ess Tennessee Man Charged in Connection with Sex Trafficking Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:55:14 EDT A federal grand jury in the Western District of Tennessee indicted Terrence Arnett Yarbrough, aka “T-Rex,” on four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion against minor and adult female victims. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess DOJ Officials Raise Awareness of Disaster Fraud Hotline for Reporting Oil Spill-Related Schemes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:37:41 EDT As the Deepwater Horizon oil spill clean-up efforts continue and the Gulf Coast Claims Facility opens its doors, the Department of Justice is reminding members of the public to be aware of and report any instances of suspected fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Former Memphis Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive Force on an Arrestee By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:35:47 EDT Bridges McRae, a former officer with the Memphis Police Department (MPD), pleaded guilty today in federal court to a felony civil rights charge related to the use of excessive force. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Mississippi Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Production, Distribution, Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:25:59 EDT Robert Morris of Crystal Springs, Miss., was sentenced today to 35 years in prison for production, distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Corporate Executive Charged for Alleged Role in Illegal Campaign Contribution Scheme and with Witness Tampering By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 08:42:40 EDT A Natick, Mass., man was charged today in federal court in Boston with engaging in a scheme to conceal from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and from the public illegal campaign contributions made to federal campaign committees, and with witness tampering, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Remarks By Assistant Attorney General Tony West at the Allergan Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 12:30:37 EDT "The pharmaceutical manufacturer Allergan has agreed to plead guilty and pay $600 million to resolve serious criminal and civil fraud allegations," announced Assistant Attorney General West. Full Article Speech
ess Former Tennessee Corrections Officers Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 15:05:52 EDT Harold Hutcheson, a former captain at the Northwest Correctional Complex (NCC), in Tiptonville, Tenn., and Joshua Ryan Jones and Roger Forrester, former officers at NCC, were sentenced today in federal court in Jackson, Tenn., for violating the civil rights of an inmate and then lying about it during the state and federal investigations. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess MS-13 Gang Leader Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering Offenses Including the Murder of a Witness By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:07:00 EDT Juan Carlos Moreira, aka “Stokey” and “Stocky,” was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Deborah K. Chasanow to life in prison for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise known as MS-13, conspiring to and committing murder in aid of racketeering, witness tampering murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Corporate Executive Pleads Guilty to Role in Illegal Campaign Contribution Scheme and to Witness Tampering By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 14 Sep 2010 18:10:51 EDT Martin Raffol, 54, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns in Boston to one count of engaging in a scheme to conceal material information from the FEC and one count of witness tampering. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess American Samoa Department of Education Official Arrested for Alleged Witness Tampering, Obstruction of Justice By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:06:17 EDT Paul Solofa, the director of the school lunch program for the government of the U.S. Territory of American Samoa, has been arrested on charges of witness tampering and obstruction of justice. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Idaho Businessman Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Failure to Pay Employment Taxes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:29:39 EDT Roberto Trevizo Corral, a resident of Nampa, Idaho, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison and ordered to pay $771,252.11 in restitution for failing to collect and pay over employment taxes. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Laurence Tribe, Senior Counselor for Access to Justice, Speaks at the American College of Trial Lawyers 2010 Annual Meeting By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 2 Dec 2010 18:00:20 EST "It’s a special honor for me to address the American College of Trial Lawyers, and to share the stage today with such impressive and distinguished speakers as Justice Cromwell, Justice Kirby, Judge Sparks, and Professor Coffee." Full Article Speech
ess Justice Department Signs Agreements with the City of Muskegon, Mich., and the City of Cheyenne, Wyo., to Ensure Access for People with Disabilities By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:58:53 EDT The Justice Department today announced settlement agreements with the city of Muskegon, Mich., and the city of Cheyenne, Wyo., to improve access to public programs and facilities for persons with disabilities. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Panasonic Corp. and Whirlpool Corp. Subsidiary Agree to Plead Guilty for Role in Price-fixing Conspiracy Involving Refrigerant Compressors By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:23:06 EDT Panasonic Corporation and a Whirlpool Corporation subsidiary, Embraco North America Inc., have agreed to plead guilty and to pay a total of $140.9 million in criminal fines for their role in an international conspiracy to fix the prices of refrigerant compressors, which are used in refrigerators and freezers in ho mes and businesses. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Justice Department Signs Agreements with Fort Myers, Fla., and Newport, R.I.; Ensures Civic Access for Four Million People with Disabilities By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:00:15 EDT The Justice Department today announced agreements with the cities of Fort Myers, Fla., and Newport, R.I., to improve access to all aspects of civic life for individuals with disabilities. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Alabama Legislators, Staff Member, Lobbyists and Businessmen Charged in 39-count Indictment for Roles in Wide-ranging Conspiracy to Influence and Corrupt Votes Related to Electronic Bingo Legislation By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 4 Oct 2010 11:01:23 EDT Eleven individuals, including four current Alabama state legislators, three lobbyists, two business owners and one of their employees, and an employee of the Alabama legislature have been charged for their roles in a conspiracy to offer to and to bribe legislators for their votes and influence on proposed legislation. