dWeb News |
- Journalists Dig in on Delta Variant Risks and Opioid Overdose Deaths
- Why we are preparing for a worst-case scenario winter season
- Jury Convicts Former Delaware Doctor of Unlawful Drug Distribution and Maintaining a Drug Premises
- Nine Individuals Charged in Superseding Indictment with Conspiring to Act as Illegal Agents of the People’s Republic of China
- Nine San Diego residents are charged with fraudulent pandemic unemployment insurance claims and drug crimes in two cases
- Engineer sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Prison for conspiring to Illegally Export To China Semiconductor Chips With Military Uses
- Former Union President Sentenced To More Than 2 Years Prison for Embezzling Union Funds. Then Doubling Dues to Keep Frauding
- Vineland Boys Gang member sentenced to 31 years in Federal Prison for Racketeering Conpiracy, Attempted Murder Of Rival Gangsters
- U.S. Department Of Justice Announces the Launch Of Firearms Trafficking Forces To Crackdown On Sources Of Crime Weapons
- Two Defendants Plead Guilty To Federal Charges In Connection With Oakland-Based EB-5 Visa Investment Scheme
| Journalists Dig in on Delta Variant Risks and Opioid Overdose Deaths Posted: 24 Jul 2021 02:26 AM PDT dWeb.News Article from dWeb.News
KHN Midwest correspondent Lauren Weber discussed outbreaks caused by the covid-19 delta variant in Missouri and elsewhere on Newsy on Thursday. Click here to watch Weber on NewsyRead Weber's "The Delta Variant Thrives in a State of Political and Public Health Discord" KHN correspondent Aneri Pattani discussed opioids and the rise in overdose deaths on Newsy's "Morning Rush" on July 16. Click here to watch Pattani on NewsyRead Pattani's "How ERs Fail Patients With Addiction: One Patient's Tragic Death" KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. USE OUR CONTENTThis story can be republished for free (details). KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here's a collection of their appearances. The post Journalists Dig in on Delta Variant Risks and Opioid Overdose Deaths appeared first on dWeb.News dWeb.News from Daniel Webster Publisher dWeb.News - dWeb Local Tech News and Business News  |
| Why we are preparing for a worst-case scenario winter season Posted: 24 Jul 2021 02:26 AM PDT dWeb.News Article from dWeb.News
Everyone has made huge sacrifices to bring COVID-19 under control. The whole country is reflecting on what has been achieved in suppressing the virus and getting to a point where we can start to regain some normality. We have learned important lessons from responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and there is a brilliant opportunity to ensure these lessons can be applied in the future, with the scale and capacity needed to save lives and protect us all and with the rapid and innovative ways of working we have developed together. COVID-19 has consumed so much of our attention for the last 18 months yet there remain many other serious threats that stretch our health and social care services every year. Right now, to ensure we plan for these as well as for the continuing pandemic, our attention is on autumn and winter, ensuring we prepare for the challenges this will bring as well as continuously monitoring through the summer for 'unseasonal' spikes in illness we would usually see later in the year. FluIn particular, we are worried about flu. Like COVID-19, flu is a dangerous virus that kills thousands of people a year and hospitalises many more, putting pressure on our health and social care services as well as causing bereavement to families and loved ones. Flu is unpredictable and the rates of flu vary each year. The number of deaths we see from flu-related complications each winter season can also vary significantly from year to year. For instance, in 2014/15, a bad flu year, there were 28,000 deaths. The type of flu that is in circulation and how easily it passes from one person to another also varies. The restrictions that were in place over the autumn and winter of 2020/21 have meant that we didn't see much flu circulating last season. We therefore thankfully avoided the double threat of flu and COVID-19 circulating at the same time, which could have had disastrous consequences for individuals and for our health and care system. However, worryingly this may mean that more people are susceptible to the illness this year, potentially leading to a challenging flu season for our NHS colleagues and our health protection teams across the country. This, combined with the likelihood of continuing circulation of COVID-19, means this coming winter will again be highly unpredictable. Planning is already under way to ensure we are well prepared for a worst-case scenario and to limit the impact on the NHS. Vaccination programmeThe flu vaccine is safe, effective and protects millions of people each year from what can be a devastating illness. That is why, as part of our commitment to build back better from the pandemic, this year England's world-leading seasonal flu immunisation programme is being expanded even further. We have announced that a record number of children and adults will be offered the flu vaccine – over 35 million people in total – with every young person in years 7 to 11 in secondary school now eligible for the first time, building on the expansion of the vaccine programme to Year 7 children last winter. England's world leading flu programme achieved record take up last year, a testament to the resilience of the NHS and to the public's determination to protect themselves and others during a winter of unprecedented challenges. This coming season, the health system is determined to build on this fantastic achievement, alongside the staggering success of our COVID-19 vaccination programme, to ensure more of the population than ever get protected against flu. We will be closely watching the data from trials to make sure the flu jab can be given alongside the COVID-19 vaccines, following the interim advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on delivering a COVID-19 vaccine booster programme from September for those in the more vulnerable groups. Getting vaccinated against both viruses will not only help to protect us and