A woman believed to be the robber who wore a pair of dark sunglasses during a series of robberies at TCF Bank branches on the north side of Chicago is facing a federal charge in connection with one of those robberies. The charge was announced by Robert J. Holley, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
Irene Carrera, 51, of the 8200 block of South Ingleside Avenue in Chicago, was charged in a criminal complaint filed Thursday in U.S. District Court with one count of bank robbery, a felony offense. She is currently being held on an unrelated state charge, and no federal court date has been set.
Although Carrera was charged with only one count, for a February 11, 2014 heist that occurred at the TCF branch located at 4355 North Sheridan Road in Chicago; the complaint includes details of three additional TCF robberies that Carrera allegedly committed. Those robberies occurred on May 21 and November 20, 2013, at 3531 North Broadway, and on March 6, 2014, at 5516 North Clark.
During each robbery, a woman later identified as Carrera approached a bank teller, presented a demand note for money, and made verbal demands for “large bills” or “big bills,” according to the complaint. Bank surveillance video from each robbery showed an individual wearing dark sunglasses, which led to the Shady Bandit moniker, and FBI agents later recovered sunglasses resembling those shown in the videos during a search of Carrera’s apartment.
Monday, April 07, 2014
Alleged #MagnoliaStreetSteelers Gang Member Arrested for Drug Trafficking #OperationWhiplash
A Lynn man who is allegedly a member of the Magnolia Street Steelers gang was arrested for drug trafficking in North Andover. The arrest marks the 44th individual charged in the multi-phase investigation dubbed Operation Whiplash.
On September 25, 2013, Tyrone Shepherd, a/k/a Pooh, 30, was indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and four counts of distribution of cocaine base. Operation Whiplash was a wide-ranging FBI Gang Task Force investigation of several gangs in and around Lynn and Revere. Operation Whiplash is the successor investigation to Operation Melting Pot which, in 2010, resulted in 62 Lynn gang leaders, members, and associates of the Avenue King Crips, Bloods, Gangsta Disciples, Deuce Boyz/Soldiers, and Latin Kings being charged in federal and state court. More than 40 guns were seized.
The goal of Operation Whiplash was to target the gangs and gang members who remained in and around Lynn, before they were able to fully reconstitute and seize power in the vacuum created by Operation Melting Pot. Operation Whiplash has resulted in state and federal charges against 44 leaders, members, and associates of the Money Over Broken Bitches (M.O.B.B.) street gang in Lynn, the Bloods in Revere, and other gangs. These individuals, including 27 federal defendants, face drug, firearms, and witness tampering charges. Operation Whiplash also resulted in the seizure of 16 firearms.
According to the detention affidavit filed today, Shepherd is a member of the MIC (Magnolia, Intervale, and Columbia) Street Gang, also known as the Magnolia Street Steelers. Shepherd has a tattoo of the insignia of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which is also a symbol of the gang. On September 25, 2013, the FBI issued an arrest warrant and offered a reward of $5,000 for information leading directly to his arrest.
If convicted, Shepherd faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison; a mandatory minimum term of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release; and a $5 million fine on the charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. If convicted on the charge of distribution of cocaine base, Shepherd faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum term of three years, and up to a lifetime of supervised release; and a $1 million fine.
On September 25, 2013, Tyrone Shepherd, a/k/a Pooh, 30, was indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and four counts of distribution of cocaine base. Operation Whiplash was a wide-ranging FBI Gang Task Force investigation of several gangs in and around Lynn and Revere. Operation Whiplash is the successor investigation to Operation Melting Pot which, in 2010, resulted in 62 Lynn gang leaders, members, and associates of the Avenue King Crips, Bloods, Gangsta Disciples, Deuce Boyz/Soldiers, and Latin Kings being charged in federal and state court. More than 40 guns were seized.
The goal of Operation Whiplash was to target the gangs and gang members who remained in and around Lynn, before they were able to fully reconstitute and seize power in the vacuum created by Operation Melting Pot. Operation Whiplash has resulted in state and federal charges against 44 leaders, members, and associates of the Money Over Broken Bitches (M.O.B.B.) street gang in Lynn, the Bloods in Revere, and other gangs. These individuals, including 27 federal defendants, face drug, firearms, and witness tampering charges. Operation Whiplash also resulted in the seizure of 16 firearms.