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Justice Department Sues American Express, Mastercard and Visa to Eliminate Rules Restricting Price Competition; Reaches Settlement with Visa and Mastercard By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 4 Oct 2010 14:20:00 EDT The Department of Justice announced today that it filed a civil antitrust lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York challenging rules that American Express, MasterCard and Visa have in place that prevent merchants from offering consumers discounts, rewards and information about card costs, ultimately resulting in consumers paying more for their purchases. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Bank to Pay $2.2 Million to Settle Allegations of False Claims to Small Business Administration By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 7 Oct 2010 17:41:45 EDT Saehan Bank has agreed to pay the United States $2.2 million to settle allegations arising under the False Claims Act and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act with respect to a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, the Justice Department announced. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division Lanny A. Breuer Speaks at the Alabama Public Corruption Investigation Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 4 Oct 2010 11:04:28 EDT "This morning, federal agents began arresting 11 individuals on charges that they conspired over an approximately 19-month period to corrupt the legislative process in Alabama," said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. Full Article Speech
ess Attorney General Holder Speaks at the Visa, Mastercard, American Express Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 4 Oct 2010 14:37:19 EDT "Today, the Department of Justice, along with seven state attorneys general, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit in the Eastern District of New York challenging rules that Visa, MasterCard and American Express have put in place that prevent merchants from providing discounts to consumers." Full Article Speech
ess Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Operation Guard Shack Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 6 Oct 2010 12:14:29 EDT "Today I’m pleased to be joined by the United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodriguez-Velez, and FBI Executive Assistant Director, Shawn Henry, to announce the results of Operation Guard Shack – the largest police corruption investigation in FBI history." Full Article Speech
ess Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer Delivers Keynote Address at Money Laundering Enforcement Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:34:23 EDT "Over the last quarter century, asset forfeiture and money laundering prosecutions have become integral to our country’s law enforcement strategy," said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. Full Article Speech
ess Massachusetts Businessman Pleads Guilty to Multiple Frauds and Tax Evasion Over More Than a Decade By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 20 Oct 2010 17:09:09 EDT A former Pittsfield, Mass., man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a series of frauds and attempts to avoid paying taxes over more than a decade, as well as lying to federal authorities and financial institutions about his illegal activities. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Laurence Tribe, Senior Counselor for Access to Justice, Speaks at the Bronx Defenders Annual Gala Dinner By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 2 Dec 2010 18:17:32 EST "I’m enormously pleased that we at the Justice Department are supporting your important work through the Office of Justice Programs and are thereby helping you expand the reach of the holistic community oriented model to defender agencies across the country through the Center for Holistic Defense." Full Article Speech
ess Texas Businessman Pleads Guilty in Virginia to Role in $100 Million Fraud Scheme Involving Life Settlements By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:51:07 EDT Eric M. Kurz, 46, of The Woodlands, Texas, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering in conjunction with his actions as a wholesaler of investment products for A&O, a group of businesses that acquired and marketed life settlements to investors. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Assistant Attorney General Criminal Division Lanny A. Breuer Speaks at the Medicare Fraud Strike Force Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:14:53 EDT "Today’s charges mark the first time that HEAT’s Medicare Fraud Strike Force has indicted a corporate entity for Medicare fraud," said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. Full Article Speech
ess Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division Tony West Speaks at the Medicare Fraud Strike Force Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:17:02 EDT "In addition to the arrests and criminal charges that Assistant Attorney General Breuer announced, we are also announcing that we have obtained a Temporary Restraining Order freezing the assets of four corporate entities," said Assistant Attorney General West. Full Article Speech
ess Tennessee Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Commit Murders of African-Americans By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 18:17:14 EDT The Justice Department announced that Daniel Cowart was sentenced today to 14 years in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to murder dozens of African-Americans, including then-Senator and presidential candidate Barack Obama, because of their race. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Justice Department Enters Agreement to Make Kerrville, Texas, Cailloux Theater Accessible to Persons with Disabilities By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:20:22 EDT The Justice Department today announced a settlement agreement with the city of Kerrville, Texas, and Playhouse 2000 to bring the Cailloux Theater into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Assistant Attorney General Tony West Speaks at the GlaxoSmithKline Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:40:00 EDT "Every year, health care fraud costs American taxpayers billions of dollars and undermines the integrity of the health care programs on which so many of us depend," said Assistant Attorney General West. Full Article Speech
