On May 30th, Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill discuss their book, Whitey: The Life of America’s Most Notorious Mob Boss.
Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. Crime Beat presents fascinating topics that bring listeners closer to the dynamic underbelly of the world of crime. Guests have included ex-mobsters, undercover law enforcement agents, sports officials, informants, prisoners, drug dealers and investigative journalists, who have provided insights and fresh information about the world’s most fascinating subject: crime.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Guilty Pleas by Los Zetas Cartel in Ambush Murder and Attempted Murder of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agents
Julian Zapata Espinoza, also known as “Piolin,” 32, pleaded guilty yesterday to the murder of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agent Jaime Zapata and the attempted murder of ICE Special Agent Victor Avila in Mexico. The court also unsealed the guilty pleas of three other defendants on related murder, attempted murder, racketeering, and accessory charges.
The guilty pleas, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, were announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ronald C. Machen, Jr.; Assistant Director Ronald T. Hosko of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division; and ICE Director John Morton.
As set forth in court filings, on February 15, 2011, Espinoza, a commander in Los Zetas Cartel, a heavily armed Mexican narco-trafficking cartel and transnational criminal organization, attempted to hijack Special Agent Zapata’s and Special Agent Avila’s armored government vehicle as the agents were driving on Highway 57 in San Luis Potosi. Two armed Zetas hit squads, or “estacas,” forced the agents off the road, and surrounded their vehicle. Espinoza, the leader of the attack, ordered the agents to exit their vehicle. When the agents refused and attempted to identify themselves as American diplomats from the U.S. Embassy, the hit squad members fired weapons near and into the vehicle, striking both agents. Estaca members continued to fire at the vehicle as the agents attempted to escape by driving away. Special Agent Zapata died as a result of the gunshot wounds he suffered during the attack, and Special Agent Avila was seriously injured.
On April 19, 2011, Espinoza was indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia on multiple counts pertaining to the murder of ICE Special Agent Zapata and the attempted murder of ICE Special Agent Avila and, on December 20, 2011, was extradited from Mexico to the United States. The defendant entered a guilty plea before Chief Judge Royce C. Lamberth to the murder of Special Agent Zapata, an officer and employee of the United States, and the attempted murder of Special Agent Avila, an officer and employee of the United States.
In addition to the announcing the guilty plea of Espinoza, prosecutors also announced related guilty pleas by three other defendants. Ruben Dario Venegas Rivera, also known as “Catracho,” 25, pleaded guilty on August 1, 2011, to federal charges concerning the murder of Special Agent Zapata and attempted murder of Special Agent Avila. Jose Ismael Nava Villagran, also known as “Cacho,” 30, pleaded guilty on January 4, 2012, also to federal charges concerning the murder and attempted murder of the ICE agents. Francisco Carbajal Flores, also known as “Dalmata,” 38, pleaded guilty on January 10, 2012, to conspiracy to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity and to being an accessory after the fact to the murder and attempted murder of the ICE agents.
As part of their guilty pleas, Espinoza, Rivera, and Villagran admitted to being members of a Los Zetas hit squad and to participating directly in the February 15, 2011 ambush of the two special agents. The fourth defendant, Flores, acknowledged assisting Zetas members after the February 15 attack.
All four defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. No sentencing date has been set for the defendants.
“Special Agent Zapata died for his country in a senseless and brutal attack, and Special Agent Avila was grievously wounded in the same ambush by members of Los Zetas Cartel,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Raman. “Both men are American heroes who dedicated themselves to protecting the United States, only to be attacked by vicious thugs. I hope that today’s announcement of guilty pleas by the cartel members directly responsible for the attack brings some measure of justice to the victims and their families. A team of dedicated prosecutors and investigators has worked day and night to identify and hold these defendants accountable. Our work is far from over, and we will continue to devote our full resources and work with our law enforcement partners here and abroad to investigate and prosecute those responsible.”
“The deadly ambush of two highly dedicated and courageous American law enforcement officers by the Los Zetas drug cartel demanded an intense, dedicated, and forceful response,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “The message to any criminal who dares to commit an act of violence against a U.S. law enforcement officer serving in a foreign land is unmistakable—if you commit such a heinous crime, we will not forget, we will not falter, and we will not rest until you are brought to justice. Our work in this critical case will continue until all of those who participated in the murder of Special Agent Zapata and attempted murder of Special Agent Avila are held accountable.”
