Sunday, August 5, 2012
EX-IM BANK GUARANTEES $32.1 MILLION FOR EXPORTING WIND TURBIN BLADES TO BRAZIL
Photo Credit: Wikimedia.
FROM: EXPORT-IMPORT BANKFor Export of U.S. Wind Blades to Brazil
Washington, D.C. – In line with its congressional mandate to increase support for renewable-energy exports, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) has authorized a $32.1 million loan guarantee to Wind Power Energia S.A. of Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the purchase of wind turbine blades manufactured by LM Wind Power Blades Inc. of Little Rock, Ark.
Ex-Im Bank’s financing, which guarantees a Bank of America loan, will support approximately 250 permanent American jobs at the company’s Little Rock, Ark., and Grand Forks, N.D., manufacturing facilities.
"The Bank’s loan guarantee will facilitate the export of American-made products to one of our nine key markets at a critical time," said Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg. "By doing so, it will simultaneously support American jobs in a valuable industry and boost Brazil’s clean-energy prospects."
The wind blades will be used to complete a 180-megawatt wind farm in the Brazilian state of Bahia and another 211-megawatt farm in the Brazilian state of Ceara.
"We welcome the vision and assistance of Ex-Im Bank, which has enabled us to develop a new and growing market opportunity for wind-turbine blades in Brazil," said Richard Pettifor, LM Wind Power’s commercial director for the Americas. "As well as developing the Brazilian renewable-energy market and overall production capacity, it will also support the prospect of long-term growth in LM Wind Power’s America business with approximately 250 permanent green-energy jobs in Arkansas and North Dakota."
Headquartered in Little Rock, Ark., LM Wind Power Blades is a manufacturer of wind blades and operates facilities in Arkansas and North Dakota. The company is a subsidiary of LM Wind Power, the largest manufacturer of wind-turbine blades in the world.
Wind Power Energia, a subsidiary of Industrias Metalurgicas Pescarmona S.A. of Argentina, designs and manufactures wind turbines for power projects in Brazil and South America. It favors turnkey solutions and currently ranks as the market leader in Brazil. The transaction is the company’s first with Ex-Im Bank.
As of the end of FY 2011, Brazil accounted for $2.7 billion of the Bank’s worldwide credit exposure. In FY 2012 to date, the Bank has authorized approximately $415 million for renewable-energy exports of all types worldwide.
RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS
FROM: U.S. NAVY
PUGET SOUND
Sailors man the rails aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) during the Parade of Ships during the 63rd annual Seattle Seafair. Seafair activities allow U.S. and Canadian Sailors and Coast Guard personnel to experience the local community and to promote awareness of the maritime forces. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy A. Hazel (Released) 120801-N-TZ605-802
PEARL HARBOR
Sailors and Marines man the rails aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as the ship returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam following operations supporting the Rim of the Pacific 2012 exercise. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel took part in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker (Released) 120801-N-RI884-005
PACIFIC OCEANLanding Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 32, assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric T. Crosby (Released) 120801-N-SS993-354
PACIFIC OCEAN
A rigid-hull inflatable boat transports personnel to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47). Rushmore is part of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group and is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in the Pacific Ocean with the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) and the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20). U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Duran (Released) 120731-N-ZM744-062
U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SETTLES WITH WOODLAKE, CA REGARDING UNLAWFUL PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMS
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENTThe Justice Department announced that it has reached a settlement with the city of Woodlake, Calif., to resolve allegations that the city engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination against people with disabilities by requiring applicants for job vacancies to undergo unlawful pre-employment medical examinations before receiving an offer of employment, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The settlement concludes a pattern or practice investigation by the Justice Department based on information that the city of Woodlake was requiring all job applicants to undergo a medical examination as part of the application process, before making an offer of employment. Such pre-offer medical examinations are illegal under the ADA, as they make it easier for employers to discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of disability in the hiring process. The settlement agreement requires the city to eliminate its current discriminatory policy, to develop and implement a non-discrimination policy and to train staff on the requirements of the ADA.
"This settlement is an important step towards eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities in employment," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "We commend the city of Woodlake for working cooperatively with the Justice Department to ensure that their policies and practices comply with federal law and for their commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities are treated equally and fairly in the hiring process."
