FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Army Evacuates Guardsmen, First Responders in Colorado
From a Colorado National Guard News Release
CENTENNIAL, Colo., Sept. 16, 2013 - As rain and cloud cover hampered military aviation operations in Colorado yesterday, the rising waters added Colorado National Guardsmen and first responders to the list of flood evacuees.
At about 4:20 p.m., a mix of 51 Colorado National Guardsmen, first responders and civilians, along with five pets, were reported to be stopped by rising waters in Lyons, Colo. Flood waters rose so high that even the half-dozen Light Medium Tactical Vehicles deployed with the group -- the "go-to" high-mobility trucks that have become the staple of the military's ground search-and-rescue efforts -- couldn't ford them, officials said.
In the meantime, the weather in Boulder County broke, so U.S. Army aviators from the 4th Infantry Division from Fort Carson resumed flight operations from the Boulder Municipal Airport. Among their priority missions was to evacuate the 51 people stranded in Lyons.
Aviators flying two helicopters -- a CH-47 Chinook and a UH-60 Black Hawk -- were able to evacuate all 10 civilians and their pets, along with a number of first responders and Guardsmen, before weather took another bad turn and aviation operations were suspended again.
"It's great to provide support to our neighbors and work with such great professionals," said Army Col. Robert Ault, commander of the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade. "The first responders have the desire, we have the capabilities and it's great when we can all come together to help make a difference."
Of the original 51, 15 first responders and Guardsmen, along with the high-mobility vehicles, are waiting out the flood on higher ground until flight operations resume or the waters become passable, officials said.
Twenty military helicopters and crews were scheduled to conduct evacuation operations yesterday, but most were grounded for much of the day as heavy rain and low ceilings hampered visibility, causing flight safety issues for much of the day.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
MAN SENTENCED IN BLACK MARKET PESO EXCHANGE SCHEME
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Houston Man Sentenced for $20 Million ‘Black Market Peso Exchange’ Scheme
One of the leaders of a criminal conspiracy that laundered more than $20 million through “shell” business bank accounts was sentenced today to 151 months in prison.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas made the announcement.
Willie Whitehurst, 45, of Houston, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal of the Southern District of Texas. In January and February 2013, Whitehurst and co-conspirators Enrique Morales, Fulton Smith and Anthony Foster pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Another co-conspirator, Sarah Combs, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.
In August 2012, a federal grand jury in Houston indicted the five defendants for their parts in a large “Black Market Peso Exchange” scheme. From October 2009 to September 2011, the defendants placed U.S. currency gained through the sale of drugs in U.S. cities into bank accounts held in the names of the organization’s “shell” companies. The money was then transferred to different accounts in the U.S. and in Mexico. In exchange, pesos were transferred back to accounts owned by the organization’s clients.
Morales was previously sentenced to 188 months in prison, and Foster received a sentence of 121 months in prison. Smith was sentenced to 30 months, while Combs was sentenced to 24 months in prison.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted Imperato of the Southern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Keith Liddle of the Money Laundering and Bank Integrity Unit of the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section prosecuted the case.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Houston Man Sentenced for $20 Million ‘Black Market Peso Exchange’ Scheme
One of the leaders of a criminal conspiracy that laundered more than $20 million through “shell” business bank accounts was sentenced today to 151 months in prison.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas made the announcement.
Willie Whitehurst, 45, of Houston, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal of the Southern District of Texas. In January and February 2013, Whitehurst and co-conspirators Enrique Morales, Fulton Smith and Anthony Foster pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Another co-conspirator, Sarah Combs, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.
In August 2012, a federal grand jury in Houston indicted the five defendants for their parts in a large “Black Market Peso Exchange” scheme. From October 2009 to September 2011, the defendants placed U.S. currency gained through the sale of drugs in U.S. cities into bank accounts held in the names of the organization’s “shell” companies. The money was then transferred to different accounts in the U.S. and in Mexico. In exchange, pesos were transferred back to accounts owned by the organization’s clients.
Morales was previously sentenced to 188 months in prison, and Foster received a sentence of 121 months in prison. Smith was sentenced to 30 months, while Combs was sentenced to 24 months in prison.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted Imperato of the Southern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Keith Liddle of the Money Laundering and Bank Integrity Unit of the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section prosecuted the case.
Monday, September 16, 2013
READOUT: CARTER'S TRAVEL TO PAKISTAN
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Carter's Travel to Pakistan
Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter traveled to Pakistan on Sept. 16 where he met with senior Pakistani government and defense officials.
In Pakistan Deputy Secretary Carter met with Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs and National Security; General Khalid Shameem Wynn, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee; and General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of Army Staff.
During his meetings with the senior Pakistani officials, Deputy Secretary Carter expressed his condolences for the recent killing by extremists of three Pakistan military personnel, including Maj. Gen. Sanaullaha, commander of Swat Division. He also discussed the significantly improved bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Pakistan, which has made important contributions to the security interests of both countries.
