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Criminal Law News
May 09, 2008
Defendant Charged in West Covina Rental Property Scheme Faces 29 New Counts
WEST COVINA – The fugitive landlord who last week was charged with seven counts of grand theft for renting the same property to numerous families now faces 29 new counts.
More.... .
May 08, 2008
Defendant Charged in West Covina Rental Property Scheme Faces 29 New Counts
WEST COVINA – The fugitive landlord who last week was charged with seven counts of grand theft for renting the same property to numerous families now faces 29 new counts.
More.... .
May 07, 2008
EX-LONG BEACH POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED TO OVER 8 YEARS IN PRISON FOR INVOLVEMENT IN HOME-INVASION ROBBERIES
Former Long Beach Police Officer Joseph Ferguson was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for his role in a series of home-invasion robberies over a two-year period.
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May 06, 2008
Bell Gardens Councilman Indicted on Charges of Embezzling Campaign Funds
LOS ANGELES – An indictment alleging that Bell Gardens City Councilman Mario Beltran embezzled campaign funds to pay his legal defense in a successful criminal prosecution of him last year was unsealed today when the defendant was arraigned in Los Angeles Superior Court.
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May 05, 2008
Two LAUSD Administrators Charged for Failure to Report Child Abuse
LOS ANGELES – Charges have been filed against the principal and assistant principal of a South Gate high school who allegedly knew about a sexual encounter between a student and a teacher but failed to report the information as required by law and Los Angeles Unified School District policy.
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May 02, 2008
IMMIGRATION OFFICER ARRESTED IN BRIBERY CASE
A former adjudication officer with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) was arrested today on federal bribery charges for allegedly taking $2,500 from an alien who was seeking permanent legal resident status in the United States.
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May 01, 2008
CONNECTICUT MAN SENTENCED TO 30 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR CRIMINAL COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
Forty Defendants Convicted In Operation Copycat To Date
SAN FRANCISCO – U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced today that David M. Fish, 26, of Woodbury, Conn., was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in San Jose, Calif., to 30 months in prison on charges of criminal copyright infringement and circumvention.
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April 30, 2008
Phony Lawyer Pleads Guilty; Sent to Prison for Six Years
LOS ANGELES – A man who stole the identity of an Army Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer and illegally practiced law was sentenced today to six years in state prison after pleading guilty to felony theft charges.
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April 29, 2008
COLOMBIAN MONEY LAUNDERER EXTRADITED FROM TRINIDAD
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Jorge Hernan Ospina-Zuluaga, charged as Hernan Ospina, appeared before Magistrate Judge Nita L. Stormes in San Diego today and was arraigned on an indictment handed up on March 23, 1995, charging Ospina with conspiracy to launder drug trafficking proceeds and money laundering.
April 28, 2008
SENTENCING SET FOR JULY 11, 2008 AFTER FIVE SAMBADO FAMILY MEMBERS ENTER GUILTY PLEA
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that LAWRENCE J. SAMBADO, 70, BEVERLY A. SAMBADO, 71, of Linden, California; and RICHARD J. SAMBADO, 43; TIMOTHY M. SAMBADO, 45; and MARIE JOSEE DUSABLAN-SAMBADO, 42, all of Stockton pleaded guilty today before United States District Court Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr. to federal felony offenses relating to the skimming of income from their businesses.
April 25, 2008
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY JOSEPH P. RUSSONIELLO ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ANNEMARIE CONROY AS LAW ENFORCEMENT COORDINATOR
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced the appointment of Annemarie Conroy, J.D., M.A., as Law Enforcement Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California. As Law Enforcement Coordinator, Ms. Conroy will chair the District’s Law Enforcement Coordination Committee and direct the District’s Project Safe Neighborhood and Weed and Seed programs. Ms. Conroy’s primary responsibility will be to maximize the use of federal resources to meet crime abatement objectives of mutual interest to federal, state and local agencies. She will serve as the United States Attorney’s chief liaison to local law enforcement officials, including District Attorneys, County Sheriffs and Police Chiefs throughout the Northern District of California, as well as to State of California and federal law enforcement agencies.
April 24, 2008
FORMER MERCURY INTERACTIVE CFO INDICTED IN STOCK OPTIONS BACKDATING SCHEME - Backdated Stock Option Exercise Dates To Reduce Income Taxes
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello and Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Scott O’Briant announced a federal grand jury in San Francisco indicted Sharlene P. Abrams with tax evasion and aiding in the preparation of false tax returns related to a stock options backdating scheme.
April 23, 2008
Women Convicted of Insurance Murders of Two Homeless Men
LOS ANGELES – A jury returned the final two guilty verdicts today in the case of two women convicted of befriending homeless men, then murdering them to collect $2.8 million in life insurance.
April 22, 2008
GRAND RAPIDS WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY IN MURDER-FOR-HIRE SCHEME
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—ANN MARIE LINSCOTT, 49, of Rockford, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to charges in a murder-for-hire scheme. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Charles R. Gross, and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California, McGregor W. Scott, announce today that LINSCOTT pled guilty to all three counts in the indictment that charged her with using facilities in interstate commerce with intent to cause the murder of a California resident.
April 21, 2008
Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening A Federal Witness
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Kent Douglas Trego pled guilty today in federal court in San Diego to threatening a volunteer of the Animal Protection and Rescue League (“APRL”).
April 18, 2008
Suspect Injured while Fighting with Officers
Los Angeles: A suspect sustained a minor head injury during a struggle with police officers.
On Friday, April 11, 2008 at around 11:30 p.m., Hollenbeck officers responded to a Los Angeles Fire Department request for help at the scene of a domestic violence incident. Juan Carlos Lupercio, 37, was holding a female victim at knifepoint.
April 17,2008
FORMER IRS REVENUE AGENT CHARGED IN INVESTMENT SCAM THAT SOLD UNREGISTERED SECURITIES IN INTERNET COMPANIES
Scam Bilked Investors across the Country out of more than $10 Million
April 16, 2008
Alleged Female Gang Member Charged With Murder of LAX Employee
LOS ANGELES – A murder charge was filed today against an alleged female gang member in connection with the killing of a Los Angeles International Airport employee, shot to death at an intersection in South Los Angeles.
April 15, 2008
Account Manager to Hollywood Clients Charged with Embezzlement
LOS ANGELES – A business management firm employee charged with embezzling more than $700,000 from two high-profile clients – including the late Academy award-winning actor Charlton Heston – was arrested today.
Deputy District Attorney Marisa Zarate of Major Fraud Division said Sharon M. Walker, 56 (dob 01/19/52), is charged in case No. BA338882 with two counts of grand theft by embezzlement with special allegations, three counts of forgery and five counts of filing false tax returns between 2001-05.
April 14, 2008
DEFENDANTS PLEAD GUILTY TO MAKING UNAUTHORIZED GRADE CHANGES AT FRESNO STATE
FRESNO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that JOHN ESCALERA, 29, of Fresno, and GUSTAVO RAZO, JR., 28, of Pasenda, California, pleaded guilty this morning before United States District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill to conspiring to commit honest services wire fraud and identity theft related to a grade-changing scheme involving California State University, Fresno.
April 11, 2008
EIGHT MORE CHARGED WITH PASSPORT FRAUD AS PART OF OPERATION DUSTBUSTER
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello and Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Durkin announced additional results of Operation Dustbuster, a cold case investigation targeting individuals who made misrepresentations on United States passport applications as far back as 10 years ago.
April 10, 2008
Man Charged with Murdering Girlfriend, Attempting to Kill Police Officers
LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles man involved in a standoff with police last week after the shooting death of his girlfriend was charged by the District Attorney’s office today with murder and attempted murder.
April 09, 2008
ARCADIA MAN AGREES TO PLEAD GUILTY TO OPERATING SCAM THAT TOOK AT LEAST $7.8 MILLION FROM VICTIMS
An Arcadia man has agreed to plead guilty to federal wire fraud and contempt of court charges related to an investment scheme that defrauded dozens of victims out of at least $7.8 million.
April 08, 2008
Former Attorney Sentenced To Federal Prison and Ordered To Pay $4.5 Million In Restitution To Victims
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Cameron Campbell, formerly an attorney based in La Jolla, California, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in San Diego by the Honorable Barry Ted Moskowitz to serve 63 months in federal custody, based on Campbell’s convictions for conspiracy and wire fraud. In addition to the custodial sentence, Judge Moskowitz ordered that Campbell serve a three-year term of supervised release following his release from prison and pay over $4.5 million in restitution to the victims in the case.
April 07, 2008
Transient Sent to Prison for Life for Murders of Screenwriter, Physician
LOS ANGELES – Keven Lee Graff, a 31-year-old ex-Marine and drifter who admitted murdering a screenwriter and physician at their Hollywood homes in 2004, was sentenced today to two consecutive terms of life without the possibility of parole following an emotional hearing in which the loved ones of both victims described the personal devastation caused by the killings.
April 04, 2008
EX-MORTICIAN CHARGED WITH EMBEZZLEMENT AND BANK FRAUD
SACRAMENTO—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that TRENT MARK DAVIS, 43, of New Iberia, Louisiana, made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Dale A. Drozd in Sacramento this afternoon following his indictment and arrest for 21 counts of bank fraud.
April 03, 2008
Woman Charged with Felony Stalking of Actor
VAN NUYS – A 33-year-old woman arrested over the weekend outside John Cusack’s home was charged today with stalking the actor.
April 02, 2008
Former Gardena Chamber of Commerce Employee Charged with Grand Theft, Forgery
TORRANCE -- Charges have been filed against a 52-year-old Lawndale woman accused of embezzling more than $40,000 from the Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce, the District Attorney’s Office announced today.
April 01, 2008
FORMER C.E.O. OF ELECTRONICS FIRM SENTENCED TO 97 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON AND ORDERED TO PAY OVER $3 MILLION IN RESTITUTION FOR DEFRAUDING LENDING BANKS AND INVESTORS
The former chief executive of a Southern California electronics company who was convicted of defrauding lending banks, falsifying books and records, lying to accountants and filing false financial statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission was re-sentenced today to 97 months in federal prison.
March 31, 2008
Parolee Convicted of Skid Row Stomping Murder
LOS ANGELES – A parolee who stomped a woman to death on Skid Row two years ago was convicted of murder today by a Superior Court jury. The jury returned the second-degree murder conviction against 54-year-old Gregory George Hampton after a day’s deliberation. Hampton faces a 15-year-to-life prison term when he returns to court on April 24 for sentencing by trial judge Marcelita C. Haynes.
March 28, 2008
DRUG DEALERS FROM DOS RIOS PUBLIC HOUSING COMPLEX SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON IN TWO SEPARATE CASES
SACRAMENTO—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that BRIAN PARKER, 33, of Sacramento, and MATEA MALAE, 20, of Sacramento, were sentenced today by United States District Judge Morrison C. England, Jr. to five years and three years respectively in federal prison. PARKER pleaded guilty to sales of crack cocaine in December 2007 and MALAE pleaded guilty to the same charge in January 2008.
March 27, 2008
Jury Recommends Death for Azusa Gang Member Convicted of Killing Four
LOS ANGELES – A jury recommended the death penalty today for an Azusa gang member it convicted of four murders, including the racially motivated killing of a 16-year-old African-American boy in 1999.