"We are pleased that the city of Woodlake and the U.S. Department of Justice agreed so quickly on measures that will protect the rights of individuals with disabilities," said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California Benjamin B. Wagner.
The ADA requires that employers, including state and local government entities, not conduct any pre-employment medical examination or inquiry before making an offer of employment. Once a conditional job offer is made, employers may make disability-related inquiries or conduct medical examinations of an applicant if this is done for all entering employees in that job category regardless of disability. Once an employee is hired, employers may only make disability-related inquiries or require medical examinations of an employee if such examination or inquiry is shown to be job-related and consistent with business necessity. The ADA also requires employers not to discriminate against individuals with disabilities in making personnel decisions, including hiring or promoting employees.
ANTIQUE DEALER PLEADS GUILTY TO TRAFFICKING IN RHIOCEROS HORN
Photo: Black Rhinoceros. Credit: U.S. Fish And Wildlife ServiceFROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON – David Hausman, an antiques dealer in Manhattan, pleaded guilty today in Manhattan federal court to obstruction of justice and creating false records, in relation to illegal rhinoceros horn trafficking, announced Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice, and Preet Bharara, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
In the plea agreement, Hausman admitted that he committed these wildlife offenses while holding himself out to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) as an antiques expert who purportedly wanted to help FWS investigate rhinoceros horn trafficking; in reality, he was covertly engaging in illegal activity himself. Hausman was arrested in February 2012 as part of "Operation Crash," a nationwide, multi-agency crackdown on those involved in the black market trade of endangered rhinoceros horn.
"Trafficking in endangered species like the black rhinoceros is an egregious violation of the laws enacted by Congress to protect endangered species from extinction," said Assistant Attorney General Moreno. "Mr. Hausman misled officers in a federal government investigation, falsified records and concealed his own purchase, sale and profit from illegal trade in black rhinoceros horns. This prosecution should send a strong message that we will vigorously prosecute those who deliberately violate wildlife protection laws."
"David Hausman pretended he was helping law enforcement protect a species from being wiped out but instead he was contributing to the very problem," said U.S. Attorney Bharara. "The laws that protect animals are not optional and will be enforced by this office vigorously since an important, even if less recognized, measure of justice is how we enforce the laws that protect endangered species. Thanks to the outstanding investigative work conducted by law enforcement in this case, Hausman’s deceptions were unsuccessful and he will now be held to account for his crimes."
Rhinoceros are an herbivore species of prehistoric origin and one of the largest remaining mega-fauna on earth. They have no known predators other than humans. All species of rhinoceros are protected under United States and international law, and all black rhinoceros species are endangered.
Since 1976, trade in rhinoceros horn has been regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a treaty signed by over 170 countries around the world to protect fish, wildlife and plants that are or may become imperiled due to the demands of international markets. Nevertheless, the demand for Rhinoceros horn and black market prices have skyrocketed in recent years due to the value that some cultures have placed on ornamental carvings, good luck charms or alleged medicinal purposes, leading to a decimation of the global rhinoceros population.
Operation Crash is a continuing investigation being conducted by the Department of the Interior’s FWS in coordination with other federal and local law enforcement agencies including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. A "crash" is the term for a herd of rhinoceros. Operation Crash is an ongoing effort to detect, deter and prosecute those engaged in the illegal killing of rhinoceros and the unlawful trafficking of rhinoceros horns. The investigation is being led by the Special Investigations Unit of the FWS Office of Law Enforcement and involves a nationwide task force of agents focused on rhino trafficking.
According to the information, plea agreement and statements made during court proceedings:
In December 2010, Hausman – while purporting to help the government crack down on illegal rhinoceros trading – advised FWS that the taxidermied head of a black rhinoceros containing two horns had been illegally sold by a Pennsylvania auction house. Upon learning that the sale was not finalized, Hausman covertly purchased the rhinoceros mount himself, using a "straw buyer" to conceal that he was the true purchaser because federal law prohibits interstate trafficking in endangered species. Hausman instructed the straw buyer not to communicate with him about the matter by email to avoid creating a paper trail that could be followed by law enforcement. After the purchase was completed, Hausman directed the straw buyer to remove the horns and mail them to him. He then made a realistic set of fake horns using synthetic materials and directed the straw buyer to attach them on the rhinoceros head in order to deceive law enforcement in the event that they conducted an investigation. After his arrest in February 2012, Hausman contacted the straw buyer and they agreed that the rhinoceros mount should be burned or concealed.