“With the assistance of our law enforcement partners, assailants responsible for murdering Agent Zapata and wounding Agent Avila have been brought to justice,” said FBI Assistant Director Hosko. “While there is nothing we can do to change what happened that fateful day in Mexico, let it be known that an attack against any federal agent serving his or her country is an attack on all federal agents and, as such, remains a priority for the FBI until those responsible are brought to justice.”
“Today’s announcement is a very important milestone in the effort to see that justice is served in the murder of ICE Special Agent Zapata and the attempted murder of ICE Special Agent Victor Avila,” said ICE Director Morton. “Both men were trying to make the world a safer place, and today’s result is a very welcome step to honor their service and sacrifice.”
This case is being investigated by the FBI, with substantial assistance from ICE; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Customs and Border Protection; the Diplomatic Security Service; and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The case is being prosecuted by the Organized Crime and Gang Section and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division provided substantial assistance.
The guilty pleas, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, were announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ronald C. Machen, Jr.; Assistant Director Ronald T. Hosko of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division; and ICE Director John Morton.
As set forth in court filings, on February 15, 2011, Espinoza, a commander in Los Zetas Cartel, a heavily armed Mexican narco-trafficking cartel and transnational criminal organization, attempted to hijack Special Agent Zapata’s and Special Agent Avila’s armored government vehicle as the agents were driving on Highway 57 in San Luis Potosi. Two armed Zetas hit squads, or “estacas,” forced the agents off the road, and surrounded their vehicle. Espinoza, the leader of the attack, ordered the agents to exit their vehicle. When the agents refused and attempted to identify themselves as American diplomats from the U.S. Embassy, the hit squad members fired weapons near and into the vehicle, striking both agents. Estaca members continued to fire at the vehicle as the agents attempted to escape by driving away. Special Agent Zapata died as a result of the gunshot wounds he suffered during the attack, and Special Agent Avila was seriously injured.
On April 19, 2011, Espinoza was indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia on multiple counts pertaining to the murder of ICE Special Agent Zapata and the attempted murder of ICE Special Agent Avila and, on December 20, 2011, was extradited from Mexico to the United States. The defendant entered a guilty plea before Chief Judge Royce C. Lamberth to the murder of Special Agent Zapata, an officer and employee of the United States, and the attempted murder of Special Agent Avila, an officer and employee of the United States.
In addition to the announcing the guilty plea of Espinoza, prosecutors also announced related guilty pleas by three other defendants. Ruben Dario Venegas Rivera, also known as “Catracho,” 25, pleaded guilty on August 1, 2011, to federal charges concerning the murder of Special Agent Zapata and attempted murder of Special Agent Avila. Jose Ismael Nava Villagran, also known as “Cacho,” 30, pleaded guilty on January 4, 2012, also to federal charges concerning the murder and attempted murder of the ICE agents. Francisco Carbajal Flores, also known as “Dalmata,” 38, pleaded guilty on January 10, 2012, to conspiracy to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity and to being an accessory after the fact to the murder and attempted murder of the ICE agents.
As part of their guilty pleas, Espinoza, Rivera, and Villagran admitted to being members of a Los Zetas hit squad and to participating directly in the February 15, 2011 ambush of the two special agents. The fourth defendant, Flores, acknowledged assisting Zetas members after the February 15 attack.
All four defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. No sentencing date has been set for the defendants.
“Special Agent Zapata died for his country in a senseless and brutal attack, and Special Agent Avila was grievously wounded in the same ambush by members of Los Zetas Cartel,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Raman. “Both men are American heroes who dedicated themselves to protecting the United States, only to be attacked by vicious thugs. I hope that today’s announcement of guilty pleas by the cartel members directly responsible for the attack brings some measure of justice to the victims and their families. A team of dedicated prosecutors and investigators has worked day and night to identify and hold these defendants accountable. Our work is far from over, and we will continue to devote our full resources and work with our law enforcement partners here and abroad to investigate and prosecute those responsible.”
