Archive
Alhambra man killed inside police station identified www.privateofficer.com
ALHAMBRA, Calif. May 20 2013– Authorities released the identity of the man who was shot and killed by officers after he brandished a knife inside the Alhambra police station.
Tony Nim, 35, of Alhambra walked into the police station shortly before 7:30 a.m. Friday. He was carrying a black backpack and did not respond to front desk questions asking why he was there.
Police say they tried several languages to communicate with him, but he did not respond. Detectives said officers were concerned the man either had mental problems or was under the influence of drugs.
About five minutes later, Nim pulled out a 12-inch knife out of his backpack. That’s when three officers opened fire, killing him. No officers were injured.
Nim was declared dead at the scene.
Source- KABC
Leader in Philadelphia Ambulance Scam Sentenced to 92 Months in Prison www.privateofficer.com
PHILADELPHIA PA May 15 2013—William Hlushmanuk, a/k/a “Bill Le,” 35, of Philadelphia, was sentenced today to 92 months in prison for his participation in a health care fraud conspiracy involving ambulance services that were not medically necessary.
Hlushmanuk pleaded guilty on February 5, 2013, to health care fraud and conspiring to commit health care fraud. Hlushmanuk admitted that from May 2006 through April 2011, he and his co-conspirators defrauded Medicare and Medicaid by billing for the unnecessary ambulance services. Hlushmanuk recruited and transported patients who were capable of walking, knowing that Medicare does not reimburse for patients who are ambulatory. Hlushmanuk also falsely registered the business in another person’s name because the Pennsylvania Department of Health had previously barred him from owning an ambulance company.
As part of his plea agreement, Hlushmanuk admitted to acting as a leader of the conspiracy. In total, the conspiracy defrauded Medicare and Medicaid of approximately $5.4 million.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Senior Judge John R. Padova ordered Hlushmanuk to pay restitution in the amount of $5.4 million and ordered three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. Invaluable assistance was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Foulkes and Trial Attorney Adam L. Small of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Section
New Jersey Couple Arrested, Federally Charged with Abusing Their Children in Cruel ‘Training’ Program www.privateofficer.com
NEWARK, NJ May 2 2013—A U.S. Army major surrendered to federal agents following his wife’s arrest at their Mount Holly, New Jersey home this morning on charges that they abused their children through neglectful and cruel acts, including by breaking their bones, denying them medical attention, withholding water, and force-feeding them hot sauce, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Carolyn Jackson, 35, and John E. Jackson, 37, formerly of the Picatinny Arsenal Installation in Morris County, New Jersey, are charged in a 17-count indictment with one count of conspiracy to endanger the welfare of a child, 13 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and three counts of assault.
The case falls under federal jurisdiction because the crimes were allegedly committed on a military base. The defendants are scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk in Newark federal court.
“Carolyn and John Jackson are charged with unimaginable cruelty to children they were trusted to protect,” said U.S. Attorney Fishman. “The crimes alleged should not happen to any child, anywhere, and it is deeply disturbing that they would happen on a military installation. Along with the FBI, we will continue to seek justice for our communities’ most vulnerable victims.”
According to the indictment unsealed today:
From approximately August 2005 until April 23, 2010, Carolyn and John Jackson conspired to engage in a constant course of neglect and cruelty towards three children they fostered and then adopted, one of whom died in May 2008. The Jacksons told their three biological children not to report the physical assaults to others, saying that the punishments and disciplinary techniques were justified, as they were “training” the adopted children how to behave.
After John Jackson was informed by a family friend that one of the children had revealed the abuse in the Jackson household, John Jackson reported the breach to Carolyn Jackson, who retaliated against that child with multiple beatings with a belt.
The Jacksons physically assaulted their children with various objects, causing two children to sustain fractured bones for which the Jacksons failed to seek prompt medical attention.
They also withheld proper medical care for their adopted children, withheld sufficient nourishment and food for two of their children, withheld adequate water from two of their children, and, at times, prohibited them from drinking water altogether. The Jacksons even punished an adopted child they caught sneaking food or water and required one of their biological children to prevent that child from drinking out of sinks and toilets.
As another form of punishment, Carolyn and John Jackson forced two of the children to consume food intended to cause them pain and suffering, variously including red pepper flakes, hot sauce, and raw onion. They also caused one child to ingest excessive sodium or sodium-laden substances while being deprived of water, leading to a life-threatening condition.
All the children are currently in the custody of the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency.
If convicted, Carolyn and John Jackson each face a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison on each of the 17 counts with which they are charged. Each count also carries a maximum $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, under the command of Major General David E. Quantock, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa L. Jampol and Elizabeth M. Harris of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Crew members for Richard Childress Racing arrested for fighting at Richmond race www.privateofficer.com
Richmond VA April 29 2013 Two crew members for Richard Childress Racing were taken into custody and charged with assault after what Henrico County police described as a “physical altercation” in the infield area of Richmond International Raceway near the driver-owner lot after the ToyotaCare 250 Nationwide race Friday night.
Michael A. Scearce, 50, of Mount Ulla, N.C., was charged with two misdemeanor counts of assault, Henrico Police Lt. Linda Toney said in a news release. Thomas F. Costello, 35, of Kannapolis, N.C., was charged with one misdemeanor count of assault. The two were charged and released early today.
“One of the two adult male victims has a shoulder injury,” Toney said.
The website for Richard Childress Racing lists Scearce and Costello as crew members for driver Brian Scott, whose team had a confrontation with that of rival Nelson Piquet Jr. on pit road.
The altercation began on the track between Scott and Piquet, who drives for Turner Scott Motorsports. Scott accused Piquet of ramming into him late in the race and doing more damage to his car, which already was damaged from a wreck with 50 laps left in the race.
After crossing the finish line, Piquet said, “A few laps from the end, the 2 (Scott) slid in front of me, I touched him, we both maybe spun, and I passed him. After the race, he door-banged me. He did the same thing to me in Martinsville, and I let that go. I’m not going to take any more from him.”
After being “door-banged” Piquet used his car to bang Scott’s left rear quarter panel, causing Scott’s car to spin, and the two cars ended up facing each other.
Afterward, Scott approached Piquet, there was pushing and shoving and video of the clash shows Piquet kicking, or attempting to kick, Scott below the belt.
“Unfortunately we got caught up in that accident with 50 laps to go and we were trying to limp home to finish,” Scott said. “Nelson ran us up into the wall and did way more damage to the car than what was already there.
“I went to talk to him, he pushed and shoved me and kicked me below the belt, which I thought was a chicken move. This isn’t just a this race deal. He’s got an issue with me from I don’t know when. I’ve just had it.”
The drivers were separated and walked away.
Later, Scearce and Costello were arrested on the assault charges. They were charged and released early Saturday morning.
A court date was not set.
Source- times dispatch
Michigan Mortgage Fraud Ringleader Sentenced to 13 Years www.privateofficer.com
Detroit MI April 10 2013
U.S. Attorney’s Office April 10, 2013
•Eastern District of Michigan (313) 226-9100
A 45-year-old Fenton man was sentenced today to 13 years in prison in connection with a multi-million-dollar mortgage fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced.