In a second incident, in September 2011, Hausman responded to an Internet offer to sell a (different) taxidermied head of a black rhinoceros containing two horns. Unbeknownst to Hausman, the on-line seller was an undercover federal agent. Before purchasing the horns on Nov. 15, 2011, Hausman directed the undercover agent to send him an email falsely stating that the mounted rhinoceros was over 100 years old, even though the agent had told Hausman that the rhinoceros mount was only 20 to 30 years old. There is an antique exception for certain trade in rhinoceros horns that are over 100 years old. By creating the false record as to the age of the horns, Hausman sought to conceal his illegal conduct. Hausman also insisted on a cash transaction and told the undercover agent not to send additional emails so there would be no written record. After buying the black rhinoceros mount at a truck stop in Princeton, Ill., agents followed Hausman and observed him sawing off the horns in a motel parking lot.
In February 2012 at the time of his arrest, FWS agents seized four rhinoceros heads from Hausman’s apartment as well as six black rhinoceros horns – two of which were the very horns he was seen sawing off in the parking lot – numerous carved and partially carved rhinoceros horns, fake rhinoceros horns and $28,000 in cash.
Hausman, 67, of New York, N.Y., pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and one count of creating a false record in violation of the Lacey Act, a federal wildlife protection statute, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Hausman faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison for these offenses. Under the terms of the plea agreement, almost all of the items recovered from Hausman’s apartment at the time of his arrest will be forfeited or put toward the criminal fine, except for three items for which Hausman established legal purchase and antique status. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken on Dec. 5, 2012, at 2:00 p.m.
U.S. Attorney Bharara and Assistant Attorney General Moreno commended FWS and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Newark for their outstanding work in this investigation.
The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Complex Frauds Unit and the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Janis M. Echenberg and Richard A. Udell, a Senior Trial Attorney with the Environmental Crimes Section, are in charge of the prosecution.
FORMER VERITAS SOFTWARE CORP. CEO SETTLES ALLEGED IMPROPER ACCOUNTING PRACTICES CHARGE
FROM: U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONSEC Settles Litigation With Former Veritas Software Corporation Chief Financial OfficerThe U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that, on July 20, 2012, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California entered a settled final judgment against Kenneth E. Lonchar, the former Chief Financial Officer of Veritas Software Corporation, in SEC v. Mark Leslie, Kenneth E. Lonchar, Paul A. Sallaberry, Michael M. Cully, and Douglas S. Newton, Civil Action No. 07 CV 3444 (CW) (N.D. Cal. filed July 2, 2007).
The final judgment resolves the Commission’s case against Lonchar, the last remaining defendant in the Commission’s action against certain former Veritas Software Corporation executives. The Commission’s amended complaint alleges that Lonchar and other executives inflated Veritas’ reported revenues by approximately $20 million in connection with a software sale to America Online, Inc. The complaint further alleges that from at least 2000 until his resignation in 2002, Lonchar and others applied three improper accounting practices to "smooth" artificially Veritas’ financial results.
Without admitting or denying the allegations in the complaint, Lonchar consented to entry of a final judgment permanently enjoining him from future violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and ordering him to pay disgorgement and prejudgment interest of $300,000 and a civil penalty of $100,000.
On August 2, 2012, the Commission issued an Order in a related, settled administrative proceeding suspending Lonchar from appearing or practicing before the Commission as an accountant with the right to request reinstatement after five (5) years from the date of the Order, pursuant to Rule 102(e) of the Commission’s Rules of Practice. The suspension is based on the entry of the final judgment in SEC v. Leslie, et al., enjoining Lonchar from future violations of the antifraud provisions of the Exchange Act. Without admitting to the findings in the Commission’s Order, except as to jurisdiction and the entry of the final judgment, Lonchar consented to the issuance of the Order.