“The deadly ambush of two highly dedicated and courageous American law enforcement officers by the Los Zetas drug cartel demanded an intense, dedicated, and forceful response,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “The message to any criminal who dares to commit an act of violence against a U.S. law enforcement officer serving in a foreign land is unmistakable—if you commit such a heinous crime, we will not forget, we will not falter, and we will not rest until you are brought to justice. Our work in this critical case will continue until all of those who participated in the murder of Special Agent Zapata and attempted murder of Special Agent Avila are held accountable.”
“With the assistance of our law enforcement partners, assailants responsible for murdering Agent Zapata and wounding Agent Avila have been brought to justice,” said FBI Assistant Director Hosko. “While there is nothing we can do to change what happened that fateful day in Mexico, let it be known that an attack against any federal agent serving his or her country is an attack on all federal agents and, as such, remains a priority for the FBI until those responsible are brought to justice.”
“Today’s announcement is a very important milestone in the effort to see that justice is served in the murder of ICE Special Agent Zapata and the attempted murder of ICE Special Agent Victor Avila,” said ICE Director Morton. “Both men were trying to make the world a safer place, and today’s result is a very welcome step to honor their service and sacrifice.”
This case is being investigated by the FBI, with substantial assistance from ICE; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Customs and Border Protection; the Diplomatic Security Service; and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The case is being prosecuted by the Organized Crime and Gang Section and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division provided substantial assistance.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Legendary FBI Profiler John Douglas on Crime Beat Radio
On May 23rd, John Douglas and Mark Olshaker discuss Douglas’ profiler career and their book Law and Disorder: The Legendary FBI Profiler’s Relentless Pursuit of Justice.
Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. Crime Beat presents fascinating topics that bring listeners closer to the dynamic underbelly of the world of crime. Guests have included ex-mobsters, undercover law enforcement agents, sports officials, informants, prisoners, drug dealers and investigative journalists, who have provided insights and fresh information about the world’s most fascinating subject: crime.
Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. Crime Beat presents fascinating topics that bring listeners closer to the dynamic underbelly of the world of crime. Guests have included ex-mobsters, undercover law enforcement agents, sports officials, informants, prisoners, drug dealers and investigative journalists, who have provided insights and fresh information about the world’s most fascinating subject: crime.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Charges Filed in Federal Sweep Targeting Chicago's #OperationHeroinHotline
Seven men and one woman are facing federal drug charges in connection with an investigation dubbed Operation Heroin Hotline that targeted heroin trafficking on Chicago’s near west side. The charges and the arrests of five of the defendants were announced by Cory B. Nelson, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Gary S. Shapiro, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Garry F. McCarthy, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department (CPD).
The five defendants taken into custody were arrested without incident at various locations in the Chicago area by members of the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force and CPD officers. One defendant was already in state custody on unrelated charges. Two defendants were not located yesterday and remain at large.
The charges against seven of the defendants were contained in three indictments returned by a federal grand jury earlier this week and unsealed following yesterday’s arrests. Two defendants were charged in separate indictments with one count each of distribution of a controlled substance, a felony offense. Five other defendants were named in a nine-count indictment that included charges of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and distribution of a controlled substance.
One defendant was charged in a criminal complaint filed today in U.S. District Court with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
According to court documents previously filed in connection with the case, the defendants allegedly worked together to provide customers with heroin, usually in capsule form, in exchange for cash. The transactions involved customers calling a specific telephone number to place an order for heroin. The customers were then directed to a series of locations in subsequent calls placed to the same telephone number until ultimately meeting face-to-face with an individual who would then provide the heroin to the customers.
The defendants charged by indictment are identified as PIERRE HENDERSON, 36, of 1254 South Washtenaw; his brother ERIC HENDERSON, 34, of 6432 19th Street, Berwyn; ALLEN MCBEATH, 32, of 1326 North Lockwood; ANTHONY BROWN, 27, of 121 North Independence, Rockford; SHRONDA MCDANIEL, 30, of 6432 19th Street; JIMMIE SESSONS, 28, of 1410 South Karlov; and HARVEY DAVIS, 25, of 856 North Tripp. HOWARD WALKER, 27, of 8406 South Marshfield, was charged by complaint.