ess Fraudulent Business Opportunity Venture Operator Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:46:34 EDT Donald Williams was sentenced today in connection with a series of Costa Rica-based business opportunity fraud ventures. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Florida Businessman Pleads Guilty to Illegal Trade in Elephant Ivory By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:16:42 EDT Joseph Barringer, 55, the owner of a Florida pool cue company, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Orlando to violating the Endangered Species Act in connection with the illegal export of African elephant ivory through an online auction site. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Westerly, Rhode Island, Man Convicted of Possessing and Distributing Child Pornography By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 3 Nov 2010 18:09:35 EDT David Chiaradio, 28, of Westerly, R.I., was convicted today by a federal jury in Providence, R.I., of one count of distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Louisiana Vessel Company to Pay $2.1 Million in Penalties By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 4 Nov 2010 16:19:33 EDT Offshore Vessels LLC (OSV) was sentenced to pay a criminal fine of $1,750,000 and remit a payment of $350,000 as community service to the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess State Department Employee Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements About Accessing Confidential Passport Files By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 15:24:36 EDT Brooke E. Reyna, 28, of Barrington, N.H., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joseph N. Laplante in U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire to making false statements. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Northern Virginia Businessman Pleads Guilty to Bank and Tax Fraud By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:57:04 EST Kevin Shaffer of Sarasota, Fla., and Washington D.C., pleaded guilty to bank fraud and tax evasion before Alexandria, Va., federal district court Judge Gerald Bruce Lee. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess U.S. Settles Lawsuits Against Hewlett-Packard and Intervenes Against its Business Partners for Violating FCC Competitive Bidding Rules in Texas By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:56:31 EST The United States has settled two whistleblower lawsuits for $16.25 million alleging that Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP) violated the competitive bidding rules of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) E-Rate Program at the Dallas and Houston Independent School Districts in connection with technology services contracts with those school districts. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Justice Department Settles Religious Discrimination Lawsuit Against Essex County, N.J. By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:16:26 EST The Department of Justice announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with Essex County, N.J., that, will resolve the department’s lawsuit against Essex County for refusing to permit a corrections officer to wear a religiously-mandated headscarf. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Northern Virginia Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Failing to Pay Employment Taxes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:04:15 EST U.S. District Court Judge Ellis sentenced Eric Jon Eisenhower, a resident of Fairfax Station, Va., to 19 months in prison and ordered him to pay $88,826.79 in restitution to the IRS. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Tennessee Man Sentenced for Illegally Accessing Former Governor Sarah Palin’s E-Mail Account and Obstruction of Justice By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:25:59 EST David C. Kernell, 23, today was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for intentionally accessing without authorization the e-mail account of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin and obstruction of justice. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Justice Department Makes the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design Available to Online Viewers Nationwide By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:08:48 EST The Justice Department today made available online the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards or Standards). Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Assistant Attorney General Tony West Speaks at the National Congress of American Indians Annual Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:08:47 EST "I am deeply honored by your invitation to be with you today and to share with you some of the work in which we have been engaged at the Department of Justice to improve life in Indian Country," said Assistant Attorney General West. Full Article Speech
ess Senior U.S. District Court Judge Pleads Guilty to Possession of Controlled Substances and Conversion of Government Property By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:33:11 EST Senior U.S. District Judge Jack T. Camp Jr., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Atlanta to possession of controlled substances and conversion of government property. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Attorney General Holder, Vice President Biden Announce New Initiatives to Help Homeowners, Veterans and Workers Access Legal Services By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:58:34 EST Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice’s Access to Justice Initiative co-hosted a Middle Class Task Force event today with Vice President Joe Biden, announcing a series of steps designed to help middle class and low-income families secure their legal rights. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Operation in Our Sites II Press Conference By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:28:57 EST "We are pleased to announce an important step in our ongoing efforts to protect the interests and safety of consumers, to ensure the strength of our markets, and to safeguard the intellectual property rights of innovators and entrepreneurs." Full Article Speech
ess Assistant Attorney General Tony West Speaks at Press Conference Announcing Major Settlements with Pharmaceutical Manufacturers By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 7 Dec 2010 13:24:38 EST "Over the last two years, the Justice Department—in close collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services—has made cracking down on health care fraud a top priority. Today, we announce the latest results of those efforts." Full Article Speech
ess Attorney General Expresses Opposition to Legislation Blocking Transfer of Guantanamo Detainees By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 9 Dec 2010 12:53:10 EST Attorney General Eric Holder wrote to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell today in opposition to language in the proposed 2011 Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Professional Duck Hunter Charged with Guiding Illegal Waterfowl Hunts in Central Illinois By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 9 Dec 2010 15:31:01 EST A federal grand jury in Springfield, Ill., returned a 23-count felony indictment today charging Jeffrey B. Foiles with conspiracy, wildlife trafficking, and making false writings in connection with the illegal sale of guided waterfowl hunts, the Department of Justice announced today. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty to Illegally Accessing Confidential Student Loan Files By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:56:26 EST Charlotte M. Robinson, 46, of Dolton, Ill., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan E. Cox in the Northern District of Illinois to a one-count criminal information charging her with unauthorized computer access. Full Article OPA Press Releases
ess Former Construction Company Executive Doing Business in Colorado Pleads Guilty to Providing an Illegal Gratuity By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:46:23 EST A former managing executive of a construction company that had substantial business at Fort Carson, a U.S. Army installation in Colorado Springs, Colo., pleaded guilty to providing an illegal gratuity to a contracting officer. Full Article OPA Press Releases