According to the detention affidavit filed today, Shepherd is a member of the MIC (Magnolia, Intervale, and Columbia) Street Gang, also known as the Magnolia Street Steelers. Shepherd has a tattoo of the insignia of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which is also a symbol of the gang. On September 25, 2013, the FBI issued an arrest warrant and offered a reward of $5,000 for information leading directly to his arrest.
If convicted, Shepherd faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison; a mandatory minimum term of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release; and a $5 million fine on the charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. If convicted on the charge of distribution of cocaine base, Shepherd faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum term of three years, and up to a lifetime of supervised release; and a $1 million fine.
Gang Violence Spills into Albuquerque
On March 31, 2014, the United States Marshals Service’s South West Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) fugitive task force arrested Maria Cathy Tercero on a warrant charging her with Attempted Homicide. Tercero was charged on August 1, 2012, in Victorville Superior Court in California. The attempted homicide occurred during an incident between rival gangs. Allegedly, Tercero and three additional gang members held down several victims from a rival gang and stabbed them multiple times. Tercero’s three accomplices were apprehended but Tercero fled California.
United States Marshals in central California developed leads that Tercero relocated to Albuquerque, NM. Deputy Marshals in Albuquerque were able to track Tercero to the 4000 block of Glen Canyon Court in northeast Albuquerque, NM. A team of law enforcement officers from the Marshal’s SWIFT task force located and arrested Tercero without incident. Tercero was transported and booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center.
United States Marshals in central California developed leads that Tercero relocated to Albuquerque, NM. Deputy Marshals in Albuquerque were able to track Tercero to the 4000 block of Glen Canyon Court in northeast Albuquerque, NM. A team of law enforcement officers from the Marshal’s SWIFT task force located and arrested Tercero without incident. Tercero was transported and booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center.
Aman Ziadeh Arrested on Sexual Assault of Minors Charges
United States Marshal Martin J. Pane announced that the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Fugitive Task Force arrested Aman Ziadeh, a 53-year old man, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
United States Marshal Pane stated, “The U.S. Marshals Service takes a very active, aggressive approach in locating and arresting fugitives charged with serious felony offenses such as sex crimes against children. Although the District Justice released Ziadeh on unsecured bail, it is my sincere hope that the victims will find some measure of comfort knowing the alleged attacker has been brought to justice.”
In July of 2013, the Lower Paxton Township Police Department began investigating allegations of sexual misconduct on two minors. It is alleged that Ziadeh had inappropriate contact with the minors on multiple occasions. On March 24, 2014, Lower Paxton Township Police obtained an arrest warrant from Magisterial Judge William Wenner, charging Ziadeh with the following offenses:
After the issuance of the arrest warrant, the Lower Paxton Township Police Department requested assistance of the USMS Fugitive Task Force in the Middle District of Pennsylvania to locate and apprehend Ziadeh.
On April 1, Ziadeh was arrested by Task Force members without incident in the 1600 block of Colonial Road in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was taken before Magisterial Judge Wenner. Ziadeh was released on $50,000 unsecured bail, and his travel was restricted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Ziadeh was also required to surrender his Egyptian passport and to be under pre-trial supervision pending the final disposition of this case.
The USMS worked jointly in this investigation with officers from Lower Paxton Township Police Department.
United States Marshal Pane stated, “The U.S. Marshals Service takes a very active, aggressive approach in locating and arresting fugitives charged with serious felony offenses such as sex crimes against children. Although the District Justice released Ziadeh on unsecured bail, it is my sincere hope that the victims will find some measure of comfort knowing the alleged attacker has been brought to justice.”
In July of 2013, the Lower Paxton Township Police Department began investigating allegations of sexual misconduct on two minors. It is alleged that Ziadeh had inappropriate contact with the minors on multiple occasions. On March 24, 2014, Lower Paxton Township Police obtained an arrest warrant from Magisterial Judge William Wenner, charging Ziadeh with the following offenses:
- 2 counts of Corruption Of Minors – Defendant Age 18 or Above
- 2 counts of Unlawful Contact With Minor – Sexual Offenses
- 2 counts of Indecent Assault - Person Less than 13 Years of Age
After the issuance of the arrest warrant, the Lower Paxton Township Police Department requested assistance of the USMS Fugitive Task Force in the Middle District of Pennsylvania to locate and apprehend Ziadeh.