Two defendants, Anthony Brown and Jimmie Sessons, avoided yesterday today and are now the subject of a nationwide manhunt. One other defendant, Davis, was already in custody on unrelated state charges.
The investigation leading to the filing of the charges and arrests announced is part of an ongoing and coordinated effort by local, state, and federal authorities to identify and dismantle the many highly organized drug trafficking organizations operating in and around the Chicago metropolitan area. Operation Heroin Hotline began in 2009 and employed the extensive use of sophisticated physical surveillance techniques as well as the controlled purchase of heroin by undercover officers. The investigation to date has resulted in the seizure of approximately 750 grams of heroin, $21,000, and one vehicle.
Defendants Pierre Henderson, Eric Henderson, McBeath, and McDaniel appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert. McDaniel was released on bond, while the others were ordered held pending their next court appearances, which are scheduled to take place next week. Defendant Walker appeared at 3:00 p.m. yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan E. Cox.
If convicted of the charges against him, defendant Davis faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The other defendants each face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a maximum fine of $5 million.
The Chicago FBI’s Safe Streets Gangs Joint Task Force is composed of FBI special agents and officers from the Chicago Police Department.
Mr. Nelson thanked the River Forest and Forest Park Police Departments for their significant involvement throughout the course of the investigation.
The public is reminded that indictments and complaints are not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Dramatic Drop in Gun Violence Numbers
Gun Homicides in 2011: 11,101
Nonfatal Gun Crimes in 2011: 467,300
Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics
- 39% Decrease from 1993
Nonfatal Gun Crimes in 2011: 467,300
- 69% Decrease from 1993
Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Preview of "The War in Chicago" Upcoming This Saturday from 48 Hours on CBS
An honor student shot dead, an innocent victim of a gang war. An investigation into drugs, guns, gangs and the battle for Chicago. A "48 Hours" special, Saturday, May 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
Leon Benzer Indicted for Income Tax Evasion
A federal grand jury in Nevada yesterday returned an indictment against a former construction company owner for evading federal income and employment taxes, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Chief Richard Weber, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge William C. Woerner of the Las Vegas Field Office, and Sheriff Doug Gillespie of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Leon Benzer, 46, of Las Vegas, was charged in U.S. District Court in the District of Nevada with two counts of tax evasion.
In January 2013, Benzer was indicted in a related case on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. According to court documents, from approximately August 2003 through February 2009, Benzer orchestrated a scheme to direct construction defect litigation and repairs at condominium complexes to a conspiring law firm and Benzer’s construction company, Silver Lining Construction (SLC). As a result of this scheme, the indictment alleges that SLC was awarded a contract worth over $7 million for work at the Vistana Homeowner’s Association (Vistana HOA) in Las Vegas. The case is pending.
According to the indictment, in August 2006, Benzer filed five years’ worth of personal tax forms and business tax returns without any payments accompanying those returns. As of April 2007, Benzer had allegedly failed to pay his personal tax liability of approximately $459,000 and SLC’s employment tax liability of approximately $687,000 and unemployment tax liability of approximately $18,000. In May 2007, the IRS issued a notice of intent to file a levy; Benzer subsequently appealed this process and indicated that he wanted to enter into an “offer-in-compromise” with the IRS to pay a portion of what was owed in full satisfaction of all his tax liabilities. According to the indictment, during this offer-in-compromise process, the IRS requested detailed financial information from Benzer.
Between March 2005 and January 2008, the indictment alleges that Benzer and SLC received over $7 million from the Vistana HOA contract, including a wire transfer of over $1 million on September 21, 2007, to a personal U.S. Bank account that Benzer opened in August 2007. The indictment alleges that when Benzer filed certain IRS forms related to the offer-in-compromise process on September 25, 2007, he failed to disclose this personal U.S. Bank account or the assets contained in it.
The maximum prison sentence for each count of tax evasion is five years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000.
The charges and allegations against the indicted defendant are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Chief Kathleen McGovern, Deputy Chief Charles La Bella, and Trial Attorney Thomas B.W. Hall of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The case is being investigated by IRS-CI, the FBI, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Criminal Intelligence Section.
