Release Date: May 25, 2012

For immediate release

Jerome H. Powell on Friday took the oath of office as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.  The oath was administered by Chairman Ben S. Bernanke in the Board Room. 

President Obama announced his intention to nominate Mr. Powell on December 27, 2011, and the Senate confirmed him on May 17, 2012.  Mr. Powell was nominated to an unexpired term ending January 31, 2014, which was vacated by the resignation of Frederic S. Mishkin on August 31, 2008. 

A biography of Mr. Powell is available on the Board’s website: www.federalreserve.gov/bios/.

For media inquiries, call 202-452-2955.

Jerome H. Powell takes oath of office as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

NORFOLK, VA—Janice W. Holland, 41, of Suffolk, Virginia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of health care fraud, 31 counts of making false statements relating to health care matters, one count of alteration of records, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli made the announcement after the indictment was unsealed following Holland’s arrest. If convicted, Holland faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for health care fraud, five years on each count for making false statements, 20 years for alteration of records, and two years on each count of aggravated identity theft.

According to the indictment, Holland owned and operated A Caring Hand Home Health Care Services Inc., a business located in Suffolk that was authorized to provide respite care to Medicaid recipients. Respite care is designed to provide temporary, substitute care for a Medicaid recipient that is normally provided by the family or another unpaid primary caregiver of the recipient. These services are provided on a short-term basis because of the emergency absence or need for routine or periodic relief of the primary caregiver. Holland filed approximately 1,100 false and fraudulent claims with the Virginia Medicaid program, representing that respite care had been provided by her company to 30 Medicaid recipients, when in fact no such care had been provided. She filed these claims using, without authority, the recipients’ names, dates of birth, and Medicaid identification numbers As a result, Holland obtained health care benefit payments in the approximate amount of $700,000 to which she was not entitled. She also altered and falsified her office records to conceal and cover up her false billings.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Office of the Virginia Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Alan M. Salsbury is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae.

Former Provider of Home Health Care Services Indicted for Medicaid Fraud | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; John V. Gilles, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office; and José A. Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CID), announced that defendant Abbas Hachem was arrested on May 22, 2012 on charges in an indictment filed in South Florida on December 6, 2011. The 250-count indictment charges him with violations of the currency transaction reporting requirements from about January 2007 through March 2011, in violation of Title 31, United States Code, Sections 5331(a) and 5324(b)(1). The defendant made his initial appearance in court yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry L. Garber. A pre-trial detention hearing is scheduled for May 31, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

The indictment alleges that Abbas Hachem and his co-defendant Mohamad Hachem conspired and failed to file required currency transaction reports on cash payments in amounts over $10,000, which were received in connection with the operation of Coastal Rags Inc., a business that was owned and operated by defendants Mohamad Hachem and Abbas Hachem.

If convicted, Abbas Hachem faces a maximum statutory sentence of up to five years in prison on each of the two charged conspiracy counts and up to 10 years in prison on each charged substantive failure to file count.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and IRS-CID. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Walleisa.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

Arrest Made on Charges of Failure to File Currency Transaction Reports | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Susan J. Waddell, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General for New England; William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England; and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that Gary F. Anusavice, also known as “Gary Andrews,” “Gary Andrus” and “Gary Francis,” 59, of North Kingstown, Rhode Island; and Mehran Zamani, DDS, 47, of Pound Ridge, New York, were arrested today on federal charges related to their alleged involvement in a $20 million Medicaid fraud scheme.

“As alleged, these operators of dental practices throughout Connecticut defrauded the Medicaid program of more than $20 million over a two-year period,” said U.S. Attorney Fein. “We are committed to protecting American taxpayers from health care fraud, which can increase costs and jeopardize the integrity of our health care system. I want to commend HHS-OIG, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the FBI for their investigative efforts and thank the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office, which provided invaluable assistance during the course of this investigation.”

“Although Gary F. Anusavice was barred from Medicare, Medicaid, and other government health programs back in 1998, he allegedly continued to defraud taxpayers by using an elaborate shield of companies and individuals—including Dr. Zamani—to hide his involvement,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Waddle. “Working with federal and state partners, our investigators will penetrate such schemes and help bring suspects to justice.”

“To combat healthcare fraud, IRS Criminal Investigation provides the financial investigative expertise to follow the money trail from the crime to the culprit,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Offord. “We are proud to work with our law enforcement partners to document the financial benefits derived from these fraudulent activities.”

“The FBI views health care fraud as a serious crime problem,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “It degrades the integrity of our health care system and legitimate patient care. Today’s arrests send a clear message to those persons who are defrauding our federal Medicare and Medicaid and private health insurance programs. The FBI remains committed to investigating health care fraud and bringing these individuals to justice. The FBI will continue to work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who violate the public trust by stealing taxpayer money. We urge anyone with information regarding health care fraud activity to contact its nearest FBI field office.”