REMARKS BY HANNAH ROSENTHAL AT ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP AND HOURS AGAINST HATE EVENT
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENTRemarks at Active Citizenship and Hours Against Hate EventRemarks
Hannah Rosenthal
Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism
Bank Center
Budapest, Hungary
July 20, 2012
It is my privilege to be in Budapest today and present the U.S. Embassy’s Active Citizenship Award to the March of the Living Foundation. Each month, Ambassador Kounalakis recognizes citizens and organizations that are working to make a difference in their communities. This year, the Embassy has already recognized seven outstanding partners in Active Citizenship. I am honored to be able to help dedicate July’s Active Citizenship Award to an organization that does so much to promote tolerance and combat hate.
President Obama has directed all U.S. government agencies engaged overseas to look for partners and international organizations in the fight against discrimination. The March of the Living Foundation is a tremendous example of an organization that promotes active citizenship through its dedication to promoting tolerance.
The March of the Living Foundation has grown into one of the leading NGOs in Hungary, combating racism and anti-Semitism through education and public awareness. Its focus on the youth of Hungary ensures that the next generation remains cognizant of the past and vigilant toward the future. Through its education programs, the March of the Living Foundation reaches out to both Jewish and non-Jewish young people to teach tolerance, mutual respect, and responsibility.
Each year, the March of the Living Foundation organizes hundreds of Hungarians--mostly young people, students--to travel to Auschwitz to join thousands of others to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. The March of the Living Foundation also organizes an annual torchlight procession through the streets of Budapest to remember victims of the Holocaust. The Budapest march started 10 years ago with a mere 300 participants, and has grown into an annual event that attracts nearly 30,000 people.
The March of the Living Foundation is not only an example of active citizenship, of individuals working to improve their community, but it is also a great promoter of active citizens in their own right. Despite their many activities, including the annual Holocaust memorial procession in Budapest, the Foundation has no office and is organized by five core volunteers. But those five are a true force-multiplier. Over the last ten years, they have developed a cadre of hundreds of volunteers to help organize the march and other events, and to carry their education programs to every corner of the country, travelling to more than 50 cities around Hungary.
Their work is, and will continue to be, extremely important. It seems especially timely now, given the recent wave of anti-Semitic incidents in Hungary and current efforts in some quarters to rehabilitate fascist-era figures.
Of course, I appreciate and encourage national dialogue about the past—it is an important process in any democratic nation. I believe, though, that people must speak out clearly and unequivocally against the veneration of any individuals who allied themselves with or participated in a fascist regime, which represents the absolute antithesis of the democratic values we all share.
The work of March of the Living Foundation strives to educate young people about the consequences of unrestrained, unchecked hate. It is also a great example of what we try to encourage in the 2012 Hours Against Hate campaign. Special Representative to Muslim Communities Farah Pandith and I created the Hours Against Hate campaign in 2011. This campaign encourages young people to volunteer an hour or more of their time to help people who look, live, or pray differently. It is an opportunity to work together to build a more tolerant world, one hour at a time. The initial goal was to raise 2,011 volunteer hours in the year 2011, but our expectations were greatly exceeded, as more than 20,000 hours were pledged by last December.
This grassroots momentum continues this year and the program has been re-launched as 2012 Hours Against Hate. This year’s campaign has been adopted as one of the tolerance campaigns for the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games to encourage greater diversity and community engagement during the Summer Games. Next week, Special Representative to Muslim Communities Farah Pandith and I will be in London for 2012 Hours Against Hate/Walk a Mile events, including a rock concert July 24th and a children’s sporting event on the 25th.
Hours Against Hate is a campaign to stop bigotry and promote pluralism and respect across lines of culture, religion, tradition, class, and gender. Hate is hate, no matter the victim. The campaign aligns with Secretary Clinton's goal of increasing engagement and partnership with civil society on human rights. As the program targets youth under age 30, Hours Against Hate also aligns with the March of the Living Foundation’s focus on engaging young people from different backgrounds to promote tolerance. So, for all of our young people in the audience - and I understand that there are also many in the audience who work with youth – I encourage you to think about what you too can do to be an active citizen and to commit yourselves to volunteering against hate in 2012 and into the future.
Without further ado, I am honored to recognize the March of the Living Foundation for its work and I would now like to present the Embassy’s Active Citizenship Award to March of the Living. Congratulations!