our loved ones from flu and COVID-19 but will help protect the nation from a potentially devastating double threat this winter. RSVAnother infection that we are concerned about as we approach autumn is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV is a common seasonal winter virus which causes coughs and colds and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in children aged under 2 years It can be more severe in premature babies, babies under 2 months of age and vulnerable infants with certain underlying conditions that increase their risk of acute lower respiratory tract infection. The RSV season in the UK typically begins in the autumn, earlier than the adult flu season, and runs through winter. During the last year there has been a remarkable reduction in respiratory viral infections other than COVID-19. This means that there is an increasing number of young children who have never been exposed to these common viruses. As restrictions ease and people mix more, we are expecting to see a significant rise in the total number of RSV cases and admissions. We are working closely with the NHS and colleagues across the health system to monitor this closely, as well as ensuring that parents, carers and health professionals are aware of the symptoms of RSV and know what to do if they are concerned. Finally, let's remember that we can and must all play our part to reduce the impact of infectious disease on individuals, their families and their communities and simultaneously to reduce the pressure on health and social care and other public services this coming winter, so everyone can continue to receive the support they need. The good hygiene habits that we have become used to in the COVID-19 pandemic are important defences against a range of other infections, including flu and RSV. We should continue to practice them. This includes washing our hands regularly for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes and keeping away from others when feeling unwell. Alongside COVID-19 there remain other serious threats that stretch our health and social care services every year. Right now, to ensure we plan for these as well as for the continuing pandemic, our attention is on autumn and winter, ensuring we prepare for the challenges this will bring. More Health and Wellness at https://dWeb.News The post Why we are preparing for a worst-case scenario winter season appeared first on dWeb.News dWeb.News from Daniel Webster Publisher dWeb.News - dWeb Local Tech News and Business News  |
| Jury Convicts Former Delaware Doctor of Unlawful Drug Distribution and Maintaining a Drug Premises Posted: 24 Jul 2021 12:08 AM PDT dWeb.News Article from Daniel Webster dWeb.News
A federal jury convicted a former Delaware doctor Wednesday for unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances and for maintaining a drug-involved premises.According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Patrick Titus, former M.D., 58, of Milford, unlawfully distributed or dispensed a variety of powerful opioids, including fentanyl, morphine, methadone, OxyContin and oxycodone, outside the usual scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Titus operated an internal medicine practice whereby he would frequently prescribe hundreds of these dangerous controlled substances in high dosages, sometimes in combination with each other or in other dangerous combinations, mostly in exchange for cash. Although these Schedule II drugs are approved for pain management treatment, Titus provided no meaningful medical care and, instead, prescribed these controlled substances to patients he knew were suffering from substance use disorder and/or who demonstrated clear signs that the prescribed drugs were being abused, diverted or sold on the street. "Doctors who illegitimately prescribe opioid medications are fueling the country's opioid crisis," said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "Not only does unlawfully prescribing opioids facilitate their diversion and misuse by patients, but it also allows doctors who commit these unlawful acts to exploit their roles as stewards of their patient's care for their own personal profit. This verdict serves as a reminder that such abuse will be not be tolerated and that we will be resolute in our pursuit of justice." "Dr. Titus was convicted of illegally distributing powerful prescription painkillers such as fentanyl, oxycodone, methadone and morphine for profit," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shawn R. Ellerman of the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division and head of the DEA's operations across the state of Delaware. "His conviction is an appropriate resolution for his utter and total disregard for his ethical and legal obligations as a medical doctor, especially due to the fact that he distributed these drugs knowingly to people suffering from substance use disorder." "This verdict holds Dr. Titus accountable for his actions and should serve as a warning to others that the illegal prescribing of dangerous narcotics will not be tolerated," said Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "HHS-OIG will continue to work with our partners at the DEA, FDA and the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate allegations of drug diversion and keep our communities safe from illegal prescription drugs." Titus was convicted of 13 counts of unlawful distribution and dispensing of controlled substances and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 9, and faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison per count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The DEA and HHS-OIG investigated the case. Assistant Deputy Chief Aleza Remis and Trial Attorneys Justin Woodard and Claire Sobczak of the Criminal Division's Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edmond Falgowski of the District of Delaware assisted with the case. Topic(s): Opioids Prescription Drugs Health Care Fraud Component(s): Press Release Number: 21-682 Updated July 22, 2021
More dWeb.News Crime and Punishment News The post Jury Convicts Former Delaware Doctor of Unlawful Drug Distribution and Maintaining a Drug Premises appeared first on dWeb.News dWeb.News from Daniel Webster Publisher dWeb.News - dWeb Local Tech News and Business News  |