According to court documents, the Medicaid program is a joint federal-state program that provides funds for medical services to lower-income individuals who qualify for benefits. The program is jointly administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and supervised by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In Connecticut, the Medicaid program is administered by the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS).

As alleged in court documents, Anusavice was previously a registered dentist in several states. In July 1997, Anusavice sustained a felony conviction in Massachusetts for submitting false health care claims. Based on that conviction, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notified Anusavice in April 1998 that he was being excluded from participation in Medicare and state health care programs, including Medicaid. As part of that notice, Anusavice was informed that, as an excluded individual, he may not “submit claims or cause claims to be submitted” for payment from the federal Medicaid program. Further, Anusavice was advised that Medicaid reimbursement payments are prohibited to any entity in which he serves as an “employee, administrator, operator, or in any other capacity….”

In November 2005, Anusavice surrendered his right to practice dentistry in Rhode Island, and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry permanently revoked Anusavice’s license to practice dentistry in Massachusetts in 2006.

The criminal complaint alleges that Anusavice established several dental practices in Connecticut, which were operated by other dentists, including Zamani. These dental practices received millions of dollars in Medicaid reimbursements from the Connecticut Medicaid program, which payments were prohibited given Anusavice’s exclusion from the Medicaid program. The dental practices operated by Anusavice and Zamani included Landmark Dental in West Haven, Dental Group of Connecticut in Trumbull, and Dental Group of Stamford. Despite his permanent exclusion, Anusavice was involved in reviewing patient charts, suggesting dental procedures to be performed, reviewing billing records, reviewing income reports, interviewing and hiring dentists, and providing overall management direction to the offices.

It is alleged that Anusavice hired Zamani at Landmark Dental in October 2008 and that Zamani soon became aware of Anusavice’s disciplinary history. In January 2009, Zamani submitted a Medicaid Provider Enrollment Application with the DSS in order to obtain a Medicaid provider number for Mehran Zamani LLC, listing his group practice name as Landmark Dental. In May 2009, Zamani submitted an application with the DSS for a Medicaid provider number for Landmark Dental. In the applications Zamani submitted, he failed to disclose that Anusavice had an ownership or control interest in Landmark Dental, even though Zamani knew that Anusavice was running the practice and profited from it. From approximately February 2009 to March 2011, Mehran Zamani LLC and Landmark Dental received more than $12.9 million in Medicaid reimbursement payments.

It is further alleged that in April 2009, Zamani and “Haven Consulting,” an entity Anusavice created, entered into a Business Consultant Contract for the Dental Group of Stamford, a practice that Zamani had operated previously. Although the contract provided that Haven Consulting was a “business consultant” to the Dental Group of Stamford, Anusavice had an ownership interest in the practice and acted in an ownership and managerial capacity. Zamani’s DSS application in May 2009 failed to disclose Anusavice’s involvement in the practice and his disciplinary history. From approximately June 2009 to March 2011, the Dental Group of Stamford received more than $4.4 million in Medicaid reimbursement payments.

It is further alleged that Zamani’s April 2010 DSS application for a Medicaid provider number for the Dental Group of Connecticut also failed to disclose Anusavice’s involvement in the practice. From approximately August 2010 to March 2011, the Dental Group of Connecticut received more than $3.5 million in Medicaid reimbursement payments.

It is further alleged that on April 13, 2011, the DSS suspended Medicaid payments to Mehran Zamani, DDS, Landmark Dental, Dental Group of Stamford, and Dental Group of Connecticut based upon a pending investigation of a credible allegation of fraud. As a result, the last Medicaid payment to any of these entities occurred on or about March 22, 2011. By that time, it is alleged that the Anusavice-Zamani entities had collectively received nearly $21 million in Medicaid reimbursement funds. Further, according to Zamani’s accountant’s records, between February 2009 and March 2011, Anusavice-controlled entities received more than $3 million in payments from Zamani-related entities.

It is further alleged that Anusavice and another dentist are now operating a new set of dental clinics, doing business as Alpha Dental Group in Cromwell, Dental Group of New Britain, and Hartford Dental Care. Between November 2011 and March 2012, Arbor Dental has received more than $2.6 million in Medicaid funds. Anusavice also has recently reopened a dental practice at the former location of Dental Care of Connecticut in Trumbull.

Anusavice was arrested this morning at his home in North Kingstown, Rhode Island on a federal criminal complaint charging him with conspiring to commit health care fraud, committing health care fraud, and making false statements involving federal health care programs. Zamani was arrested today at his home in New York on a criminal complaint charging him with the same offenses. Both appeared this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport.

In association with today’s arrests, investigating agencies conducted court-authorized searches of Anusavice’s Rhode Island residence and dental clinics he is allegedly operating in New Britain and Trumbull.