NORTH AMERICAN DUST PARTCLE IMPORTS EXAMINED BY NASA
FROM: NASAObserving these microscopic airborne particles and quantifying their global impact on warming or cooling Earth remains one of the most difficult challenges of climate science. Dust and pollution particles rise into the atmosphere and can travel for days across numerous national boundaries before settling to Earth. Data from several research satellites with advanced observing technology developed and launched by NASA enabled the scientists to distinguish particle types and determine their heights in the atmosphere. They combined that information with wind speed data to estimate the amount of pollution and dust arriving over North America. The scientists used data from instruments on NASA's Terra satellite and the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) satellite, a joint effort between NASA and the French space agency, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales. Yu and colleagues estimated that dust crossing the Pacific Ocean accounts for 88 percent, or 56 million tons, of the total particle import to North America every year. Dust movement is particularly active in spring, when the rise of cyclones and strong mid-latitude westerlies boost particle transport across the Pacific. Global aerosol transport models revealed Asia was a primary source of the dust reaching North America. Sixty percent to 70 percent comes from Asia and the remaining 30 percent to 40 percent comes from Africa and the Middle East. Dust particles are fine pieces of minerals that primarily come from dry, desert-like regions. Winds lift these lightweight particles high into the atmosphere where they meet even faster-moving winds capable of transporting them around the planet. Pollution particles, in contrast, come from combustion sources such as wildfires or agricultural fires and fossil fuel burning for power and industry.
These particles are emitted close to the ground, making them of prime interest to air quality researchers and managers. High-altitude dust particles are less a concern for human health, but their impact on climate can be significant. One such impact on climate is a cooling effect, brought about by dust and some pollution particles that reflect sunlight back to space. The team calculated that the imported particles account for one third of the reduction in solar radiation, or solar dimming, over North America. "Globally this can mask some of the warming we expect from greenhouse gases," says Lorraine Remer, an atmospheric scientist at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and co-author on the study. Climate change brought about by greenhouse gases could influence the relevance of dust in the future, according to Remer. "Desertification and reclamation, the land use modifications that change the exposure of dusty soils to wind erosion, are going to have a big impact on particle distribution and climate around the planet," she says. The study poses new questions about the magnitude of the particles' indirect effects on local weather and climate.
Dust and pollution could alter wind circulation, foster cloud growth and affect rainfall patterns. Soot and dust particles that land on snow, most likely in the western United States, could speed the melt of the snowpack and affect water supplies. To see a video and images related to this study, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/dust-imports.html
FIELD OF STARS: MESSIER 107
FROM: NASA
The
Hubble Space Telescope captured a crowd of stars that looks rather like a
stadium darkened before a show, lit only by the flashbulbs of the audience’s
cameras. Yet the many stars of this object, known as Messier 107, are not a
fleeting phenomenon, at least by human reckoning of time -- these ancient stars
have gleamed for many billions of years.,br /> Messier 107 is one of more
than 150 globular star clusters found around the disc of the Milky Way galaxy.
These spherical collections each contain hundreds of thousands of extremely old
stars and are among the oldest objects in the Milky Way. The origin of globular
clusters and their impact on galactic evolution remains somewhat unclear, so
astronomers continue to study them.,br /> Messier 107 can be found in the
constellation of Ophiuchus (The Serpent Bearer) and is located about 20,000
light-years from our solar system.,br /> French astronomer Pierre Méchain
first noted the object in 1782, and British astronomer William Herschel
documented it independently a year later. A Canadian astronomer, Helen Sawyer
Hogg, added Messier 107 to Charles Messier's famous astronomical catalogue in
1947.,br /> This picture was obtained with the Wide Field Camera of Hubble’s
Advanced Camera for Surveys. ,br /> Image credit: ESA/NASA
PROTECTING CIVILIANS IN LIBYA IN MARCH 2011
FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE
A Qatari C-17 Globemaster III lands at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, to refuel in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn March 25, 2011. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorized all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandre Montes
CHICAGO CLEAN-UP MOVE AGAINST ORGANIZED CRIME
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICEThursday, August 2, 2012
Chicago Police Officer and Three Members of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation Plead Guilty to a Racketeering Conspiracy and Other Related Charges
WASHINGTON – A Chicago police officer and three members of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy and other related charges in a superseding indictment involving alleged members or associates of the Latin Kings, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David Capp of the Northern District of Indiana.