Yesterday’s charges were brought in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and state and local partners, it is the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory, and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions; and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed nearly 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,900 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.stopfraud.gov.
Leon Benzer, 46, of Las Vegas, was charged in U.S. District Court in the District of Nevada with two counts of tax evasion.
In January 2013, Benzer was indicted in a related case on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. According to court documents, from approximately August 2003 through February 2009, Benzer orchestrated a scheme to direct construction defect litigation and repairs at condominium complexes to a conspiring law firm and Benzer’s construction company, Silver Lining Construction (SLC). As a result of this scheme, the indictment alleges that SLC was awarded a contract worth over $7 million for work at the Vistana Homeowner’s Association (Vistana HOA) in Las Vegas. The case is pending.
According to the indictment, in August 2006, Benzer filed five years’ worth of personal tax forms and business tax returns without any payments accompanying those returns. As of April 2007, Benzer had allegedly failed to pay his personal tax liability of approximately $459,000 and SLC’s employment tax liability of approximately $687,000 and unemployment tax liability of approximately $18,000. In May 2007, the IRS issued a notice of intent to file a levy; Benzer subsequently appealed this process and indicated that he wanted to enter into an “offer-in-compromise” with the IRS to pay a portion of what was owed in full satisfaction of all his tax liabilities. According to the indictment, during this offer-in-compromise process, the IRS requested detailed financial information from Benzer.
Between March 2005 and January 2008, the indictment alleges that Benzer and SLC received over $7 million from the Vistana HOA contract, including a wire transfer of over $1 million on September 21, 2007, to a personal U.S. Bank account that Benzer opened in August 2007. The indictment alleges that when Benzer filed certain IRS forms related to the offer-in-compromise process on September 25, 2007, he failed to disclose this personal U.S. Bank account or the assets contained in it.
The maximum prison sentence for each count of tax evasion is five years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000.
The charges and allegations against the indicted defendant are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Chief Kathleen McGovern, Deputy Chief Charles La Bella, and Trial Attorney Thomas B.W. Hall of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The case is being investigated by IRS-CI, the FBI, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Criminal Intelligence Section.
Yesterday’s charges were brought in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and state and local partners, it is the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory, and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions; and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed nearly 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,900 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.stopfraud.gov.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Clare Thomas Anderson Pleads Guilty to $1 Million International Fraud Scheme
A Cary, Illinois business owner pleaded guilty to wire fraud yesterday in federal court before U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Kapala. Clare Thomas Anderson, 44, who owned and operated multiple businesses in Cary, Illinois, and Florida, admitted that between April 2009 and January 2013, he schemed to defraud more than $1 million from more than 10 victims that did business with the companies he operated.
According to the written plea agreement, the businesses Anderson owned and operated were Certifibre LLC; Anderson International Global LLC, which had an assumed name of Worldwide Paper Company Inc.; Anlerican Smplus Supply; Southernmost Exports LLC; Southernmost Holdings LTD; and Sea Consulting LLC. Through these businesses, Anderson contracted to sell wood pulp and other raw materials to manufacturers brokers, and suppliers, which were usually located in foreign countries.
Anderson obtained payments from his customers before the shipments arrived at their destinations. Often, the customers obtained Letters of Credit from their banks in order to pay for the shipments in advance. Anderson admitted that he caused payments to be disbursed under these Letters of Credit to bank accounts he controlled by creating and presenting fraudulent Bills of Lading, Certificates of Origin, and packing lists. These documents falsely represented that the agreed upon quantity and quality of materials had been shipped.
Anderson admitted that instead of shipping the wood pulp or other raw materials he had agreed to sell, on various occasions he shipped worthless scrap materials to his foreign customers. When the customers called him to complain about the worthless scrap materials they had received, Anderson falsely told them that the scrap materials were intended for another customer in a different country.
Anderson further admitted that on some occasions, instead of shipping the agreed upon weights and volume of wood pulp or other raw materials, he instead shipped substantially smaller amounts of wood pulp or other raw materials. When the customers called and complained about the short shipments, Anderson falsely told them that short shipments were caused by clerical errors.
Anderson acknowledged that, in order to maximize the profits from his scheme to defraud, he often failed to pay for the materials he obtained and for the freight shipping charges. Anderson also admitted that he spent the funds that his customers sent to him on his own personal expenses.