On April 1, Ziadeh was arrested by Task Force members without incident in the 1600 block of Colonial Road in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was taken before Magisterial Judge Wenner. Ziadeh was released on $50,000 unsecured bail, and his travel was restricted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Ziadeh was also required to surrender his Egyptian passport and to be under pre-trial supervision pending the final disposition of this case.
The USMS worked jointly in this investigation with officers from Lower Paxton Township Police Department.
12 Indicted in Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy, 2 Charged with Distribution Resulting in Death
TERENCE TAYLOR, a/k/a “Peezy,” a/k/a “Sonny,” 35; ARTHUR MCKINNIS, a/k/a “Notchy,” 23; NOEL JONES, a/k/a “Skinny,” a/k/a “Noe,” 26; TERRELL DYER, a/k/a “T,” 29; PERCY DEPRON, a/k/a “Doo,” 27; ERNEST DIAZ, a/k/a “E.O.,” 24; MALCOLM BOLDEN, a/k/a “Little Mac,” 19; TERRELL DAVIS, a/k/a “Fest,” 22; MELVIN SMITH, a/k/a “Mel,” 29; THEODORE GRIFFIN, a/k/a “Old Timer,” a/k/a “Nokie,” 59; NARCISSE TROTTER, a/k/a “Nerk,” 43; and AARONISHA LEWIS, a/k/a “Molly,” 24, all residents of New Orleans, were indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday, March 27, 2014, for conspiring to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin in the New Orleans area from January 2011 to the present, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Allen Polite, Jr.
TAYLOR and BOLDEN are also charged with distribution of heroin on or about July 26, 2013, resulting in the death of Kevin Ryan. Several of the defendants are charged with additional counts of distributing heroin and using telephones in furtherance of heroin trafficking. According to the indictment, GRIFFIN faces an additional charge of maintaining a drug-involved premise for allowing a residence located at 4848 Deanne Street in New Orleans to be used for drug-related activities.
“The arrests made today are part of DEA’s response to the addiction, crime, violence, and despair brought on by the growing threat of heroin,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Brown. “Heroin is a killer that does not discriminate. It destroys lives, families, and hope in every segment of society; and the individuals who sell heroin are spreading potential death in every foil package sold on the streets of this country. DEA, working shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement agencies across the New Orleans area, is fully committed to stopping the spread of this deadly drug and to bringing to justice those who profit from the misery created by heroin.”
“The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has a long-standing and proud partnership with our federal law enforcement partners. The work we do together is helping remove life-threatening drugs from our communities and making sure that those who would supply these drugs to others face the consequences of their actions,” stated St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain.
TAYLOR and BOLDEN are also charged with distribution of heroin on or about July 26, 2013, resulting in the death of Kevin Ryan. Several of the defendants are charged with additional counts of distributing heroin and using telephones in furtherance of heroin trafficking. According to the indictment, GRIFFIN faces an additional charge of maintaining a drug-involved premise for allowing a residence located at 4848 Deanne Street in New Orleans to be used for drug-related activities.
“The arrests made today are part of DEA’s response to the addiction, crime, violence, and despair brought on by the growing threat of heroin,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Brown. “Heroin is a killer that does not discriminate. It destroys lives, families, and hope in every segment of society; and the individuals who sell heroin are spreading potential death in every foil package sold on the streets of this country. DEA, working shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement agencies across the New Orleans area, is fully committed to stopping the spread of this deadly drug and to bringing to justice those who profit from the misery created by heroin.”
“The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has a long-standing and proud partnership with our federal law enforcement partners. The work we do together is helping remove life-threatening drugs from our communities and making sure that those who would supply these drugs to others face the consequences of their actions,” stated St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain.