Joining McQuade in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley, III, head of the Detroit Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
U.S. District Judge Julian Abele Cook, Jr. also sentenced Ronnie Edward Duke to pay a $1 million fine and $94 million in restitution. Duke led the scheme for close to four years, ending in July 2007 when the FBI executed seven search warrants in metropolitan Detroit and Florida.
The scheme involved more than 450 fraudulent mortgage loans, more than 100 straw buyers, and approximately 180 different residential properties in metropolitan Detroit that were used as collateral for the loans. Most of these loans went into default and foreclosure. The loans ranged from roughly $350,000 to $600,000. Lenders were deceived by counterfeit purchase agreements, fake closing documents, and fictitious title companies that were actually controlled by Duke and his co-conspirators. The warranty deeds and mortgages associated with the majority of the loans went unrecorded, leaving the lenders completely unsecured. Such loans were commonly referred to as “ghost” loans by the defendants during the scheme.
“Mortgage fraud not only harms lenders, but it also affects all of us when foreclosures lead to vacant homes, which reduce property values and create havens for criminal activity,” McQuade said.
“Those who orchestrate and conduct mortgage fraud schemes that steal millions of dollars from innocent victims will face severe consequences for their crimes,” Foley said. The FBI remains committed to pursuing and prosecuting anyone who engages in these illegal acts.”
Fifteen of Duke’s co-conspirators were previously sentenced, including:
•Ryan Andrew Zundel, 38, of Brewton, Alabama—10 years
•Nicole Lynn Rothe (formerly Nicole Lynn Turcheck), 34, of Gibraltar—10 years
•William Camsell Wells, III, 42, of Howell—eight-and-a-half years
•Wilinevah Richardson, 35, of Davison—five years
•Donna Marie Walbrook, 50, of Westland—five years
•Anthony Edward Peters, 75, of Monroe—41 months
•Robert Brierley, 46 of Westland—33 months.
Duke spent his fraud proceeds to operate a car racing business called Hardcore Racing Inc. He purchased numerous sports cars, race cars, boats, motorcycles, and a helicopter. Duke’s co-defendants used their proceeds to finance unrelated businesses and to purchase luxury items, including cars, boats, motorcycles, race horses, residential properties, and travel to the Caribbean and other overseas vacation destinations.
Duke’s criminal history includes embezzlement, credit card fraud, receiving and concealing stolen property, escape, aggravated stalking, and disturbing the peace.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Shaw and Stephen Hiyama and investigated by the FBI, with the assistance of the U.S. Secret Service.
Forty-Four Individuals Indicted in Health Care Fraud and Drug Distribution Scheme www.privateofficer.com
McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Robert L. Corso of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley, III of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Acting Special Agent in Charge Gilbert Salinas of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Lamont Pugh, Special Agent in Charge of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services; Acting Special Agent in Charge William Hayes of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; Detroit Police Chief Chester Logan; and Portsmouth, Ohio Police Chief Robert Ware, II.
The 13-count superseding indictment charges 44 new defendants with a drug conspiracy involving prescription drug controlled substances such as Oxycontin, Opana, Vicodin, and other drugs. Health care fraud charges were filed against 32 of the defendants, while three defendants were charged with money laundering and three defendants were charged with being felons in possession of firearms.
The superseding indictment alleges that Sardar Ashrafkhan, Deepak Kumar, John Check, and David Vezzossi, owners of home health agencies, would provide kickbacks, bribes, and other illegal benefits to physicians to induce them to write prescriptions for patients with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Patients were recruited into the scheme by patient recruiters or “marketers,” who would pay kickbacks and bribes to patients in exchange for the patients’ permitting the pharmacies and physicians to bill their insurance for medications and services that were medically unnecessary and/or never provided. During this conspiracy, prescriptions were presented to the Sav-Max (pharmacist Ahab Elmadhoun), Sav-Mart (pharmacist Waleed Yaghmour), Atrium (pharmacist Krina Patel and manager Sanjay Patel), or Caremax (pharmacist Jayshriben Gandhi and manager Guarang Gandhi) Pharmacies for filling. The medical professionals and health care agency owners would then bill the relevant insurers for services supposedly provided to the patients, without regard to the medical necessity of those prescriptions and services. Some of the pharmacists would bill insurers, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers, for dispensing the medications, despite the fact that the medications were medically unnecessary and, in many cases, never provided. Other times, the pharmacists accepted cash from the recruiters for filling and dispensing medications.
The indictment further alleges a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances by the health care owners, physicians, pharmacies, and recruiters to facilitate the submission of false claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. The home health care owners paid physicians associated with the scheme kickbacks in exchange for prescriptions for controlled substances for their patients which were filled at the respective pharmacies. The controlled substances involved included the Schedule II drug oxycodone (Oxycontin), the Schedule III drug hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab) the Schedule IV drug alprazolam (Xanax), and the Schedule V drug cough syrup with codeine.
The indictment further alleges illegal money laundering by pharmacists Waleed Yaghmour and Ahab Elmadhoun, and also by home health agency owner Sardar Ashrafkhan, a.k.a. “Dr. Khan.” The indictment further alleges individual charges of felon in possession of a firearm against marketers Toney Taylor and Troy Ivory and home health agency owner John Stephen Check.
The 44 new defendants named in the 13-count indictment are
- pharmacist Krina Patel, 35, of Shelby Township
- office manager Sanjay Patel, 39, of Shelby Township
- Jayshriben Gandhi, 43, of Canton
- office manager Guarang Gandhi, 39, of Canton
- pharmacist Ahab Elmadhoun, 40, of Canton
- pharmacist Waleed Yaghmour, 46, of Dearborn
- physician Adelfo Pamatmat, 67, of Farmington Hills
- physician John Geralt, 84, of Beverly Hills
- physician Malik Dababneh, 53, of Oxford
- physician Paul Kelly, 76, of Bath
- physician Ravi Iyer, 42, of Novi
- physician Muhammad Ahmed, 65, of Ypsilanti
- physician assistant Timothy Spencer, 64, of Inkster
- Wayne State Medical School graduate Javar Myatt-Jones, a.k.a. “Dr. Jones,” 33, of Chicago
- foreign medical student Faraj Ghabag, 33, of Oregon, Ohio
- home health agency owners Sardar Ashrafkhan, a.k.a. “Dr. Khan,” 55, of Warren
- home health agency owner Deepak Kumar, 45, of Washington Township
- his assistant Mohammad Mian, 44, of Oak Park
- home health agency owner John Stephen Check, 53, of Dearborn Heights
- business partner co-owner David Vezzossi, 52, of West Bloomfield
- marketer Frederick Till Jackson Sr., a.k.a. “Big Fred,” 52, of Detroit
- marketer Tiffany Walker, a.k.a. “Mary Reed,” 45, of Detroit
- Sierra Walker, a.k.a. “Tosha,” 25, of Detroit
- marketer Toney Taylor, 44, of Detroit
- marketer Jimmy Foster, 35, of Detroit
- marketer James Blake, 32, of Sterling Heights
- marketer Troy Ivory, 47, of Warren
- marketer Jackie Renee Ivory, 32, of Ecorse
- marketer Eric Hester, 40, of Ionia
- marketer Felicia Jackson, 27, of Eastpointe
- marketer Ayesha McCray, 30, of Detroit
- marketer Jamall Gibson, 30, of Eastpointe
- couriers Alfornia Johnson, a.k.a. “Con,” a.k.a “Alex,” a.k.a. “ShiCon,” 34, of Detroit
- Phillip Burnett, a.k.a. “Frank,” a.k.a “Frank Burns,” 33, of Detroit
- Ronnie Moses, a.k.a. “Red,” 23, of Detroit
- Corey Williams, a.k.a. “CoCo,” 44, of Detroit
- William Ashley Smith, a.k.a. “Cash,” of Portsmouth, Ohio
- Robert Scott Dials, 25, of Portsmouth, Ohio
- Cherish Lewis, 26, of Whe! elersburg, Ohio
- distributors Willie David Jackson, a.k.a. “Lil’ Dave,” 24, of Eastpointe
- Lance Hatten, 29, of Columbus, Ohio
- Josh Barnes, 33, of Wheelersburg, Ohio
- Nathan Reed, a.k.a. “Reed,” 31, of Portsmouth, Ohio
- electronic transfer nominee Garland Holman, 30, of Detroit
“The merger of health care fraud and drug trafficking is a disturbing trend that is not only robbing taxpayers but also fueling addictions to prescription drugs,” McQuade said. “Prescription drug abuse has become a national epidemic, with more Americans dying from overdoses than from gunshot wounds.”
