Tuesday, September 17, 2013
FDA EVALUATES TECHNOLOGIES TO MAKE BLOOD SUPPLY SAFER
FROM: U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
Every two seconds in the U.S., someone needs a blood transfusion or blood product—people of all ages who are injured, need surgery or who are suffering from illness. The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) primary responsibility with regard to blood and blood products is to assure the safety of patients who receive these life-saving products. FDA is at the forefront of evaluating and encouraging innovative technologies designed to identify and minimize the risks to people who receive transfusions, such as the transmission of infectious disease, while maintaining a safe and adequate supply.
Richard Davey, M.D., is director of the Division of Blood Applications, Office of Blood Research and Review, at FDA. He discusses advances in the field, contingency plans during disasters and why—and when—to give blood.
Q: There have been many improvements in transfusion practice since the modern era of blood transfusion began in 1900. What's on the horizon?
A: We're excited about many developments, including a new red blood cell testing technology aimed at patients with illnesses that require frequent transfusions, for example sickle cell anemia. These patients sometimes develop antibodies that complicate finding compatible blood for transfusion.
A new FDA laboratory is evaluating this new technology which identifies the genetic characteristics of a patient's red blood cells so they can be more precisely matched to a donor. FDA is encouraging submissions from industry for these molecular test kits. It's an important breakthrough.
Exciting research is also progressing on technologies that will significantly reduce any bacteria, viruses and parasites that may be in blood. These technologies would complement existing tests for these infectious agents, thus making a safe blood supply even safer.
Q: Isn't the blood supply already safe?
A: The United States is recognized as having one of the safest blood supplies in the world, but assuring the safety and availability of blood products still poses challenges. The HIV risk to recipients is now only about 1 in every 2 million units of blood transfused in the USA, but it's still not zero. We test all blood for HIV, hepatitis B and C, West Nile virus and the parasite that causes Chagas disease, among other infectious agents. Blood found to contain any of these pathogens is discarded and, in most cases, the individual is notified and deferred from further donation.
Q: Is artificial blood possible?
A: Companies are working to develop oxygen carriers that could substitute for red blood cells. We're working with these companies and remain hopeful that one or more of these technologies eventually will prove to be safe and effective.
Q: How much blood is needed in the U.S.?
A: About 15 million units of red blood cells are drawn every year for transfusion to about five million recipients. In recent years, the demand for red blood cells has declined, primarily because doctors are learning to transfuse more scientifically and use blood only when necessary. However, challenges remain. In June, for example, the American Red Cross had almost 50,000 fewer donors than expected. Type O negative red cells, which can be transfused to people of all blood types, is the blood type most likely to be in short supply, but there is a need for donors of all blood types, all the time.
The American Red Cross and independent blood centers affiliated with America's Blood Centers each collect about 45% of the blood supply, with the remainder collected by hospital blood banks.
Q: At the Boston Marathon, 264 people were injured, creating an unexpected demand for blood. Did that cause a supply problem?
A: Boston has an excellent triage system so casualties were spread among several hospitals, which also spread the need for blood. In case of a disaster such as the marathon bombing, an interagency task force mobilizes to move blood to where it is needed.
Q: During disasters, many people volunteer to donate blood. Is that helpful?
A: It's a good and noble response, but we need donors every day to meet ongoing requirements for blood. It takes two to three days to fully test and qualify blood for transfusion. Therefore, it is the blood that is fully tested and available for transfusion that is used at the time of an emergency. The people donating today will be the heroes if a disaster occurs next week.
After 9/11, for example, many people donated. However, little of the additional blood was needed, and some of the donated blood expired and had to be discarded. The best response during a major disaster is to have already qualified as a regular blood donor and to have records on file at the blood center. Then the blood center can call you when your blood type is most needed. And, as mentioned above, become a regular blood donor for everyday patient needs and to have your blood available if an emergency occurs.