March 26, 2008
ROCKLIN WOMAN DUBBED “THE GRANDMA BANK ROBBER” PLEADS GUILTY TO ARMED BANK ROBBERY AND TO DEFRAUDING HER FORMER EMPLOYER
SACRAMENTO—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that VALERIE HARRIS, 50, of Rocklin, California, pleaded guilty on Monday, March 24, 2008, to a single count of armed bank robbery and six counts of bank fraud before United States District Court Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr.
March 25, 2008
INDICTMENTS ANNOUNCED IN MAJOR MORTGAGE FRAUD SCHEME
Federal law enforcement officials discuss ongoing efforts to combat mortgage fraud in region.
SACRAMENTO—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott; FBI Special Agent in Charge Drew Parenti; and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Scott O’Briant announced today the indictment of 19 individuals for mortgage fraud-related offenses under Operation Homewrecker. The leader of this nationwide scam is CHARLES HEAD, 33, of Los Angeles, California, who targeted homeowners in dire financial straits, fraudulently obtaining title to over 100 homes and stole millions of dollars through fraudulently obtained loans and mortgages.
March 24, 2008
Brother of Slain Teen and Associate Charged with Murder, Other Counts
LONG BEACH – Two teenage boys were charged as adults today in connection with a gang-related murder last summer.
March 21, 2008
Vice President Stephanie Jensen Sentenced to 4 Months in Prison and a $1.25 Million Fine
SAN FRANCISCO: The United States Attorney's Office announced today that Stephanie Jensen, the former human resources vice president at Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. of San Jose, California, was sentenced to four (4) months in prison and ordered to pay a $1,250,000 fine stemming from her fraudulent backdating of stock options at Brocade.
March 20, 2008
FORMER NFL PLAYER AND CURRENT HIGH SCHOOL COACH ARRESTED ON FEDERAL WIRE FRAUD CHARGES
A former player with the Tennessee Titans was arrested this morning for allegedly defrauding at least one victim by falsely promising to secure funding for a construction project in Mexico and spending the victim’s “deposit.”
March 19, 2008
VALLEY TRIO SENTENCED IN FRAUD AGAINST TARGET STORES - Two Serving Prison Time for Their Roles in the Fraud
SACRAMENTO—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that the last of a trio of identity thieves was sentenced today by United States District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton. NATOSHA SAUNDERS, 22, of Sacramento, received a three-year term of probation, including six months of home detention for credit card fraud and identity theft.
March 18, 2008
Two Charged with Murdering Federal Employee at ATM Machine
LOS ANGELES – A man and woman from Inglewood were charged with capital murder today in the fatal shooting of an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection worker who was killed at an ATM in West Los Angeles.
McKenzie Carl Bryant, whose street moniker is “Little Fire Bug “ and Enjoli Elan McClendon were arrested last week by detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division. McClendon, 22 (dob 3/8/1986), was arrested on Thursday. Bryant, 23 (dob 8/18/1985), was picked up a day later.
March 17, 2008
Azusa Gang Member Convicted of Murdering Four; Prosecutors Seeking Death Penalty
LOS ANGELES – A Superior Court jury who yesterday convicted an Azusa gang member of murdering three people returned a final guilty verdict in the case today -- determining that he murdered a woman he believed was a “snitch” in 2003.
March 14, 2008
FOLSOM MAN INDICTED FOR PONZI-TYPE FRAUD
SACRAMENTO—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott, FBI Special Agent in Charge Drew S. Parenti, and IRS Special Agent in Charge Scott O’Briant announced today that a federal grand jury returned a 30-count indictment charging STEFAN A. WILSON, 44, of Folsom, with 16 counts of wire fraud, three counts of mail fraud, six counts of money laundering, five counts of monetary transactions in criminally derived property, and one count of tax evasion. The indictment also contains a criminal forfeiture allegation. The charges stem from WILSON’s operation of an investment scheme called CIC Investment Fund.
March 13, 2008
Gang Member Charged with Murder of High School Football Player
LOS ANGELES – An alleged gang member was charged today with the shooting death of a Los Angeles High School football player, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
March 12, 2008
FORMER SAN DIEGO POLICE OFFICER AND ASSOCIATE SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO CONSPIRING TO POSSESS FIREARMS WITH SILENCERS
Former Police Officer and Associate Sought Guns with Obliterated Serial Numbers and Silencers to Commit Armed Robberies
March 11, 2008
FRESNO CAREER-CRIMINAL CONVICTED ON 16 COUNTS OF CONSPIRACY, CREDIT CARD FRAUD, AND IDENTITY THEFT
FRESNO—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today KEITH DAVID GOODWIN, 30, of Fresno was convicted late Tuesday afternoon of conspiracy, nine counts of credit card fraud, four counts of identity theft, and four counts of aggravated identity theft stemming from identity theft, purchasing goods using fraudulently obtained credit cards, and selling the goods to local contractors. The guilty verdict was returned by a federal jury in Fresno after a 20-day trial before United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii.
March 10, 2008
Two Men Charged in Harbor Gateway Shooting
LONG BEACH – An Eastside Torrance gang member and an associate were charged today with nine felony counts for the shooting of a 6-year-old boy in the Harbor Gateway area on Tuesday.
March 07, 2008
Van Nuys Gang Member Convicted of Murder
VAN NUYS -- A 17-year-old gang member was convicted of murder today for the shooting death of a former Los Angeles Police Department explorer scout.
March 06, 2008
FORMER CALIFORNIA PAROLE AGENT SENTENCED IN CIVIL RIGHTS OFFENSE FOR GROPING SUPERVISEE
SACRAMENTO—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that RONALD TRAVIS, 56, of Elk Grove, a former California Parole Agent, was sentenced today before United States Magistrate Judge Dale A. Drozd in connection with a federal civil rights misdemeanor offense ....
March 05, 2008
OPERATION SECURE PASSPORT II LEADS TO FEDERAL CHARGES AGAINST MORE THAN TWO DOZEN WHO USED FALSE IDENTITIES
An enforcement operation by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service has led to the filing of criminal charges against 27 defendants who allegedly acquired or attempted to acquire United States passports with false identities. The operation, which resulted in the latest arrest this morning, targeted individuals who applied for passports – sometimes successfully – through various fraudulent means.
March 04, 2008
Alleged Gang Member Charged with Bus Stop Shooting
LOS ANGELES -- A 24-year-old Gardena man accused of shooting into a crowd -- injuring eight people, including five children -- at a South Los Angeles bus stop last week was scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon.
March 03, 2008
MASTERMIND OF $314,000 SALINAS ROBBERY SENTENCED
SAN JOSE – United States Attorney Joseph Russoniello announced that Jorge Lopez, 37, of Salinas, was sentenced to 96 months in prison and 3 years supervised release by United States District Judge Jeremy Fogel in San Jose for robbery in violation of the Hobbs Act and firearms charges. This conviction is the result of an extensive investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, and the FBI.
February 29, 2008
FORMER ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR OF WRITERS GUILD FUND CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY IN THEFT OF UNION FUNDS
A former assistant administrator of a Writers Guild fund and another woman were charged today with conspiring to embezzle $17,228.61 by creating a bogus beneficiary of a union fund that paid union members for their works that were sold, distributed and aired abroad.
February 28, 2008
Transient Pleads Guilty to Slayings of Former Screenwriter, Physician
LOS ANGELES – A 31-year-old transient pleaded guilty today to the 2004 slayings of a former screenwriter and his next door neighbor.
February 27, 2008
FORMER HEDGE FUND MANAGER SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON IN SECURITIES FRAUD CASE
The founder of an investment firm that operated a hedge fund called the GLT Venture Fund was sentenced today to the statutory maximum penalty of 60 months in federal prison for lying to investors about his fraudulent operation that resulted in approximately $6 million in losses to investors.
February 26, 2008
Brown Settles Antitrust Lawsuit Against Barr Pharmaceuticals
LOS ANGELES—California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today settled an antitrust lawsuit that charged Barr Pharmaceuticals with taking $20 million for keeping off the market a cheaper, generic version of the oral contraceptive Ovcon.
February 25, 2008
Son Charged with Father’s Dismemberment Murder
LOS ANGELES – A Crenshaw area man was charged today with murdering his father, then dismembering the corpse and dumping the remains before setting them on fire.
February 22, 2008
School Police Officer Convicted of Multiple Counts of Sexual Assault
LOS ANGELES – A 34-year-old Los Angeles School Police officer was convicted today for sexually assaulting a woman during a traffic stop last year.
February 21, 2008
PROJECT SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS EFFORT YIELDS A 77-MONTH SENTENCE FOR FIREARMS VIOLATION
FRESNO—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that WILLIAM SOUNDARA, 27, of Fresno, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Oliver W. Wanger to 77 months imprisonment. SOUNDARA pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm by Judge Wanger on December 3, 2007.
February 20, 2008
Suspects Arrested in Statue Thefts
Los Angeles: Brazen thieves responsible for the theft of five separate bronze statues and sculptures in Wilshire Area and the City of Beverly Hills were taken into custody.
February 19, 2008
Man Sentenced to 90 Years to Life for 2001 Murder, Assault in Temple City
ALHAMBRA – A 49-year-old man convicted of murdering a Temple City woman and wounding her husband in 2001 was sentenced today to a 90-year-to-life prison term.
February 18, 2008
HUSBAND AND WIFE PLEAD GUILTY TO LARGE-SCALE MARIJUANA CONSPIRACY
CHARGES INVOLVING MARIJUANA GROW HOUSES IN NAPA COUNTY, FAIRFIELD,
AND ELK GROVE
SACRAMENTO—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that defendants DAREN WALLACE GLOSSER, 33, and his wife, SHANNON LEA SELLE, 30, both formerly of Napa County, pleaded guilty on February 14, 2008, before United States District Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr., to conspiracy to manufacture at least 1,000 marijuana plants and distribute marijuana.
February 15, 2008
COOK SENTENCED FOR SMUGGLING DRUGS INTO PRISON
A former resident of Blythe who was convicted last year of participating in a drug distribution conspiracy, which included the distribution of drugs in Ironwood State Prison, has been sentenced to 41months in federal prison.
February 14, 2008
Alleged Party Crashers Charged with Murder, Attempted Murder
LONG BEACH – Two teenagers – one 19 the other 16 – were charged with murder today in connection with the shooting deaths of two teenagers at a birthday party in a Masonic Hall in Long Beach.
February 13, 2008
YOUNG ‘BOTHERDER’ PLEADS GUILTY TO INFECTING MILITARY COMPUTERS AND FRAUDULENTLY INSTALLING ADWARE
A well-known juvenile member of the “botnet underground” pleaded guilty this afternoon to delinquency charges related to his use of “botnets” – armies of compromised computers – to surreptitiously install adware on computers, including military computers.
February 12, 2008
Rapper “The Game” Pleads No Contest
LOS ANGELES – The rap artist known as “The Game” pleaded no contest today to possession of a firearm in a school zone in connection with a 2007 pickup basketball game.
February 11, 2008
RUSSIAN WOMAN WHO ADVERTISED FOR SPOUSE ON CRAIGSLIST.ORG CONVICTED OF MARRIAGE FRAUD
A Russian national who married a man after he responded to her craigslist.org advertisement seeking a spouse so she could stay in the United States has been convicted of federal charges related to the bogus marriage.