The government also has filed a civil forfeiture complaint against the real property located at 229 Potter Road, North Kingstown, Rhode Island, an 8,145 square foot home on 9.66 acres of land, where Anusavice resides. The forfeiture complaint alleges that this property was purchased in February 2011 for $695,000 by AMZ Consulting Inc., a nominee entity controlled by Anusavice and that proceeds used to purchase the property stem from Anusavice’s alleged Medicaid fraud scheme.

U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Connecticut Attorney General’s Office provided assistance and cooperation throughout the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Susan Wines and Richard Molot, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Sean Beaty. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island and Assistant United States Attorney Paul Daly have provided valuable assistance.

U.S. Attorney Fein encouraged individuals who suspect health care fraud to report it by calling the Health Care Fraud Task Force at 203-777-6311 or 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

Dental Practice Operators Charged in $20 Million Medicaid Fraud Conspiracy | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

NEW ORLEANS—Wanda Acker Williams, age 33, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced to six moths of home detention followed by four years of probation by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo after admitting she accepted bribes in connection with her employment in the state’s home elevation program, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten. Williams pled guilty in January to a one-count bill of information charging her with conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.

According to court documents, Williams was a mitigation analyst in the New Orleans Office of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program who used her position as a mitigation analyst to mine the database of homeowners eligible for federal elevation dollars and then provided those names to Rickey Davis in exchange for money. Davis, who pled guilty to bribery on May 16, was in the business of securing contracts with homeowners for general contractors and sub-contractors in exchange for a percentage of the total contract amount. Upon receiving the lists of names from Williams, Davis would either sell the lists to general contractors for them to secure contracts or would use the names as leads to solicit those homeowners to enter a contract with a contractor with whom Davis did business.

Davis is scheduled to be sentenced on August 22, 2012 by U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle. Brianna LaFrance, a former mitigation analyst who also pled guilty to conspiracy charges in connection with the bribery of Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on June 14 by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.

The case is being investigated by Department of Homeland Security-OIG, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily K. Greenfield and Matthew Coman.

Mitigation Analyst from Home Elevation Program Sentenced | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, announced the filing of a three-count indictment charging defendant Wesley Todd McCracken, 41, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with bank robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).

The indictment charges that McCracken, nicknamed the “Nike Hat Bandit,” robbed a Wells Fargo Bank in Palm Beach Garden, Florida on November 21, 2012; attempted to rob another Wells Fargo Bank in Dania Beach, Florida on November 30, 2012; and on that same day, robbed a BB&T Bank in Pompano Beach, Florida. McCracken was arrested on December 29, 2011 in Georgetown, South Carolina, after committing a robbery at the South Carolina Bank and Trust. The South Carolina United States Attorney’s Office indicted McCracken in March 2012, charging him with four counts of bank robbery.

McCracken wore a Nike baseball hat when he allegedly robbed banks in South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, usually approaching bank tellers with threatening notes indicating he had a gun and demanding a particular amount of cash.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI’s South Florida Violent Crime/Fugitive Task Force, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, and the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Steinberg.

An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

South Carolina Man Dubbed the Nike Hat Bandit Indicted on Charges of Bank Robbery in South Florida | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

HOUSTON—Jorge Juan Perez, a 29-year-old Houston man, has been ordered to serve 292 months in federal prison for transferring obscene material to a minor, coercing and enticing a minor, and possessing child pornography, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

The Innocent Images Unit of the FBI Houston Office, whose investigative efforts led to the charges, arrested Perez on Wednesday, December 15, 2010. At his detention hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Johnson considered testimony alleging that in 2008, Perez sent a letter and cash to a minor in California in an attempt to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce her to fly to Houston to engage in sexual activity for which a person could be charged with a crime. In Texas, the crime would constitute sexual assault of a person between 14 and 16 years of age. Additionally, the court learned that the state of California has issued warrants for Perez’s arrest for the alleged online enticement of a minor. The testimony also alleged that from October 2009 until July 2010, Perez maintained relationships with two minors in North Carolina by computer and cell phone. The court heard Perez allegedly attempted to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce the minors to create visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct by photographing and/or videotaping themselves. According to testimony, Perez allegedly used the threat of posting suggestive photos of the minors online if they did not comply with his demands. Perez also allegedly sent one of the minors obscene photographs of his genitals. Lastly, the court heard that Perez allegedly had ongoing online and phone contact with a 13-year-old Houston minor female and had allegedly sought out the minor and inquired about her to her friends and neighbors. Based upon these alleged factors, the court found that Perez would pose a danger to the community if released on bond.