Q. What are the different components of blood, and how are they used?
A. Whole blood can be divided into several components, each of which can be important to a patient in need. Red blood cells carry oxygen, and are important to correct bleeding or to compensate for inadequate production of these cells. Blood platelets are small particles that are important for normal blood clotting to occur. They are often used in cancer patients, when the disease or the treatment interferes with the normal production of these elements. Blood plasma is the yellow fluid that remains when the red cells and other particles are removed. Plasma is also important for normal blood clotting to occur. It can be transfused without modification, or further processed into important products such as gamma globulin or albumin.
Q: How long does blood last?
A: It's different for each of the blood components. Red blood cells can be stored for six weeks as a liquid. Blood platelets can be stored only for five days. Blood plasma can be frozen for use up to one year. New additives, preservatives and storage techniques are being developed to help extend expiration dates.
Q: Of those eligible to donate, how many do so?
A: We estimate that about 45% of the population is eligible to donate blood. However, only about 4% actually do so, and 75% of those are repeat donors.
Donating blood is extremely safe for donors, with each needle and blood bag used only once. About one pint of whole blood is collected in a standard donation, which is about 10% of an average adult's total blood volume. Alternatively, most blood centers have instruments that allow a donor to specifically donate red cells, platelets and/or plasma, according to current needs. The body replaces the donated blood within a short time. Donors get a "mini-physical" and cookies. Most importantly, they know that their donation can help several patients who require these life-saving products. They truly are giving the "gift of life."
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
Sept 16, 2013
Every two seconds in the U.S., someone needs a blood transfusion or blood product—people of all ages who are injured, need surgery or who are suffering from illness. The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) primary responsibility with regard to blood and blood products is to assure the safety of patients who receive these life-saving products. FDA is at the forefront of evaluating and encouraging innovative technologies designed to identify and minimize the risks to people who receive transfusions, such as the transmission of infectious disease, while maintaining a safe and adequate supply.
Richard Davey, M.D., is director of the Division of Blood Applications, Office of Blood Research and Review, at FDA. He discusses advances in the field, contingency plans during disasters and why—and when—to give blood.
Q: There have been many improvements in transfusion practice since the modern era of blood transfusion began in 1900. What's on the horizon?
A: We're excited about many developments, including a new red blood cell testing technology aimed at patients with illnesses that require frequent transfusions, for example sickle cell anemia. These patients sometimes develop antibodies that complicate finding compatible blood for transfusion.
A new FDA laboratory is evaluating this new technology which identifies the genetic characteristics of a patient's red blood cells so they can be more precisely matched to a donor. FDA is encouraging submissions from industry for these molecular test kits. It's an important breakthrough.
Exciting research is also progressing on technologies that will significantly reduce any bacteria, viruses and parasites that may be in blood. These technologies would complement existing tests for these infectious agents, thus making a safe blood supply even safer.
Q: Isn't the blood supply already safe?
A: The United States is recognized as having one of the safest blood supplies in the world, but assuring the safety and availability of blood products still poses challenges. The HIV risk to recipients is now only about 1 in every 2 million units of blood transfused in the USA, but it's still not zero. We test all blood for HIV, hepatitis B and C, West Nile virus and the parasite that causes Chagas disease, among other infectious agents. Blood found to contain any of these pathogens is discarded and, in most cases, the individual is notified and deferred from further donation.
Q: Is artificial blood possible?
A: Companies are working to develop oxygen carriers that could substitute for red blood cells. We're working with these companies and remain hopeful that one or more of these technologies eventually will prove to be safe and effective.
Q: How much blood is needed in the U.S.?
A: About 15 million units of red blood cells are drawn every year for transfusion to about five million recipients. In recent years, the demand for red blood cells has declined, primarily because doctors are learning to transfuse more scientifically and use blood only when necessary. However, challenges remain. In June, for example, the American Red Cross had almost 50,000 fewer donors than expected. Type O negative red cells, which can be transfused to people of all blood types, is the blood type most likely to be in short supply, but there is a need for donors of all blood types, all the time.