As he acknowledged in the plea agreement, on a few occasions, Anderson refunded some money to his victims in order to avoid detection of his scheme. Anderson paid these refunds only after the victims contacted, or threatened to contact, federal law enforcement officials. Anderson admitted that he obtained the funds used to pay these refunds by defrauding additional customers.
Anderson is scheduled to be sentenced on August 22, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. Wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a term of up to three years of supervised release following imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and mandatory restitution. The court may also impose a fine totaling twice the loss to any victim or twice the gain to the defendant, whichever is greater. The actual sentence will be determined by the United States District Court, guided by the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The guilty plea was announced by Gary S. Shapiro, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Cory B. Nelson, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Chicago Police Officer, Deavalin Page, Convicted of Attempted Extortion
A Chicago Police officer was convicted today of obtaining two extortion payments totaling $3,200 from a cooperating tow truck driver in exchange for steering vehicle tows from accident scenes during an undercover investigation. The defendant, Deavalin Page, who was assigned to the South Chicago District at the time, was relieved of his police powers and assigned to desk duty following the payments that occurred in late 2007 and early 2008. Page was convicted on two counts of attempted extortion by a federal jury that deliberated a little more than two hours this morning after being presented with video recordings and other evidence of the payments during a trial that began Monday in U.S. District Court.
Page, 46, of Chicago, an officer since 1995, faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count of attempted extortion. He remains free on bond pending sentencing, which U.S. District Judge John Darrah scheduled for 1 p.m. on October 23.
Page was indicted last October as part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Operation Tow Scam, a corruption probe of police officers who steered vehicle tows at accident scenes to favored tow drivers in exchange for extortion payments. Page is the eighth police officer to be convicted, along with four civilians—three of them tow truck drivers—and charges are pending against two additional police officers.
Evidence at the trial showed that Page obtained two payments from a cooperating tow truck driver, Brian Chandler, in exchange for steering him various tows. Chandler has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bank larceny and is awaiting sentencing. The first payment, on November 28, 2007, was $2,000 in the bathroom of a coffee shop at 79th Street and Stoney Island. The second payment, on January 28, 2008, was $1,200 in the parking lot of a bank while Page was in his private vehicle. The latter payment, in part, was in exchange for towing three cars, at least one of which did not require towing, from an accident scene at 86th and Burnham involving a teenager who was driving her parents’ insured car.
The guilty verdict was announced today by Gary S. Shapiro, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Cory B. Nelson, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Garry F. McCarthy, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Donovan and Steven Grimes.
Page, 46, of Chicago, an officer since 1995, faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count of attempted extortion. He remains free on bond pending sentencing, which U.S. District Judge John Darrah scheduled for 1 p.m. on October 23.
Page was indicted last October as part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Operation Tow Scam, a corruption probe of police officers who steered vehicle tows at accident scenes to favored tow drivers in exchange for extortion payments. Page is the eighth police officer to be convicted, along with four civilians—three of them tow truck drivers—and charges are pending against two additional police officers.
Evidence at the trial showed that Page obtained two payments from a cooperating tow truck driver, Brian Chandler, in exchange for steering him various tows. Chandler has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bank larceny and is awaiting sentencing. The first payment, on November 28, 2007, was $2,000 in the bathroom of a coffee shop at 79th Street and Stoney Island. The second payment, on January 28, 2008, was $1,200 in the parking lot of a bank while Page was in his private vehicle. The latter payment, in part, was in exchange for towing three cars, at least one of which did not require towing, from an accident scene at 86th and Burnham involving a teenager who was driving her parents’ insured car.
The guilty verdict was announced today by Gary S. Shapiro, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Cory B. Nelson, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Garry F. McCarthy, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Donovan and Steven Grimes.
Lorne Campbell, Satan's Choice and #HellsAngels to be Discussed on Crime Beat Radio
On May 16th
, Lorne Campbell and Pete Edwards discuss their book, Unrepentant: The Strange and (Sometimes) Terrible Life of Lorne Campbell, Satan's Choice and Hells Angels Biker on Crime Beat Radio.
Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. Crime Beat presents fascinating topics that bring listeners closer to the dynamic underbelly of the world of crime. Guests have included ex-mobsters, undercover law enforcement agents, sports officials, informants, prisoners, drug dealers and investigative journalists, who have provided insights and fresh information about the world’s most fascinating subject: crime.
, Lorne Campbell and Pete Edwards discuss their book, Unrepentant: The Strange and (Sometimes) Terrible Life of Lorne Campbell, Satan's Choice and Hells Angels Biker on Crime Beat Radio.
Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. Crime Beat presents fascinating topics that bring listeners closer to the dynamic underbelly of the world of crime. Guests have included ex-mobsters, undercover law enforcement agents, sports officials, informants, prisoners, drug dealers and investigative journalists, who have provided insights and fresh information about the world’s most fascinating subject: crime.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
"Being Oscar" Bash at the Mob Museum #OscarsMemories
From Thursday, May 23 through Saturday, May 25,The Mob Museum will celebrate Oscar Goodman’s newly released autobiography Being Oscar: From Mob Lawyer to Mayor of Las Vegas
.
Former mayor and current spokesperson for the host committee of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority
, Oscar returns to the historic courtroom where he tried his first case. The Museum will be his debut appearance in Las Vegas and the premiere opportunity for locals to engage with Oscar while enjoying a variety of Oscar-inspired activities.
The Museum has planned an unparalleled three-day extravaganza to commemorate Oscar, his book launch, and our great city which is the backdrop for his story and acclaim.
Thursday, May 23
The Mob Museum’s lineup of “Being Oscar” events begins with a party on Thursday, May 23, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at The Mob Museum. Admission is $10 for the general public; Museum members are free. Each attendee will receive a complimentary cocktail, and a signature “Being Oscar” face fan, live entertainment, and a free photo opportunity. Goodman will address guests in the Museum’s courtroom at 7:30 p.m. and will be available to sign copies of his book for attendees afterward. Books will be available for purchase at the Museum and food and drink will be available for purchase.
For tickets for the book launch party on 5/23, click here
Friday, May 24
The Mob Museum will host the first official Las Vegas book signing with Goodman. Special programming throughout the day will include three 30-minute presentations by Goodman in the courtroom followed by book signings. These events will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. “Being Oscar” face fans and photo opportunities will be available to all Museum guests that day.
Click here for your ticket which includes a copy of the book Being Oscar and free museum admission. click here.
For ticket which includes a copy of the book Being Oscar, free museum admission, and your choice of one 30 minute presentation featuring Oscar Goodman, click here.
Saturday, May 25
At 10:30 a.m., Goodman will make a grand entrance at The Mob Museum, where he will gather with members of the public—all holding “Being Oscar” face fans—for a photograph on the Museum’s front steps. All guests on this day will receive FREE admission to the Museum with the purchase of a book from our retail store and will have the chance to compete in a “Being Oscar” look-a-like contest to be judged by Goodman himself, as well as a trivia contest; raffle prizes will be given out all day. Goodman will sign copies of his book for Museum attendees from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For free admission with the purchase of a book for May 25, click here.
.Former mayor and current spokesperson for the host committee of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority
, Oscar returns to the historic courtroom where he tried his first case. The Museum will be his debut appearance in Las Vegas and the premiere opportunity for locals to engage with Oscar while enjoying a variety of Oscar-inspired activities.The Museum has planned an unparalleled three-day extravaganza to commemorate Oscar, his book launch, and our great city which is the backdrop for his story and acclaim.
Thursday, May 23
The Mob Museum’s lineup of “Being Oscar” events begins with a party on Thursday, May 23, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at The Mob Museum. Admission is $10 for the general public; Museum members are free. Each attendee will receive a complimentary cocktail, and a signature “Being Oscar” face fan, live entertainment, and a free photo opportunity. Goodman will address guests in the Museum’s courtroom at 7:30 p.m. and will be available to sign copies of his book for attendees afterward. Books will be available for purchase at the Museum and food and drink will be available for purchase.
For tickets for the book launch party on 5/23, click here
Friday, May 24
The Mob Museum will host the first official Las Vegas book signing with Goodman. Special programming throughout the day will include three 30-minute presentations by Goodman in the courtroom followed by book signings. These events will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. “Being Oscar” face fans and photo opportunities will be available to all Museum guests that day.