February 08, 2008
Court Revokes Citizenship Following Convictions For Immigration Fraud
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Abderahman Ben Khemis Dhaoui was sentenced today in San Diego federal court by the Honorable John A. Houston to serve four months in custody based upon convictions after trial for conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, making false statements on immigration and naturalization applications, and unlawful procurement of naturalization. As a result of his conviction for unlawful procurement of naturalization, the district court revoked his citizenship and ordered him removed from the United States.
February 07, 2008
SACRAMENTO POLICE ARREST OF DRUG TRAFFICKER RESULTS IN 18 YEAR FEDERAL PRISON SENTENCE
Sacramento—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that MICHAEL E. SLATON, also known as Michael Todd, 45, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr. to serve 18 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system, and SLATON will be required to serve at least 85% of the prison time imposed. The defendant pleaded guilty in May 2007.
February 06, 2008
Father, Son Convicted in Shooting Death of Neighbor
SAN FERNANDO – An Arleta man was convicted today of murdering his neighbor, who was fatally shot nearly two years ago during a dispute. His son was convicted of assault.
February 05, 2008
JOSHUA HEDLUND CONVICTED FOR BERKELEY MARIJUANA GROW
Defendant Forfeits Land and Money and Consents to Searches of Thousands of Acres of Land in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties
February 04, 2008
Man Pleads Guilty To Sale Of An Unapproved Medical Device
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Bruce Perlowin pled guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Louisa S. Porter to the sale of an unapproved medical device. In connection with his guilty plea, Perlowin admitted that he sold the “Energy Wellness” machine ...
February 01, 2008
Teenage Boy Charged with Murder of 13-Year-Old Victim
LONG BEACH – A 17-year-old boy was charged with murder today in connection with the stabbing death of a 13-year-old victim, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
January 31, 2008
LAPD Officer, Wife Plead Guilty to Petty Theft
POMONA – A Los Angeles Police Department officer and his wife pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of petty theft, the District Attorney’s Office announced today.
January 30, 2008
Kidnapper Arrested after Long Pursuit
Los Angeles: Kidnapper arrested after leading police in a long chase early Saturday morning.
On January 26, 2008, at about 2:00 a.m., Rampart officers received a radio call “Assault with a Deadly Weapon In Progress” at the 200 block of North Toluca Street.
January 29, 2008
Man Charged with Attempted Murder of Gardena Police Officer
TORRANCE – Attempted murder and other felony charges were filed by the District Attorney’s office today against a 21-year-old Carson man in connection with the shooting and wounding of a Gardena police officer earlier this month.
January 28, 2008
MEMBER OF EAST BAY IDENTITY THEFT RING SENTENCED TO 57 MONTHS
OAKLAND – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced that yesterday Daniel Armstrong, a/k/a Maurice Shabazz, 27, of Berkeley, California, was sentenced for his involvement in an identity theft ring which included using a stolen identity to commit bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, and for violating a term of supervised release from a previous conviction also associated with identity theft.
January 25, 2008
Kopp Convicted of Transnational Arms Trafficking
On Tuesday, January 22, a court convicted Daniel Kopp of illegally trading arms with several countries, and sentenced him to four years and nine months in prison.
January 24, 2008
Anti-Gun Activist Sent to Prison for Illegally Selling Assault Weapons
LOS ANGELES – An anti-gun activist and alleged gang member who for the past decade has run a publicly funded organization called “No Guns” was sentenced today to spend eight years in state prison for selling assault weapons during an undercover sting operation.
January 23, 2008
Convicted Hacker Charged with Extortion, Other Technology-Related Counts
SAN FERNANDO – A 23-year-old convicted computer hacker has been charged with attempted extortion and faces several new technology-related charges, the District Attorney’s Office announced today.
January 22, 2008
FOUR BAY AREA TAX RETURN PREPARERS CHARGED WITH PREPARING FALSE TAX RETURNS
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello and Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Scott O’Briant, announced the federal grand jury indictments of four fraudulent tax return preparers in the Northern District of California. With the tax deadline for filing tax returns approaching, IRS officials today issued a warning to citizens, especially those in the business of preparing fraudulent tax returns, and those trusting their returns to tax return preparers, that federal tax authorities continue to dedicate resources to prosecuting those who assist others in preparing fraudulent tax returns.
January 21, 2008
CASTRO VALLEY MAN SENTENCED TO 24 MONTHS FOR MONEY LAUNDERING AND FELONY POSSESSION OF A FIREARM
OAKLAND – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced that today Kirby Ward Blackmon pleaded guilty to money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956, and felony possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), and was sentenced to two years in prison.
January 18, 2008
Man sentenced for Sheriff’s Deputy Murder, Attempted Robbery
LONG BEACH – A 21-year-old man who fatally shot an off-duty Sheriff’s deputy was sentenced today to 29 years to life in prison, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
January 17, 2008
FIVE YEARS IN PRISON FOR TAKEOVER OF ONLINE BANK ACCOUNT
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that SHARON D. RICHARDS, 43, of Sacramento was sentenced today by United States District Judge William B. Shubb to five years’ imprisonment. The defendant pleaded guilty to bank fraud and computer fraud before Judge Shubb on October 29, 2007.
January 16, 2008
Former LAPD Detective Pleads Guilty to Insurance Fraud
LOS ANGELES – A former detective who worked for a security company while collecting Injured-On-Duty (IOD) pay pleaded guilty today to one felony count of insurance fraud and immediately resigned from the Los Angeles Police Department as part of the disposition of the case.
January 15, 2008
SANTA CRUZ RESIDENT CHARGED WITH BEATING HARBOR SEALS
Defendant charged with violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act
SAN JOSE – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced that William Lester Johnsen, age 37, of Santa Cruz, California has been charged with unlawfully taking a marine mammal, in violation of Title 16, United States Code, Sections 1372(a)(2)(A) and 1375(b). Under 16 U.S.C. § 1362(13), the term “take” includes harassing any marine mammal.
January 14, 2008
PINOLE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO OPERATING AN ILLEGAL MONEY TRANSMITTING BUSINESS TO TRANSMIT MONEY TO SYRIA
Defendant admits to sending over 4.8 million dollars to Syria through intermediary countries including Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, and China.
January 11, 2008
Criminal Charges Filed Against Man Accused of Using Child as a Shield
SAN FERNANDO – Kidnapping and other felony charges were filed by the District Attorney’s Office today against a 25-year-old man accused of kidnapping an 18-month-old toddler and using her as a shield to hold off police.
January 10, 2008
Parolee Pleads in Girlfriend’s Murder
VAN NUYS – A parolee pleaded guilty today to murdering his girlfriend in 2006, the District Attorney’s office announced.
January 09, 2008
Montebello Man Charged with Murder of Toddler Son
LOS ANGELES – A 23-year-old Montebello man who allegedly shot and killed his toddler son late last week was charged with murder today, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
January 08, 2008
Alan Ralsky, Ten Others, Indicted in International Illegal Spamming and Stock Fraud Scheme
WASHINGTON - A federal grand jury indictment was unsealed today in Detroit charging 11 persons, including Alan M. Ralsky, his son-in-law Scott K. Bradley, and Judy M. Devenow, of Michigan, and eight others, including a dual national of Canada and Hong Kong and individuals from Russia, California, and Arizona, in a wide-ranging international fraud scheme involving the illegal use of bulk commercial e-mailing, or "spamming."
January 07, 2008
EX-FINANCE DIRECTOR OF SOKA UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA INDICTED ON FEDERAL CHARGES OF EMBEZZLING $1.7 MILLION
The former finance director and chief investment officer of Soka University of America appeared December 21, 2007 in federal court in Santa Ana following his indictment Wednesday on federal charges of embezzling Soka's funds over the course of seven years and laundering the money by funneling it through sham Soka bank accounts that he created.
January 04, 2008
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE COUPLE INDICTED FOR MARIJUANA MANUFACTURE
Sacramento-- United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a federal grand jury returned a two count indictment charging TAMARA ALLEN,43, and CHRISTOPHER LILLER, 34, both residents of South Lake Tahoe, California, with conspiracy to manufacture and manufacture of marijuana.
This case is the product of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the South Lake Tahoe- El Dorado Narcotics Enforcement Task Force (SLEDNET).
January 03, 2008
Charges Filed Against Man Accused in the Traffic Deaths of Two in Hollywood
LOS ANGELES – The 21-year-old driver of a BMW that collided with two cars in Hollywood early Saturday was charged today with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
January 02, 2008
TWO FOUND GUILTY IN $34 MILLION FRAUD SCHEME INVOLVING ORANGE COUNTY OUTPATIENT SURGERY CENTER
A federal jury convicted two women for their roles in a $34 million scheme to defraud health insurance companies by billing for unnecessary medical procedures performed at Santa Ana’s Millennium Outpatient Surgery Center (MOSC).
January 01, 2008
Self-proclaimed Leader of Earth Liberation Front Pleads Guilty To Demonstrating The Use of a Destructive Device
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Rodney Adam Coronado, a self-proclaimed leader of the radical environmental group Earth Liberation Front (“ELF”), pled guilty today in federal court in San Diego before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Miller to a one-count felony indictment charging him with demonstrating the use of a destructive device.
December 31, 2007
Claremont Man Charged in Old Town Pasadena Shooting
PASADENA – Attempted murder and assault charges were filed by the District Attorney’s office today against an 18-year-old Claremont man accused of shooting another young man the day after Christmas during an altercation in Old Town Pasadena.
December 28, 2007
Parolee Charged in North Hills Sex Attacks
SAN FERNANDO – A 24-year-old parolee was charged today in connection with alleged sexual attacks on three women and a 4-year-old girl in the North Hills area of the San Fernando Valley.
December 27, 2007
LAPD Officer, Wife Charged with Grand Theft
POMONA – A Los Angeles Police Department officer and his wife were arraigned today on suspicion of grand theft, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
December 26, 2007
FEDERAL AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES JOIN FORCES TO FEDERALLY PROSECUTE GANG MEMBERS HELD IN AREA JAILS
Nearly two dozen Southern California gang members awaiting release from area jails and state prisons are facing new criminal charges today as a part of “Operation Winter Warning,” an expanded effort to target incarcerated foreign national gang members for federal prosecution.
December 25, 2007
BROOKLYN RABBI AND SEVERAL ASSOCIATES CHARGED IN SOPHISTICATED TAX FRAUD AND MONEY LAUNDERING SCHEME
The Grand Rabbi of Spinka, a religious group within Orthodox Judaism, was arrested this morning along with several associates charged in an indictment that alleges a wide-ranging conspiracy to defraud U.S. government agencies, to operate a underground money transfer system and to launder money through an Israeli bank.
December 24, 2007
CONCERT VIOLINIST INDICTED FOR FALSE REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE AND CONSIGNMENT OF FINE INSTRUMENTS
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Joseph Hokai Tang of Eugene, Oregon made his initial appearances in federal court in San Francisco on December 17, 2007 before United States Magistrate Judge Maria-Elena James and United States District Judge Marilyn Hall Patel. A federal grand jury in San Francisco had previously indicted Mr. Tang on charges of mail and wire fraud in connection with the sale and consignment of fine violins, violas, and bows. Mr. Tang is scheduled for his next appearance in federal court in San Francisco on January 14, 2008 before Judge Patel.