The American Red Cross and independent blood centers affiliated with America's Blood Centers each collect about 45% of the blood supply, with the remainder collected by hospital blood banks.
Q: At the Boston Marathon, 264 people were injured, creating an unexpected demand for blood. Did that cause a supply problem?
A: Boston has an excellent triage system so casualties were spread among several hospitals, which also spread the need for blood. In case of a disaster such as the marathon bombing, an interagency task force mobilizes to move blood to where it is needed.
Q: During disasters, many people volunteer to donate blood. Is that helpful?
A: It's a good and noble response, but we need donors every day to meet ongoing requirements for blood. It takes two to three days to fully test and qualify blood for transfusion. Therefore, it is the blood that is fully tested and available for transfusion that is used at the time of an emergency. The people donating today will be the heroes if a disaster occurs next week.
After 9/11, for example, many people donated. However, little of the additional blood was needed, and some of the donated blood expired and had to be discarded. The best response during a major disaster is to have already qualified as a regular blood donor and to have records on file at the blood center. Then the blood center can call you when your blood type is most needed. And, as mentioned above, become a regular blood donor for everyday patient needs and to have your blood available if an emergency occurs.
Q. What are the different components of blood, and how are they used?
A. Whole blood can be divided into several components, each of which can be important to a patient in need. Red blood cells carry oxygen, and are important to correct bleeding or to compensate for inadequate production of these cells. Blood platelets are small particles that are important for normal blood clotting to occur. They are often used in cancer patients, when the disease or the treatment interferes with the normal production of these elements. Blood plasma is the yellow fluid that remains when the red cells and other particles are removed. Plasma is also important for normal blood clotting to occur. It can be transfused without modification, or further processed into important products such as gamma globulin or albumin.
Q: How long does blood last?
A: It's different for each of the blood components. Red blood cells can be stored for six weeks as a liquid. Blood platelets can be stored only for five days. Blood plasma can be frozen for use up to one year. New additives, preservatives and storage techniques are being developed to help extend expiration dates.
Q: Of those eligible to donate, how many do so?
A: We estimate that about 45% of the population is eligible to donate blood. However, only about 4% actually do so, and 75% of those are repeat donors.
Donating blood is extremely safe for donors, with each needle and blood bag used only once. About one pint of whole blood is collected in a standard donation, which is about 10% of an average adult's total blood volume. Alternatively, most blood centers have instruments that allow a donor to specifically donate red cells, platelets and/or plasma, according to current needs. The body replaces the donated blood within a short time. Donors get a "mini-physical" and cookies. Most importantly, they know that their donation can help several patients who require these life-saving products. They truly are giving the "gift of life."
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
Sept 16, 2013
"HI I'M RACHEL" ROBOCALL CREDIT CARD RATE-REDUCTION SCAMS SHUT DOWND
FROM: FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
Deceptive Robocallers Permanently Shut Down In FTC Settlements
Companies Behind Credit Card Rate-Reduction Scams Will Be Banned From Telemarketing, Robocalling
The Federal Trade Commission has continued its crackdown on illegal robocallers, with two more companies agreeing to settle charges that they used prerecorded calls to trick consumers into deceptive credit card interest rate reduction scams.
Under separate proposed settlements, the defendants behind Treasure Your Success and Ambrosia Web Design will be banned from telemarketing and delivering robocalls. They also will be permanently prohibited from advertising, marketing, promoting, or offering for sale any debt relief product or service, or assisting others in doing so.
The FTC filed the initial cases against the operators of both companies in 2012 as part of a joint-agency crackdown on companies and individuals responsible for making millions of illegal “Rachel” robocalls pitching credit card rate-reduction services.
Treasure Your Success
In its original complaint against Treasure Your Success, the FTC alleged that the defendants tricked consumers into paying up-front fees for as much as $1,593, using deceptive offers for credit card interest rate reduction services.