Wednesday, April 02, 2014
New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, Calls for Banishment of Pro-gun Opposition
Politicians seeking to diminish Second Amendment rights often couch their views in language that hides their true agenda. But, on January 17, pro-gun advocates were squarely confronted with the contempt in which they are held by some political elites. Speaking on "The Capitol Pressroom" public radio program, Governor Andrew Cuomo labeled gun rights supporters who are "pro-assault weapon" and critical of his so-called safe Act as "extreme conservatives" who "have no place in the state of New York." Ironically, this statement says more about Cuomo himself than those he attacks.
Besides being arrogant and dismissive, these comments ignore reality in the Empire State. The safe Act was passed under cover of night, and bypassed normal legislative procedures. Its own proponents obviously knew it would be controversial. Indeed, opposition to the law has been widespread, including among law enforcement groups such as the New York State Sheriffs' Association.
Further, the constitutionality of the act is still being litigated. As noted elsewhere in this issue, a case supported by NRA and the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association challenging the law is progressing through the federal courts, and parts of the law have already been blocked by a federal judge.
One likely reason Cuomo considers those who defend the Second Amendment to be extreme is that he does not believe the amendment protects an individual right at all. As attorney general of New York, Cuomo signed onto a brief defending the District of Columbia's handgun ban in the landmark Supreme Court case District of Columbia v. Heller. The brief argued the Second Amendment did not protect an individual right but instead "was intended to protect state sovereignty by restricting the federal government's ability to regulate gun ownership in ways that would interfere with state militias." Following the court's affirmation of the individual right interpretation, a Gallup poll showed that 73 percent of Americans agreed with the decision, leaving Cuomo in a small minority.
In 1998, as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Clinton administration, Cuomo's radical push to have the federal government support frivolous lawsuits against the gun industry faced resistance even from within the decidedly anti-gun White House. One White House insider opined that the scheme "smells like Cuomo" and that the Justice Department wouldn't want to pursue the case. "How can you blame gun manufacturers for illegal weapons brought into public housing by tenants and non-tenants," he asked. "Where is the conspiracy?"
Other gun control supporters agreed. In a Dec. 17, 1999, editorial, the Washington Post described the Cuomo supported lawsuits as "disquieting even for those who, like us, strongly support rigorous controls on handguns." The piece went on to explain it "seems wrong for an agency of the federal government to organize other plaintiffs to put pressure on an industry … to achieve policy results the administration has not been able to achieve through normal legislation or regulation."
Congress itself implicitly condemned Cuomo's tactics by passing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act in 2005, which effectively barred these sorts of suits against gun manufacturers.
Even before Cuomo's latest outburst, on May 21, 2013, the Albany Times Union reported that a source told them Cuomo "threatened to remove sheriffs from office" if the law enforcement officials did not keep quiet about their opposition to the safe Act. This is consistent with Cuomo's attempt in 2000 to bully gun makers into signing an agreement supporting several gun control proposals by threatening to exert his influence as HUD secretary to sway municipal law enforcement contracts.
Most tellingly, the so-called "assault weapons" and "large capacity" magazines banned by Cuomo's "SAFE" Act are among the most popular, fastest-selling arms in the United States. Law-abiding Americans are expressing their disagreement with him with their hard-earned dollars.
Based on Cuomo's long history of thuggish tactics to advance a radical anti-gun agenda, his recent comments striking at the core of New York's pluralism are merely the latest example that he is the true extremist. This November, we encourage all NRA members and Second Amendment supporters in the Empire State to deliver just as strong a message that he is not welcome as their governor.
Courtesy of Chris Cox, NRA-ILA Executive Director
Besides being arrogant and dismissive, these comments ignore reality in the Empire State. The safe Act was passed under cover of night, and bypassed normal legislative procedures. Its own proponents obviously knew it would be controversial. Indeed, opposition to the law has been widespread, including among law enforcement groups such as the New York State Sheriffs' Association.