December 21, 2007
MEMBERS OF MONTREAL-BASED TELEMARKETING SCAM NAMED IN FRAUD INDICTMENT ISSUED BY U.S. GRAND JURY
Ring Targeted Elderly Victims who Lost at least $1 Million in Canada, U.S.
December 20, 2007
ALTADENA MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON IN HEALTH CARE FRAUD SCHEME THAT BILKED MEDICARE OUT OF $7 MILLION
The owner of a Pasadena-based outfit that recruited patients to receive home health care in a scheme that defrauded Medicare out of more than $7 million has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison.
December 19, 2007
Four Defendants Sentenced In Operation Funk 49
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that four defendants prosecuted federally in “Operation Funk 49 ” were sentenced today in San Diego before United States District Court Judge Larry A. Burns in connection with their guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine, and money laundering.
December 18, 2007
Man Pleads Guilty To Robbing Two Banks
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that John Gordon Mastro pled guilty in federal court in San Diego, California to a two-count indictment charging him with bank robbery. Mastro entered his guilty plea before Magistrate Judge Jan M. Adler, subject to final acceptance of the plea by United States District Court Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz, at the time of sentencing.
December 17, 2007
Former Football Player Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Benjamin Leon Coleman, a former San Diego Charger, tendered pleas of guilty today to an Information charging him with 10 counts of submitting false loan applications, one count of using a false social security number, one count of aggravated identity theft, and two counts of tax evasion. The pleas were tendered before United States Magistrate Judge Barbara Lynn Major, subject to final acceptance of the plea by United States District Judge Dana M. Sabraw, at the time of sentencing. Mr. Coleman has been ordered to appear for sentencing before Judge Sabraw on February 29, 2008, at 9:00 a.m.
December 14, 2007
FOLSOM COUPLE SENTENCED FOR DEFRAUDING CAL WORTHINGTON AND EVADING FEDERAL TAXES
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that SUSAN MICHELLE PRUETT, 39, and KENNETH R. PRUETT, 45, of Folsom, were sentenced today by United States District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton to 51 months and 21 months in prison, respectively. On July 31, 2007, MICHELLE PRUETT pled guilty to mail fraud and three counts of tax evasion, and KEN PRUETT pled guilty to the three tax evasion charges.
December 13, 2007
DOCTOR INVOLVED IN ‘RENT-A-PATIENT’ SCAM SENTENCED TO NEARLY FIVE YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON
A physician who pleaded guilty to defrauding insurance companies out of approximately $1 million by billing for unnecessary surgical procedures – including “sweaty palm” surgery – has been sentenced to 58 months in federal prison.
December 12, 2007
Internet-Based Threat against University Results in Arrest
Los Angeles: On December 8, 2007 the Los Angeles Police Department's Major Crimes Division arrested 21-year old Carlos Huerta for making criminal threats. The senior at Loyola Marymount University was taken into custody at 10:15 this evening near his apartment on campus.
December 11, 2007
Retail Burglary Scheme Busted in San Diego
SAN DIEGO—California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that two Texan shoplifters will be arraigned today on commercial burglary charges for buying and returning $375,000 in stolen goods at retailers including Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Victoria’s Secret and Gap across 34 states.
December 10, 2007
FRESNO MAN CHARGED WITH MARIJUANA GROWS AFTER HOUSE FIRE
FRESNO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in Fresno indicted ANDY LIENG, aka Xi Andy Lieng, Jr., aka Andy Xi Lieng, Jr., 39, of Fresno, California, for the cultivation over 1,000 marijuana plants.
December 07, 2007
Alleged Tagger Charged in 2006 Valinda Murder
WEST COVINA – A 20-year-old man was charged today with murder in connection with last year’s fatal shooting of a Valinda man who was trying to stop taggers in his neighborhood.
December 06, 2007
Man Sentenced To Serve 69 Months In Federal Prison For Using Internet To Commission A Murder-For-Hire
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Thomas Ryan Knight was sentenced today in federal court in San Diego by United States District Judge Larry A. Burns to serve 68 months in custody based on Knight’s conviction for his use of interstate facilities in pursuing the commission of a murder-forhire. Judge Burns also ordered Knight to serve a three-year term of supervised release. Knight entered his guilty plea on September 13, 2007.
December 05, 2007
FORMER OWNERS OF SAN FRANCISCO CLOTHING FACTORIES SENTENCED TO PRISON AFTER CONVICTIONS FOR CONCEALING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FROM BANKRUPTCY COURT
SAN FRANCISCO/SAN JOSE/OAKLAND – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Toha “Jimmy” Quan was sentenced on November 30, 2007 to serve four years in prison for committing bankruptcy fraud. Quan’s wife, Anna Wong, was sentenced to serve fourteen months in prison for the same offenses. The sentence is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service.
December 04, 2007
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR EMPLOYEE PLEADS GUILTY TO STEALING CO-WORKERS' VACATION PAY
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that ROBERT JOSEPH THOM, 45, of Oceanside, California, pled guilty today to ten counts of wire fraud before United States District Judge Edward J. Garcia.
December 03, 2007
WIFE OF FORMER TOP TEN MOST WANTED FUGITIVES SENTENCED FOR MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS TO FEDERAL AGENTS
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Maleka May was sentenced today to six months home confinement as part of a three year term of probation and ordered to serve 240 hours of community service in lieu of a fine. This sentence is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States Marshals Service.
November 30, 2007
San Gabriel Valley Man Sentenced for Shooting a Reserve Officer, Estranged Wife
POMONA – A La Verne man who shot a reserve Glendora police officer and later, shot his estranged wife was sentenced today to life in prison, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
November 29, 2007
VENICE CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY STEPHEN YAGMAN SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR ATTEMPTED TAX EVASION, CONCEALING ASSETS FROM U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT
Venice civil rights attorney Stephen G. Yagman was sentenced late today to 36 months in federal prison for his conviction earlier this year on charges of attempting to evade the payment of more than $100,000 in federal income taxes and committing bankruptcy fraud.
November 28, 2007
O.C. MAN WHO EMBEZZLED OVER $1 MILLION FROM MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP SENTENCED TO 18 MONTHS
A former supervisor at Mercedes-Benz of Laguna Niguel was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $1 million in restitution for engaging in a scheme to embezzle from the car dealership.
November 27, 2007
Man Charged with Murders of Father, Sister; Bodies Dumped in Two Counties
LOS ANGELES – A 33-year-old man was charged today with the capital murders of his father and sister, whose bodies were dumped in Santa Barbara and Fresno counties.
November 26, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO RESIDENT PLEADS GUILTY TO FILING FALSE CLAIMS WITH THE IRS
Defendant filed false tax returns using names and social security numbers purchased from Craigslist
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools and Special Agent in Charge Scott O’Briant of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation announced today that Roger Lexin Mai pleaded guilty to 17 counts of making or presenting false claims to the Internal Revenue Service. This guilty plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
November 23, 2007
“Escaping Justice” Fugitive to Stand Trial for Murder, Attempted Murder
LOS ANGELES – Alvaro Luna Jara, who fled to Mexico to avoid being prosecuted in connection with the drive-by-shooting of a 12-year-old boy in 1998, was ordered to stand trial today.
November 22, 2007
EL DORADO HILLS BUSINESS OWNERS INDICTED IN CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OF DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS
SACRAMENTO-- United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a federal grand jury returned an eight count indictment today, charging MARY MARGARET DONNELLY, aka Mary Margaret Wittekind, 54, and MICHAEL GALEN DONNELLY, aka Michael Hubbs, 48, both of Cameron Park, California, with conspiracy to defraud the Social Security Administration of disability insurance benefits.
November 21, 2007
FALSE STATEMENT IN PASSPORT APPLICATION LANDS SACRAMENTO MAN IN JAIL
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that AMWAAR ALI MUHAMMAD, 32, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to making a false statement in the application for a United States passport before United States District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton.
November 20, 2007
BICYCLIST CONVICTED OF ILLEGAL TRAIL RIDING IN PROTECTED WILDERNESS AREA
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Steven N. Gravenites, 45, was convicted of possession of a bicycle in a wilderness area by a federal magistrate judge yesterday. The guilty verdict followed a bench trial before United States Magistrate Judge Bernard Zimmerman. This conviction is the result of citations originally issued by Park Rangers in the Point Reyes National Seashore on June 21, 2007.
November 19, 2007
Four Plead Guilty to Conspiracy and Wire Fraud Charges
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Alejandro Lopez, Emilio Lopez, Ravinderjit Singh Sekhon, and Linda Velasquez each pled guilty today in federal court in San Diego to conspiracy and wire fraud charges. The defendants entered their guilty pleas before United States Magistrate Judge Nita L. Stormes, subject to final acceptance of the pleas by United States District Court Judge Marilyn L. Huff at the time of sentencing.
November 16, 2007
TASK FORCE TARGETS MS-13 GANG, INCLUDING LEADER OF LOS ANGELES FACTION 16 GANG MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES ARRESTED ON FEDERAL NARCOTICS, IMMIGRATION CHARGES
Capping a two-year investigation, federal, state and local law enforcement authorities this morning took into custody a total of 26 members and associates of the MS-13 gang, arresting the gang’s No. 1 “shot caller” in the Los Angeles area, as well as top leaders of several cliques of the gang.
November 15, 2007
GLENDALE MAN SENTENCED FOR USING ATM CARDS SKIMMED FROM DOLLAR TREE STORES -ONE MORE SUSPECT SOUGHT
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that PARKEV KRMOIAN, 45, of Glendale, California, was sentenced by United States District Judge D. Lowell Jensen to 41 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution for $258,612.23 in fraudulent ATM withdrawals linked to card data skimmed from transactions at Dollar Tree stores in the Central Valley and Oregon. KRMOIAN previously pleaded guilty to bank fraud for using skimmed ATM cards to withdraw funds from a bank in Glendale, California.
November 14, 2007
Father and Son Plead Guilty for Conspiracy to Steal Trade Secrets
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that John K. Norris and his son, Matthew K. Norris tendered pleas of guilty today in federal court in San Diego before United States Magistrate Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo, subject to final acceptance of the plea by United States District Judge M. James Lorenz, at the time of sentencing, to one count of conspiracy to steal trade secrets from The Imperial Group, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1832. John Norris is a former employee of The Imperial Group.
November 13, 2007
RINGLEADER IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA IDENTITY THEFT SCHEME IS SENTENCED
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that TERRY LEE PARKER, 41, of Cottonwood, California, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Frank C. Damrell in Sacramento, California.
November 12, 2007
THREE ADDITIONAL DEFENDANTS ARRESTED IN SCHEME TO HACK INTO FRESNO STATE UNIVERSITY’S COMPUTER SYSTEM TO MAKE UNAUTHORIZED GRADE CHANGES
FRESNO- United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that late Wednesday afternoon a third and final defendant was arrested by law enforcement on an outstanding warrant issued on October 25, 2007 after a federal grand jury in Fresno returned an indictment charging LARRY DONNELL JONES, 31, CHRISTINA MICHELLE DAVIS, 35, both of Anchorage, Alaska, and ANTONIO LAMAR PRATT, 32, of Fresn/Clovis, with conspiracy, honest services wire fraud, unauthorized access of computer and identity theft related to a grade changing scheme perpetrated against California State University, Fresno.