The complaint named two individuals, Willy Plancher and Valbona Toska, as well as their three companies, WV Universal Management, Global Financial Assist, and Leading Production. The defendants began marketing credit card interest rate reduction services in 2010. According to the FTC’s complaint, the defendants lured consumers by telling them they could substantially reduce their credit card interest rates, down to as low as three percent, in many instances. After collecting the upfront fees, however, consumers typically failed to get any interest rate reduction or any savings at all.
In November 2012, at the FTC’s request, a federal court halted the scheme and froze the defendants’ assets pending further court proceedings. The FTC subsequently amended its complaint to include new defendants and additional counts.
In addition to the other provisions of the settlement, the proposed order holds the defendants liable for $2,032,626, based on the amount of consumer injury in the case. Due to the inability of the individual defendants to pay redress, the monetary judgment has been suspended. However, if the defendants misstate or fail to disclose any of their material assets, the full amount of the judgment will be immediately due and payable.
The case against Treasure Your Success was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. Litigation continues against: HES Merchant Services Company, Business First Solutions, VoiceOnyx Corp., Hal E. Smith, Jonathon E. Warren, Ramon Sanchez-Ortega, Universal Processing Services of Wisconsin, and Derek Depuydt.
Ambrosia Web Design
According to the FTC’s complaint, the Ambrosia Web Design defendants delivered prerecorded calls that urged consumers they called to “press one” if they were interested in credit card interest rate reduction services. Consumers who pressed one were connected to a telemarketer who promised to get them very low interest rates or, in some cases, specific amounts of interest savings. The defendants often deceived consumers into thinking defendants were affiliated with a government program. If consumers agreed to sign up, the telemarketer got their credit card information, often charging an illegal advance fee before providing any service, the FTC alleged.
The FTC alleged that defendants then typically failed to deliver on their promises. In addition, the FTC charged defendants with failing to disclose their purported no-refund/no cancellation policy and billing some consumers without their express authorization. Finally, the FTC alleged defendants illegally called many phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry.
In June 2013, the FTC amended its original complaint to add charges of credit card laundering in violation of the agency’s Telemarketing Sales Rule. According to the FTC, in many cases, the defendants laundered credit card payments by processing them for other telemarketers through the Ambrosia defendants’ own merchant accounts; and arranging for other merchants to process credit card payments for the defendants through their accounts.
In addition to the bans on outbound telemarketing and robocalling, the proposed settlement order:
Bans the defendants from using certain payment processing methods, such as remotely created checks, that are often used to conduct fraud;
Prohibits the defendants from making misrepresentations regarding any “financial products or services;” and
Prohibits the defendants from misrepresenting the efficacy of a product or service.
The proposed settlement requires the defendants to liquidate virtually all of their assets, including a valuable watch and a sports memorabilia collection. It also includes a judgment of $8.3 million, which will be suspended if defendants comply with the terms of the settlement.
The settlement resolves the FTC’s charges against: 1) Ambrosia Web Design, LLC, also doing business as AWD; 2) Concord Financial Advisors LLC; 3) CAM Services Direct LLC; 4) AFB LLC; 5) Western GPS LLC; 6) Chris Ambrosia, individually and as a manager of Ambrosia Web Design LLC and CAM Services Direct LLC; and 6) LeRoy Castine, also known as Lee Castine, individually and as a manager of Ambrosia Web Design LLC, Concord Financial Advisors LLC, AFB LLC, and Western GPS LLC.
The case against Ambrosia Web Design was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
The Commission vote approving the proposed settlements in both actions was 4-0.
Information for Consumers
The FTC has tips for consumers, as well as two new consumer education videos explaining robocalls and describing what consumers should do when they receive one. See ftc.gov/robocalls for more information.
Deceptive Robocallers Permanently Shut Down In FTC Settlements
Companies Behind Credit Card Rate-Reduction Scams Will Be Banned From Telemarketing, Robocalling
The Federal Trade Commission has continued its crackdown on illegal robocallers, with two more companies agreeing to settle charges that they used prerecorded calls to trick consumers into deceptive credit card interest rate reduction scams.