On October 7, 2011, Perez pleaded guilty. While in federal custody, Perez befriended another inmate and told the inmate he wanted to kill the FBI special agent who arrested him. Perez indicated he and a friend planned to kill the agent with a bomb. The inmate who alerted authorities to this plan told authorities Perez was skilled in converting transistor radios from AAA batteries to AA batteries.

After considering all the evidence, U.S. District Judge Gray Miller handed Perez the more than 24-year-term and further ordered he be placed on supervised release for life. In handing down that sentence, Judge Miller noted that the crime committed by Perez was a predatory crime.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “Resources.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Sherri L. Zack. AUSA Robert Stabe represented the United States at the hearing today.

Houston Man Hit with Hefty Federal Time for Multiple Child Exploitation Charges | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Cleveland Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), for the Northern District of Ohio, in conjunction with Brian D. Lamkin, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announce the arrest of Brady D. Jackson, Jr., age 26.

An arrest warrant was issued for Jackson on May 1, 2012 based on allegations of Jackson causing two juveniles, aged 15 and 16, to be recruited, enticed, harbored, and transported in or effecting interstate commerce to engage in commercial sex acts in Toledo, Ohio, a violation of 18 U.S.C., 1591 (a)(i).

Information developed through the investigation indicated Jackson may be traveling in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Jackson was apprehended this morning in the Atlanta territory by the Atlanta Police Department/FBI Violent Crimes Task Force. Jackson is currently being detained in an Atlanta Detention Facility.

This case was investigated by the Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force based in Toledo, Ohio.

Jackson is facing a minimum of 10 years for the prostitution of each juvenile.

Any questions regarding this news release can be directed to SA Vicki D. Anderson at the Cleveland Office of the FBI, 216-522-1400 or Vicki.anderson@ic.fbi.gov.

Suspect Arrested in Connection with the Prostitution of Minors | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

HOUSTON—Barry Walter Bujol, Jr., a 30-year-old Hempstead, Texas resident and former student at Prairie View A&M University, has been sentenced to serve 20 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Kenneth Magidson announced today, along with Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. Bujol was convicted November 14, 2011 of attempting to provide material support to al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Just moments ago, U.S. District Judge David Hittner handed Bujol the statutory maximum sentence, ordering him to serve 180 months in prison for attempting to provide material support to AQAP and 60 months in prison for aggravated identity theft, which will be served consecutively, for a total sentence of 240 months in prison.

“We do not take matters of potential national security lightly,” said U.S. Attorney Magidson. “This case and its successful resolution represents our commitment to making our communities a safer place to live.”

Bujol requested a bench trial before Judge Hittner, which lasted nearly four days, during which he acted as his own attorney. The United States presented a total of 325 trial exhibits and 12 witnesses, which resulted in Bujol’s convictions for both attempt to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization as well as aggravated identity theft.

Evidence revealed Bujol had asked Anwar Al-Aulaqi, a now-deceased Yemeni-American AQAP associate, for advice on raising money for the “mujahideen” without attracting police attention and on his duty as a Muslim to make “violent jihad.” Al-Aulaqi replied by sending Bujol a document entitled “42 Ways of Supporting Jihad,” which asserted that “‘jihad’ is the greatest deed in Islam…[and] obligatory on every Muslim.” Court records indicated the “jihad” Al-Aulaqi advocated involved violence and killing.

In 2009, Bujol made three attempts to depart the United States for the Middle East, but law enforcement, believing these were Bujol’s efforts to make “violent jihad,” thwarted him each time he tried to leave. Bujol eventually told a confidential source he desired to fight with the “mujahideen.” The source testified at trial, explaining that each time he told Bujol he would be joining AQAP, Bujol replied by saying, “God willing” in Arabic.

To prove his worth to the source and AQAP, Bujol performed numerous purported “training exercises,” often involving surveillance detection and covert means of communication. Moreover, Bujol repeatedly told the source that AQAP should attack the human beings essential to operate military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) instead of attacking the UAVs themselves. Bujol suggested multiple targets, including one in the Southern District of Texas.

Bujol was arrested on May 30, 2010 after boarding a ship docked at the Port of Houston. He believed the ship was bound for Algeria, where he would stay at an al Qaeda safe house before continuing on to Yemen. Bujol intended to stow away to join AQAP and to deliver items to AQAP that a confidential source had given him. The items included two public access restricted military manuals, global position system receivers, pre-paid international calling cards, SIM cards, and approximately 2,000 in Euros, among other items. Bujol secured these items in his baggage and quickly boarded the ship. Minutes after stowing away in a room on board the ship, agents took him into custody without incident.

Simultaneously, agents executed a search warrant on his apartment and his laptop computer. On the computer, agents found a home-made video montage of still photographs, including images of Osama bin Laden, Najibullah Zazi, and multiple armed “mujahideen” fighters, which Bujol narrated. On the video, which was offered into evidence at trial, he addressed his words to his wife, explaining that he had left her suddenly and without forewarning to pursue “jihad.” Bujol told her he would likely not see her until the afterlife.