November 09, 2007
ED JEW, MEMBER OF THE SAN FRANCISCO BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, INDICTED ON CHARGES OF FRAUD, BRIBERY AND EXTORTION
Indictment Alleges that City Supervisor Accepted Cash Bribes from Beverage Stores in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that a federal grand jury in San Francisco today indicted Supervisor Edmund Jew on charges of mail fraud, bribery, and extortion in connection with an alleged scheme to solicit cash bribes from tapioca drink shops which had licensing issues with the San Francisco city government.
November 08, 2007
DEFENSE CONTRACTOR FOUND GUILTY OF BRIBING FORMER CONGRESSMAN RANDALL “DUKE” CUNNINGHAM
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that today a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts against defense contractor Brent Roger Wilkes, who was accused of bribing former Congressman Randall “Duke” Cunningham. Wilkes was found guilty of conspiracy, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering.
November 07, 2007
OPERATION BELL BOTTOMS TARGETS COUNTERFEITING, NARCOTICS OPERATION IN LOS ANGELES-AREA CLOTHING STORES
A multi-agency task force this morning arrested a dozen people who face federal charges, including narcotics trafficking, selling counterfeit goods and crimes designed to conceal large sums of cash from authorities.
November 06, 2007
CONCORD MAN CHARGED IN $13 MILLION MORTGAGE FRAUD SCHEME
Defendant is Fugitive and Should be Considered Armed and Dangerous
OAKLAND – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that a federal grand jury in Oakland indicted Edward Batayeh, a.k.a. Ed Bhataybh, on charges that he executed a mortgage fraud scheme to defraud financial institutions of over $13 million and committed tax evasion. The defendant, the Executive Vice President and CFO of CHL Mortgage Group fled from FBI Special Agents last November. CHL Mortgage Group (CHL), Batayeh’s former company was located at 2000 Crow Canyon Place, Suite 400, in San Ramon, California. Bateyah’s residence is located at 4290 Chloe Drive, Concord, California. Anyone with information regarding Mr. Bateyah’s whereabouts should contact the FBI at 415-553-7400. Bateyah should be considered armed and dangerous.
November 05, 2007
SACRAMENTO WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO HIJACKING ONLINE BANK ACCOUNT
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that SHARON D. RICHARDS, 43, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to bank fraud and computer fraud before United States District Judge William B. Shubb.
November 02, 2007
WOODLAND MEN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR TAX EVASION IN CONNECTION WITH SACRAMENTO TIRE STORE
SACRAMENTO - United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that MOHAMMAD AHAD PARVEZ, age 41, and IJAZ GHANI, age 36, both of Woodland, California, were sentenced to 16 months imprisonment and 10 months of imprisonment/home detention, respectively, for tax evasion.
November 01, 2007
Sheriff’s Deputy Accused of Physical Abuse of Young Family Member
LOS ANGELES – A Sheriff’s deputy was charged today with corporal injury to a child and other felony crimes stemming from her alleged treatment of an 8-year-old family member who was living with her at the time, the District Attorney’s office announced.
October 31, 2007
Man Charged in Sexual Assault Murder of Elderly Woman
TORRANCE – A capital murder charge was filed today against a 24-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting and fatally beating a 76-year-old woman in Gardena last month.
October 30, 2007
GRANDMOTHER AND GRANDDAUGHTER TO APPEAR ON MAIL FRAUD CHARGES
Two Defendants Allegedly Defrauded the Department of Housing and Urban Development of Over $126,000 During Eight-Year Scheme
October 29, 2007
CITRUS HEIGHTS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FELONY BANK FRAUD, AGGRAVATED I.D. THEFT,
CREDIT CARD FRAUD, AND POSSESSION OF STOLEN U.S. MAIL
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that BRIAN TRAVIS BAKO, 20, of Citrus Heights, California, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton, to four felony offenses related to his scheme to steal money from local merchants and federally-insured financial institutions by means of fraud and identity theft.
October 26, 2007
Attorney General Brown Vows To Investigate Price Gouging
LOS ANGELES -- California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that the Department of Justice is prepared to investigate and prosecute businesses that attempt to “wrongfully profit” from the devastating fires that have swept Southern California.
October 25, 2007
FEDERAL-LOCAL TASK FORCE DISMANTLES HUGE HEROIN RING
23 indicted by federal grand jury for conspiracy; approximately 500 law enforcement personnel join forces to conduct multiple searches and arrests.
October 24, 2007
OWNER OF LUCKY CHANCES CASINO PLEADS GUILTY TO TAX EVASION
Agrees to pay more than $591,000 in additional taxes
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools and IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Scott O’Briant announced that Rene Medina, owner of Lucky Chances Casino in Colma, pleaded guilty to three counts of tax evasion. These charges are the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
October 23, 2007
HUSBAND AND WIFE SENTENCED IN DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES CORRUPTION PROBE
Investigation Resulted in 11 Defendants Pleading Guilty to Felony Charges
OAKLAND – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced today that a husband and wife that took bribes to assist individuals in obtaining bogus drivers’ licenses were sentenced today for their roles in a corruption ring run from the Claremont branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). United States District Court Judge D. Lowell Jensen sentenced Jose Ramirez, 25, of San Leandro, to 18 months in federal prison, and Judge Jensen sentenced Ramirez’s wife, Raylynn Brooks, 29, to 5 years of probation. Ramirez and Brooks previously had pled guilty to one count of conspiring to commit honest services mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.
October 22, 2007
Brown Responds To City Attorney’s Request To Sue In Quo Warranto
SAN FRANCISCO -- California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued an opinion granting the San Francisco City Attorney’s request to bring a civil action in quo warranto to remove Supervisor Ed Jew from office. Brown’s opinion takes no position on the merits of the case but acknowledges that substantial questions of fact and law warrant review by a court.
October 19, 2007
LOCAL DOCTOR ORDERED TO PAY $25,000 FOR USING NON-FDA APPROVED DRUG ON PATIENTS
SACRAMENTO -- United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced that TIMOTHY J. ROSIO, M.D., age 53, of Cameron Park, was sentenced today by United States Magistrate Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to pay a fine of $25,000. The defendant pleaded guilty on June 1, 2007, to receipt and delivery of a misbranded drug and misbranding a drug held for sale.
October 18, 2007
OPERATOR OF SUNNYVALE KOREAN HOSTESS BAR SENTENCED TO PRISON
Defendant Harbored Aliens and Evaded Taxes on Income from Hostess Bar
SAN JOSE– United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Sue Yun Song, age 48, was sentenced yesterday to 30 months in prison, and ordered to pay a $422,000 fine for her involvement in a conspiracy to harbor aliens and tax evasion. These sentences are the result of an investigation by agents of the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety, the San Francisco Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division.
October 17, 2007
SAN JOSE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO MONEY LAUNDERING
United States Attorney Urges People to Beware of “Chinese Inheritance” Scam
SAN JOSE – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Shiu Chau Wang, also known as Alex Wang, has pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Jeremy Fogel.
October 16, 2007
ASSISTANT PLEADS GUILTY TO $1.4 MILLION MAIL FRAUD AND TO FILING A FALSE TAX RETURN
Fraud Victim Was Over Ninety Years Old
SAN JOSE – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Suzie Moy Yuen pleaded guilty last week to mail fraud and to filing a false tax return. The plea was entered before United States District Judge James Ware.
October 15, 2007
BAY AREA MAN CHARGED WITH SEX TRAFFICKING OF A 16 YEAR OLD GIRL IN CONTRA COSTA AND MARIN COUNTIES
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that a Melvin Parker, Jr., 32,
of Richmond, California, was arraigned yesterday before the Honorable James Larson, Chief
Magistrate Judge, on charges of Sex Trafficking of a Minor. The complaint alleges that over a
period of weeks Parker made a 16 year old girl work for him as a prostitute in Contra Costa and
Marin counties. This charge is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, with the assistance of the San Rafael Police Department.
October 12, 2007
PORTERVILLE MAN IS SENTENCED TOSEVENTY-EIGHT MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR POSSESSING FIREARMS
FRESNO- United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that TALAL ALI CHAMMOUT, 48, of Porterville, was sentenced this afternoon to 78 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Oliver Wanger for being a felon in possession of 45 firearms.
October 11, 2007
TWO ATTORNEYS AT IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM PLEAD GUILTY IN RELATION TO VISA FRAUD SCHEME
A name partner and an attorney at one of the West Coast’s largest immigration law firms have pleaded guilty to charges related to the filing of fraudulent employment visa applications on behalf of foreign nationals, including some of the law firm’s own workers.
October 10, 2007
Second Man Convicted of 1999 Murder of Woodland Hills Investor
VAN NUYS – A man who was tracked down after he was profiled on “America’s Most Wanted” was convicted today of murdering a Woodland Hills investor during a 1999 follow-home robbery and carjacking of the victim’s Bentley.
October 09, 2007
Fashion Designer Indicted by Grand Jury
LOS ANGELES – A suspected serial rapist who allegedly used the Internet to lure young female models to Los Angeles has been charged in a 59-count indictment with sexually assaulting 20 women, the District Attorney’s office announced.
October 08, 2007
FORMER CAMPBELL BUSINESSMAN AND ASSOCIATES SENTENCED IN FRAUDULENT SCHEME TO SELL CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSITS
Many clients who purchased long-term “zero coupon” CDs were elderly
SAN JOSE – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that three defendants who were involved in a scheme to defraud investors, many of them elderly, were sentenced this week. United States District Court Judge James Ware sentenced Mark C. Selby, 48, formerly of Campbell, California, to serve 18 months in prison. Kummel Heir, 46, of San Jose, was placed on five years probation, to include 12 months of home confinement and the payment of a $15,000 fine. Walter Zlotnicki, 63, of Thousand Oaks, was placed on two years probation. Mr. Selby and Ms. Heir each pleaded guilty on March 28, 2006 to one count of mail fraud. Mr. Zlotnicki pleaded guilty on April 30, 2007 to a superseding information alleging misprision of a felony.
October 5, 2007
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER OF INTERNET PHARMACY PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL DISTRIBUTION OF WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS OVER THE INTERNET
SAN JOSE – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that on Monday, October 1, 2007, Denis Leborgne, 43, of Wilmington, North Carolina pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Ronald M. Whyte to conspiring to illegally distribute controlled substances, including phentermine, which is a Schedule IV controlled substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846. Leborgne admitted that between May 2005 and December 2005 he conspired with Andrew Thomas Russo and David John, both indicted co-conspirators, to establish and operate United Care Pharmacy (“UCP”) in Wilmington, North Carolina.
October 04, 2007
FUGITIVE DUBBED “THE GRANDPA BANK ROBBER” GUILTY OF SERIAL BANK ROBBERY
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that WILLIAM MICHAEL LEVIN, 58, of Sacramento, California pleaded guilty today to two felony counts of bank robbery before United States District Court Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr.
October 03, 2007
Three Charged With Capital Murder In Fatal Shooting of Plastic Surgeon
LANCASTER – Three men were charged today with the July 5, 2006 murder of a noted plastic surgeon at his sprawling ranch in the Antelope Valley, the District Attorney’s office announced.
October 02, 2007
RING LEADER IN BUTTE COUNTY I.D. THEFT CONSPIRACY PLEADS GUILTY
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that JODI LYNN GARCIA, 31, of Paradise, California, pled guilty this morning to two federal conspiracy offenses, a single count of bank fraud, and a single count of aggravated identity theft before United States District Judge Frank C. Damrell Jr.