Further, the constitutionality of the act is still being litigated. As noted elsewhere in this issue, a case supported by NRA and the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association challenging the law is progressing through the federal courts, and parts of the law have already been blocked by a federal judge.One likely reason Cuomo considers those who defend the Second Amendment to be extreme is that he does not believe the amendment protects an individual right at all. As attorney general of New York, Cuomo signed onto a brief defending the District of Columbia's handgun ban in the landmark Supreme Court case District of Columbia v. Heller. The brief argued the Second Amendment did not protect an individual right but instead "was intended to protect state sovereignty by restricting the federal government's ability to regulate gun ownership in ways that would interfere with state militias." Following the court's affirmation of the individual right interpretation, a Gallup poll showed that 73 percent of Americans agreed with the decision, leaving Cuomo in a small minority.
In 1998, as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Clinton administration, Cuomo's radical push to have the federal government support frivolous lawsuits against the gun industry faced resistance even from within the decidedly anti-gun White House. One White House insider opined that the scheme "smells like Cuomo" and that the Justice Department wouldn't want to pursue the case. "How can you blame gun manufacturers for illegal weapons brought into public housing by tenants and non-tenants," he asked. "Where is the conspiracy?"
Other gun control supporters agreed. In a Dec. 17, 1999, editorial, the Washington Post described the Cuomo supported lawsuits as "disquieting even for those who, like us, strongly support rigorous controls on handguns." The piece went on to explain it "seems wrong for an agency of the federal government to organize other plaintiffs to put pressure on an industry … to achieve policy results the administration has not been able to achieve through normal legislation or regulation."
Congress itself implicitly condemned Cuomo's tactics by passing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act in 2005, which effectively barred these sorts of suits against gun manufacturers.
Even before Cuomo's latest outburst, on May 21, 2013, the Albany Times Union reported that a source told them Cuomo "threatened to remove sheriffs from office" if the law enforcement officials did not keep quiet about their opposition to the safe Act. This is consistent with Cuomo's attempt in 2000 to bully gun makers into signing an agreement supporting several gun control proposals by threatening to exert his influence as HUD secretary to sway municipal law enforcement contracts.
Most tellingly, the so-called "assault weapons" and "large capacity" magazines banned by Cuomo's "SAFE" Act are among the most popular, fastest-selling arms in the United States. Law-abiding Americans are expressing their disagreement with him with their hard-earned dollars.
Based on Cuomo's long history of thuggish tactics to advance a radical anti-gun agenda, his recent comments striking at the core of New York's pluralism are merely the latest example that he is the true extremist. This November, we encourage all NRA members and Second Amendment supporters in the Empire State to deliver just as strong a message that he is not welcome as their governor.
Courtesy of Chris Cox, NRA-ILA Executive Director
Railroaders: Jack Delano’s Homefront Photography Hosted by @ChicagoMuseum
In 1942, the Office of War Information issued photographer Jack Delano a new assignment: document “railroads and their place in American life.” During the next several months, Delano captured three thousand images, two-thirds of them in the nation’s rail hub—Chicago.
The opening of Railroaders is finally here! Railroaders features the photography of Jack Delano, whose portraits of Chicago railroad workers rallied support for the war effort during World War II. Enjoy boxcar music from the Sanctified Grumblers acoustic trio and family activities in celebration of the opening. NPR’s StoryCorps will be on hand to record your transportation stories (space is limited).
Railroaders: Jack Delano’s Homefront Photography
Exhibition Opening Celebration
Saturday, April 5, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Chicago History Museum
1601 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
The opening of Railroaders is finally here! Railroaders features the photography of Jack Delano, whose portraits of Chicago railroad workers rallied support for the war effort during World War II. Enjoy boxcar music from the Sanctified Grumblers acoustic trio and family activities in celebration of the opening. NPR’s StoryCorps will be on hand to record your transportation stories (space is limited).
Railroaders: Jack Delano’s Homefront Photography
Exhibition Opening Celebration
Saturday, April 5, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Chicago History Museum
1601 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
Monday, March 31, 2014
Mario and Gladys Fuertes Arrested for Operating Clinic to Defraud Medicare #HealthCareFraud
United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Miami residents Gladys Fuertes (40) and her husband Mario Fuertes (38) with conspiracy, health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and obstructing a healthcare investigation. The Fuerteses were arrested on in Miami. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each of the conspiracy and health care fraud counts and five years on each of the obstruction counts, as well as mandatory sentences of two years in prison for each of the aggravated identity theft counts. The indictment also notifies the couple that the United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $266,423.20, which is traceable to the proceeds of the alleged criminal conduct.