Robert L. Corso, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Detroit Field Division stated, “Confronting the illegal diversion and abuse of controlled pharmaceuticals is a top priority of DEA and our law enforcement partners. The indictment alleges that this drug distribution organization includes members of the medical profession who abused their positions of trust and endangered the lives of countless people for pure profit. This was done by illegally distributing opiate painkillers and other controlled prescription medications throughout southeast Michigan and stretching to the southern reaches of Ohio.
This investigation makes it clear that the DEA and our partners in law enforcement will continue to investigate and bring to justice those individuals that are responsible for the illegal distribution of prescription medicines.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Foley stated, “These arrests are the result of countless hours of hard work by the FBI and its law enforcement partners. We remain dedicated to pursuing and prosecuting any individuals who illegally exploit the health care system for their own personal gains.”
Acting ATF Special Agent in Charge Gil Salinas stated, “The combined law enforcement intelligence and resources were crucial in addressing this criminal element and in making our communities safer. ATF continues to pursue the those who continually endanger our communities. I commend the outstanding collaboration of our Violent Crime Task Force and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in undertaking this sweeping investigation.”
Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation added that these crimes committed by doctors and pharmacists were worse than many typical schemes: “These illegal activities are done primarily to make money, and once the money is in the hands of the suspects, it’s hard for them to deny their involvement.”
“The public rightfully expects that doctors will uphold professional standards rather than exploit patients for personal gain,” said Lamont Pugh, III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General’s region including Michigan. “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we will investigate and bring to justice those who harm the Medicare program and taxpayers by fraudulently submitting claims related to illegal diversion and/or distribution of addictive drugs.”
Detroit Police Chief Logan stated, “The investigation of this case exemplifies the strong teamwork between the men and women of the Detroit Police Department and our state and federal law enforcement partners, along with members of the Portsmouth, Ohio Police Department. Having the United States Attorney’s Office prosecute this criminal case will be sending a strong message to those who choose to break the law. Together, we will make a difference.”
Police Chief Robert Ware stated, “Portsmouth is along a corridor of U.S. Route 23, better known as the drug pipeline. The flow of drugs from Detroit to Portsmouth and to neighboring cities such as Huntington, West Virginia, has changed lives and communities forever. Behind the scenes are some very dedicated, hardworking officers, deputies, state troopers, federal agents and prosecutors working together to bring justice to those poisoning our communities. What you have before you today is the culmination of some of those joint efforts to curb the flow of illegal drugs into our neighborhoods.”
Of the 10 defendants charged in the earlier indictment, all have been convicted by pleas over the last year. Those defendants included Detroit and Ohio residents. Several have been sentenced already and others are due to be sentenced in the near future.
The investigation in this case was handled by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Detroit Police Department; Portsmouth, Ohio Police Department; Scioto County Sheriff’s Office; the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation; the U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement’s Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; and the Detroit Violent Crimes Task Force and Michigan State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Terrence R. Haugabook, Michael Martin, and Wayne F. Pratt. They will be assisted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Grey and Gjon Juncaj of the Forfeiture Section.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Four Defendants Sentenced in Timeshare Fraud www.privateofficer.com
Press Release
Defendant Chiaramonte was sentenced to 51 months in prison; defendant Higgins was sentenced to one year and one day in prison; defendant McFarlane was sentenced to 90 months in prison; and defendant Tomasso was sentenced to 42 months in prison.
These defendants participated in a telemarketing boiler room through which telemarketers negotiated to purchase victim-owned timeshares on condition that the victim paid an advanced fee to cover such things as a title search. This fee ranged as high as tens of thousands of dollars. The victims were also told that this fee would be refunded to them at closing together with the money the conspirators were to pay them for the timeshares. None of these purchases ever occurred. In total, the conspiracy victimized over 1,000 people, many of whom were senior citizens, and cost the victims, in aggregate, more than $2.5 million.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and the Boca Raton Police Department. This case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry S. Baron.
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.
Central Virginia couple arrested after stealing 2,000 worth of liquor www.privateofficer.com
RICHMOND, Va. Feb 22 2013 – A Central Virginia couple is charged with stealing more than $2,000 worth of liquor from nine Central Virginia ABC stores. The suspected shoplifters stole bottles of Cognac, tequila, gin and vodka, according to an email from the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Demond Jerome Loney, 35, of Richmond, was charged with 12 counts of grand larceny third offense. Jennifer Patrice Harrell, 34, of Chesterfield County, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit larceny.
The ABC said the pair went on a crime spree from January 23 to February 13 shoplifting from nine stores across Central Virginia. The stores they are accused of stealing from include:
Carytown – Richmond
3100 West Broad St – Richmond
6030 Brook Road- Richmond
7036 Forest Hill Ave. – Richmond
618 West Southside Plaza – Richmond
6504 Hull Street Road – Richmond
4302 South Laburnum Ave. in the Laburnum Park Shopping Center – Henrico County
2610 Buford Road – Chesterfield County
7057 Mechanicsville Turnpike – Hanover County
“Our security system did exactly what it was set up to do,” director of ABC’s bureau of law enforcement Shawn Walker said. “In addition to the enhanced safety and security provided for our customers and employees by the store camera and security systems, valuable footage has been used in the arrest and conviction of shoplifters.”
Both Loney and Harrell are being held without bond in the Richmond jail, according the ABC.
Source-WTVR
New York City Man Sentenced for Entering an Aircraft in Violation of Security Requirements www.privateofficer.com
U.S. Attorney’s Office
FBI
Press Release
BUFFALO, NY Feb 21 2013—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Elvir Ardolic, 35, of New York, New York, who was convicted of entering an aircraft in violation of security requirements, was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. to one year probation with the condition that the defendant does not use drugs or alcohol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that on June 23, 2012, the defendant was a passenger on a JetBlue flight that originated at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, New York, and was destined for Chicago. Ardolic had consumed an excessive amount of alcohol prior to boarding the flight and was intoxicated when he entered the aircraft. During the flight, the defendant demanded to be served alcoholic beverages, and when the flight crew refused, Ardolic became disruptive. Because of the defendant’s behavior, the flight was diverted to the Buffalo International Airport so that Ardolic could be removed. As part of the plea, the defendant made restitution to JetBlue for the cost of making an emergency landing in Buffalo.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Christopher M. Piehota, Special Agent in Charge; officers with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, under the direction of George W. Gast, Chief of Police; and officers with the Transportation Security Administration, under the direction of Derek (Rick) DiPietro, Federal Security Director.