The aggravated identity theft charge, of which he was also convicted, stemmed from a false transportation worker identity card (purporting to be a card issued by the Transportation Security Administration) that Bujol possessed to access the Port of Houston. Bujol supplied the confidential source with a passport photo and a false name and the source used these materials to acquire the false card for use in the sting operation. On the night of the operation, Bujol used the false card to gain access to the port.

Bujol has been in federal custody since his May 30, 2010, where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

This multi-agency investigation was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Bryan, Texas—comprised of the Brazos County, Texas Sheriff’s Office; the Texas A&M University Police Department; the Bryan Police Department; the U.S. Secret Service;, the Waller County, Texas Sheriff’s Office; and the College, Texas Station Police Department. Other investigating agencies were the Houston FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Prairie View A&M University Department of Public Safety, the New Jersey State Police, the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Houston Police Department, and the Canada Border Services Agency.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark McIntyre and Craig Feazel, as well as Garrett Heenan, Trial Attorney from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark W. White, III.

Texas Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Attempting to Provide Material Support to al Qaeda | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Houston FBI Bank Robbery Task Force is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the two men man who robbed the Woodforest Bank inside the Walmart at 13003 Tomball Parkway in Houston, Texas on May 23, 2012. Bank surveillance video captured photos of both men during the robbery. The photos can be viewed below. At approximately 9:50 a.m., the men entered the bank and approached the teller counter. One of the robbers jumped the counter, threatened tellers, and demanded cash. Both robbers gestured with their hands inside their clothing as if they were concealing weapons. No weapons were seen by the tellers. The men got some cash and exited the bank. No one was physically hurt during the robbery.

The first robber is described a black male in his late 20s, 6’3” tall, 180-200 pounds, with a light complexion. He wore a blue Detroit baseball cap, long-sleeved blue shirt, and jeans. The second robber is described as a black male in his late 20s, 5’11”–6’0” tall, with a darker complexion. He wore a dark blue baseball cap, white and red striped polo shirt, and sunglasses.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and arrest of these robbers. If you have information about this case, please call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or the Houston Office of the FBI at 713-693-5000.

Suspects Sought in Connection with Woodforest Bank Branch Robbery | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

EUGENE, OR—Rhonda Milligan, 41, of Lebanon, Oregon, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud before Chief U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken on May 17, 2012. In court, Milligan admitted to embezzling more than $848,000 from her former employer, Entek Manufacturing, Inc., a company in Lebanon, Oregon, and the company’s president.

According to court documents, Milligan, as the secretary to Entek’s president, had access to company accounts and accounts belonging to the president and embezzled more than $540,000 through an online electronic payment system, using the money to pay her personal credit card expenses. Additionally, as described in court records, Milligan diverted another $293,000 by forging the name of Entek’s president on checks and stole an additional $13,700 from a petty cash account.

Sentencing is set for September 12, 2012 at 9 a.m. before Judge Aiken. The maximum penalty for mail fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

Lebanon Woman Pleads Guilty to $848,000 Wire Fraud | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

NEWARK—The mayor of West New York, New Jersey and his son were arrested today for allegedly hacking into an e-mail account and website associated with a movement to recall the mayor, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Felix Roque, 55, of Hudson County, and Joseph Roque, 22, of Passaic County, are charged by complaint with gaining unauthorized access to computers in furtherance of causing damage to protected computers; causing damage to protected computers; and conspiracy to commit those crimes. Felix and Joseph Roque are scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark S. Falk in Newark federal court.

“In this case, the elected leader of West New York and his son allegedly hacked into computers to intimidate constituents who were simply using the Internet to exercise their Constitutional rights to criticize the government,” U.S. Attorney Fishman said. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute those who illegally hack into computers and disable websites with the goal of suppressing the exercise of that right.”

“This case illustrates two primary concerns of law enforcement, the violation of public trust and cyber intrusion,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Ward said. “In this instance, an elected official conspired to hack into a website and e-mail account. It’s incredibly disappointing that resources have to be diverted from protecting the U.S. against cyber intrusions targeting critical infrastructure, federally funded research, and military technology to address a public official intruding into computer systems to further a political agenda.”

According to the criminal complaint unsealed today:

In early February 2012, a Hudson County resident and public official anonymously established and moderated an Internet website, www.recallroque.com, to post commentary and criticism of Mayor Felix Roque and his administration. On February 6 2012, Mayor Roque and his son, Joseph Roque, schemed to hack into and take down the website and to identify, intimidate, and harass those who operated and were associated with the website.

By the late afternoon of February 8, 2012, Joseph Roque had successfully hacked into various online accounts used in connection with the recall website. Joseph Roque then used that access to disable the website. Mayor Roque harassed and attempted to intimidate several individuals whom he had learned were associated with the recall website.

