Florida Man Sentenced in Cross Burning (07-064)

Neal Chapman Coombs, a 50-year-old resident of Hastings, Fla., was sentenced today to 14 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, the Justice Department announced today. Coombs pleaded guilty on August 16, 2006 to a racially-motivated civil rights crime involving a cross burning. (Read more)

Justice Department Settles Voting Rights Claims with Cibola County, New Mexico (07-063)

The Justice Department announced today the filing and successful resolution of its claims against Cibola County, N.M., alleging violations of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA). (Read more)

RightCHOICE Managed Care to Pay United States $975,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations (07-062)

RightCHOICE Managed Care, Inc., has agreed to pay the United States $975,000 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act in connection with providing health care benefits to federal employees and their dependents in the state of Missouri, the Justice Department announced today. (Read more)

Fact Sheet: Civil Rights Division Efforts to Combat Modern-Day Slavery (07-061)

Trafficking in persons is the equivalent of modern-day slavery. It is a crime that often involves the recruitment and smuggling of foreign nationals into the United States to force or coerce them into prostitution, labor or illicit sexual activity, and in many circumstances, it also victimizes U.S. citizens. Under the leadership of the President, this Administration has taken unprecedented efforts to combat the scourge of human trafficking. The Justice Department, along with federal, state and local partners, plays a key role in battling this deeply troubling, violent and often hidden crime. (Read more)

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales Announces Creation Of Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit within the Civil Rights Division (07-060)

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales and Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, Wan J. Kim, announced today the creation of the Human Trafficking Prosecution (HTP) Unit within the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. The Unit is designed to develop new strategies to combat modern-day slavery by focusing the Division’s human trafficking expertise and expanding its anti-trafficking enforcement program to further increase human trafficking investigations and prosecutions throughout the nation. (Read more)

Former Political Party Officials In Puerto Rico Sentenced To Five Years In Prison For Extortion, Conspiracy and Tax Fraud (07-059)

WASHINGTON – Two residents of Puerto Rico were each sentenced to five years in prison for their involvement in a scheme to extort a group of contractors in connection with the Superaqueduct construction project along the north coast of Puerto Rico, (Read more)

Massachusetts Residents Sentenced for Conspiring to Transport a Minor to Engage in Prostitution (07-057)

Massachusetts residents were sentenced for their role in arranging for a minor to work as a prostitute in several New England states, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Sullivan of the District of Massachusetts announced today. (Read more)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civilian Employee Sentenced on Corruption Charges (07-056)

Gheevarghese Pappen, a retired U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employee was sentenced for soliciting and accepting nearly $50,000 in illegal gratuities, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division announced today. (Read more)

Former DOD Contractor Sentenced in Case Involving Bribery, Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme in al-Hillah, Iraq (07-055)

A former Department of Defense (DOD) contractor was sentenced to nine years in prison and ordered to forfeit $3.6 million for his role in a bribery and fraud scheme involving contracts in the reconstruction of Iraq, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division announced today. (Read more)

Two Vessel Corporations Plead Guilty, Are Sentenced for Illegal Dumping (07-053)

Greek-based shipping companies Chian Spirit Maritime Enterprises, Inc. and Venetico Marine each pleaded guilty today in District court in Delaware to a felony violation related to the operation of the M/V Irene E.M., a large bulk carrier. (Read more)

United States Joins Suit Against Pharmaceutical Manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim Roxane, Inc. (07-052)

The United States has intervened in a whistleblower suit filed in the District of Massachusetts against Boehringer Ingelheim Roxane, Inc. and various related entities, alleging that Roxane violated the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today. (Read more)

Dutch Citizen Arraigned in Washington, D.C., on Charges of Terrorism Conspiracy Against Americans in Iraq (07-051)

An Iraqi-born Dutch citizen who was extradited from the Netherlands on Saturday made his initial appearance today in federal court in Washington, D.C., to face charges for allegedly participating in a conspiracy to attack Americans based in Iraq, announced Kenneth L. Wainstein, Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division, Jeffrey A. Taylor, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, and Joseph Persichini Jr., Assistant Director in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Washington Field Office. (Read more)

Justice Department Reaches Settlement in Unlawful Termination Suit of Louisiana National Guard Soldier (07-050)