Burlington Coat Factory security agent guilty in theft from customer www.privateofficer.com
FLINT, Mich. – Feb 17 2013
A 35-year-old mall security guard was convicted Thursday of stealing money from a customer’s wallet.
Eddie Lee Woods, 35, of Flint, worked in loss prevention for Burlington Coat Factory at the Genesee Valley Mall in Flint Township.
A customer left her wallet at the cash register after purchasing merchandise on July 23.
Video footage from the store cameras showed the cashier taking the wallet over to the loss prevention office. The cashier can be seen giving it to Woods.
Footage next showed Woods grabbing a hat from a mall display and holding it over his chest.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton says the video captured Woods hiding the wallet as he walked through the store.
Leyton said Woods took $300 in cash from the customer’s wallet before dropping it into a trash can.
Part of the surveillance video had been erased, prosecutors argued Woods purposely erased portions of the video to cover up his actions.
Woods denied taking the customer’s money after police questioned him. He told police, he would never do that because it was his job to put people in jail for such things.
“This man was supposed to be protecting store property and employees as well as the safety and property of customers,” said Leyton. “Instead, he took advantage of a customer’s mistake and exploited it for his own benefit.”
Woods was convicted of larceny in a building, which carries a possible sentence of up to four years in prison.
“This case demonstrates that no case is too small to be fully prosecuted all the way to a trial, if necessary, to achieve justice for victims,” said Leyton.
Woods is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11.
Source-clickondetroit
Eleven South Florida Residents Charged in $34 Million Stolen Identity Tax Refund Scheme www.privateofficer.com
U.S. Attorney’s Office /FBI
PRESS RELEASE
Miami Fla Feb 13 2013
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Jose A. Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Michael B. Steinbach, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office; and Paula Reid, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, announced the unsealing of a 43-count indictment charging defendants 11 South Florida residents with stolen identity tax refund fraud.
Charged in the indictment are Henry Dorvil, aka “D,” 35, of Hollywood; Herve Wilmore Jr., 29, of Aventura; Dukens Eleazard, aka “DK,” 33, of Pembroke Pines; Marie Eleazard, aka “Fanfan,” 32, of Miami; Jesse Lamar Harrell, 26, of Miramar; Luckner St Fleur, aka “Nene,” 32, of Miami; Ruth Cartwright, aka “Princess,” 30, formerly of Plantation; Miguel Patterson, 35, of Miami; Brandon Johnson, 29, of Miami Gardens; John Similien, 24, of Plantation; and Marc Leroy Saint Juste, 26, of Tamarac. Defendants Dorvil, Harrell, Patterson, Johnson, and Saint Juste made their initial appearances in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lurana S. Snow in Fort Lauderdale at 1:00 p.m. today. Defendant Cartwright was arrested in the Northern District of Georgia and will make her initial appearance there. Defendants Wilmore, both Eleazards, St Fleur, and Similien remain at large.
Specifically, each defendant is charged with one count of conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service, commit wire fraud, and commit aggravated identity theft, all in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 371; as well as two counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., §§ 1343 and 2. In addition, defendants Dorvil, Wilmore, Dukens Eleazard, Marie Eleazard, Harrell, St Fleur, Cartwright, Patterson, Johnson, and Similien are charged with two counts of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. §§ 1028A(a)(1) and 2. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of $443,449.07 seized from a bank account; a 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT Premium Sport and 2010 Nissan Maxima registered to defendant Dukens Eleazard; a 2011 Infiniti M37 registered to defendant Marie Eleazard; and a 2010 Porsche purchased by defendant Wilmore.
According to the indictment, the defendants recruited knowing participants and unknowing victims to put businesses, bank accounts, and Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs) in the defendants’ names. The defendants used this information to execute their fraud scheme, including tax refund fraud. The defendants also used the personal identification information of real people, including some deceased, to file false income tax returns with the IRS. In this way, the defendants received IRS refund checks [U.S. Treasury checks and Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) checks] at addresses and bank accounts that they controlled. To avoid having the fraud discovered, the defendants negotiated the fraudulently obtained income tax refund checks at each other’s businesses.
According to the indictment, from about January 2009 through March 2012, the defendants filed with the IRS approximately 6,961 federal income tax returns, requesting refunds totaling approximately $34,096,321. Of the 6,961 field tax returns, 2,763 used the identities of deceased individuals.
U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer, “Stolen identity refund fraud is spreading in South Florida like an out of control wildfire. Two days ago, we announced charges against 14 individuals in six separate cases on charges of stolen identity refund fraud. Today, in just one case, we are charging another 11 individuals who used stolen identities, including that of almost 3,000 deceased persons, to file fraudulent returns seeking close to $35 million in tax refunds. My office, in conjunction with the members of the South Florida Identity Theft Tax Fraud Strike Force, will continue to prosecute these thieves, not just to punish them, but also to deter others from thinking they can get away with stealing honest taxpayers’ hard-earned refunds.”
Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Gonzalez stated, “These defendants conspired to use the personal identification information of taxpayers, including deceased individuals, to file false income tax returns with the IRS. These actions not only pose a serious problem for taxpayers but adversely affect the integrity of our tax system. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to remain vigilant in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those individuals who seek to willfully defraud the United States Treasury and have a blatant disregard for the victims of their schemes.”
“Unfortunately, this is another example of the rapidly growing wave of stolen identity tax refund fraud,” said Xanthie C. Mangum, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Miami Division. “The FBI continues to actively target these fraudsters who seek illicit gains by victimizing hard-working taxpayers.”
Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Paula Reid stated, “The existence of identity theft in the South Florida region is an unfortunate criminal epidemic. At any time, anyone is subject to being a victim. The investigative efforts of the law enforcement community must remain strong and unwavering as the offenders’ continuous success and harm with this stealthy crime cannot prevail.”
If convicted, the defendants face a possible maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy count, 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud and two years consecutive in prison for each count of aggravated identity theft.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI, FBI, and USSS. Mr. Ferrer also thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Labor, and the Social Security Administration for their help on this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Karadbil.
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.
Indictment Charges Former Prison Guard with Smuggling www.privateofficer.com
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Press Release
PHILADELPHIA PA Feb 7 2013—Dion Reid, 35, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged today by indictment with two counts of honest services fraud and two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The indictment alleges that Reid, a former corrections officers employed by the Philadelphia Prison System, conspired and agreed with a prisoner inside the prison to smuggle in marijuana, Xanax pills, tobacco, and cellular telephones.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 50 years’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, a $1 million fine, and a $400 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the City Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Axelrod.
Boulder police officers arrested for killing trophy elk www.privateofficer.com
Boulder CO Jan 26 2013 The two Boulder police officers arrested on suspicion of conspiring to shoot and kill a trophy elk in the Mapleton Hill area Jan. 1 resigned Tuesday, police officials announced.
Officers Sam Carter, 35, and Brent Curnow, 38, turned in letters of resignation to police Chief Mark Beckner, and the resignations are effective immediately.
