a record $13.75 million civil penalty and perform an extensive investigation and cleanup of potential contamination stemming primarily from the unauthorized manufacture and disposal of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) at its manufacturing facility in Henderson, Nevada. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Patient Recruiter Sentenced in Detroit for Role in $14.5 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 14:36:56 EDT A patient recruiter who participated in a Medicare fraud scheme that totaled almost $14.5 million was sentenced in Detroit yesterday to serve 86 months in prison. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Two Idaho Men Indicted for Hate Crime By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 14:58:34 EDT Jonathan Lynn Henery, 28, and Beau Edward Hansen, 30, both of Boise, Idaho, were indicted May 13, 2014, on federal hate crime charges for their racially motivated assault of an African-American man, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson for the District of Idaho announced. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Tennessee Salvage Company Owner and Operator Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Violate the Clean Air Act By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 15:55:07 EDT The owner and operator of a Tennessee salvage and demolition company, A&E Salvage Inc., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Greeneville, Tennessee, for conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Former Subway Franchise Owner Pleads Guilty to Gift Card Hacking Scheme at Subway Restaurants By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 16:51:39 EDT A California man pleaded guilty today in the District of Massachusetts for his role in a conspiracy to hack into the computerized cash registers of a number of Subway restaurants to fraudulently obtain more than $40,000 in gift cards. Full Article OPA Press Releases
at Texas Man Indicted for Federal Hate Crime and Kidnapping Charges for Assault Based on Victim’s Sexual Orientation By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 17:54:43 EDT A federal grand jury returned a two count indictment against Brice Johnson, 19, of Springtown, Texas, charging him with willfully causing bodily injury to a person because of the actual or perceived sexual orientation of that person and with kidnapping. Full Article OPA Press Releases