| Posted: 24 Jul 2021 12:06 AM PDT dWeb.News Article from Daniel Webster dWeb.News
PRC Prosecutor Allegedly Traveled to the United States, Directed Stalking of U.S. Residents, and Obstructed Criminal InvestigationA federal grand jury in New York filed an indictment today charging nine defendants with acting and conspiring to act in the United States as illegal agents of the People's Republic of China (PRC) without prior notification to the Attorney General, and engaging and conspiring to engage in interstate and international stalking. Two of the nine defendants are also charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice. According to court documents, Tu Lan, 50, and Zhai Yongqiang, 46, both of China, are the latest two of nine charged in the superseding indictment. Co-defendants Hu Ji, 46 and Li Minjun, 65, both of China; Zhu Feng, 34, a Chinese national residing in Queens, New York; Michael McMahon, 53, of Mahwah, New Jersey; Zheng Congying, 24, of Brooklyn, New York; and Zhu Yong, aka Jason Zhu, 64, of Norwich, Connecticut, were previously charged in a related criminal complaint issued in October 2020 and a related indictment in May 2021. The name of the ninth defendant remains under seal. According to court documents, the defendants allegedly acted at the direction and under the control of PRC government officials, conducted surveillance of and engaged in a campaign to harass, stalk and coerce certain residents of the United States to return to the PRC as part of a global, concerted and extralegal repatriation effort known as "Operation Fox Hunt." The superseding indictment also alleges that Tu Lan, a new defendant who was employed as a prosecutor with the Hanyang People's Procuratorate, traveled to the United States, directed the harassment campaign and ordered a co-conspirator to destroy evidence to obstruct the criminal investigation. "Law enforcement officials around the world act according to a professional code of conduct," said Acting Attorney General Mark Lesko for the Justice Department's National Security Division. "They act to enforce the law, not to violate it in such an egregious manner. That aprosecutor and police officer not only directed and participated in a criminal scheme on U.S. soil, but then attempted to cover it up, is an affront to justice of the highest order." "As alleged, the defendants, acting as agents of the PRC, carried out an illegal and clandestine campaign to harass and threaten targeted U.S. residents in order to force them to return to the PRC," said Acting U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Kasulis. "Unregistered, roving agents of a foreign power are not permitted to engage in secret surveillance of U.S. residents on American soil, and their illegal conduct will be met with the full force of U.S. law. To the extent the PRC seeks to repatriate its citizens to the PRC, its agents are required to register with the Attorney General of the United States, coordinate with U.S. officials, and adhere to U.S. laws and protocols." "As noted in the superseding indictment, the Chinese government sent operatives to America to harass, surveil, and coerce U.S. residents to return to China. These acts are undemocratic, authoritarian, and contrary to the rule of law," said Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler, for the FBI's Counterintelligence Division. "The FBI will continue to protect those who are victims of harassment and intimidation by the government of China, or any other government practicing these tactics." As alleged, in and around 2012 and 2014, the PRC government caused the International Criminal Police Organization, aka Interpol, an inter-governmental law enforcement organization, to issue "Red Notices" for John Doe #1 and his wife, Jane Doe #1. According to the Red Notices, John Doe #1 was wanted by the PRC government for "embezzlement, abuse of power [and] acceptance of bribes" which carried a maximum possible penalty of death under PRC law. Jane Doe #1 was wanted by the PRC government for "accepting bribes" which carried a maximum possible penalty of life imprisonment under PRC law. As alleged, the nine defendants participated in an international campaign to threaten, harass, surveil and intimidate John Doe #1 and his family, in order to force John Doe #1 and Jane Doe #1 to return to the PRC as part of "Operation Fox Hunt," a PRC Ministry of Public Security initiative to locate and repatriate alleged Chinese "fugitives" who had fled to foreign countries, including the United States. Instead of operating with the approval and coordination of the U.S. government, PRC government officials carrying out Operation Fox Hunt traveled to the United States and directed non-official operatives in the United States to engage in violations of U.S. criminal law. Specifically, between approximately 2016 and 2019, PRC government officials, including defendant Tu Lan, the PRC prosecutor, and Hu Ji, a PRC police officer with the Wuhan Public Security Bureau, traveled to the United States and directed other defendants to engage in unsanctioned and illegal conduct on behalf of the PRC to coerce the targeted victims to return to the PRC. As further alleged in the superseding indictment, a centerpiece of this criminal scheme was an April 2017 effort, directed by PRC officials Tu Lan and Hu Ji, to transport John Doe #1's elderly father from the PRC to the United States to convey a threat to John Doe #1 that his family in the PRC would be harmed if he did not return to the PRC. At the direction of Tu Lan, Hu Ji and others, several defendants worked to investigate, surveil and locate John Doe #1 and his wife. Tu Lan then traveled to the United States along with John Doe #1's father and a medical doctor, Li Minjun. While in the United States, Tu Lan directed several conspirators to surveil John Doe #1 and his family so the defendants would know where to bring John Doe #1's father to deliver the demand that John Doe #1 return to the PRC. Afterwards, Tu Lan returned to the PRC, where she continued to supervise the operation with Hu Ji and other PRC officials, directed other U.S.