“The Boulder Police Department does not tolerate this kind of behavior,” Beckner said in a statement. “Police officers and other members of this department will be held accountable for their actions and behavior, and we want the community to know how seriously we take this breach of trust.”
The two men are facing nine charges each — including three felonies — after an arrest affidavit alleged that texts between them show they planned to kill the elk as a trophy.
According to the affidavit, Carter mentioned he planned to shoot the elk as early as Dec. 26.
Chief Beckner and Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett talked to the City Council on Tuesday night about the case, expressing support for the police force despite the charges against two officers.
Beckner addressed police culture concerns — such as information that other officers heard Carter talking about shooting the elk a week before it was killed — by inviting the City Council members to come to a shift briefing later this week to ask the other officers themselves exactly what happened.
“Come to briefing,” Beckner said. “Look these officers in the eye. Ask them your own questions. These officers are as shocked as I am.”
On Jan. 1, Carter — who was on duty — texted Curnow throughout the day about shooting the elk, saying, “He’s gonna die,” according to court documents. After Carter found and killed the elk near Ninth Street and Mapleton Avenue with a shotgun, Curnow, who was off duty, came to haul the carcass away in his pickup truck.
Carter initially told police the elk was injured and that he felt it needed to be put down. But Carter never reported the shooting to his supervisors, and a necropsy of the elk showed no signs the animal had been injured before it was shot.
During the investigation, neighbors who saw the elk in the hours leading up to the shooting said they did not notice injuries and that the animal never appeared to be aggressive.
On Friday, Carter and Curnow were arrested. Both were booked and released on $20,000 personal recognizance bonds.
DA Garnett told the City Council on Tuesday night that he supports the police department and the way the case has been handled.
He described how his prosecutors work closely with police officers and said his high conviction rate at trial reflects the way their police work holds up under scrutiny.
“Obviously, in any organization of a couple of hundred employees, there will, from time to time, be behavioral issues among those employees. Those issues are a top concern to my office due to the importance of maintaining the highest standards in law enforcement and a strong reputation among the public,” he said, reading from a letter to the council.
“What has been particularly satisfying to me and my staff is that on the rare occasion when there has been a difficult issue regarding behavior of a Boulder police officer, we have been able to investigate the issues thoroughly and take appropriate action, not only without interference from Boulder Police Department Command Staff, but with Brent Curnow ( BOULDER COUNTY SHERIFF )their active assistance.”
Garnett said the Boulder Police Department has been much more cooperative than other police departments. He said he assigns one of his top prosecutors whenever a case involves law enforcement officers.
“We take these cases very seriously,” he said.
Mayor Matt Appelbaum said he felt reassured by how the police department responded.
“While this incident is not one we want to see in Boulder, I think it’s been handled exceptionally well,” he said.
The District Attorney’s Office will be notifying defense attorneys of any cases in which the two officers were involved. Garnett said he has strict obligations to inform the defense of potentially exculpatory evidence, including information that speaks to the credibility of the officers involved.
Garnett said he does not know how many cases or which cases might be affected, but nearly all of them would have other police officers involved who could testify.
Carter and Curnow could face prison time and the loss of their official police certification.
Even though both men resigned, the internal personnel investigation will continue, Boulder police said. The officers had been on unpaid administrative leave after the arrest was announced.
Beckner indicated Friday the officers could have been facing termination if they had not resigned. The internal investigation is expected to take a few more weeks.
Carter had been with the Boulder Police Department for five years, and Curnow was with the department for 14 years.
Boulder County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff George — who helped load the elk and texted Carter — was not arrested. He is the subject of an internal personnel investigation by the Sheriff’s Office but has not been placed on leave.
Court documents show Curnow — along with three other Boulder officers — also was the subject of a civil lawsuit alleging excessive force in 1999 during a DUI stop, but a jury sided with the officers in that case.
Source-denverpost.com
Bar bouncer stabbed patron over cover charge www.privateofficer.com
Hanover County PA Jan 6 2013 A bouncer at a Hanover Township bar has been charged with stabbing a man during a Dec. 8 brawl at the business, according to charges filed.
Edwin Cortez, 35, of Nanticoke, is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.
Hanover Township police say Cortez and two other men were collecting a $5 cover charge at the door of Slate Bar when four people arrived, seeking to go inside to buy a 12-pack of beer to go.
Police said the group argued over the fact that the bouncers wouldn’t allow them all in to buy beer and then leave.
Authorities said Cortez was working the door with Justin Catalano and Gabriel Miro.
The would-be customers included Bruce Fine, Jennifer Ruchinski, Jason Girton, and Chastity Girton.
As the argument escalated, police said Cortez told Fine, “Hey, homey, I have something for you” and stabbed Fine in the abdomen. Soon, the entire group was fighting, police said.
Investigators believe Cortez was the stabbing suspect. He told police, according to arrest papers, that the knife used was his and it was in his front right pants pocket prior to the incident. He said he “doesn’t know how the knife got out of his pocket or who stabbed” Fine, police said.
Fine and his friends identified Cortez as the stabber.
After the brawl, police said, the bouncers fled the bar and ran toward the Tractor Supply store near the exit from Route 29. Hanover police tracked Cortez down by the store, arrest papers say. Fine, who spent several days in the hospital, was charged with simple assault and harassment for his role in the fight that left Cortez with injuries, police said.
Police confirmed the suspect and the two others working the door were employed by the bar.
“That’s been confirmed by the investigation. They are employees of the bar,” Hanover Township police Chief Al Walker said.
A message left at the Slate Bar was not immediately returned Friday.
Cortez was arraigned Friday morning by Magisterial District Judge Joseph Halesey and released on $10,000 unsecured bail.
The local office of the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement said it is investigating the incident.
SOURCE-CITIZENSVOICE
West Virginia paramedic killed in crash www.privateofficer.com
Fed indicts 17 in $75 million Charlotte mortgage fraud scheme www.privateofficer.com
Man bluffs having gun while robbing Ohio Kmart of $2,000 worth of video games www.privateofficer.com
Kansas couple charged with lewd behavior in a Walmart pleads not guilty www.privateofficer.com
Hutchinson KS Aug 6 2012 A couple accused of stealing personal lubricant and fondling each other in front of shoppers at a Hutchinson Walmart have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including lewd and lascivious behavior.
Julian R. Call, 22, and Tina F. Gianakon, 35, are accused of getting a little hot and bothered in front of customers Sunday, witnesses told the police, after allegedly shoplifting more than $100 in merchandise, including a tube of K-Y Jelly personal lubricant, Hutchinson police Capt. Troy Hoover said. A Walmart security guard apparently had been watching the pair open product packages and stash items in Gianakon’s purse when Call suddenly put his hand down the woman’s pants, police said.
The pair appeared in Hutchinson municipal court Friday morning to answer charges of lewd and lascivious behavior, theft and criminal damage to property. Both pleaded not guilty, according to a municipal court clerk.
The alleged theft and sexual behavior occurred shortly before 7 p.m. Sunday as customers browsed store shelves at Walmart, 1905 E. 17th St. Call and Gianakon were “not being secretive at all about this as other shoppers were doing their thing,” Hoover said, referring to the sex act.
In addition to the lubricant, police say the pair stole DVDs, styling gel, batteries, slippers, eyeliner, Midol-brand pain reliever and men’s socks.