Under separate proposed settlements, the defendants behind Treasure Your Success and Ambrosia Web Design will be banned from telemarketing and delivering robocalls. They also will be permanently prohibited from advertising, marketing, promoting, or offering for sale any debt relief product or service, or assisting others in doing so.
The FTC filed the initial cases against the operators of both companies in 2012 as part of a joint-agency crackdown on companies and individuals responsible for making millions of illegal “Rachel” robocalls pitching credit card rate-reduction services.
Treasure Your Success
In its original complaint against Treasure Your Success, the FTC alleged that the defendants tricked consumers into paying up-front fees for as much as $1,593, using deceptive offers for credit card interest rate reduction services.
The complaint named two individuals, Willy Plancher and Valbona Toska, as well as their three companies, WV Universal Management, Global Financial Assist, and Leading Production. The defendants began marketing credit card interest rate reduction services in 2010. According to the FTC’s complaint, the defendants lured consumers by telling them they could substantially reduce their credit card interest rates, down to as low as three percent, in many instances. After collecting the upfront fees, however, consumers typically failed to get any interest rate reduction or any savings at all.
In November 2012, at the FTC’s request, a federal court halted the scheme and froze the defendants’ assets pending further court proceedings. The FTC subsequently amended its complaint to include new defendants and additional counts.
In addition to the other provisions of the settlement, the proposed order holds the defendants liable for $2,032,626, based on the amount of consumer injury in the case. Due to the inability of the individual defendants to pay redress, the monetary judgment has been suspended. However, if the defendants misstate or fail to disclose any of their material assets, the full amount of the judgment will be immediately due and payable.
The case against Treasure Your Success was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. Litigation continues against: HES Merchant Services Company, Business First Solutions, VoiceOnyx Corp., Hal E. Smith, Jonathon E. Warren, Ramon Sanchez-Ortega, Universal Processing Services of Wisconsin, and Derek Depuydt.
Ambrosia Web Design
According to the FTC’s complaint, the Ambrosia Web Design defendants delivered prerecorded calls that urged consumers they called to “press one” if they were interested in credit card interest rate reduction services. Consumers who pressed one were connected to a telemarketer who promised to get them very low interest rates or, in some cases, specific amounts of interest savings. The defendants often deceived consumers into thinking defendants were affiliated with a government program. If consumers agreed to sign up, the telemarketer got their credit card information, often charging an illegal advance fee before providing any service, the FTC alleged.
The FTC alleged that defendants then typically failed to deliver on their promises. In addition, the FTC charged defendants with failing to disclose their purported no-refund/no cancellation policy and billing some consumers without their express authorization. Finally, the FTC alleged defendants illegally called many phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry.
In June 2013, the FTC amended its original complaint to add charges of credit card laundering in violation of the agency’s Telemarketing Sales Rule. According to the FTC, in many cases, the defendants laundered credit card payments by processing them for other telemarketers through the Ambrosia defendants’ own merchant accounts; and arranging for other merchants to process credit card payments for the defendants through their accounts.
In addition to the bans on outbound telemarketing and robocalling, the proposed settlement order:
Bans the defendants from using certain payment processing methods, such as remotely created checks, that are often used to conduct fraud;
Prohibits the defendants from making misrepresentations regarding any “financial products or services;” and
Prohibits the defendants from misrepresenting the efficacy of a product or service.
The proposed settlement requires the defendants to liquidate virtually all of their assets, including a valuable watch and a sports memorabilia collection. It also includes a judgment of $8.3 million, which will be suspended if defendants comply with the terms of the settlement.
The settlement resolves the FTC’s charges against: 1) Ambrosia Web Design, LLC, also doing business as AWD; 2) Concord Financial Advisors LLC; 3) CAM Services Direct LLC; 4) AFB LLC; 5) Western GPS LLC; 6) Chris Ambrosia, individually and as a manager of Ambrosia Web Design LLC and CAM Services Direct LLC; and 6) LeRoy Castine, also known as Lee Castine, individually and as a manager of Ambrosia Web Design LLC, Concord Financial Advisors LLC, AFB LLC, and Western GPS LLC.