-based conspirators to continue stalking John Doe #1 and then ordered the return of John Doe #1's father to the PRC after their attempts to render John Doe #1 and Jane Doe #1 were unsuccessful. Zhu Feng, Hu Ji and Zhu Yong worked with McMahon, a private investigator, to gather intelligence about and locate John Doe #1 and Jane Doe #1. To evade detection and frustrate a criminal investigation of their conduct, Tu Lan allegedly directed one of the conspirators to "delete all the chat content" between the conspirators. Subsequently, between 2017 and 2019 other defendants continued to harass and stalk the victims at the direction of the PRC government. For example, on or about Sept. 4, 2018, two defendants drove to the New Jersey residence of John Doe #1 and Jane Doe #1 and pounded on the front door. The two defendants attempted to force open the door to the residence, then left a note at the residence that stated "If you are willing to go back to the mainland and spend 10 years in prison, your wife and children will be all right. That's the end of this matter!" All defendants are charged with acting as and conspiring to act as agents of the PRC, which carry maximum penalties of ten years and five years in prison respectively. The defendants are also charged with interstate stalking and conspiring to engage in interstate stalking, which carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each charge. Defendants Tu and Zhu are separately charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig R. Heeren, J. Matthew Haggans and Ellen H. Sise are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Attachment(s): Component(s): Press Release Number: 21-683 Updated July 22, 2021
More dWeb.News Crime and Punishment News The post Nine Individuals Charged in Superseding Indictment with Conspiring to Act as Illegal Agents of the People's Republic of China appeared first on dWeb.News dWeb.News from Daniel Webster Publisher dWeb.News - dWeb Local Tech News and Business News  |
| Posted: 24 Jul 2021 12:04 AM PDT dWeb.News Article from Daniel Webster dWeb.News
By Daniel Webster, dWeb.News For more information, contact: Assistant U. S. Attorneys Stephen Wong (619-546-9464), Larry Casper (619-546-6734),Alicia Williams (619-546-8917) and Courtney Strange (760-355-2216) Two separate indictments were filed against San Diego County residents for Conspiracy To Commit Wire Fraud. They relate to fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Insurance claims. CLICK HERE to view a Notice of Similar Cases The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act of 2020) provided new unemployment benefits to those who were affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Employment Development Department (EDD), in California, administers unemployment insurance benefits. Defendants Matthew Lombardo and Konrad Piekos were charged in case 21-CR-2154 CAB with conspiracy to commit wirefraud. Lombardo and Piekos were also charged with Aggravated ID Theft. Additionally, Defendant Lombardo has been charged with unauthorized disclosure health information, which is a felony. According to the affidavit submitted in support of the criminal case 21-CR-2154 CAB, Defendant Lombardo stole confidential patient files from a local hospital and gave them to Piekos, Genetti and Milosavljevic to submit to EDD for Pandemic Unemployment Insurance benefits. CLICK HERE to view the unsealed complaint Defendants Lindsay Renee Henning and Garrett Carl Tuggle were charged with conspiracy for wire fraud in case 21-CR-2153 CAB. Tuggle and Henning were also charged for aggravated identity theft. Juan Landon, Tuggle and Henning were also charged for conspiracy to distribute MDMA or LSD. Tuggle was also charged for possessing methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin and intent to distribute. According to the affidavit submitted in support of the criminal case 21-CR-2153 CAB, the wire fraud conspiracy included over 108 claims that together paid $1,615,000 The affidavit describes how defendants conspired in order to distribute controlled substances. CLICK HERE to view the unsealed complaint The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Department of Labor Office of Investigations, (DOL-OI), San Diego Sheriff's Department Office of Investigations(SDSD), California Employment Development Department Office of Investigations Office of Investigations [EDD OI], United States Postal Inspection Service ("USPIS") and Homeland Security Investigations ("HSI") led to the charges. After traffic stops led to the discovery contraband and text messages on cell phones, investigators began investigating both cases. Court-authorized searches of homes and phones as well as detailed analyses of EDD databases confirmed the text messages. Juan Landon is the only exception to this rule. "Pandemic unemployment insurance programs form a crucial part of our safety net to support hardworking citizens in times of unprecedented economic downturn. Acting U.S. attorney Randy Grossman stated that our office and law enforcement partners will investigate and prosecute anyone who tries to steal from these programs. Grossman praised AUSAs Wong and Casper Williams, Williams, and Strange, as well as the law enforcement agents who investigated these cases. If you suspect you are a victim to COVID-19 fraud you should immediately report it to the FBI (visit www.ic3.gov, tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL FBI or the San Diego FBI at (858-320-1800). The public is also urged to report fraud schemes related COVID-19 to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (1-866-720-5711) or by e-mailing disaster@leo.gov. Case Number: 21-CR-2154 CAB DEFENDANTS Konrad Piekos Age: 43, Vista, CA Matthew George Lombardo Age: 52, San Diego, CA Ryan David Genetti Age: 38 Vista, CA Dobrila "Bebe" Milosavljevic Age: 40 Vista, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Count 1: Title 18, United States Code section 1349 (conspiracy for wire fraud). Maximum penalty: 20 years imprisonment; fine; penalty assessment Counts 2 & 3: Title 18, United States Code section 1028A; (aggravated Identity Theft) Maximum Penalty: 2 years mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment, in addition to any term of imprisonment imposed on Count 1. Count 4: Title 42 of the United States Code, section 1320d-9 (b)(3); (wrongful disclosing individually identifiable health information). Maximum Penalty: 10 years in Prison; Fine; Penal Assessment AGENCIES U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Investigations California Employment Development Department Office of Investigations California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation-Investigative Services Unit (CDCR-ISU) United States Postal Inspection Service, (USPIS). Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Case Number: 21-CR-2153 CAB DEFENDANTS Lindsay Renee Henning Age: 37 La Mesa, CA Garret Carl Tuggle Age: 35 San Diego, CA Salvatore Compilati Age: 39 La Mesa, CA Ryan David Genetti Age: 38 Vista, CA Juan Landon Age: 27 Mesa, AZ SUMMARY OF CHARGES Counts 1 & 2: Title 21, United States Code sections 841 & 846 (conspiracy for distribution MDMA and conspiracy to distribute LSD) Maximum Penalty: Minimum 5 years, maximum 40 years in prison; fine; penalty assessment Count 3: Title 18, United States Code section 1349 (conspiracy for wire fraud) Maximum penalty: 20 years imprisonment; fine; penalty assessment Count 4: Title 18, United States Code section 1028A; (aggravated Identity Theft) Maximum Penalty: 2 years mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment, in addition to any term of imprisonment imposed on Count 1. Counts 5-7: Title 21, United States Code section 841 (possession for the purpose of distributing methamphetamines, cocaine, or heroin). Maximum penalties: Count 5 (more that 500 grams of methamphetamine-containing mixture) mandatory minimum 10 year sentence; fine; penalty assessment Count 6 (cocaine), up to 20 years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment; fine; penalty assessment Count 7 (heroin), up to 20 years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment; fine; penalty assessment AGENCIES U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration San Diego Sheriff's Department (SDSD). U.S. Department of Labor Office of Investigations (DOL–OI) California Employment Development Department Office of Investigations California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation-Investigative Services Unit (CDCR-ISU) United States Postal Inspection Service, (USPIS). Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) *The allegations and charges contained in an indictment/complaint are only accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. More dWeb.News Crime and Punishment at https://dweb.news/category/crime-and-punishment/ The post Nine San Diego residents are charged with fraudulent pandemic unemployment insurance claims and drug crimes in two cases appeared first on dWeb.News dWeb.News from Daniel Webster Publisher dWeb.News - dWeb Local Tech News and Business News  |
| Posted: 24 Jul 2021 12:04 AM PDT dWeb.News Article from Daniel Webster dWeb.News
By Daniel Webster, dWeb.News LOS ANGELES - A schemer to illegally obtain integrated devices with military applications and export them to China was uncovered by an electrical engineer. He was sentenced today to 63 month in federal prison. Yi-Chi Shih (66), of Hollywood Hills was sentenced today by United States District Judge John A. Kronstadt. He also ordered him to pay $362698 in restitution and a fine of $300,000. After a seven-week jury trial, Shih was convicted on one count of conspiracy against the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Export Administration Regulations. Shih was also convicted of four counts mail fraud, two wire fraud counts, one count conspiracy to gain unauthorized access to a protected computer for information, one charge of making false statements about an FBI agent, three charges of subscribing falsely to a tax return and four counts making false statements regarding his foreign assets to the IRS. According to trial evidence, Shih defrauded a United States firm that manufactured high-powered, broadband semiconductor chips known as monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs). This was by accessing its proprietary and confidential business information. After obtaining access to the victim company's website portal through an associate, Shih was able to access the site. He was posing as a domestic customer looking for custom-designed MMICs to be used only in the United States. Shih hid his true intention to export the MMICs of the U.S. company to the People's Republic of China. The semiconductor chips of the victim company have many commercial and military uses. MMICs are used in missiles and missile guidance systems, fighter planes, electronic warfare, countermeasures to electronic warfare, radar applications, and electronic warfare. MMICs Shih exported from China were intended to be used by AVIC 607 in the PRC, a state-owned entity. Shih was President of Chengdu GaStone Technology Company, (CGTC), a Chinese firm that was building a MMIC manufacturing plant in Chengdu. According to court documents, CGTC was placed on Commerce Department's Entity list in 2014. This was "due its involvement in activities contrary the national security or foreign policy interest of America - specifically, that it had been involved with the illicit procurement of commodities, and items for unauthorized military use in China." Shih used Pullman Lane Productions LLC, a Hollywood Hills-based company that he controlled, to funnel funds from Chinese entities to finance manufacturing of the MMICs for the victim company. According to court documents, Pullman Lane was funded by a Beijing-based company. This company was placed on the Entity List "on the basis that it was involved in activities contrary the national security interests of the United States." Kiet Mai, Shih's associate, pleaded guilty to one felony charge of smuggling in December 2018. He was sentenced to 18-months probation and a $5,000 fine. This matter was investigated by the FBI, United States Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement. The IRS Criminal Investigation assisted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The case was prosecuted in part by the Assistant United States Attorneys Judith A. Heinz, National Security Division; Melanie Sartoris Chief of Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, William M. Rollins, Terrorism and Export Crimes Section, and Daniel G. Boyle, Asset Forfeiture Section. Elizabeth Cannon, Deputy Chief, National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, assisted with this. More dWeb.News Crime and Punishment at https://dweb.news/category/crime-and-punishment/ The post Engineer sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Prison for conspiring to Illegally Export To China Semiconductor Chips With Military Uses appeared first on dWeb.News dWeb.News from Daniel Webster Publisher dWeb.News - dWeb Local Tech News and Business News  |