Both were arrested on site. They were booked into Reno County Jail, each on $1,000 bail. Gianakon bonded out of jail Sunday, Hoover said. Call posted bail the next day.
Both are scheduled to appear for pretrial at 7:45 a.m. Aug. 29 in Hutchinson municipal court. Neither had an attorney as of Friday morning, the clerk said.
Call and Gianakon live at the same Hutchinson address, Hoover said.
Source:www.kansascity.com
NC police arrest 11 people in teenagers brawl www.privateofficer.com
Authorities said it led to the arrests of 11 people accused of taking part it in.
Deputies said the, which occurred According to a Rowan County Sheriff’s Office report, the fight happened on July 14 at the 8000 block of Karriker Road, was all set up by parents and their children. Now, a mother accused in planning it is speaking out.
Lisa Sellers, 35, said the fight was over a break-up between her daughter and a boy. Sellers said she had no part in planning it.
Sellers said her daughter’s ex-boyfriend had been threatening for months that he was going to bring girls over to her house to fight her 15-year-old daughter.
“He said, ‘I’m coming cars deep,’ and like I said, this has been threats that have been made for months now. I didn’t think anything of it. I laughed about it,” said Sellers.
The video posted on YouTube lasted four minutes. In it, Seller’s daughter and another teen can be seen throwing punches at each other and then wrestling on the ground.
Deputies said while that was going on, friends and parents stood by watching and even encouraged the two teens to fight like men.
“My daughter said, ‘I’m going to fight her,’ and I said, ‘If you’re going to fight her you better beat her butt,’” said Sellers.
According to a Sheriff’s Office report, Sellers arranged the fight for her own daughter.
Sellers said that’s not true. She said when the ex-boyfriend got to her home, she tried to kick him and six other people who were with him off of her property.
Seller’s dad also tried to break up the fight, but ended up getting pulled into it. He, too, was later arrested.
Authorities said a total of 19 people were at the fight.
The 11 arrested are all out of jail after posting bail. They are expected to face a judge for their charges on Aug. 28.
The Charges
Sellers was charged with three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, misdemeanor child abuse and affray. Sellers was released after posting a $5,000 bail.
Zachary Nichols, 17, was charged with cyber bullying, affray and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Nicholas was released after posting a $2,500 bail.
Randy Lefler, 55, was charged with affray and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was released after posting a $1,000 bail.
Jonathan Shumake, 19, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Shumake is being held under a $1,000 bail.
Victoria Salters, 17, was charged with cyber bullying and released after posting a $2,500 bail.
Stacy Burg, 30, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and released after posting a $1,500 bail.
Kristen Harwood, 17, was charged with affray. She was released after posting a $700 bail.
Savannah VanCamp, 18, was charged with manufacturing marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She was cited and released.
Richard VanCamp III, 42, was charged with manufacturing marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released after posting a $1,000 bail.
A 15-year-old female juvenile was also charged with manufacturing marijuana, affray and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released to her father.
A 15-year-old male juvenile was charged with affray and released to his parents.
Source:WSOC.com
Mt.Juliet Tn police charge women with impersonating police officer www.privateofficer.com
Mt. Juliet, Tenn. July 25 2012 – A female was arrested over the weekend after she pulled a gun and acted like she was an off-duty police officer at Mt. Juliet’s Charlie Daniels Park.
The incident occurred on Saturday, July 21st, 2012 around 9:30PM when the Mt. Juliet Police Department Communications Center received a call in reference to a female pointing a gun at a male in the parking lot of the city park.
A witness, who called police, told the dispatcher that the female suspect stated she was an off-duty police officer.
Officers quickly responded and located the female suspect inside a white Dodge Neon at the park. She was identified as Holly Hood, 35, of Old Hickory, TN. Also in the vehicle was a male who was identified as Marvin Hood, 40, of Nashville, TN.
Investigation revealed that Holly Hood was not an off-duty police officer. The male, juvenile victim stated that he was driving his vehicle through the parking lot, and Holly Hood yelled for him to stop his car.
After the victim stopped his vehicle, Holly Hood stated that she was an off-duty police officer and ordered him to step out and place his hands on the on top of the car. The victim and many witnesses stated that Holly Hood approached his vehicle and pulled a handgun from her waistband while giving the false impression that she was a police officer.
A search of Holly Hood’s vehicle revealed a .357 Magnum handgun that was described by the witnesses.
Ammunition was also located in her vehicle. Marvin Hood, who was the passenger in Holly Hood’s vehicle, had illegal pills and a small amount of crack cocaine on his person. Marvin Hood is also Holly Hood’s ex-husband.
Neither individual had a valid handgun carry permit.
Residents should be reminded that true Police Officers have both a badge and photo identification card on them. If anyone believes that someone is impersonating a Police Officer, they should call 911 immediately.
Holly Hood and Marvin Hood were arrested and booked into the Wilson County Jail and were charged with the following:
Holly Hood, age 35 of Old Hickory, Tenn.
Aggravated Assault
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
Criminal Impersonation
Marvin Hood, age 40 of Nashville, Tenn.
Simple Possession of a Controlled Substance – Schedule II, III, & VI
Anyone with any information on current investigations or ongoing crime trends is encouraged to call the Mt. Juliet Police Department at (615) 754-2550. Information can also be given anonymously by calling (615) 754-TIPS (8477) or via the Mt. Juliet Police Department website at http://www.mjpd.org/ .
Oregon couple-2 children dead in murder-suicide www.privateofficer.com
DUNDEE, Ore. July 7 2012– Grief counselors were sent to a grade school in Dundee Friday to help friends of two children who were found dead Wednesday along with their mother in a murder-suicide committed by the father.
Randall Engels, 37, Amy Engels, 35, their son Jackson and their daughter Bailey were found shot to death after officers forced their way inside the home just before 5 a.m. on July 4, police said.
Amy Engels, and the two Engels children each died from gunshot wounds to the head, an autopsy showed Friday. Randall Engels died of a single gunshot to the head that was determined to be self-inflicted, according to investigators.
In a May divorce filing, Amy Engels asked for an emergency custody and parenting order, saying her husband had threatened to steal the kids. The order was denied. She had moved out of the home in April.
Counseling support was to be on hand at Dundee Elementary from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday and from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Counselors will also be available during those Monday hours at Chehalem Middle School.
A friend had alerted police after seeing something alarming on social media, according to Newberg-Dundee Police Capt. Jeff Kosmicki.
Police have not released details about that specific message, but KGW did find a comment that was posted on Randall’s Facebook page around 4:30 a.m., Thursday which said, “If she’s gone, I can’t go on.”
The friend requested a welfare check at the home, located near the intersection of 13th and Charles Street, Kosmicki said, and “when the officers arrived, they saw some evidence there had been a crime. That’s what led them to force open the door.”
A former neighbor of the family told KGW that she had witnessed the couple in heated arguments.
“It’s just very sad. It’s terrible. There were two small children,” said former neighbor Rose Stephens. “It was a beautiful family. It’s very heartbreaking,”
The family had lived in the town of Dundee for several years, according to Kosmicki.
Among the people who came by the home to pay their respects Thursday was an 11-year-old boy who said he went to school with Jackson.
“Jackson was a good friend, I will always miss him so much, I’ve known him since second grade,” said Trevor Keely. “He lived a good life. God Bless.”