October 01, 2007
ARIZONA COUPLE INDICTED ON CHARGES OF DEFRAUDING DEFENSE DEPARTMENT AND NORTHROP GRUMMAN BY OBTAINING $2.6 MILLION FROM BOGUS CONTRACTS
Federal authorities are searching for a former employee of the Northrop Grumman Corporation and his wife, who were indicted yesterday for causing the defense contractor to pay approximately $2.6 million for materials that were never delivered and using contract proceeds to fund their lavish lifestyle.
September 28, 2007
MAN ARRESTED ON CHARGES THAT, DESPITE COURT ORDER AND PRIOR GRAND JURY INDICTMENT, HE CONTINUED TO SELL TO DENTISTS ADULTERATED AND UNAPPROVED MEDICAL DEVICES
A man who until recently lived in San Dimas has been arrested on charges contained in a second indictment that accuse him of selling devices designed to clean dental equipment, even though they are not approved by the FDA, he was previously ordered to stop selling the devices and he was previously indicted for similar conduct.
September 27, 2007
LONG BEACH MAN INDICTED FOR SMUGGLING RARE AND ENDANGERED IGUANAS INTO U.S. IN HIS PROSTHETIC LEG
A resident of Long Beach, California was indicted today on federal smuggling charges for bringing into the United States several extremely rare iguanas after stealing them from a nature preserve in the Republic of the Fiji Islands and concealing them in his prosthetic leg.
September 26, 2007
CONSPIRATOR IN BUTTE COUNTY IDENTIFICATION THEFT RING PLEADS GUILTY TO BANK FRAUD, POSSESSION OF STOLE U.S. MAIL AND CONSPIRACY
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that HEATHER MICHELLE WILSON, 34, of Chico, California, pled guilty yesterday to federal conspiracy, possession of stolen United States mail, and bank fraud charges before United States District Judge Frank C. Damrell Jr.
September 25, 2007
Founder of Nonprofit Center Charged With Conspiracy, Embezzlement, Tax Fraud
LOS ANGELES – The 53-year-old founder of a nonprofit resettlement agency for African refugees in Los Angeles has been arrested and charged with embezzling more than $1 million from the agency, the District Attorney’s office announced today. Three co-defendants also have been arrested and charged with various counts in the conspiracy.
September 24, 2007
STEVEN SCHULMAN, FORMER NAME PARTNER IN MILBERG WEISS, AGREES TO PLEAD GUILTY TO FEDERAL RACKETEERING OFFENSE AND ADMIT ROLE IN PAID PLAINTIFF KICKBACK SCHEME
Steven G. Schulman, a former name partner in the law firm now known as Milberg Weiss, has agreed to plead guilty to a federal racketeering charge and acknowledge that he and others conspired to conceal from judges in federal courts Milberg Weiss’ secret payment arrangements with named plaintiffs in class-action lawsuits.
September 21, 2007
FORMER DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AGENT INDICTED FOR MAKING A FALSE STATEMENT AND EXCEEDING AUTHORIZED ACCESS TO A GOVERNMENT DATABASE
Defendant Used Department of Homeland Security Database to Track a Woman and her Family
SAN JOSE – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that a federal grand jury in San Jose indicted Benjamin Robinson, age 40, of Oakland, on September 19, 2007, with making a false statement to a government agency, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001, and unlawfully obtaining information from a protected computer, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1030(a)(2) and (c)(2)(B)(ii).
September 20, 2007
TIBURON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO MAIL FRAUD, WIRE FRAUD AND AGGRAVATED IDENTITY THEFT
SAN FRANCISCO - United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that late Thursday afternoon, September 13, 2007, Mark Allen Davis, 40, of Tiburon, CA, pled guilty to two counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. The charges are the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
September 19, 2007
WILLIAM LERACH, FORMER NAME PARTNER IN MILBERG WEISS, TO PLEAD GUILTY TO CONSPIRACY TO OBSTRUCT JUSTICE AND MAKE FALSE STATEMENTS TO FEDERAL JUDGES ACROSS U.S.
William S. Lerach, formerly a name partner in the law firm now known as Milberg Weiss, has agreed to plead guilty to a federal conspiracy charge and acknowledge that he and others agreed to conceal from judges in federal courts Milberg Weiss’ secret payment arrangements with named plaintiffs in class-action lawsuits.
September 18, 2007
VALLEJO GANG MEMBER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT ON RACKETEERING CHARGES, INCLUDING MURDER AND DRUG TRAFFICKING
Sacramento -- United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that United States District Court Judge Frank C. Damrell sentenced Charles Lee WHITE, 36, of Vallejo, to a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of release. In May, a federal jury found WHITE guilty of conducting the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity, and conspiring to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity. The jury specifically found that WHITE was personally responsible for a murder committed in 1998. The jury further found White legally responsible for various drug trafficking activities.
September 17, 2007
Former Lawman Sentenced to 25 Years to Life In Prison for Murdering Estranged Wife
SAN FERNANDO – John Racz, a retired Sheriff’s deputy convicted of murdering his wife in 1991, was sentenced today to a 25-year-to-life prison term.
September 14, 2007
Man Pleads Guilty to Charges of Money Laundering and Filing a False Tax Return
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Luisa Gonzalez-Pizarro pled guilty yesterday in federal court in San Diego before United States District Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz to charges of money laundering and filing a false tax return. Following her two guilty pleas, Gonzalez-Pizarro was sentenced by Judge Moskowitz to 21 months’ custody in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Ricardo Gonzalez-Camacena, the husband of Gonzalez-Pizarro, previously entered guilty pleas on August 30, 2007 to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and to filing a false tax return. He is scheduled for sentencing before Judge Moskowitz on November 29, 2007.
September 13, 2007
Brown Lauds Vermont Decision, Renews Threat to Sue EPA
SACRAMENTO – In response to today’s District Court decision in Vermont, California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. renewed his vow to “haul the Bush administration into court” if the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refuses to grant California’s request to impose tough emissions standards on motor vehicles.
September 12, 2007
Teen Charged as Adult in Palmdale Schoolyard Attack
LANCASTER – A 15-year-old boy was charged as an adult today in the attack on a 14-year-old girl who was found unconscious on an elementary schoolyard in Palmdale last week.
September 11, 2007
DNA Samples Have Been Eliminated
LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that the backlog of DNA samples collected from convicted felons—which stood at 295,000 in July 2006—has been eliminated.
September 10, 2007
Norman Hsu arrested for bench warrant issued in 1992 and failure to appear for sentencing.
In response to requests for reaction to yesterday’s arrest of Norman Hsu, the California Department of Justice is providing the following information:
September 7, 2007
FORMER ORANGE COUNTY MAN BROUGHT TO UNITED STATES TO FACE CHARGES OF HAVING SEXUAL CONTACT WITH BOY
SANTA ANA, Calif. – A 64-year-old former contract employee for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court this afternoon on charges of engaging in illicit sexual contact with a boy while working for USAID in Bangladesh.
September 6, 2007
FRAZIER PARK, CALIFORNIA RESIDENT PLEADS GUILTY TO RECEIVING AND POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
FRESNO – United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that ALAN CARL NICOLL, 60, of Frazier Park, California pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii to one count of receiving or distributing images of child pornography and one count of possessing images of child pornography. He will be sentenced on November 13, 2007.
September 5, 2007
TWO DEFENDANTS INDICTED IN SUBPRIME MORTGAGE FRAUD SCHEME
SACRAMENTO - United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging IFTIKHAR AHMAD, age 36, of Stockton, and MANPREET SINGH, age 24, formerly of Stockton, California now residing in Sacramento, with multiple counts of mail fraud in connection with a mortgage fraud scheme involving the “flipping” of multiple properties in the Stockton area. AHMAD was also charged with multiple counts of money laundering. Both defendants were previously arrested on a criminal complaint filed in connection with this investigation on August 16, 2007, and were released on bond.
September 4, 2007
Conviction in San Diego on Federal Computer Hacking Charges
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Jon Paul Oson was convicted today by a federal jury in San Diego on federal computer hacking charges. Mr. Oson was charged in an indictment on August 25, 2006, with two counts of intentionally damaging protected computers. Following a trial before the Honorable Thomas J. Whelan, United States District Judge, that started on August 21, 2007, Oson was convicted on both counts.
September 3, 2007
Brown Announces Landmark Global Warming Settlement
LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced a “landmark settlement” of the state’s global warming lawsuit against San Bernardino County. The agreement, approved today by the County Board of Supervisors, establishes a unique greenhouse gas reduction plan that will identify sources of emissions and set feasible reduction targets for the County.
August 31, 2007
ORANGE COUNTY FISHERMAN FACES FEDERAL CHARGES FOR STABBING CALIFORNIA SEA LION, WHICH LATER DIED
A Garden Grove man was charged today with violating the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act by stabbing a California sea lion which had to be euthanized.
August 30, 2007
SAN CARLOS MAN SENTENCED TO FOURTEEN YEARS FOR DISTRIBUTION OF METHAMPHETAMINE AND COCAINE
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Rafael Ramirez was sentenced yesterday, August 27, 2007, to fourteen (14) years in prison, and five (5) years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Mr. Ramirez, 38 of San Carlos, was indicted, along with eighteen others, by a federal grand jury on May 2, 2006. He pleaded guilty on March 7, 2007. According to the plea agreement, Mr Ramirez admitted the distribution of over 58 pounds of methamphetamine and 66 kilograms of cocaine, including one transaction with a codefendant, Kasi Pohahau for $187,000 in cash. Mr Pohahau, of Redwood City, was previously sentenced to fifteen (15) years in prison for his role in this drug distribution enterprise.
August 29, 2007
FORMER HOSPITAL EXECUTIVE CHARGED WITH EMBEZZLEMENT
Former Chief Financial Officer of Mee Memorial Hospital in Monterey Charged $ 96,000 in Personal Expenses to Hospital.
SAN JOSE, CA - United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Richard Lynn Wheat, the former Chief Financial Officer of Southern Monterey County Memorial Hospital, has been charged with one count of wire fraud. According to the Information, Mr. Wheat, 51, used his position as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Southern Monterey County Memorial Hospital (known as the George L. Mee Memorial Hospital), to cause the hospital to pay approximately $96,000 in personal expenses.
August 28, 2007
Reputed Gang Member Charged with Murder
PASADENA – A paroled felon was charged today with the Aug. 17 fatal shooting of a 16-year-old girl at a party, the District Attorney’s office announced.
August 27, 2007
EMERYVILLE LOAN OFFICER CHARGED IN KICKBACK SCHEME
Failed to report more than $430,000 of income
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Renato Gonzales Quiazon, of Hayward was arrested on felony fraud charges arising from a loan kickback scheme. Yesterday, a federal grand jury indicted Renato Gonzales Quiazon, of Hayward, CA, with 11 counts of wire fraud, 12 counts of money laundering and four counts of filing false tax returns. These charges are the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation.
August 24, 2007
Former Sheriff’s Deputy Convicted of 16-Year-Old “No Body” Murder of Estranged Wife
SAN FERNANDO – A retired Sheriff’s deputy and schoolteacher was convicted today of first-degree murder in the 1991 killing of his estranged wife, whose body never has been found.