Deputy Secretary Carter also met with U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson and Commander of the Office of the Defense Representative Pakistan (ODRP) Lt. Gen. Greg Biscone at the U.S. Embassy. While at the embassy, Carter thanked U.S. personnel serving in ODRP and the embassy Marine Security Guard Detachment for their service and continued dedication.
Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Carter's Travel to Pakistan
Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter traveled to Pakistan on Sept. 16 where he met with senior Pakistani government and defense officials.
In Pakistan Deputy Secretary Carter met with Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs and National Security; General Khalid Shameem Wynn, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee; and General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of Army Staff.
During his meetings with the senior Pakistani officials, Deputy Secretary Carter expressed his condolences for the recent killing by extremists of three Pakistan military personnel, including Maj. Gen. Sanaullaha, commander of Swat Division. He also discussed the significantly improved bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Pakistan, which has made important contributions to the security interests of both countries.
Deputy Secretary Carter also met with U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson and Commander of the Office of the Defense Representative Pakistan (ODRP) Lt. Gen. Greg Biscone at the U.S. Embassy. While at the embassy, Carter thanked U.S. personnel serving in ODRP and the embassy Marine Security Guard Detachment for their service and continued dedication.
TREASURY SECRETARY LEW'S STATEMENT ON ANNIVERSARY OF FINANCIAL CRISIS
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY
Statement from Secretary Lew on the Five-Year Anniversary of the Financial Crisis
“Five years ago, a devastating crisis hit our financial system. The ensuing economic recession, unlike anything we had seen since the Great Depression, was not caused by a single firm or a single event. It was the culmination of many factors, including excessive risk taking, the accumulation of too much debt, and an outdated regulatory structure.
“The swift emergency response that began on a bipartisan basis helped the financial system to stabilize and our economy start growing again. Today, taxpayers will be repaid for the extraordinary investments we made in the financial system, but we are still healing from the deep damage the crisis did to our economy. Because President Obama took up the mantle of reform and made Dodd-Frank the law of the land, our financial system is now safer, stronger, and more resilient than it was before the crisis. In fact, financial markets are more transparent, we have new tools to monitor risk and wind down companies whose failure would threaten the entire financial system and Americans have a dedicated consumer watchdog looking out for them. In addition, because of these efforts and other policies to strengthen the recovery, private employers have added 7 and a half million jobs over the past 42 months.
“As we finish the remaining elements of Wall Street reform this year, we must remember that financial reform is not about writing a set of rules and then walking off the field. We must remain vigilant and respond immediately to new risk in the financial system. Reforming Wall Street is ultimately about an enduring commitment to making our financial system a model of stability and safety that contributes to job creation and economic growth.”
Statement from Secretary Lew on the Five-Year Anniversary of the Financial Crisis
“Five years ago, a devastating crisis hit our financial system. The ensuing economic recession, unlike anything we had seen since the Great Depression, was not caused by a single firm or a single event. It was the culmination of many factors, including excessive risk taking, the accumulation of too much debt, and an outdated regulatory structure.
“The swift emergency response that began on a bipartisan basis helped the financial system to stabilize and our economy start growing again. Today, taxpayers will be repaid for the extraordinary investments we made in the financial system, but we are still healing from the deep damage the crisis did to our economy. Because President Obama took up the mantle of reform and made Dodd-Frank the law of the land, our financial system is now safer, stronger, and more resilient than it was before the crisis. In fact, financial markets are more transparent, we have new tools to monitor risk and wind down companies whose failure would threaten the entire financial system and Americans have a dedicated consumer watchdog looking out for them. In addition, because of these efforts and other policies to strengthen the recovery, private employers have added 7 and a half million jobs over the past 42 months.
“As we finish the remaining elements of Wall Street reform this year, we must remember that financial reform is not about writing a set of rules and then walking off the field. We must remain vigilant and respond immediately to new risk in the financial system. Reforming Wall Street is ultimately about an enduring commitment to making our financial system a model of stability and safety that contributes to job creation and economic growth.”
CHUCK HAGEL'S STATEMENT ON WASHINGTON NAVY YARD SHOOTINGS
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Statement from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on the Incident at Washington Navy Yard
I have been receiving regular updates on the shooting at the Washington Navy Yard, and continue to monitor the situation closely. This is a tragic day for the Department of Defense, the national capital area, and the nation. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this outrageous act of violence, their families, and all those affected by today's events. I am grateful for the swift response of federal and local law enforcement, and for the professionalism of DoD personnel at the Navy Yard complex. The Department of Defense will continue to offer its full assistance in the investigation of this terrible and senseless violence.