”It breaks my heart to think that people would do this, It’s very sad,” added Gloria Miller, who also knew the family. “I have four children of my own, I could never ever think of doing something like that.”
Source:kgw.com
Four NC Air National Guard airmen killed in plane crash identified www.privateofficer.com
CHARLOTTE, N.C.July 4 2012 – Four Airmen died and two others were seriously injured when a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) equipped C-130 belonging to the 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard, based here, crashed Sunday evening while fighting a woodland fire in Southwestern South Dakota.
Dead are Lt. Col. Paul K. Mikeal (pronounced like michael), 42, of Mooresville, N.C.; Maj. Joseph M. McCormick, 36, of Belmont, N.C.; Maj. Ryan S. David (pronounced da-veed), 35, of Boone, N.C.; Senior Master Sgt. Robert S. Cannon, 50, of Charlotte.
“Words can’t express how much we feel the loss of these Airmen,” said Brig. Gen. Tony McMillan, 145th AW Commander. “Our prayers are with their families, as well as our injured brothers as they recover.”
Mikeal was assigned to the 156th Airlift Squadron as an evaluator pilot and had more than 20 years of service. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
McCormick was an instructor pilot and chief of training for the 156th Airlift Squadron. He was married with four children.
David was an experienced navigator and was also assigned to the 156th. He joined the North Carolina Air National Guard in 2011 after prior service in the active-duty U.S. Air Force. He is survived by his wife and one child.
Cannon had more than 29 years with the Charlotte unit and was a flight engineer with the 145th Operations Support Flight. He was married with two children.
The names of the injured will not be released. Both of the injured Airmen remain hospitalized.
The crew and its aircraft along with two other 145th C-130s and three dozen Airmen flew from Charlotte to Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo., Saturday to assist with fighting forest fires in the Rocky Mountain region. They were due to move to a base in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Monday. The crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. mountain time near Edgemont, S.D., as the crew assisted with battling what is being called the White Draw fire. The cause of the crash is unknown and is under investigation.
North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue declared that flags be flown at half staff today and President Barack Obama expressed condolences honoring the dead Airmen.
“The support of civil authorities during natural disasters is a key and unique mission of the National Guard,” said Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Lusk, the adjutant general of the North Carolina National Guard “The MAFFS mission is probably one of the seminal missions of the Air National Guard, representing interagency coordination between the Guard and the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense organizations to suppress the fires.”
MAFFS is a joint Department of Defense and U.S. Forest Service program designed to provide additional aerial firefighting resources when commercial and private air tankers are no longer able to meet the needs of the forest service.
MAFFS is a self-contained aerial firefighting system owned by the U.S. Forest Service that can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than 5 seconds, covering an area one-quarter of a mile long by 100 feet wide. Retardant is discharged along the leading edge of a fire while water can be dropped directly on the flames. Once the load is discharged, it can be refilled in less than 12 minutes.
According to Forest Service records, the agency has been working with the North Carolina Air National Guard on fire suppression missions since the early 1970s.
Police -security make dozens of arrests at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center www.privateofficer.com
Jon A. Naumowicz, 36, of Meadowbrook Parkway, Cheektowaga, is charged with two counts of harassment, 2nd, public lewdness and criminal impersonation. Naumowicz allegedly urinated on a female and then got into a physical altercation with the female and a male acquaintance. When security officers intervened in the physical disturbance, Naumowicz displayed a gold badge and identified himself as a Cheektowaga Police Officer. Investigation revealed that Naumowicz had displayed a gold badge that identified Naumowicz is a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician.
Elizabeth M. Czerniak, 22, of Fairview Drive, Alden, is charged with harassment, 2nd, trespass and criminal trespass, 3rd, for allegedly being in an area that she was restricted from being. When Czerniak was approached by security officers she allegedly fought with security guards.
Jamie D. Doelman, 20, of Fox Trace, Lancaster, is charged with two counts of harassment, 2nd, for allegedly striking two individuals in the face.
Daniel J. Jankowiak, 23, of North Star Road, East Aurora, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Jankowiak allegedly interfered and caused a disturbance in the parking lot while deputies were conducting an investigation. When the deputies attempted to place Jankowiak into custody, he attempted to flee from the officers. Jankowiak was caught after a brief foot chase.
Alicia M. Kessel, 22, of Tiverton Court, Derby, is charged with trespass. Kessel allegedly entered the concert venue after having been previously evicted from the concert.
David J. Vattes, 35, was arrested on a violation of probation warrant from Cattaraugus County. Vattes was turned over to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office.
Joseph E. Amadori, 19, of Tillen Road, Boston, is charged with DWI, Driving with BAC of .08 or greater and following too closely after an alleged accident in the parking lot.
The following citations were issued for alleged underage possession and/or consumption of alcohol.
Thomas J. Coleman, 17, of East Avenue, Gasport. Coleman was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, for allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.
Ashley E. Avino, 19, of Woodsfield Drive, Lakeview
Dylan J. Scinta, 17, of Huntingwood Drive, East Amherst
Alexander T. Miller, 18, of Golden Pheasant Drive, Getzville
Evan A. Lang, 18, of Forestbrook Court, Getzville
Rickard K. Woodrow, 18, of Garlow Road, Lewiston
Bridget N. Gromley, 17, of Danbury Lane, Kenmore
Sydney D. Phillips, 20, of Lovers Lane, Batavia
Patricia L. Larkin, 19, of Countryside Lane, Williamsville
Timothy D. Myers, 18, of Oakfield Lane, Williamsville
Stephanie A. Plair, 17, of Westminster Road, West Seneca
Taylor C. Petroff, 17, of Lake Avenue, Orchard Park
Paul W. Kucinski, 17, of Millcreek Drive, East Amherst
Kayla M. Bennion, 17, of Liberty Street, Arcade
Karolyn M. Frangos, 16, of North French Road, Amherst
Benedict C. Ferro, 17, of Emerald Trail, Williamsville
William M. Coyne, 16, of East Avon Road, Avon
Ashley J. Lyskawa, 17, of Pinehurst Court, East Amherst
Rebecca S. Czarniak, 19, of Fairview Drive, Alden
John Zaccarella, 16, of Slusarie Road, North Tonawanda
Daniel J. Harrington, 18, of South Transit Road, Lockport
Dina M. Giancarlo, 18, of Crescent Court, Cheektowaga
Kathryn C. Horvatits, 18, of Katherine Street, Lancaster
Chad M. Mahoney, 19, Sunset Lane, Springville
Andrew J. Baranyi, 19, of Carriagehill Court, Williamsville
Jonathan P. Brannen, 18, of Delemere Road, Williamsville
Ryan J. Winkler, 17, of Deer Ridge, Getzville
Michael A. Nowicki, 18, of Tiburon Lane, East Amherst
Dylan J. Coldiero, 20, of Tucarora Road, Buffalo
JoAnna M. Dunn, 19, of Twilight Lane, Hamburg
Source:The Batavian
Birmingham police officer, third suspect charged in arson www.privateofficer.com
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama June 16 2012– A second Birmingham police officer arrested in connection to an arson investigation has been charged, Birmingham police announced this afternoon.
A third suspect in the case — who is not a city employee — has also been charged.
The officer, Jason Arnold, 35, of Hoover, has been charged with arson and is being held on $150,000 bond. He has been a West Precinct officer since 2009.