According to the indictment, Gladys and Mario Fuertes established and operated a sham clinic in Coral Gables, Florida, for the purpose of committing health care fraud. The clinic was called Gables Medical and Therapy Center. The Fuerteses allegedly employed unlicensed medical professionals and misused the Medicare billing numbers of other medical professionals, without their knowledge, in order to claim that they rendered medical treatment to Gables patients. Gladys and Mario Fuertes also paid a co-conspirator to recruit Medicare beneficiaries for Gables and to drive patients to the clinic for basic and sham medical services.
Once recruited, Gladys and Mario Fuertes urged the Gables patients to enroll in Universal’s Medicare Part C and Part D plans. They believed Universal paid a relatively high percentage of its claims. Gladys and Mario Fuertes fraudulently billed Universal and caused Universal’s Medicare Part C plan to be billed for Gables patients’ supposed treatments. The treatments included expensive HIV-related treatments that patients never actually received. Gladys and Mario Fuertes also billed Universal and caused Universal to be billed for services that required a physician’s presence when no licensed physician was present or rendered the service.
The defendants and their co-conspirators paid the Medicare beneficiaries, who were recruited to come to Gables for their Medicare identification numbers, to allow Gables to bill Universal for services that were never rendered. In addition, Gladys and Mario Fuertes facilitated the provision of fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances, including oxycodone, to Gables patients. In some cases, the signatures on the prescriptions were forged. The patients who received these oxycodone prescriptions were assisted in filling them by a co-conspirator. The co-conspirator also purchased the pills from some of the patients and sold them on the street.
Once they learned of the federal health care fraud investigation into their actions, Gladys and Mario Fuertes instructed Gables patients to lie to law enforcement agents and otherwise obstruct a federal investigation into health care fraud at Gables. The Fuerteses also provided altered Medicare billing documentation to federal agents investigating their activities.
According to the indictment, Gladys and Mario Fuertes established and operated a sham clinic in Coral Gables, Florida, for the purpose of committing health care fraud. The clinic was called Gables Medical and Therapy Center. The Fuerteses allegedly employed unlicensed medical professionals and misused the Medicare billing numbers of other medical professionals, without their knowledge, in order to claim that they rendered medical treatment to Gables patients. Gladys and Mario Fuertes also paid a co-conspirator to recruit Medicare beneficiaries for Gables and to drive patients to the clinic for basic and sham medical services.
Once recruited, Gladys and Mario Fuertes urged the Gables patients to enroll in Universal’s Medicare Part C and Part D plans. They believed Universal paid a relatively high percentage of its claims. Gladys and Mario Fuertes fraudulently billed Universal and caused Universal’s Medicare Part C plan to be billed for Gables patients’ supposed treatments. The treatments included expensive HIV-related treatments that patients never actually received. Gladys and Mario Fuertes also billed Universal and caused Universal to be billed for services that required a physician’s presence when no licensed physician was present or rendered the service.
The defendants and their co-conspirators paid the Medicare beneficiaries, who were recruited to come to Gables for their Medicare identification numbers, to allow Gables to bill Universal for services that were never rendered. In addition, Gladys and Mario Fuertes facilitated the provision of fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances, including oxycodone, to Gables patients. In some cases, the signatures on the prescriptions were forged. The patients who received these oxycodone prescriptions were assisted in filling them by a co-conspirator. The co-conspirator also purchased the pills from some of the patients and sold them on the street.
Once they learned of the federal health care fraud investigation into their actions, Gladys and Mario Fuertes instructed Gables patients to lie to law enforcement agents and otherwise obstruct a federal investigation into health care fraud at Gables. The Fuerteses also provided altered Medicare billing documentation to federal agents investigating their activities.
Richard Zanco Pleads Guilty to Illegally Laundering More Than $343,000
Richard Zanco, age 44, of Slidell, Louisiana, plead guilty as charged before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to money laundering, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Allen Polite, Jr.