The conspiracy charge and the charge of gaining unauthorized access to a computer in furtherance of causing damage to protected computers are each punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of causing damage to protected computers carries a maximum potential penalty of one year in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Ward in Newark with the investigation leading to the arrests.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Kosto of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Section of the Office’s Economic Crimes Unit and Barbara Llanes of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

West New York Mayor, Son Arrested for Hacking and Disabling Website Calling for the Mayor’s Recall | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Release Date: May 24, 2012

For immediate release

The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday released action plans for Citigroup and HSBC Finance Corporation to correct deficiencies in residential mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure processing. It also released the engagement letter between Ally Financial Inc. and the independent consultant retained by Ally to review foreclosures that were in process in 2009 and 2010.

In addition, the Federal Reserve released a supplemental agreement with Ally to address the institution’s foreclosure review obligations following the recent action by Ally’s mortgage servicing subsidiaries to seek protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

The action plans are required by formal enforcement actions issued by the Federal Reserve last year. The enforcement actions require the mortgage loan servicers regulated by the Federal Reserve and the parent holding companies of mortgage servicers to submit acceptable plans to improve their procedures and controls as well as oversight of foreclosure activities.

The enforcement actions further require the mortgage servicing subsidiaries to provide appropriate remediation to borrowers who suffered financial injury as a result of errors by the servicers. The engagement letter describes the procedures that will be followed by the independent consultant in reviewing Ally’s foreclosure files to determine whether borrowers suffered financial injury as a result of servicer error.

Release of the action plans and engagement letter follows reviews conducted from November 2010 to January 2011, in which examiners found unsafe and unsound processes and practices in residential mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure processing at a number of supervised institutions.

The documents disclosed Thursday are the last to be released of those required by the formal enforcement actions issued in April 2011 against servicers regulated by the Federal Reserve and parent holding companies of mortgage loan servicers. The Federal Reserve entered into consent enforcement actions with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., in September 2011 and Morgan Stanley in April 2012 to address deficient servicing and foreclosure practices at their residential mortgage loan servicing subsidiaries. The engagement letters and action plans required under these enforcement actions are not yet finalized and will be released after approval.

The Federal Reserve will closely follow the implementation of action plans to ensure that the financial institutions correct deficiencies and evaluate any harm that was done to homeowners in the foreclosure process in 2009 and 2010.

Ally Engagement Letter (PDF)
Ally Supplemental Agreement (PDF)
Citigroup–Section 5–Amended Supplement (PDF)
Citigroup–Section 5–Internal Audit Plan (PDF)
HSBC–Section 5–Single Point of Contact (PDF)

For media inquiries, call 202-452-2955

Federal Reserve Board releases action plans and engagement letter to correct deficiencies in residential mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure processing | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO (May 23, 2012) –

The 53rd Street Bicycle Center will celebrate its grand opening in
Hyde Park on Thursday, May 24, at 1:00 p.m., with a ribbon cutting attended by
4th Ward Alderman Will Burns and representatives from Bike and Park, which will
operate the center.

The University of Chicago partnered with Bike and Park and Metra to transform
retail space, vacant for more than a decade, into a bike center that will serve
the local community, visitors to Hyde Park, and the University community.
Representatives from the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce and the University of
Chicago also will participate in the ribbon cutting.

The 53rd Street Bicycle Center, located at 1558 E. 53rd St. (corner of 53rd St.
& Lake Park Blvd), is Bike and Park’s second bike commuter center in
Chicago. Bike and Park opened its first Chicago commuter center in Millennium
Park in 2004.

Services offered at the 53rd Street Bike Center include:

- Secure bike parking

- Bicycle rentals

- Guided bike and Segway tours

- Food tours by bike

- Bike repairs

- Bicycle maintenance and safety classes

- Bike camp

- Community bike rides

The bike center’s hours of operation will be 7:00 a.m. to 7:00
p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Bike and Park’s mission is to inspire and enable people to ride
bicycles for the benefit of one’s health, spirit, & the planet.

Bike and Park also operates bike commuting centers at Millennium
Park, in Cincinnati and Santa Monica. Bike and Park was recently named a
semi-finalist in the Sustainable Brands Innovation Open, an event that
showcases highly innovative, socially conscious entrepreneurs focused on
sustainable products and services.

For more information, please visit www.BikeandPark.com or call
Jeremy Rothschild at (773) 230-4422. jeremy@bikeandroll.com

University of Chicago partners with Bike and Park and Metra to open Bicycle Center at 53rd St. Station | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Alleged United Blood Nation Gang Members Indicted on Racketeering Charges | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

BANGOR, ME—United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty, II announced that yesterday, U.S. Airways flight 787 from Paris, France to Charlotte, North Carolina was diverted to Bangor International Airport because of a security issue regarding a passenger and what was reported as an implanted device of some kind.