August 23, 2007
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA IDENTITY THEFT RING CHARGED WITH BANK FRAUD, AGGRAVATED IDENTITY THEFT,
POSSESSION OF STOLEN U.S. MAIL AND CONSPIRACY
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that JODI
LYNN GARCIA, 31, of Paradise, California, was arraigned today on federal charges before
United States Magistrate Judge Dale A. Drozd at the United States Courthouse in Sacramento,
California.
August 22, 2007
FOREX TRADING “GURU” PLEADS GUILTY TO SCAMMING MILLIONS FROM INVESTORS
SACRAMENTO – United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced that JOEL NATHAN
WARD, 48, of Turlock, California, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr. to five counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, and two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, a form of money laundering. There is no plea agreement in the case, and WARD pleaded guilty to all charges in the indictment. Judge Burrell ordered WARD to submit to electronic monitoring pending sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for November 2, 2007, at 9:00 a.m.
August 21, 2007
FORMER RED CROSS EMBEZZLER SENTENCED TO TERM OF IMPRISONMENT AND IMMEDIATE PAYMENT OF FULL RESTITUTION
The former assistant director of accounting at the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross, who previously pleaded guilty to federal charges of embezzling more than $100,000 in Red Cross funds, was sentenced today to six months imprisonment, immediate payment of $110,000 in restitution to the Red Cross, and three years supervised release with a term of six more months in home detention.
August 20, 2007
Four Charged in Fatal Shooting of Pico Rivera Woman
WHITTIER – Four people were charged today with murder and other charges in the Aug. 10 fatal shooting of a woman who interrupted someone spraying graffiti on a wall, the District Attorney’s office announced.
August 17, 2007
Defendant Sentenced To Serve 8 ½ Years in Federal Prison For Methamphetamine Conviction
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Gerardo Hernandez Carrillo was sentenced today in federal court in San Diego by United States District Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz to serve 102 months in custody and to serve a four-year term of supervised release, based on Carrillo’s conviction for distributing approximately 6.58 kilograms of 96% pure methamphetamine to an undercover National City Police Officer, who was working with United States Drug Enforcement Administration agents.
August 16, 2007
LAS VEGAS TRUCKER GETS 71 MONTH FEDERAL PRISON SENTENCE FOR TRAVELING INTERSTATE TO OBTAIN SEX WITH A MINOR GIRL IN SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that
RAYMOND BENJAMIN PEDROZA, 51 of Las Vegas, Nevada was sentenced today by Chief
United States District Court Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr. for attempting to engage in sex acts
with a minor female by traveling in interstate commerce.
August 15, 2007
INLAND EMPIRE WOMAN SENTENCED TO 78 MONTHS IN FEDERAL IDENTITY THEFT CASE THAT COST VICTIMS NEARLY $200,000
6½-Year Federal Sentence to Run Consecutive to 5-Year State Prison Term
A Corona woman was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to mail fraud in relation to an identity theft scheme that caused individuals, banks, retailers and credit card companies to lose approximately $199,000.
August 14, 2007
Woman Charged with Murdering Husband, Sons
WEST COVINA – A 28-year-old woman was charged today with capital murder for the slayings of her husband and the couple’s young sons at the family’s Rowland Heights residence this week.
August 13, 2007
Brinks Driver Receives 140 Months for Conspiracy to Rob Armored Truck Driver Planned Robbery of Armored Car He Was Driving
SAN JOSE – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Carlos Rodriguez was sentenced to 140 months imprisonment on Monday, August 6, 2007 for his role in an armed robbery of a Brinks armored car in Sunnyvale, California. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge James Ware following the jury’s guilty verdicts on each of the three counts in the indictment: Hobbs Act Conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951; Obstructing Commerce by robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951; and aiding and abetting in the brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). The latter charge carried a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years consecutive to the underlying convictions. Judge Ware also sentenced the defendant to a three year period of supervised release and ordered him to pay $ 134,000 in restitution.
August 10, 2007
FORMER CEO OF BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC. CONVICTED OF SECURITIES FRAUD FOR BACKDATING OPTION GRANTS
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced today that Gregory L. Reyes, the former CEO of Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. of San Jose, California, was convicted after trial of one count of conspiracy, four counts of securities fraud, four counts of lying to accountants and one count of false books and records relating to his scheme to backdate options grants to Brocade employees.
August 09, 2007
FEDERAL AUTHORITIES CHARGE 10 FOR STARTING WILDFIRES THAT BURNED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF ACRES
Criminal charges have been filed against 10 individuals and companies in relation to wildfires that burned hundreds of thousands of acres of national forest land across Southern California, United States Attorney George S. Cardona announced today.
August 08, 2007
REMAINING TWO DEFENDANTS SENTENCED IN LARGEST CD AND DVD MANUFACTURING PIRACY AND COUNTERFEITING SCHEME PROSECUTED IN THE UNITED STATES TO DATE
Three Defendants Used Expensive Replication Equipment and Fake FBI Anti-Piracy Labels As Part Of a Massive Copyright and Trademark Infringement Scheme To Manufacture Pirated and Counterfeit Software and Music CDs and DVDs for Retail Distribution Around The Country
August 07, 2007
MODESTO MAN INDICTED FOR FEDERAL HATE CRIME AFTER THREATENING AFRICAN-AMERICANS
WASHINGTON – Bradley Smith of Modesto, Calif., was indicted today by a federal grand jury for repeatedly threatening to harm a local African-American man in violation of federal civil rights laws. The indictment was announced jointly by Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division and McGregor W. Scott, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California
August 06, 2007
XIADONG SHELDON MENG CONVICTED FOR COMMITTING ECONOMIC ESPIONAGE TO BENEFIT THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA NAVY RESEARCH CENTER AND FOR VIOLATING THE ARMS EXPORT CONTROL ACT
First Conviction in the Country Involving Source Code Under the Arms Export Control Act.
SAN JOSE – Assistant Attorney General for National Security Kenneth L. Wainstein and United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Xiaodong Sheldon Meng, 42, formerly of Beijing, China, and presently a resident of Cupertino, California, pleaded guilty yesterday to charges of: (1) violating the Economic Espionage Act ("EEA"), pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1831(a)(3), and (2) violating the Arms Export Control Act ("AECA") and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"), pursuant to 22 U.S.C. §§ 2778(b)(2), 2778(c).
August 03, 2007
Man Charged with Stabbing Police Dog
TORRANCE – A Lawndale man has pleaded not guilty to making criminal threats and stabbing a police dog Monday night in Redondo Beach, the District Attorney’s office announced.
August 02, 2007
SEX OFFENDER REGISTRANT PLEADS GUILTY TO BANK ROBBERIES
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that BRIAN SCOTT TRAYNOR, 41, of Rancho Cordova, California pled guilty today to two felony counts of bank robbery before United States District Judge William B. Shubb.
August 01, 2007
FOLSOM COUPLE PLEAD GUILTY TO DEFRAUDING CAL WORTHINGTON AND TAX EVASION
SACRAMENTO -- United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott
announced today that SUSAN MICHELLE PRUETT, 38, and KENNETH
RICHARD PRUETT, 44, of Folsom, entered guilty pleas today before
United States District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton. MICHELLE
PRUETT pled guilty to one count of mail fraud and three counts of
tax evasion and RICHARD PRUETT pled guilty to three counts of tax
evasion. The charges were contained in a superseding information
filed today.
July 31, 2007
BOGUS EXPERT IN COMPUTER FORENSICS SENTENCED TO 21-MONTH PRISON TERM FOR PERJURY
FRESNO – United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today JAMES EARL EDMISTON, 36, of Long Beach, California, was sentenced by United States District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill in Fresno to a prison term of 21 months for his convictions of two counts of perjury. He will also be required to serve a term of supervised release of 36 months upon his release from custody.
July 30, 2007
TWO PERSONS SENTENCED TO FOUR MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR HURRICANE KATRINA FRAUD AND FOR LYING TO FEMA INVESTIGATORS
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that LAWRENCE H. WILLIAMS, 25, and TRUDY M. DAVIS, 44, both of Sacramento, California were each sentenced today by United States District Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr. for making false claims for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance. Each was sentenced to four months in prison.
July 27, 2007
TURLOCK MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FAILING TO REPORT MORE THAN $10,000 RECEIVED IN HIS USED CAR SALES BUSINESS DEFENDANT AGREES TO FORFEIT MORE THAN $72,000
FRESNO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott and Special Agent-in-Charge of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Scott O’Briant, announced that yesterday, JOSE ROSARIO MARTINEZ, 56, of Turlock, CA, pleaded guilty to a one count of failure to report more than $10,000 received in the course of a trade or business.
July 26, 2007
SACRAMENTO MAN ADMITS DESTROYING U.S. POST OFFICE VENDING MACHINES AND PROPERTY TO STEAL MONEY, POSTAL MONEY ORDERS, AND STAMPS TO SUPPORT HIS DRUG HABIT
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that VERNAN LEE KOHLER, 31, of Sacramento, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton to depredation of United States Post Office property, theft of United States Post Office property, and possession of stolen United States Post Office Money Orders. KOHLER was initially charged in a federal indictment filed on June 7, 2007.
July 25, 2007
ENLISTED NAVY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO RECEIVING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
FRESNO - United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that ERIK ALAN PETERSEN, 22 of Lemoore, California pleaded guilty before the Honorable Oliver W. Wanger to one count of receiving visual depictions of the sexual exploitation of minors.
July 24, 2007
TIMOTHY PHILLIPS PLEADS GUILTY TO THREE BAY AREA BANK ROBBERIES
Defendant Agrees to 14-Year Prison Sentence
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Scott Schools announced today that defendant Timothy Wayne Phillips pleaded guilty yesterday to committing three Bay Area bank robberies in a nine-day period in February 2006. The convictions are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the San Francisco and San Jose Police Departments.
July 23, 2007
THREE MEXICAN STERIOD MANUFACTURERS PLEAD GUILTY
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY -July 9, 2007
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that three Mexican anabolic steroid manufacturers, the Denkall, Quality Vet and Animal Power Corporations, entered guilty pleas today in federal court in San Diego, before United States District Judge M. James Lorenz. The defendant corporations pled guilty to charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule III Controlled Substances, namely anabolic steroids, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846 and 841(a)(1) and of Aiding and Abetting International Monetary Transactions, in violation of Title 31, United States Code, Section 3524(c) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. In addition, the Denkall, Quality Vet and Animal Power corporations forfeited, as part of their plea agreement, a total of $1.4 million representing the proceeds received by the corporations for the distribution and sale of anabolic steroids. The defendant corporations were the three largest Mexican manufacturing companies which customized their anabolic steroid products for illicit distribution and sale to the U.S. marketplace. Prior to December 2005, these defendants were the sources of more than 75% of all the Mexican steroids seized in the United States.
July 20, 2007
Top-10 Gang Member Arrested
Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department announced the capture of one of the Top-10 Most Wanted gang members, 27-year-old Jonathan Christopher Blackwell
July 19, 2007
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA I.D. THEFT RING CHARGED WITH BANK FRAUD, AGGRAVATED I.D. THEFT, POSSESSION OF STOLEN U.S. MAIL, AND UNLAWFUL FIREARMS POSSESSION
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that TERRY LEE PARKER, 41, of Cottonwood, California was charged in a four count Information with identity theft, bank fraud, possession of stolen United States mail, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
July 18, 2007
SALIDA GRADE SCHOOL JANITOR ARRESTED ON INTERNETCHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES
FRESNO – United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that RICK VANDENAKKER, 38, of Salida, will make his initial appearance in federal court this afternoon on charges of possessing and receiving child pornography over the Internet.