According to court documents, in about May 2012, Zanco learned that someone had opened a brokerage account in his name and used that account to acquire collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), a type of bond that bore value from interest generated upon its sale by fraudulent means. Even though he knew that the CMOs did not belong to him, Zanco gained control of the accounts and arranged for the interest proceeds of the CMOs to be diverted to other financial accounts under his control. Between about March 11, 2013 and September 19, 2013, Zanco used the funds, totaling approximately $343,998.82, to engage in a variety of financial transactions for his personal use, including purchasing multiple automobiles and at least one boat.
Zanco faces a maximum penalty of 10 years, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been scheduled before Judge Morgan for July 2, 2014.
This case is being investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Dan Friel.
According to court documents, in about May 2012, Zanco learned that someone had opened a brokerage account in his name and used that account to acquire collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), a type of bond that bore value from interest generated upon its sale by fraudulent means. Even though he knew that the CMOs did not belong to him, Zanco gained control of the accounts and arranged for the interest proceeds of the CMOs to be diverted to other financial accounts under his control. Between about March 11, 2013 and September 19, 2013, Zanco used the funds, totaling approximately $343,998.82, to engage in a variety of financial transactions for his personal use, including purchasing multiple automobiles and at least one boat.
Zanco faces a maximum penalty of 10 years, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been scheduled before Judge Morgan for July 2, 2014.
This case is being investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Dan Friel.
John Silvia, Disbarred Attorney, Indicted on Fraud Charges
A disbarred Somerset attorney was indicted on fraud charges arising out of his promotion of various fraudulent investments.
John Silvia, 55, purportedly the “managing member” of Richardson Consulting LLC, was charged with securities, mail, and wire fraud. He was arrested on February 7, 2014.
Silvia, who was licensed to practice law in Massachusetts in 1975, has been disbarred since 2003. He was charged based on his promotion of various fraudulent investments, including investments in real estate and Advance Space Monitor LLC (ASM), a technology company with which he was affiliated. According to the indictment, Silvia obtained money from various individuals based on false representations regarding certain real estate transactions and his purported ability to transfer interests in ASM. Specifically, Silvia issued promissory notes based on the false representation that he was investing the money in real estate transactions that would yield profits within a short amount of time, thereby allowing him to re-pay the notes. In fact, Silvia was not engaged in such transactions. Silvia also falsely represented that he was entitled to receive shares in ASM in exchange for investment money. In fact, Silvia was not entitled to receive shares of ASM, as he had represented, and was not permitted to assign any interests in ASM.
If convicted, Silvia faces the statutory maximum penalties for the securities fraud charges are 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine. The statutory maximum penalties for the mail and wire fraud charges are 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gain to the defendant or loss to the victim.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. The Massachusetts Securities Division, which filed an administrative complaint charging Silvia with violation of Massachusetts securities laws, referred this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and cooperated with the criminal investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Walters of Ortiz’s Economic Crimes Unit.
John Silvia, 55, purportedly the “managing member” of Richardson Consulting LLC, was charged with securities, mail, and wire fraud. He was arrested on February 7, 2014.
Silvia, who was licensed to practice law in Massachusetts in 1975, has been disbarred since 2003. He was charged based on his promotion of various fraudulent investments, including investments in real estate and Advance Space Monitor LLC (ASM), a technology company with which he was affiliated. According to the indictment, Silvia obtained money from various individuals based on false representations regarding certain real estate transactions and his purported ability to transfer interests in ASM. Specifically, Silvia issued promissory notes based on the false representation that he was investing the money in real estate transactions that would yield profits within a short amount of time, thereby allowing him to re-pay the notes. In fact, Silvia was not engaged in such transactions. Silvia also falsely represented that he was entitled to receive shares in ASM in exchange for investment money. In fact, Silvia was not entitled to receive shares of ASM, as he had represented, and was not permitted to assign any interests in ASM.
If convicted, Silvia faces the statutory maximum penalties for the securities fraud charges are 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine. The statutory maximum penalties for the mail and wire fraud charges are 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gain to the defendant or loss to the victim.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. The Massachusetts Securities Division, which filed an administrative complaint charging Silvia with violation of Massachusetts securities laws, referred this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and cooperated with the criminal investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Walters of Ortiz’s Economic Crimes Unit.
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