Upon arrival in Bangor, Lucie Zeeko Marigot, a 41-year-old French citizen and native of Cameroon, was taken into custody by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). An investigation into charges of interference with the flight crew members and attendants continued throughout the night and this morning by the FBI.

The original detention was based upon probable cause that she interfered with the flight crew. She appeared in front of U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Margaret Kravchuk this afternoon.

United States Attorney Delahanty and Assistant United States Attorney James McCarthy informed the court that based on further investigation, a criminal complaint would not be filed against her. Instead, she will be taken into custody by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to be returned to France.

United States Attorney Delahanty said that when the plane was over the Atlantic Ocean, it was the correct decision to divert the flight to Bangor, given the circumstances that were known at that time. Marigot had given a note to a flight attendant along with a book authored by her that details her personal story. Both the note and book were in French. The note sought help from President and Mrs. Obama and the American people. The note stated that she was “simply a victim of a group of doctors” and that she had “an object in her body that is out of [her] control.” When the flight attendant asked whether the object could hurt her or others, she replied that she did not know. An examination by two doctors on board determined that she had no visible scars indicating any kind of implant.

Upon arriving in Bangor, a search of the plane and baggage revealed no explosives or dangerous items. The continuing investigation revealed that the plane and its crew and passengers were never actually in danger at any time.

United States Attorney Delahanty praised the thorough investigation that was conducted by the FBI, CBP, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Bangor Police Department.

French Citizen Causes Flight to Divert to Bangor | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The FBI is seeking to hire foreign language speakers and will host its first ever foreign language job fair in Houston on Friday, May 25, 2012. The job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Houston Community College’s (HCC) Conference Center, located at 3100 Main Street in Houston, Texas.

“FBI linguists play an extremely important role in keeping America safe,” said FBI Houston Foreign Language Program Manager Larry Wallace. “It’s a job opportunity that promises to be both challenging and rewarding.” FBI linguists support the FBI mission by working a variety of interpretation and translation assignments. They also play an important role in providing cultural awareness to FBI agents, intelligence analysts, and other FBI employees.

Qualified candidates must have the following qualifications:

• strong oral and written communication skills in English and a foreign language needed by the FBI [currently, the foreign languages most needed by the FBI are Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Dari, Hebrew, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, and Urdu];
• comfortable using basic computer applications;
• a United States Citizen;
• have resided physically in the United States for three of the last five years.

The FBI has nearly 1,500 linguists nationwide supporting over 100 different foreign language requirements. Over 95 percent of the FBI’s linguists are native speakers of the language. All linguists begin as contract employees, but the position may lead to full-time employment. Contract linguists are able to work part-time hours and are paid between $29 and $41 per hour, depending upon the language and level of proficiency. Candidates offered a contract can expect to provide services from their local FBI field office.

FBI language managers and linguists will be on hand at the job fair to discuss the position and will pre-screen potential candidates. Additional information about FBI job opportunities may be found at www.fbijobs.gov.

Hum Tum Radio-KLVL 1480 a.m. will broadcast live from the event from Noon until 5:00 p.m.. The live radio broadcast will be hosted by Rehan Siddiqi and other HumTum artists.

FBI Offers Job Opportunities for Foreign Language Speakers | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CONCORD, NH—Patrick Chasse, 22, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced in United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire to 20 years in prison, followed by a three-year period of supervised release, for his role in several armed robberies that occurred in Manchester between September and November, 2010, announced United States Attorney John P. Kacavas.

The sentencing followed Chasse’s plea to the commission of five separate armed robberies that he committed with co-defendants James Karahalios and Matthew Karahalios, including: (1) a robbery at TD Bank, 70 Bay Street, Manchester, New Hampshire, on September 23, 2010; (2) a robbery at Spring Hill Suites, 975 North Perimeter Road, Manchester, New Hampshire, on October 6, 2010; (3) a robbery at JR’s Convenience, Route 28 By-pass, Derry, New Hampshire, on November 1, 2010; (4) a robbery at Rite Aid Pharmacy, 53 Hooksett Road, Manchester, New Hampshire, on November 10, 2010; and (4) a robbery at Hess Gas Station, 805 Massabesic Street, Manchester, New Hampshire, on November 14, 2010. During the robberies, Chasse and his associates wore disguises and brandished a sawed-off, double-barrel shotgun.

James Karahalios was sentenced on December 21, 2011 to 35 years in prison. Matthew Karahalios was sentenced on April 2, 2012 to 22 years in prison.

The investigation was conducted by members of the Manchester, New Hampshire Police Department; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terry L. Ollila.