The Justice Department today reached a settlement on behalf of a National Guardsman whose employment was alleged to have been unlawfully terminated in violation of the Uniform Servicemembers Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). (Read more)

Ship Chief & Crew Sentenced for Vessel Pollution (07-049)

The Chief Engineer and Second Engineer of the M/V Sun New, owned and operated by The Sun Ace Shipping Company based in Seoul, South Korea, were sentenced today for crimes related to vessel pollution in relation to the operation of the bulk carrier vessel, the Justice Department announced. (Read more)

Department of Justice/Federal Trade Commission Hearings on Single-Firm Conduct to Continue in Berkeley, Calif. (07-048)

The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today announced that the latest in a series of joint public hearings designed to examine the implications of single-firm conduct under the antitrust laws will take place on Jan. 30–31, 2007 in Berkeley, Calif. (Read more)

Two Officers Plead Guilty on Civil Rights Charges (07-047)

Two former supervisors at the Winston-Choctaw County Regional Correctional Facility in Louisville, Miss., pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges relating to physical assaults on prisoners at the facility in October 2001. (Read more)

Fact Sheet: Department of Justice Law Enforcement Efforts in New Orleans (07-046)

The Justice Department is committed to working in partnership and continuing its support of state and local law enforcement in New Orleans. In the wake of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina, the Department has endeavored to strengthen the collective ability of all levels of law enforcement to address the emerging challenges and find new ways to help reduce crime. (Read more)

Attorney General Gonzales Announces Additional Federal Law Enforcement Resources to Fight Violent Crime in New Orleans (07-045)

Today, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales announced additional federal resources to help combat the recent increase in violent crime in New Orleans." (Read more)

Former Klansman Indicted for 1964 Kidnapping and Murder of Two African American Men (07-043)

A federal court in Mississippi today unsealed a three-count indictment charging James Seale, a former member of the Ku Klux Klan, with two counts of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy related to his role in the abductions and slayings of two African American men in 1964. (Read more)

Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Honolulu Apartment Complex to Resolve Fair Housing Act Claims (07-041)

WASHINGTON - The Justice Department today reached a partial settlement with the owner, builder, architect and civil engineer of the West Loch Village, a 150-unit apartment complex in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. (Read more)

The PBSJ Corporation Pays $6.4 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations (07-040)

WASHINGTON – The PBSJ Corp. (PBSJ), a design and engineering firm based in Florida, has paid more than $6.4 million to resolve claims that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false and fraudulent claims to the government, the Justice Department announced. (Read more)

Former MBN Agents Sentenced For Using Excessive Force Against Two Jackson Men (07-039)

WASHINGTON – Former Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agents, Gregory Reynolds and John Forman, were sentenced yesterday for using excessive force to violate the civil rights of two motorists they assaulted during an unjustified traffic stop. (Read more)

American-Based Ship Operator Sentenced for Environmental Crimes (07-038)

WASHINGTON – American-based ship operator, Pacific-Gulf Marine, Inc. (PGM), was sentenced today for deliberate acts of pollution involving a fleet of four ships, in violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. (Read more)

West Virginia Man Convicted of Producing, Receiving, and Possessing Child Pornography (07-037)

WASHINGTON – A Cross Lanes, W. Va. man has been convicted of producing, receiving, and possessing child pornography, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Charles T. Miller of the Southern District of West Virginia announced today. (Read more)

Lead Promoter and Two Former Attorneys Sentenced to Prison for Role in Tax and Investment Fraud Scheme (07-036)

David J. Orr and former attorneys, Todd Cannon and Michael Behunin, were sentenced in federal court in Salt Lake City, Utah, in connection with the promotion of a tax and investment fraud scheme, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today. (Read more)

Court Bars Buffalo Area Men and Business from Preparing Income Tax Returns (07-035)

A federal court has permanently barred Brian Duffek of Orchard Park, N.Y.; Patrick O’Connor of Lake View, N.Y.; and Duffek, O’Connor & Associates, Inc. of Hamburg, N.Y., from preparing federal income tax returns, the Justice Department announced today. (Read more)

Massachusetts Woman Convicted Of Engaging in Child Prostitution Scheme (07-034)