Statement from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on the Incident at Washington Navy Yard
I have been receiving regular updates on the shooting at the Washington Navy Yard, and continue to monitor the situation closely. This is a tragic day for the Department of Defense, the national capital area, and the nation. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this outrageous act of violence, their families, and all those affected by today's events. I am grateful for the swift response of federal and local law enforcement, and for the professionalism of DoD personnel at the Navy Yard complex. The Department of Defense will continue to offer its full assistance in the investigation of this terrible and senseless violence.
PEST CONTROL COMPANY CHARGED WITH UNLAWFUL APPLICATION OF PESTICIDES
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Pest Control Company and Its Owner Charged with Unlawful Application of Pesticides and Falsification
A pest control services company and its owner have been charged today in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia with conspiracy, unlawful use of pesticides, false statements, falsification of records and mail fraud, announced Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and Michael J. Moore, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Steven A. Murray, 54, of Pelham, Ala., and his company, Bio-Tech Management Inc., were charged in a felony indictment with one count of conspiracy, 10 counts of making false statements, 20 counts of falsifying records, 10 counts of mail fraud and 10 counts of unlawful use of a pesticide.
The indictment alleges that from October 2005 to June 2009, Steven Murray and Bio-Tech repeatedly misapplied the registered pesticide Termidor SC in nursing homes in the state of Georgia and falsified documents to conceal the unlawful use. The indictment further alleges that Murray and Bio-Tech sent invoices through the U.S. Mail to their nursing home clients to solicit payment for the unlawful pesticide applications.
According to the indictment, Steve Murray and Bio-Tech provided monthly pest control services to nursing homes in Georgia by spraying pesticides in and around their clients’ facilities. The indictment alleges that, at the direction of Murray, Bio-Tech employees routinely applied the pesticide Termidor indoors more than twice a year, contrary to the manufacturer’s label instructions. The indictment further alleges that after the Georgia Department of Agriculture made inquiries regarding Bio-Tech’s misuse of Termidor and other pesticides, Murray directed several of his Bio-Tech employees to alter company service reports with the intent to obstruct an investigation.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations require that all pesticides be registered, properly labeled, and applied as specified by manufacturer’s labeling to protect public health and the environment.
A criminal indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual or company charged by criminal indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The falsifying records and mail fraud charge carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine per count. The false statements charges each carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
These cases are being investigated by Special Agents of the EPA’s Criminal Investigations Division in Atlanta and prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Richard J. Powers and Adam C. Cullman of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, Environmental Crimes Section.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Pest Control Company and Its Owner Charged with Unlawful Application of Pesticides and Falsification
A pest control services company and its owner have been charged today in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia with conspiracy, unlawful use of pesticides, false statements, falsification of records and mail fraud, announced Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and Michael J. Moore, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Steven A. Murray, 54, of Pelham, Ala., and his company, Bio-Tech Management Inc., were charged in a felony indictment with one count of conspiracy, 10 counts of making false statements, 20 counts of falsifying records, 10 counts of mail fraud and 10 counts of unlawful use of a pesticide.
The indictment alleges that from October 2005 to June 2009, Steven Murray and Bio-Tech repeatedly misapplied the registered pesticide Termidor SC in nursing homes in the state of Georgia and falsified documents to conceal the unlawful use. The indictment further alleges that Murray and Bio-Tech sent invoices through the U.S. Mail to their nursing home clients to solicit payment for the unlawful pesticide applications.
According to the indictment, Steve Murray and Bio-Tech provided monthly pest control services to nursing homes in Georgia by spraying pesticides in and around their clients’ facilities. The indictment alleges that, at the direction of Murray, Bio-Tech employees routinely applied the pesticide Termidor indoors more than twice a year, contrary to the manufacturer’s label instructions. The indictment further alleges that after the Georgia Department of Agriculture made inquiries regarding Bio-Tech’s misuse of Termidor and other pesticides, Murray directed several of his Bio-Tech employees to alter company service reports with the intent to obstruct an investigation.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations require that all pesticides be registered, properly labeled, and applied as specified by manufacturer’s labeling to protect public health and the environment.
A criminal indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual or company charged by criminal indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The falsifying records and mail fraud charge carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine per count. The false statements charges each carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
These cases are being investigated by Special Agents of the EPA’s Criminal Investigations Division in Atlanta and prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Richard J. Powers and Adam C. Cullman of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, Environmental Crimes Section.
FORMER EXECUTIVE SENTENCED TO 87 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR ROLE IN KICKBACK SCHEMES
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Former Airline Executive Sentenced to Prison for Schemes to Defraud Illinois-Based Ryan International Airlines
Executive Sentenced to Serve 87 Months in Prison
A former executive of Ryan International Airlines, a charter airline company located in Rockford, Ill., was sentenced today to serve 87 months in prison and to pay restitution for participating in kickback schemes to defraud Ryan, the Department of Justice announced.