Manchester Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Sawed-Off Shotgun Robberies | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

WASHINGTON—Veniamin Gonikman, 56, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Ukraine, was sentenced today in federal court for his role in an international conspiracy to compel Eastern European women to work in exotic dance clubs in the Detroit metropolitan area. U.S. District Court Judge Victoria A. Roberts sentenced Gonikman to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He is the ninth and final member of the charged conspiracy to be sentenced.

Gonikman became a fugitive in 2005 following the arrests of his co-conspirators, Aleksandr Maksimenko and Michael Aronov. He was apprehended in Ukraine in January 2011 and pleaded guilty to money laundering on September 13, 2011. According to information presented in court filings, between September 2001 and February 2005, Gonikman, together with Maksimenko and Aronov, operated Beauty Search Inc., a business that brokered and managed Eastern European women who performed in exotic dance clubs in the Detroit area. The three men recruited a number of these women in Ukraine, facilitated their illegal entry into the United States, and then harbored them for commercial advantage and private financial gain. Gonikman obtained a share of the proceeds earned by the women and transferred the money to Ukraine in order to promote and carry on the Beauty Search business.

“Human trafficking is the equivalent of modern day slavery. It deprives the victims of their freedom and dignity and it has no place in our country,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to the aggressive prosecution of those who rob individuals of their freedom.”

“This sentence brings the final member of this human trafficking ring to justice,” Barbara McQuade, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. “These defendants treated human beings like a commodity, enticing Eastern European women to come to the United States illegally and then exploiting them for commercial advantage.”

“The defendants in this case preyed on young and vulnerable women from a foreign country. These women were brought to America with promises of education and travel, and instead forced to work in seedy strip clubs,” said Brian M. Moskowitz, Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) in Detroit. “After more than seven years of unyielding resolve on the part of our special agents and prosecutors, we are able to formally end this horrific chapter in the lives of the victims and allow them to now move on knowing that justice has prevailed.”

“Justice has been served knowing that Gonikman, Maksimenko, and Aronov are behind bars for their reprehensible behaviors,” said Erick Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. “These individuals took advantage of someone’s daughter, sister, or granddaughter. The joint work and dedication of the law enforcement community shows that these crimes will not be tolerated.”

“This sentencing comes as the result of the hard work of the FBI and law enforcement partner agencies as well as federal prosecutors,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena. “It sends the message that anyone who seeks to profit from human trafficking will be pursued and prosecuted vigorously. These despicable acts designed to enslave women have no place in our society.”

The lead defendants in this case, Maksimenko and Aronov, pleaded guilty in 2006 to forced labor, immigration, and money laundering charges. Maksimenko was sentenced to 14 years in prison and ordered to pay $1,570,450 in restitution to the victims. Aronov was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison and ordered to pay $1 million in restitution.

Six other defendants were also convicted in 2006 for their respective roles in the conspiracy, including: Duay Jado, a Greek national, who was sentenced to four years in prison for setting a victim’s car on fire to retaliate for her escape and to intimidate the other victims; two Ukrainian nationals, Eygeniy Propenko and Alexander Bondarenko, who were convicted of visa fraud to facilitate victims’ illegal entry into the United States; Anna Gonikman-Starchenko, a Ukrainian national formerly married to Gonikman, Niki Papoutsaki, a Greek national formerly married to Aleksandr Maksimenko; and Valentina Maksimenko, a naturalized U.S. citizen also formerly married to Veniamin Gonikman, all three of whom pleaded guilty to obstruction-related charges.

The case was investigated by ICE, the FBI, the IRS, and the State Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Chutkow and Trial Attorney Benjamin J. Hawk of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Ziedas is handling the asset forfeiture part of the case.

Final Defendant Sentenced for His Role in International Conspiracy Involving the Forced Labor of Eastern European Women in Detroit-Area Exotic Dance Clubs | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

MINNEAPOLIS—Earlier this week in federal court, a 59-year-old man from the northern Minnesota community of Grygla was charged in a superseding indictment for sexually abusing two additional girls while on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. On May 21, 2012, Dean Earl Wilkens was charged with one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 and one count of abusive sexual conduct, in addition to the existing three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12. Wilkens remains in custody.

The indictment alleges that between December 12, 2008 and December 12, 2011, Wilkens, an Indian, engaged in sexual acts with each of the three girls. According to a law enforcement affidavit filed in the case, on December 12, 2011, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was informed of one of the assaults. One of the victims had disclosed the abuse to a school official, who contacted law enforcement.

If convicted, Wilkens faces a potential maximum penalty of life in prison on each count. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge. This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Clifford B. Wardlaw.

Because the Red Lake Indian Reservation is a federal-jurisdiction reservation, some of the crimes that occur there are investigated by the FBI in conjunction with the Red Lake Tribal Police Department. Those cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.

Grygla Man Indicted for Sexually Abusing Three Girls | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.