July 17, 2007
WOMAN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR EMBEZZLING OVER $200,000 FROM TRACY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that DIANE B. GLAZIER, 45, of Tracy, California, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Edward J. Garcia to 27 months in prison, to be followed by a three year term of supervised release. GLAZIER was also ordered to repay over $216,000 she embezzled from the Tracy Hospital Foundation, a charitable foundation which funds health, safety and nutrition programs in the Tracy area. Parole has been abolished in the federal system, and GLAZIER will be required to serve at least 85% of the prison time imposed today.
July 16, 2007
MIRANT ENERGY TRADING LLC TO PAY $11 MILLION PENALTY TO RESOLVE CRIMINAL ALLEGATIONS
WASHINGTON – Mirant Energy Trading LLC has entered into an agreement with the U.S. government resolving an ongoing federal investigation into the submission of knowingly inaccurate reports by former traders of former subsidiary Mirant Americas Energy Marketing, LP (MAEM), concerning the commodities market for natural gas, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Scott Schools of the Northern District of California announced today.
July 13, 2007
SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced a $3 million settlement with America Online (AOL), one of the nation’s largest Internet service providers. The prelitigation settlement, entered into by California, the District of Columbia and 47 other states, resolves complaints that AOL failed to disclose terms and conditions of paid service and made it extremely difficult for consumers to cancel their AOL pay services. Under today’s agreement AOL will make a number of improvements including: easier cancellation procedures, improved billing disclosures and commitment to refunding unauthorized charges.
July 12, 2007
RICHMOND MAN FOUND GUILTY OF POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE CRACK COCAINE IN SAN FRANCISCO PARK
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Jose Ismael Serrano was convicted yesterday by a federal jury of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. The jury, after deliberating for just over two days, found that the defendant possessed 20 individually wrapped rocks of crack cocaine for sale. The jury was not able to reach a unanimous verdict on charges that the defendant unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition, and that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime of which he was convicted. The guilty verdict followed a three-day jury trial before U.S. District Court Judge William H. Alsup. This conviction is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the San Francisco Police Department.
July 11, 2007
San Diego - United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Vencent A. Donlan, the former stock options administrator at Wireless Facilities, Inc. (WFI), a San Diego-based company with shares of common stock sold on the NASDAQ, pled guilty today in San Diego to federal fraud and tax charges relating to stock he fraudulently obtained from WFI during his employment. Donlan entered his guilty plea pursuant to a plea agreement in U.S. District Court, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony J. Battaglia, subject to final acceptance of the plea by the Honorable John A. Houston, United States District Court Judge, at the time of sentencing.
More....
July 10, 2007
REDDING MAN ARRAIGNED ON POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
SACRAMENTO-- United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a federal grand jury returned a 2-count indictment charging ELDEN RAY CIBART, 58, of Redding, California, with possession of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B), and criminal forfeiture pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 2253. CIBART was arrested and will be arraigned today on the indictment.
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July 9, 2007
“OLD NAVY” ROBBERY RING INDICTED
Federal and local “Violent Crime Impact Team” conducts extensive investigation on string of arrmed robberies committed between December 2005 and July 2006 in Fresno and Madera
FRESNO–United States Attorney McGregor Scott, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Stephen K. Martin, Fresno County District Attorney Elizabeth A. Egan, and Fresno Chief of Police Jerry Dyer announced today indictments resulting from an extensive investigation conducted by the Violent Crime Impact Team (“VCIT”) and the Fresno Police Department pertaining to a series of armed robberies that occurred in Fresno and Madera between December 24, 2005 and July 24, 2006. More....
July 6, 2007
NEVADA MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON ON CHARGES RELATED TO THE SEX TRAFFICKING OF MINORS
A Nevada man has been sentenced to life without parole in federal prison for transporting two minors across state lines to work as prostitutes after he previously had been convicted of a child exploitation crime, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney George S. Cardona of the Central District of California announced today. More....
July 5, 2007
WIFE OF INDICTED DEFENDANT ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE FOR CREATING FALSE DOCUMENTS TO AID HUSBAND’S DEFENSE
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Debra Edison, age 52, was arrested today on a no bail arrest warrant that was issued after a complaint was filed on June 28, 2007, in San Francisco charging Debra Edison with obstruction of justice for creating false documents to aid her husband’s defense. Debra Edison’s husband, Michael Edison, has been indicted for defrauding a victim of over $2,000,000 and his case is set for trial before the Honorable William H. Alsup, U.S. District Court Judge, on November 26, 2007 (CR 07-0074 WHA). According to the affidavit in support of the complaint against Debra Edison, law enforcement intercepted a letter from Michael Edison to Debra Edison wherein Michael Edison provided detailed instructions to Debra Edison regarding how to create false documents to make it appear as if the victim in Michael Edison’s case loaned him the money the indictment against him alleges he stole. The affidavit also states that approximately two months after the letter was mailed, Debra Edison produced the two documents described in her husband’s letter to Michael Edison’s attorney, who, in turn, produced them to the United States Attorney’s Office as discovery in Michael Edison’s case. More...
July 4, 2007
ILLINOIS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO POSTING '24' TELEVISION SHOW ON INTERNET PRIOR TO FIRST BROADCAST ON FOX
A Chicago man pleaded guilty today to a felony charge for posting the first four episodes of this season’s "24" on the Internet before they were originally aired on the Fox television network earlier this year. More...
July 3, 2007
CRACK AND COCAINE POWDER DEALER GETS 131 MONTHS
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that MICHAEL STEVENS, 38, of Oakland, California was sentenced today by United States District Judge William B. Shubb to 131 months in federal prison. The defendant had pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute121 grams of cocaine base. He also had in his possession over 400 grams of cocaine powder.More...
July 2, 2007
Richard D. Corona convicted of federal criminal tax offenses
Karen P. Hewitt, United States Attorney for the Southern District of California, Eileen J. O’Connor, Assistant Attorney General for the Tax Division, U.S. Department of Justice, and Debra King, Special Agent-In-Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CID), announced that today a federal jury in San Diego convicted Richard D. Corona, a San Diego attorney, and his wife, Tracy D. Corona, of federal criminal tax offenses, including charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, income tax evasion, and failure to pay income tax. More...
June 29, 2007
Jessie Munoz, Mary Lou Vega, Angela Esparza and Edna Davila entered guilty pleas in federal court in San Diego to RICO charges
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that today Jessie Munoz, Mary Lou Vega, Angela Esparza and Edna Davila entered guilty pleas in federal court in San Diego, before United States District Judge Dana M. Sabraw, to participating in a racketeer influenced corrupt organization (RICO) conspiracy involving the Mexican Mafia, aka “La Eme,” a prison/street gang. A fifth defendant, Robert Romero, entered his guilty plea to the RICO conspiracy charges on Wednesday, June 20, 2007. More...
June 28, 2007
Gary Robinson was sentenced today for bank fraud
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Gary Robinson was sentenced today in federal court in San Diego following his pleas of guilty to charges of bank fraud and mail fraud. United States District Judge Thomas Whelan sentenced Robinson to serve eight months in custody, to pay restitution to the victims in the amount of $288,205, and to serve a four-year term of supervised release following his release from prison. Robinson made a partial restitution payment of $100,000 to the Clerk of the Court today. More...
June 27, 2007
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MAN CONVICTED IN FRAUD SCHEME THAT BILKED ELDERLY VICTIMS AT O.C. RETIREMENT COMMUNITY OUT OF NEARLY $5 MILLION SENTENCED TO 7½ YEARS IN PRISON
A Redding, California man who was found guilty of running a fraud scheme that defrauded elderly victims out of nearly $5 million was sentenced today to 90 months in federal prison. More...
June 26, 2007
VENICE CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY STEPHEN YAGMAN FOUND GUILTY OF TAX AND BANKRUPTCY FRAUD CHARGES
Venice civil rights attorney Stephen G. Yagman was convicted today of attempting to evade the payment of more than $100,000 in federal income taxes by concealing his assets and committing bankruptcy fraud.
A federal jury in Los Angeles convicted Yagman of 19 felony counts – one count of attempting to evade the payment of taxes, one count of bankruptcy fraud and 17 counts of money laundering (engaging in monetary transactions in criminally-derived property). More...
June 25, 2007
Gardena Couple Charged with Child Abuse
TORRANCE – A Gardena couple whose 4-year-old son was rescued from their burning apartment early today by Gardena police were charged this afternoon with child abuse. More...
June 22, 2007
TEXAS MAN WHO TRAVELED TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TO HAVE SEX WITH MINOR AND PLAYED ROLE IN GIRL’S SUICIDE SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON
SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man from Dallas, Texas who admitted that he traveled to Southern California to have sex with a 14-year-old girl he had met on the Internet – a teen-ager who committed suicide after the man broke off the relationship – was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison. More...
June 20, 2007
SUPERVISOR ADMITS TO EMBEZZLING OVER $1 MILLION FROM LARGE ORANGE COUNTY MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP
SANTA ANA, Calif. – A former supervisor at the Mercedes-Benz of Laguna Niguel automobile dealership pleaded guilty today to embezzling more than $1 million from the luxury car dealership. More...
June 19, 2007
‘PHISHER’ SENTENCED TO NEARLY SIX YEARS IN PRISON AFTER NATION’S FIRST CAN-SPAM ACT JURY TRIAL CONVICTION
An Azusa man who was the first person convicted by a jury under the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 for operating a sophisticated “phishing scheme” has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for committing identity theft, credit card fraud, witness harassment and other offenses. More...
June 18, 2007
Former City Planning Commissioner Charged
WEST COVINA – A former West Covina Planning Commission member was charged today with conflict of interest and perjury after he allegedly failed to disclose a personal loan from a developer and then voted on a proposal involving the developer, the District Attorney’s office announced. More...
June 15, 2007
Mark Todd Hauze charged with eleven counts of mail fraud and eight counts of wire fraud.
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that today a federal grand jury sitting in San Diego handed up an indictment charging Mark Todd Hauze with eleven counts of mail fraud and eight counts of wire fraud, all arising from Hauze’s operation of foreign currency trading fund named “Universal Money Traders” (UMT), located in Solana Beach, California. More...
June 14, 2007
FORMER SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AT NEWPORT BEACH ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE COMPANY PLEADS GUILTY TO EMBEZZLEMENT
A former Senior Vice President of Information Technology and Operations at Crave Entertainment, Inc., pleaded guilty today to bilking the entertainment software company out of approximately $297,531. More...
June 13, 2007
San Diego - Cristobal Fernando Gonzalez pled guilty today in federal court to Making Threatening Communications
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Cristobal Fernando Gonzalez pled guilty today in federal court in San Diego to Making Threatening Communications, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c). Gonzalez entered his guilty plea before Magistrate Judge Barbara L. Major, subject to final acceptance of the plea by United States District Court Judge William Q. Hayes, at the time of sentencing. More...
June 12, 2007
FIFTH FAMILY MEMBER PLEADS GUILTY IN SCHEME TO EXPORT U.S. DEFENSE ARTICLES TO CHINA
SANTA ANA, California -- The fifth m