Click here for your ticket which includes a copy of the book Being Oscar and free museum admission. click here.
For ticket which includes a copy of the book Being Oscar, free museum admission, and your choice of one 30 minute presentation featuring Oscar Goodman, click here.
Saturday, May 25
At 10:30 a.m., Goodman will make a grand entrance at The Mob Museum, where he will gather with members of the public—all holding “Being Oscar” face fans—for a photograph on the Museum’s front steps. All guests on this day will receive FREE admission to the Museum with the purchase of a book from our retail store and will have the chance to compete in a “Being Oscar” look-a-like contest to be judged by Goodman himself, as well as a trivia contest; raffle prizes will be given out all day. Goodman will sign copies of his book for Museum attendees from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For free admission with the purchase of a book for May 25, click here.
Sunday, May 05, 2013
The American Kidney Fund (AKF) will host Kidney Action Day at Millennium Park
The American Kidney Fund (AKF) will host Kidney Action Day at Millennium Park in Chicago on Saturday, May 11, 2013, from 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and will include free kidney health screenings (including blood pressure and glucose screenings), interactive fitness demos, local entertainment, children's activities and healthy food samples.
“Kidney disease is a serious health concern in the Chicago area, where many neighborhoods have prevalent rates of kidney failure well above the national average,” said LaVarne A. Burton, president and chief executive officer of the American Kidney Fund. “Kidney Action Day provides an opportunity for local residents to learn about this disease, get tested, and help spread the word to others who may be at risk. We are so pleased to have the Chicago Department of Public Health and its Healthy Chicago initiative as a strategic partner. Working together, we can empower local residents to take action for their health and prevent future cases of this chronic condition.”
“The Chicago Department of Public Health is proud to join the American Kidney Fund in bringing Kidney Action Day to Chicago,” said Dr. Bechara Choucair, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health. “Kidney Action Day is a great way for residents to take part in helping Chicago become the healthiest city in the nation. I encourage all residents to join us on May 11 for Kidney Action Day, get screened and take preventative steps to protect their health.”
Kidney Action Day will bring together hundreds of local health advocates, patients and members of the greater Chicago community to raise awareness for those at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The free health screenings will check for indicators of kidney and heart health, diabetes, and other important health measures. There is no pre-registration required for those interested in participating in the screening, which is open to everyone 18 and older. Participants are encouraged to bring the whole family out to enjoy an educational and entertaining event.
It is estimated that as many as 31 million people in the United States are living with CKD, the nation’s ninth-leading cause of death. CKD is known as a silent killer because it usually presents no symptoms in the early stages, making screening essential for those who are at risk—particularly those who have the key risk factors of diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of CKD. Other common risks for kidney disease include having heart disease, being over age 60, or being African American, Asian American, Native American, or of Hispanic ethnicity.
CKD is an often-preventable health condition. If an individual has developed early CKD, detection through testing is a key factor in slowing or stopping the progression of the disease. Left undiagnosed and untreated, CKD can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and death. In many neighborhoods in Chicago, kidney failure rates are nearly double the U.S. average.
Because prevention and early detection are vital to keeping at-risk individuals in good health, AKF’s national campaign, Pair Up: Join the Fight to Prevent Kidney Disease, urges the public to learn if they’re at risk for kidney disease and to spread the word to friends or loved ones who also may be at risk. As part of Pair Up, AKF educates the public about risk factors and offers Kidney Action Days and other free kidney health screenings in cities nationwide.
The American Kidney Fund is dedicated to fighting kidney disease through direct financial support to patients in need, education and prevention efforts. In 2012, AKF provided almost $190 million in treatment-related assistance to dialysis patients across the country and more than $7.9 million to patients in Illinois.
Kidney Action Day is made possible through the generous support of National Sponsor American Renal Associates, Lead Regional Sponsor U.S. Renal Care, Inc., Strategic Partner Chicago Department of Public Health and other friends in the communities AKF serves. For more information on Chicago Kidney Action Day, visit http://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-action-day/locations/chicago.html.
For more information on the American Kidney Fund, visit www.kidneyfund.org.
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