The case against Ambrosia Web Design was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
The Commission vote approving the proposed settlements in both actions was 4-0.
Information for Consumers
The FTC has tips for consumers, as well as two new consumer education videos explaining robocalls and describing what consumers should do when they receive one. See ftc.gov/robocalls for more information.
FTC STOPS COMPANY AND THREE PRINCIPALS IN ALLEGED FRAUDULENT DEBT RELIEF SCHEME
FROM: FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
FTC Shuts Down Fraudulent Debt Relief Operation
The defendants behind an alleged credit card interest rate reduction scam are banned from selling debt relief services and from telemarketing any goods or services.
A federal court judge in Florida approved and signed a stipulated order against Innovative Wealth Builders, Inc., (IWB) and its three Florida-based principals: Carly Janene Pelland (also known as Carly Zurita), Sheryl Leigh Lopez, and Tamara Dawn Johnson. The defendants agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission allegations that they falsely promised to substantially reduce consumers’ credit card interest rates and save them thousands of dollars on their credit card debts.
The FTC will continue to move forward with litigation against Independant Resources Network Corp. (IRN), the payment processor that allegedly assisted and facilitated the scam. In June, the FTC amended its original complaint to name IRN as a defendant in the case.
According to the FTC’s complaint, the settling defendants, IWB and its three principals, violated the FTC Act by misrepresenting credit card interest rate reduction services, misrepresenting refund policies, and billing consumers without authorization. The complaint also alleges the defendants violated the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule by misrepresenting the debt relief services they were selling, charging a fee before providing these services, and billing consumers without their express informed consent.
The stipulated order also prohibits the settling defendants from making any material misrepresentations in connection with advertising, marketing, promotion, offering for sale, or sale of any financial related product or service. The order includes a $9.9 million judgment against IWB and its three principals.
The Commission’s vote authorizing staff to file the stipulated final order was 4-0. The FTC filed the stipulated final order for permanent injunction in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. The District Court judge signed and approved the order on Sept. 10, 2013.
NOTE: Stipulated orders have the force of law when signed and approved by the District Court judge.
The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.
FTC Shuts Down Fraudulent Debt Relief Operation
The defendants behind an alleged credit card interest rate reduction scam are banned from selling debt relief services and from telemarketing any goods or services.
A federal court judge in Florida approved and signed a stipulated order against Innovative Wealth Builders, Inc., (IWB) and its three Florida-based principals: Carly Janene Pelland (also known as Carly Zurita), Sheryl Leigh Lopez, and Tamara Dawn Johnson. The defendants agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission allegations that they falsely promised to substantially reduce consumers’ credit card interest rates and save them thousands of dollars on their credit card debts.
The FTC will continue to move forward with litigation against Independant Resources Network Corp. (IRN), the payment processor that allegedly assisted and facilitated the scam. In June, the FTC amended its original complaint to name IRN as a defendant in the case.
According to the FTC’s complaint, the settling defendants, IWB and its three principals, violated the FTC Act by misrepresenting credit card interest rate reduction services, misrepresenting refund policies, and billing consumers without authorization. The complaint also alleges the defendants violated the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule by misrepresenting the debt relief services they were selling, charging a fee before providing these services, and billing consumers without their express informed consent.
The stipulated order also prohibits the settling defendants from making any material misrepresentations in connection with advertising, marketing, promotion, offering for sale, or sale of any financial related product or service. The order includes a $9.9 million judgment against IWB and its three principals.
The Commission’s vote authorizing staff to file the stipulated final order was 4-0. The FTC filed the stipulated final order for permanent injunction in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. The District Court judge signed and approved the order on Sept. 10, 2013.
NOTE: Stipulated orders have the force of law when signed and approved by the District Court judge.
The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.
GUARDSMEN, FIRST RESPONDERS EVACUATED IN COLORADO
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.
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.
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.”
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