| Posted: 24 Jul 2021 12:04 AM PDT dWeb.News Article from Daniel Webster dWeb.News
By Daniel Webster, dWeb.News LOS ANGELES - Today, a former union president was sentenced to 28 months in federal jail for using her leadership position to embezzle funds union funds. This corrupt behavior led to the union's bank accounts being depleted and allowed her to double the dues paid by members. Aja Ann Jasmin (42), of Glendora was sentenced today by United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald. He said that she committed "a very grave crime" that required "a tremendous amount of planning and cunning." Judge Fitzgerald also ordered Jasmin pay $185,000 for restitution. Jasmin, former president of the International Chemical Workers Union Council, Local 350C, pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud, and one count aggravated identity theft on February 11. Jasmin used her position of union president to embezzle funds union funds from 2013 to August 2018. She forger the signatures on checks to herself and electronically transferred union funds to pay her bills. Jasmin falsified the statements of union bank accounts to hide her embezzlement. They showed higher balances than they actually had. Jasmin falsely claimed to Southern California Gas Co. that the union had voted for doubling the amount of union dues it had been required to deduct from the paychecks of union members - from $21 up to $42 per pay period. This was in order to replenish the union's funds. Jasmin also sought out and received compensation from the union by falsely claiming that her time spent on union business prevented she from receiving her hourly wage at Southern California Gas Co. In reality, she was paid by the union for hours even though she was on disability leave. Jasmin defrauded the union of approximately $190,000. Prosecutors wrote that Jasmin had betrayed her fellow union members in order to allow her conspicuous consumption. This included an equestrian lifestyle and driving a Maserati. They also purchased cosmetic medicine and luxury retailers like Van Cleef & Arpels. "[She] tried as hard as she could to make as much money as possible, mainly through fraud." This matter was investigated by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards and the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General. Andrew Brown, Assistant United States Attorney from the Major Frauds Section, prosecuted this matter. More dWeb.News Crime and Punishment at https://dweb.news/category/crime-and-punishment/ The post Former Union President Sentenced To More Than 2 Years Prison for Embezzling Union Funds. Then Doubling Dues to Keep Frauding appeared first on dWeb.News dWeb.News from Daniel Webster Publisher dWeb.News - dWeb Local Tech News and Business News  |
| Posted: 24 Jul 2021 12:04 AM PDT dWeb.News Article from Daniel Webster dWeb.News
By Daniel Webster, dWeb.News LOS ANGELES - Today, a member of the Vineland Boys street gang, which is based in San Fernando Valley, was sentenced to 372 months federal prison for multiple felonies. This includes the attempted murders three of their rival gangsters. United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald sentenced Jesus Gonzalez Jr., 28, "Lil Chito," and "Gunner", respectively, of Sun Valley. Gonzalez pleaded guilty to five felonies on January 22: one count each of conspiracy and violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), two counts of violent crime aid to racketeering and one count each of conspiracy and distribution of controlled substances and one count discharging a firearm to further a crime. According to court documents the Vineland Boys murdered rival gang members to consolidate their control over Sun Valley, North Hollywood, and Burbank. They also controlled and conducted drug and firearms traficking activity and extorted money from drug dealers. Gonzalez conspired to join Vineland Boys members, and associates, in racketeering acts that included attempted murder and drug trafficking. Gonzalez admitted that he was involved with several gang-related shootings. This included a South Los Angeles shootout in December 2015 with rival gang members. Gonzalez shot one victim and inflicted other injuries in a drive-by shooting at a party in Sun Valley in April 2016. Gonzalez believed that the victim had insulted Vineland Boys gang members. Gonzalez shot and wounded another member of the Lankershim Boulevard gang, but the victim survived. Gonzalez and other Vineland Boys members were driving next to a vehicle on North Hollywood near Lankershim Boulevard in May 2016. Gonzalez confronted the passengers of the other vehicle and shot them because he believed they were gang members. Gonzalez also sold methamphetamine, and illegally sold many firearms, including an AR style rifle without serial number - commonly known by the "ghost gun", which he sold in May 2016 at a San Fernando McDonald's. 31 Vineland Boys associates and members were indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2019. Prosecutors in this case have so far secured 17 convictions, multiple prison sentences exceeding 10 year terms, and numerous other sentences. This matter was investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Los Angeles Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Jennifer Chou, Assistant United States Attorney, and Sara Milstein, Violent and Organized Criminal Section. More dWeb.News Crime and Punishment at https://dweb.news/category/crime-and-punishment/ The post Vineland Boys Gang member sentenced to 31 years in Federal Prison for Racketeering Conpiracy, Attempted Murder Of Rival Gangsters appeared first on dWeb.News dWeb.News from Daniel Webster Publisher dWeb.News - dWeb Local Tech News and Business News  |