Chicago police officer Alex Guerrero, 42, pleaded guilty today before Judge Rudy Lozano of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, in Hammond, Ind. Guerrero pleaded guilty to counts one, two, 14 and 15 of the third superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana; interference with commerce by threats or violence; and use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to crimes of violence and drug trafficking. As part of his plea agreement, Guerrero acknowledges that a 19-year prison sentence is appropriate.
The third superseding indictment, which charged 21 defendants, was returned by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Indiana on Nov. 16, 2011, and was unsealed on Nov. 18, 2011.
According to the third superseding indictment, the Latin Kings is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States, including to Texas. The Latin Kings is a well organized street gang that has specific leadership and is comprised of regions that include multiple chapters.
On July 31, 2012, Brandon Clay, 26, of Chicago, and Antonio Gudino, 30, of East Chicago, each pleaded guilty before Judge Lozano to count one of the third superseding indictment charging them with conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity. As part of their plea agreements, Clay and Gudino have each acknowledged that a prison sentence is appropriate – 30 years for Clay and 10 years for Gudino. On July 30, 2012, Jason Ortiz, 30, of Chicago pleaded guilty before the same judge and to the same count as Clay and Gudino. As part of his plea agreement, Ortiz acknowledges that a 25-year prison sentence is appropriate.
Guerrero admitted in the plea agreement that he is responsible for possession of and distribution of 150 kilograms or more of cocaine as alleged in count two. He also admitted in the plea agreement that he physically restrained the victim in the course of the offense alleged in count 14. Guerrero admitted that he abused a position of public trust in a manner that significantly facilitated the commission or concealment of the offense.
The following defendants were charged in the third superseding indictment:
Sisto Bernal, 46, aka "Cisco" and "Shug," of Chicago;
Jason Ortiz, 30, aka "Creeper," of Chicago;
Brandon Clay, 26, aka "Cheddar," "Swiss," "Slick," of Chicago;
Martin Anaya, 41, aka "Left," of Chicago;
Ivan Quiroz, 30, of Posen, Ill.;
Hiluterio Chavez, 41, aka "Tails," and "Zeus," of Chicago;
Dante Reyes, 35, aka "DK," of Mission, Texas;
Sergio Robles, 24, aka "Checko," of Hammond, Ind.;
Emiliano Esparza, 40, aka "Ken Milleano," "Kent," and "Double G," of Chicago;
Paulino Salazar, 30, aka "Chino," of Chicago;
Santiago Gudino, 28, aka "Creeper," of Hammond;
Gabriel Jalomos, 25, aka "Sneaky," of Chicago;
Oscar Gonzalez, 22, aka "Puppet," of Hammond;
David Lira, 38, aka "Flaco," of Lansing, Ill.;
Victor Meza Jr., 23, aka "Shadow," of Hammond;
Antonio Gudino, 30, aka "Chronic," of Indiana, Ind.;
Bianca Fernandez, 23, of Chicago;
Serina Arambula, 23 of Chicago;
Alex Guerrero, 42, of Chicago; and
Antonio C. Martinez Jr., 41, of Chicago.
Jose Zambrano, 32, aka "Speedy," aka "Bird," aka "Big Greasy," of Sauk Village, Ill., and Jermaine Ellis, 23, aka "J-Dub," "Donnie Brosco," "Shorty" of Chicago, were both charged in the first indictment returned on June 17, 2010, and unsealed on June 29, 2010.
As alleged in the third superseding indictment, the Latin Kings enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, assault and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the Latin Kings. Members are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, including taking on assignments often referred to as "missions."
A total of 23 members and associates have been indicted in this case. Of these defendants, 17 have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. There are three defendants scheduled for trial on Sept. 10, 2012, before Judge Lozano.
There remains one fugitive in this case, Paulino Salizar, 30, aka "Chino," from Chicago.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Chicago Police Department; the East Chicago Police Department; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the FBI; the Griffith Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; the Highland Police Department; the Houston Police Department; Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Department of Homeland Security; and the National Gang Intelligence Center.
The case is being prosecuted by Joseph A. Cooley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and David J. Nozick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana. Andrew Porter of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois provided significant assistance.
The third superseding indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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