Chelsea, Mass., woman pleaded guilty today in federal court to conspiring to engage in a child prostitution scheme, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher for the Criminal Division; United States Attorney Michael J. Sullivan for the District of Massachusetts; Sharon E. Ormsby, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in New England; Edward Davis, Commissioner of the Boston Police Department; and Colonel Mark Delaney, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, announced today. (Read more)

Florida Man Sentenced to 250 Months in Prison for Arranging Sex Tours Involving Minors (07-033)

A Florida man was sentenced today to 250 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for conspiring to arrange for men in the United States to travel to Honduras to have sex with young teenage girls, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Paul I. Perez of the Middle District of Florida announced today. (Read more)

Fourth Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison for Federal Hate Crime Murders of African-Americans (07-032)

The fourth defendant and member of the Avenues street gang, who was convicted for his role in the racially-motivated murders of two African-Americans, was sentenced today to serve life in federal prison without the possibility of parole. (Read more)

Statement of Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales on Extradition of 15 Mexican Drug Traffickers and Other Criminals (07-030)

"The actions overnight by the Mexican government are unprecedented in their scope and importance. Never before has the United States received from Mexico such a large number of major drug defendants and other criminals for prosecution in this country, including Osiel Cardenas Guillen, the accused chief of the notorious Gulf Cartel. We recognize the bold stance of President Felipe Calderon and his government in targeting the drug-related violence and corruption that affects both our nations." (Read more)

Former San Antonio Police Officer Sentenced for Violating Citizen’s Rights by Sexual Assault (07-029)

Former San Antonio Police Officer Dean Gutierrez was sentenced today in federal court to 24 years and four months in prison for violating the civil rights of a citizen whom Gutierrez detained while on duty, the Justice Department announced today. (Read more)

National Security Division Announces Key Personnel Change in Intelligence Position (07-028)

Further enhancing his distinguished professional career, James Baker, Counsel for Intelligence Policy at the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, is taking a temporary leave of absence from the Department to teach at Harvard University, Assistant Attorney General Kenneth L. Wainstein of the National Security Division announced today. (Read more)

Former Congressman Robert W. Ney Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Corruption Crimes (07-027)

Former Congressman Robert W. Ney has been sentenced to 30 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release and fined $6,000, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division announced today. (Read more)

Ohio Man Sentenced for Criminal Civil Rights Charges (07-026)

David Fredericy, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to serve 33 months in federal prison for conspiring to commit and for committing hate crimes targeting African-American residents of Cleveland, and for making false statements to federal investigators. (Read more)

Justice Department Asks Federal Court to Bar Michigan Man from Preparing Tax Returns for Others (07-024)

WASHINGTON - The Justice Department announced today that it has sued Donald A. Gray, of Portage, Mich., to bar him from preparing federal tax returns for others. (Read more)

Justice Department Resolves Investigation of Baltimore City Detention Center (07-023)

The Department of Justice today announced a comprehensive agreement with the state of Maryland into the conditions of confinement at the Baltimore City Detention Center. The agreement follows the Department’s investigation of the facility, which found substantial civil rights violations. (Read more)

Iranian National Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud in Connection with a Visas-for-Sale Scheme at the U.S. Consulate in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (07-021)

An Iranian national has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud before the Honorable Ricardo M. Urbina in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division announced today. (Read more)

Fact Sheet: Department of Justice Efforts to Stop Gang Violence in America’s Communities (07-020)

At the direction of the Attorney General, the Department has taken several important steps to address gang violence. First, the Department established an Anti-Gang Coordination Committee to organize the Department’s wide ranging efforts to combat gangs. Second, each United States Attorney has appointed an Anti-Gang Coordinator to provide leadership and focus to our anti-gang efforts at the district level. Third, the Anti-Gang Coordinators, in consultation with their local law enforcement and community partners, have developed comprehensive, district wide strategies to address the gang problems in their districts. (Read more)

Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Compass Bank Regarding Alleged Discrimination in Lending (07-016)

The Justice Department has today reached a settlement resolving allegations that Compass Bank of Birmingham, Ala., engaged in a pattern of lending discrimination against individuals based on their marital status. (Read more)

New York City Man Pleads Guilty to Human Trafficking Charge (07-015)

A man from Queens, N.Y., pleaded guilty today to attempting to recruit a Korean woman whom he believed to be a minor to work as a prostitute, the Justice Department announced today. (Read more)