| Posted: 24 Jul 2021 12:04 AM PDT dWeb.News Article from Daniel Webster dWeb.News
By Daniel Webster, dWeb.News SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Department of Justice launched five cross-jurisdictional strikes forces today to reduce gun violence and disrupt illegal firearms trafficking. The regional strike forces will leverage existing resources and ensure sustained and focused coordination among jurisdictions. They will also help to stem the flow of illegally traded firearms from source communities, through other communities, and into five major market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C. Officials will use the most recent data, evidence, intelligence, and information from crime scenes to identify patterns and suspects in violent gun crime. "Most guns found at crime scenes are often stolen from thousands or hundreds of miles away. As ATF works together with law enforcement to track illegal firearms used for violent crimes, we are increasing our efforts. These strike forces allow for sustained coordination across multiple jurisdictions in order to disrupt the most dangerous gun trafficking corridors," stated Attorney General Merrick B. Galrland. "The Department of Justice will make every effort to ensure the safety of our communities, which is the highest priority of the department, using all of its tools, including enforcement, prevention, intervention and investment. Gun trace data shows that a large number of firearms found in the San Francisco Bay Area/Greater Sacramento region are illegally imported from California. The United States Attorney's Offices for the Northern and Eastern Districts, California, are jointly responsible for the new San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region Strike Force. They are led by Acting United States Attorneys Stephanie M. Hinds (San Francisco) and Phillip A. Talbert (Sacramento). Special Agent in Charge Patrick T. Gorman will lead the ATF San Francisco Field Office. He will also support and contribute to the strike force. The strike force will ensure that law enforcement and prosecutors in San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento region, and their counterparts in places where many firearms originate are coordinated effectively. Acting United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds, Northern District of California, stated that illegally imported firearms often contribute to violence in crimes committed in our communities. "Enhancing our focus to trace and track the source of illegally trafficked firearms can help stem their flow and aid in combating violent crime." With the support of Patrick T. Gorman, ATF San Francisco Field Office Special Agent In Charge, our strike force is a positive step in the right direction. I am honored to cochair it with Phillip A. Talbert, Acting United States Attorney from the Eastern District of California. Our strike force will closely work with the Los Angeles Strike Force because many of the firearm sources for the Bay Area and Sacramento areas overlap with the locations for firearms recovered from Southern California. The Department's Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy was announced on May 26th, 2021. The strike forces are one step towards implementing it. The comprehensive strategy helps local communities prevent, investigate, and prosecute gun violence and other violent crimes. It requires the U.S. Attorneys' offices must work with federal, state and local law enforcement as well as the communities they serve to address the most important drivers of violence in their areas. The Deputy Attorney General clarified that firearms traffickers who supply weapons to violent offenders are a priority enforcement issue in the country, giving guidance to federal agents as well as prosecutors. Department of Justice Takes Action to Combat Violent Crime The Department has taken the following steps since April 2021 to reduce and prevent violent crime, particularly gun crime, which is often at the heart of the problem: On April 8, Attorney General Garland and President Biden announced four concrete steps to address gun violence. ATF would submit a new rule within 30 calendar days to curb the proliferation so-called ghost weapons, ATF will propose a new regulation within 60 calendar days on stabilizing braces that convert pistols into short-barreled guns, and the Department will publish model state extreme-risk protection order legislation within 60 working days. ATF would also begin a detailed and comprehensive new public study on firearms trafficking, which would be the first in 20 years The Office of Justice Programs made it clear in April 2021 that existing grant funds could be used for Community Violence Intervention (CVI). ATF published a notice of proposed rulemaking on May 7, in accordance with the Attorney General's timeline. This was to update obsolete firearms definitions, and to address the proliferation of ghost weapons. The comprehensive strategy of the Department to reduce violent crime was announced by the Attorney General on May 26th. It included a Department Violent Crime Reduction Strategy and the strengthening Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) as well as a directive to U.S. Attorneys to collaborate with local partners to address the rise in violence that occurs during the summer (with support from DOJ law enforcement agents). ATF published a notice of proposed rulesmaking on June 7, in accordance with the Attorney General's timeline. It clarified that the National Firearms Act restrictions apply to stabilizing braces used to convert pistols to short-barreled rifles. The Department published model legislation for extreme risk protection orders in states on June 8, according to the Attorney General's timeline. The Attorney General announced on June 22 that five Firearms Trafficking Strike Forces would be formed by the Department within 30 days. The ATF announced that it would take steps to hold rogue gun dealers responsible for their actions on June 23rd. They include a "no tolerance" policy for federal firearms licencers (FFLs), who willfully commit violations that threaten public safety; designating points for state and local officials to report concerns regarding rogue FFLs. Sharing inspection information with states that regulate firearms dealers; resuming the practice to notify revoked dealers about how to dispose off their inventory and the possible criminal consequences of continuing to do business; increasing ATF's inspection resources (see FY 2022 Budget request); and publicly posting disaggregate information to ATF's website. More dWeb.News Crime and Punishment at https://dweb.news/category/crime-and-punishment/ The post U.S. Department Of Justice Announces the Launch Of Firearms Trafficking Forces To Crackdown On Sources Of Crime Weapons appeared first on dWeb.News dWeb.News from Daniel Webster Publisher dWeb.News - dWeb Local Tech News and Business News  |