Wayne E. Kepple, the former vice president of ground operations for Ryan, was sentenced to serve 87 months in prison and to pay $529,998 in restitution. On Nov. 4, 2011, Kepple pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in West Palm Beach, Fla., to three counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and honest services fraud and three counts of wire fraud. The charges against Kepple stem from a kickback scheme involving Robert A. Riddell, the former owner and operator of an airline security and ground service company, as well as separate kickback schemes involving David A. Chaisson, the former owner and operator of an Indiana flight management services company, James E. Murphy, the former owner and operator of a Florida aviation fuel supply company, and others.
Ryan provided air passenger and cargo services for corporations, private individuals and the U.S. government – including the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“Today’s sentence should serve as a stiff deterrent to executives who might be tempted to solicit a kickback from their supplies in exchange for their honest services,” said Bill Baer, Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division is committed to ensuring that contracts are won based on competition and not collusion.”
According to court documents, Kepple was in charge of contracting with providers of goods and services on behalf of Ryan and approving the invoices submitted by the providers to Ryan for payment. From October 2005 through at least August 2009, Kepple participated in three separate conspiracies in which he received kickback payments of more than $520,000 from Riddell, Murphy, Chaisson and others in exchange for Kepple awarding them Ryan airline services and fuel contracts. According to court documents, the payments from Chaisson and Riddell included the proceeds of fabricated invoices submitted by their companies to Ryan.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, four individuals, including Kepple, have pleaded guilty and been sentenced to prison. On Oct. 28, 2011, Murphy was sentenced to serve 23 months in prison and to pay $42,500 in restitution and Chaisson was sentenced to serve 16 months in prison and to pay $50,742 in restitution. On Jan. 27, 2012, Riddell was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison and to pay $131,540 in restitution. Kepple’s 87-month sentence reflects his central role in multiple kickback schemes.
On Aug. 13, 2013, a fifth individual, Sean E. Wagner, and his company, Aviation Fuel International Inc. (AFI), a Florida-based airline fuel supply company, were indicted for participating in a conspiracy to defraud Ryan by making kickback payments to Kepple in exchange for awarding business to AFI. That case is ongoing.
The investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s National Criminal Enforcement Section and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Former Airline Executive Sentenced to Prison for Schemes to Defraud Illinois-Based Ryan International Airlines
Executive Sentenced to Serve 87 Months in Prison
A former executive of Ryan International Airlines, a charter airline company located in Rockford, Ill., was sentenced today to serve 87 months in prison and to pay restitution for participating in kickback schemes to defraud Ryan, the Department of Justice announced.
Wayne E. Kepple, the former vice president of ground operations for Ryan, was sentenced to serve 87 months in prison and to pay $529,998 in restitution. On Nov. 4, 2011, Kepple pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in West Palm Beach, Fla., to three counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and honest services fraud and three counts of wire fraud. The charges against Kepple stem from a kickback scheme involving Robert A. Riddell, the former owner and operator of an airline security and ground service company, as well as separate kickback schemes involving David A. Chaisson, the former owner and operator of an Indiana flight management services company, James E. Murphy, the former owner and operator of a Florida aviation fuel supply company, and others.
Ryan provided air passenger and cargo services for corporations, private individuals and the U.S. government – including the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“Today’s sentence should serve as a stiff deterrent to executives who might be tempted to solicit a kickback from their supplies in exchange for their honest services,” said Bill Baer, Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division is committed to ensuring that contracts are won based on competition and not collusion.”
According to court documents, Kepple was in charge of contracting with providers of goods and services on behalf of Ryan and approving the invoices submitted by the providers to Ryan for payment. From October 2005 through at least August 2009, Kepple participated in three separate conspiracies in which he received kickback payments of more than $520,000 from Riddell, Murphy, Chaisson and others in exchange for Kepple awarding them Ryan airline services and fuel contracts. According to court documents, the payments from Chaisson and Riddell included the proceeds of fabricated invoices submitted by their companies to Ryan.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, four individuals, including Kepple, have pleaded guilty and been sentenced to prison. On Oct. 28, 2011, Murphy was sentenced to serve 23 months in prison and to pay $42,500 in restitution and Chaisson was sentenced to serve 16 months in prison and to pay $50,742 in restitution. On Jan. 27, 2012, Riddell was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison and to pay $131,540 in restitution. Kepple’s 87-month sentence reflects his central role in multiple kickback schemes.
On Aug. 13, 2013, a fifth individual, Sean E. Wagner, and his company, Aviation Fuel International Inc. (AFI), a Florida-based airline fuel supply company, were indicted for participating in a conspiracy to defraud Ryan by making kickback payments to Kepple in exchange for awarding business to AFI. That case is ongoing.
The investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s National Criminal Enforcement Section and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
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