y 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
y 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
y 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
y 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
y 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
y Swiss Offshore Tax Evasion Enabler Pleads Guilty By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 30 Apr 2014 13:10:40 EDT Josef Dörig, 72, of Switzerland, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in connection with his work as the owner of a trust company in Switzerland. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y 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
y Detroit-Area Physical Therapist, Physical Therapy Assistant and Unlicensed Doctor Convicted in $14.9 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 30 Apr 2014 17:15:34 EDT A federal jury in Detroit today convicted a physical therapist, physical therapy assistant and unlicensed doctor for their participation in a nearly $15 million Medicare fraud scheme. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y California Banker Charged with Helping U.S. Taxpayers Conceal Secret Israeli Bank Accounts By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 30 Apr 2014 19:53:10 EDT Shokrollah Baravarian, of Beverly Hills, California, was charged today in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California with conspiracy to defraud the United States. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y 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
y Justice Department Requires eBay to End Anticompetitive “No Poach” Hiring Agreements By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 1 May 2014 10:53:15 EDT The Department of Justice reached a settlement with eBay Inc. that prevents the company from entering into or maintaining agreements with other companies restraining employee recruitment and hiring. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y 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
y Aryan Brotherhood Members Plead Guilty to Federal Racketeering Charges By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 2 May 2014 13:37:45 EDT Two Aryan Brotherhood of Texas gang members pleaded guilty this week to racketeering charges related to their membership in the ABT’s criminal enterprise. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y 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
y Campaign Worker Pleads Guilty to Buying Votes in a Donna, Texas, School Board Election By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 5 May 2014 15:20:41 EDT A campaign worker pleaded guilty today for paying voters to vote in the November 2012 school board election in Donna, Texas. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against Penske Truck Leasing Co. to Enforce Employment Rights of Air Force Reserve Member By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 5 May 2014 16:48:18 EDT The U.S. Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente for the Eastern District of Virginia announced today that they had reached an agreement with Penske Truck Leasing Co. resolving claims that Penske violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Owners of Los Angeles Ambulance Company Sentenced for Medicare Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 6 May 2014 08:54:04 EDT The owners of Alpha Ambulance Inc. (Alpha), a now-defunct Los Angeles-area ambulance transportation company, have been sentenced in connection with a Medicare fraud scheme. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y 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
y 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
y Former Lowndes County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Conspiracy Charge By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 6 May 2014 18:33:51 EDT Jason Stacks, a former Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Deputy, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to use his law enforcement authority to unlawfully detain and take money from motorists. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y 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
y Wyoming Businessman Sentenced to Prison for Using Concealed Caribbean Bank Account in Tax Evasion Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 7 May 2014 17:51:22 EDT Robert C. Sathre was sentenced today to serve 36 months in federal prison for tax evasion by U.S. District Judge Alan B. Johnson in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y 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
y 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
y 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
y 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
y 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
y 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
y Former Chief Executive Officer of Oil Services Company Indicted in New Jersey on Foreign Bribery and Kickback Charges By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 9 May 2014 15:20:31 EDT The former co-chief executive officer (CEO) of PetroTiger Ltd. – a British Virgin Islands oil and gas company with operations in Colombia and offices in New Jersey – was indicted today for his role in a scheme to pay bribes to foreign government officials in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and to defraud PetroTiger. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Former Maryland Sergeant Sentenced for Obstruction of Justice By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 9 May 2014 17:27:20 EDT Josh Hummer, formerly a sergeant at Roxbury Correctional Institution (RCI) in Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to serve 12 months and a day in prison for obstruction of justice. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y 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
y 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
y Former Virginia Department of Social Services Employee Sentenced for Preparing False Tax Returns and Stealing Identities By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 12 May 2014 15:59:27 EDT Sybil Marshall Coles, 45, of Pamplin, Virginia, was sentenced today to serve five years in prison for aggravated identity theft and preparing a false tax return. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y 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
y 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
y 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
y Dallas-Based Physician and Home Health Agency Director of Nursing Convicted in $3 Million Medicare Fraud Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 14:52:19 EDT Late yesterday, a federal jury in the Northern District of Texas convicted a physician and a home health agency manager for their participation in a $3 million Medicare fraud conspiracy. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y 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
y 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
y 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
y 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
y Electrolux Agrees to Pay $750,000 Civil Penalty for Delay in Reporting Oven Hazard By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 10:50:33 EDT The Justice Department’s Civil Division announced today that Electrolux Home Products Inc., of Charlotte, North Carolina, has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $750,000 to settle allegations that it knowingly failed to report immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission a safety hazard associated with certain wall ovens sold to consumers. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y 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
y North Carolina Seafood Distributor Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 14 May 2014 11:57:39 EDT Jeffrey Wayne Scott, 48, of Wilmington, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to tax evasion in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y 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
y 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
y 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
y 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
y Marubeni Corporation Sentenced for Foreign Bribery Violations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 May 2014 14:01:50 EDT Marubeni Corporation, a Japanese trading company involved in the handling of products and provision of services in a broad range of sectors around the world, including power generation, was sentenced today for its participation in a scheme to pay bribes to high-ranking government officials in Indonesia. Full Article OPA Press Releases
y Former Officer Is 12th Sentenced in Connection with Series of Assaults on Inmate at Roxbury Correctional Institution By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 15 May 2014 14:16:19 EDT U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Reginald Martin, formerly an officer at Roxbury Correctional Institution in Hagerstown, Maryland, to serve 12 months and one day in prison for his role in the assault of inmate Kenneth Davis. Full Article OPA Press Releases