| Posted: 24 Jul 2021 12:04 AM PDT dWeb.News Article from Daniel Webster dWeb.News
By Daniel Webster, dWeb.News OAKLAND - Thomas Henderson pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of conspiracy for wire fraud and one count of false statement to a agency related to his role deceiving investors. This was announced by Acting United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds. U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Special Agent In Charge William Chang; Homeland Security Investigations Special agent in Charge Tatum Kings; and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special agent in Charge Craig Fair. Cooper Lee, a second defendant, pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy for his role as a diverter of certain investor funds. The Hon. The Hon. Richard Seeborg, Chief U.S. Circuit Judge. Henderson, 72, and Lee, 44, both formerly of Oakland, pleaded guilty pursuant to separate plea agreements. According to Henderson's plea agreement, Henderson acknowledged that he founded the San Francisco Regional Center, LLC in 2010 to raise funds from foreign investors through "EB-5" visa program, a job creation and immigration program administered U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, (USCIS). From 2011 to 2017, SFRC raised over $100 million from foreign investors for seven approved EB-5-approved commercial enterprises. Henderson acknowledged that SFRC began using investor money for purposes and projects that were not related to the investment at the beginning of 2014. Investors were not told specifically that their investment funds would or were used for these purposes. Henderson, for example, admitted that funds raised by 42 investors for the North America 3PL LP enterprise were used for other businesses and projects, including the funding of struggling projects. Henderson also admitted to lying to USCIS in a declaration he made to the agency about the use of North America 3PL investor money. Lee's plea agreement states that Henderson conspired with Lee to divert funds from the EB-5 entity operating under California Gold Medal LP from August 2016 to January 2017. Lee admitted that he transferred funds to Henderson and prepared documents to make it appear that these transfers were legitimate business transactions. The EB-5 visa program is administered by USCIS. The program allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent United States residence, also known as a Green Card. They can invest in qualified U.S. businesses, and create jobs for U.S. residents and citizens. Foreign investors must meet the requirements for an entry visa and comply with program requirements. They must also make an investment of at least $1 million if they are investing in areas of high unemployment. After two years, the foreign investor can petition for permanent residency with the immediate family. This is after they have met the program requirements. These include creating at least 10 jobs for residents and citizens of the United States through the investment. Chief Judge Seeborg set Lee's sentencing date for December 7, 2021 and Henderson's for June 7, 2022. Henderson pleaded guilty in violation of 18 U.S.C. to one count of conspiracy for wire fraud. ? 1349 and one count of making false statements to a government agency in violation of 18 U.S.C. ? 1001(a),(2). The maximum penalty for the conspiracy charge is 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. False statement charges carry a maximum penalty up to 5 years in prison and a maximum fine of up $250,000. Lee pleaded guilty in violation of 18 U.S.C. to one count conspiracy. ? 371, which carries a maximum penalty for 5 years in prison or $250,000. If the defendant follows the terms of the plea agreement, any other charges will be dropped at sentencing. The court may also order additional terms such as supervised release, forfeitures, fines, and restitution. However, any sentence following conviction will be imposed only after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute that governs the imposition of sentence, 18 U.S.C. ? 3553 Assistant U.S. The case is being prosecuted by Patricia Mahoney and Lloyd Farnham, U.S. Assistant Diplomatic Security Service representative. The U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service's representative at the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, (DBFTF), investigated the case with the assistance of Patricia Mahoney. This investigation was overseen by HSI and included the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The DBFTF is an inter-agency task force that coordinates investigation into fraudulent immigration documents. U.S. The investigation was also supported by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service's Office of Fraud Detection and National Security. The Securities and Exchange Commission San Francisco Regional Office provided additional assistance. More dWeb.News Crime and Punishment at https://dweb.news/category/crime-and-punishment/ The post Two Defendants Plead Guilty To Federal Charges In Connection With Oakland-Based EB-5 Visa Investment Scheme appeared first on dWeb.News dWeb.News from Daniel Webster Publisher dWeb.News - dWeb Local Tech News and Business News  |
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