Federal Law Enforcement Agent Indicted and Arrested on Bank Fraud Charges (07-014)

An indictment charging a Special Agent of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) with bank fraud and related charges was unsealed today following the agent’s arrest in Nashville, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division announced today. (Read more)

Justice Department Sues Georgia Man to Halt Alleged Offshore Trust Tax Fraud Scheme (07-013)

The Justice Department announced today that it has asked a federal court to bar Victor Carlysle Sullivan Jr. of Albany, Ga., from preparing tax returns for others and from selling alleged tax fraud schemes. (Read more)

Another Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking a Juvenile Girl (07-012)

The Department of Justice announced that Raul Santillan-Leon, of Memphis, Tenn., pleaded guilty late yesterday to one count of commercial sex trafficking of a minor, relating to his role in a Memphis trafficking ring. (Read more)

Luis Posada Carriles Indicted on Criminal Immigration Charges (07-011)

A federal grand jury in the Western District of Texas has returned a seven-count indictment charging Luis Posada Carriles with one count of naturalization fraud and six counts of making false statements in a naturalization proceeding, the Department of Justice announced today. (Read more)

Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking a Juvenile Girl, Two Others Plead Guilty to Commercial Sex Charges (07-009)

The Department of Justice announced that Fernando Reyes-Santillan, of Memphis, Tenn., pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of commercial sex trafficking of a minor, relating to his role in a Memphis trafficking ring. (Read more)

Thirteen Alleged Members of Ms-13 Gang Indicted on Racketeering Conspiracy Charges (07-008)

Thirteen alleged members of the street gang called La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Tennessee on charges that they conspired to participate in a violent RICO enterprise responsible for killings and other violent crimes in Nashville, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Craig S. Morford for the Middle District of Tennessee announced today. (Read more)

M.G. Waldbaum Company Will Pay $1 Million Penalty to Resolve Clean Water Act Violations (07-007)

M.G. Waldbaum Company, a subsidiary of Minnesota-based Michael Foods Inc., has agreed to pay a $1.05 million penalty to resolve allegations that the company violated the Clean Water Act. (Read more)

Department of Justice/Federal Trade Commission Hearings on Single-Firm Conduct to Continue in Berkeley, Calif. and Chicago (07-006)

The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today announced that the latest in a series of joint public hearings designed to examine the implications of single-firm conduct under the antitrust laws will take place on Jan. 30, 2007, in Berkeley, Calif. and on Feb. 13, 2007, in Chicago. (Read more)

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales Announces Additional Funding to Combat Drug Trafficking and Border Violence Along the Southwest Border (07-005)

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales today visited the U.S. border in Laredo, Texas and announced $300,000 in additional funding to boost efforts to combat drug trafficking in Laredo and McAllen, Texas. (Read more)

SCCI Health Services & Subsidiary Pay U.S. $7.5 Million For Kickback & False Claims Act Violations (07-003)

WASHINGTON – Texas-based SCCI Health Services Corporation (SCCI) and its subsidiary, SCCI Hospital Ventures Inc., have paid the United States $7.5 million to settle allegations that the companies violated the Stark self-referral statute and the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today. SCCI, which was purchased by Triumph Hospital in 2005, operates long term acute care facilities across the United States. (Read more)

Statement of Eileen J. O'Connor Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Tax Division on the Decision in BB&T v. United States of America (07-002)

WASHINGTON - “Today’s decision by the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina affirms that, notwithstanding vigorous and complicated paper shuffling, to have a tax deduction for lease or interest expense, you must actually incur them. And to incur them, you must have a genuine lease and genuine indebtedness, respectively. In BB&T vs. United States of America, the District Court found that the Lease-In, Lease-Out tax shelter involved neither, and therefore does not result in the tax deductions claimed by those who participate in it.” (Read more)

Immigration Judge Orders Deportation of Wisconsin Man Who Helped Carry Out 1943 Nazi Mass Murder of Jews (07-001)

WASHINGTON – An immigration judge in Chicago has ordered the removal of a Wisconsin man who, by his own admission, stood guard during a Nazi mass killing operation in occupied Poland in 1943, with orders to “shoot to kill” any still-living Jewish victim who attempted escape, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher for the Criminal Division announced today. (Read more)