The third suspect is Anthony Weaver, 48, of Birmingham. He is charged with arson and is held on $60,000 bond.
These arrests are associated with fires at 2901 Ensley Avenue and 2532 Warrior Road, said Sgt. Johnny Williams.
Already charged is Officer Curtis Jeffrey Thornton, 27, is charged with second-degree arson in connection with a May 21 house fire in the 1700 block of 29th Street Ensley.
Source:AL.com
Old Time Pottery employee-husband arrested for staging robbery www.privateofficer.com
GULF SHORES, Alabama June 7 2012– A Foley woman who claimed she was robbed while making a night deposit at Hancock Bank on Sunday was arrested late Tuesday after Gulf Shores police and Vice, a police service dog, discovered the theft was staged by the woman and her husband, who actually took the cash, according to Sgt. Jason Woodruff.
Dana Molder Berg, 40, was charged with first-degree theft of property and falsely reporting an incident, police said Wednesday.
Andrew George Berg, 35, of Foley was arrested and charged with first-degree theft of property. He is a convicted felon from Colorado and the couple recently moved to the area, according to police.
The night deposit was being made for Mrs. Berg’s employer, Old Time Pottery on Ala. 59 in Foley, about 8 p.m. Sunday, according to Woodruff.
“We were already suspicious,” of her story, Woodruff said. She was very specific in the path the would-be robber took as he ran off and K9 dog Vice went on the exact path and found nothing, according to Woodruff. Police obtained the bank video on Monday and it showed her husband running in the opposite direction, he said.
The video confirmed that Vice was correct all along, police said. Vice’s handler is Officer Jeremy Perry.
Flowerama store employee charged with theft www.privateofficer.com
Sabrina Arnett, 35, was charged in 3rd District Court with theft, a second-degree felony, after Zions Bank alerted the owners of a Flowerama store located at 12288 S. 700 East of possible fraudulent activity.
Between May 30, 2011, and April 30, 2012, Arnett, while employed at Flowerama, refunded $16,785 in transactions onto her personal credit card without the permission of the owners, the charges state.
Owners Helen and Wayne Jenkins said there were no credit card refund receipts in the nightly closing reports, nor had any charges been made to Arnett’s credit card, according to the charges.
Arnett said that she would place money in the cash register and refund the amount to her credit card to alleviate money problems, the charges state.
Source:desert news
Treasurer of Myrtle Beach parent-teacher organization charged with fraud www.privateofficer.com
Myrtle Beach SC May 25 2012 The treasurer of a Myrtle Beach parent-teacher organization was arrested last week on charges she took money from the PTO’s account, according to a report from the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
Julie Allen Herndon, 35, was charged May 15 at the police department with breach of trust with the value greater than $10,000, the report said. She was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.
Teal Britton, spokeswoman for Horry County Schools, said PTO and PTA organizations and booster clubs are all independently governed and elected, and that their finances and procedures of operation are independently handled by each organization.
“The [school] administration doesn’t oversee them, nor do they have any responsibility or accountability for finances within those organizations,” Britton said.
The incident was reported to police April 25 by Constance Briglio, PTO president, the report said. Briglio said she was approached by Cece Nance, principal at Myrtle Beach Primary School, in reference to an anonymous call she received about the PTO’s account with South Atlantic Bank being mishandled. The report said $11,037.48 was missing from the account.
Briglio told Nance she knew nothing in reference to the account, as she was a user on the account and did not take part in the accounting and bookkeeping, the report said. In addition to Briglio, the account’s users were Herndon and Sonia Lyons, co-treasurer.
According to the report, Briglio then followed up with the bank to inquire about the account balance, and she was advised by customer service representative Carol Vaci that it was approximately $950, but she could not recall the exact amount.
Briglio advised the bank that there was an error, and that the account balance should have been between $10,000 and $12,000, the report said. Afterward, the bank provided Briglio with records that showed debit transactions where money was withdrawn from the PTO’s account and transferred into Herndon’s personal Chase account.
The report said transactions were made Jan. 18 for $2,167.27; Feb. 27, $2,064.04; March 19, $2,608.69; April 12, $2,898.93; and April 16, $1,298.55. Briglio produced bank records indicating the first four transactions were paid to a Chase account via the Internet and belonging to Herndon, and that the fifth transaction was a check made out to Herndon.
Briglio said the total amount of funds used by Herndon for her own personal use totaled $11,037.48, the report said. Briglio said bank records also showed a total of $5,000 paid back to the account from Herndon’s personal account at South Atlantic Bank.
Briglio followed up with PTO board members, the report said. She advised them of the situation and told them she was going to file a police report.
Source:www.myrtlebeachonline.com
CT women charged in felony retail theft in Concord NH www.privateofficer.com
CONCORD NH May 15 2012- Two Connecticut woman are under arrest after police recovered merchandise stolen from local stores as well as from businesses across New England – in the back seat and trunk of their car.
Jennifer Collins, 36, and Rebecca Gargiulo, 35, both of West Haven, Conn. were arrested after police received a call Thursday afternoon from employees at Jo Anne Fabrics on Storrs Street about two women stealing goods from the store.
The employees watched as the women left the store and got into a car with a Connecticut license plate. Police pulled them over on Loudon Road at Exit 14.
A large amount of stolen merchandise was found piled up in the back seat, along with several black trash bags filled with stolen goods, according to a press release. Police said the trunk also was filled with stolen merchandise.
Stolen items included numerous packages of Frontline, which is a tick and flea treatment for pets, Flexi Explore retractable dog leashes, and about a dozen pair of shears.
Investigators determined the property was stolen from several stores in Concord and many others throughout New England.
Collins and Gargiulo were both charged with organized retail crime enterprise. Collins faces additional charges of possession and transportation of a controlled drug.
Both are being held on $50,000 cash bail, pending arraignment Friday in 6th Circuit Court, Concord District.
Source:union-leader
Former Elgin Police Department community service officer pleads guilty to thefts www.privateofficer.com
Elgin YL May 12 2012 A former Elgin Police Department community service officer pleaded guilty Thursday to felony misconduct for taking $1,500 from the department in August 2010.
Sarai Villarreal, 35, of the 300 block of South Clifton Avenue, Elgin, will be on probation for 30 months and must perform 200 hours of community service.
Kane County Assistant State’s Attorney Adam Katz said Villarreal also must repay the $1,500 to the department.
The top penalty for the misconduct charges was five years in prison, but probation was an option
Until the 2010 charges, Villarreal did not have a criminal record and that was a factor in the plea agreement, in which Kane County authorities dropped felony theft charges that carried a maximum sentence of seven years.
Judge James Hallock accepted the plea from Villarreal, a nine-year city employee who resigned after a warrant was issued for her arrest in early September 2010.
Villarreal was accused of stealing money on three occasions — Aug. 7, 12 and 24, 2010 — when she worked the front desk at the department and accepted payments from the public. An internal audit system tipped off police.
Cesar Valdez, her attorney, could not immediately be reached for comment.
Elgin Police Cmdr. Glenn Theriault declined to comment on the outcome of the case and noted that no new security changes have been made for employees who handle money since Villarreal’s arrest.
“We had sound practices in place, which is what allowed us to identify this issue right away,” Theriault said.
Source:daily herald
