The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today warned consumers to stop using infant sleep positioners. Over the past 13 years, CPSC and the FDA have received 12 reports of infants between the ages of 1 month and 4 four months who died when they suffocated in sleep positioners or became trapped and suffocated between a sleep positioner and the side of a crib or bassinet.
Most of the infants suffocated after rolling from a side to stomach position. In addition to the reported deaths, CPSC has received dozens of reports of infants who were placed on their backs or sides in sleep positioners, only to be found later in potentially hazardous positions within or next to the sleep positioners.
“The deaths and dangerous situations resulting from the use of infant sleep positioners are a serious concern to CPSC,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “We urge parents and caregivers to take our warning seriously and stop using these sleep positioners, so that children can have a safer sleep.”
The two main types of infant sleep positioners are flat mats with side bolsters or inclined (wedge) mats with side bolsters.
Flat Mat Infant Sleep Positioner Inclined Wedge Infant Sleep Positioner
FLAT MAT INCLINED/WEDGE
Both types of sleep positioners typically claim to help keep infants on their backs and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The FDA has never cleared an infant sleep positioner to prevent or reduce the risk of SIDS. In addition, CPSC and the FDA are unaware of any scientific studies demonstrating that infant positioners prevent SIDS or are proven to prevent suffocation or other life-threatening harm.
“To date, there is no scientifically sound evidence that infant sleep positioners prevent SIDS,” said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner and a pediatrician. “We want to make sure parents, health care professionals, and childcare providers understand the potential risk of suffocation and stop using infant sleep positioners.”
Sleep positioners also typically claim to do one or all of the following: aid in food digestion to ease colic or the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); and prevent flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly). In light of the new safety data, FDA believes any benefit from using these devices to ease GERD or prevent plagiocephaly is outweighed by the risk of suffocation.
CPSC and the FDA are warning parents and child care providers to:
* STOP using sleep positioners. Using a positioner to hold an infant on his or her back or side for sleep is dangerous and unnecessary.
* NEVER put pillows, infant sleep positioners, comforters, or quilts under a baby or in a crib.
* ALWAYS place an infant on his or her back at night and during nap time. To reduce the risk of SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing infants to sleep on their backs and not their sides.
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not support the use of any sleep positioner to prevent SIDS.
Manufacturers of infant sleep positioners with medical claims that have not been reviewed by the FDA should stop marketing those products until they submit, and the FDA clears, appropriate premarket review submissions, including necessary safety and effectiveness data.
FDA has informed manufacturers of cleared devices of the agency's serious concern and has requested that they submit clinical data showing the benefits of their products outweigh the risk of suffocation or other serious harm.
Prompt reporting of adverse events can help the FDA and CPSC identify and better understand the risks associated with infant sleep positioners. If you have had a problem with an infant sleep positioner, the agencies encourage you to file a report through FDA’s MedWatch program, at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/HowToReport/default.htm.
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Thursday, September 30, 2010
Deaths prompt CPSC, FDA warning on infant sleep positioners
Emanuel County Couple Sentenced in Mortgage Fraud Scheme
BRIAN STEPTOE, 41, and NATASHA STEPTOE, 38, both from Emanuel County, Georgia, were sentenced September 27 in federal district court for their roles in a mortgage fraud scheme that occurred in Swainsboro, Georgia.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who engage in financial crimes, especially crimes such as mortgage fraud, that affect the heartland of our country,” stated United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver.
Evidence presented during their guilty pleas revealed that the Steptoes, with the assistance of others, knowingly submitted a false loan application and other documentation to Bank of America with regard to a $400,000 home loan. The investigation revealed that the Steptoes’ scheme was to defraud Bank of America in order to pocket sizeable sums of money for themselves and others. The property went into foreclosure soon after it was sold and remains on the market to this day.
BRIAN STEPTOE was sentenced to fifty-four (54) months, $410,236.59 in restitution to be paid jointly and severally with his co-defendants, and five (5) years of supervised release. NATASHA STEPTOE was sentenced to twenty (20) months, $340,297.54 in restitution to be paid jointly and severally with her co-defendants, and three (3) years of supervised release.
This case was brought in coordination with President Barack Obama's Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.
U.S. Attorney Tarver recognized the extensive efforts of the FBI in bringing this criminal activity to light, and particularly praised the efforts of Statesboro FBI Special Agent Cornelius Harris, who investigated this case.
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Twenty-Three Defendants Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking and Weapons Charges
A federal indictment, unsealed September 27 in federal court, has charged 23 defendants with a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine, prescription pills, and ecstasy in the Thomson, Georgia area. Several of the defendants have also been charged with weapons charges.
The indictment follows a 12-month Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation into drug trafficking activities in Thomson and Atlanta. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) conducted the joint investigation. During the investigation, agents seized drugs, money, vehicles, and guns.
United States Attorney Edward Tarver said, “This prosecution required the coordinated efforts of law enforcement on the state and federal levels to bring to justice those who profit from the scourge of illegal narcotics trafficking. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to partner with federal, state, and local agencies to prosecute drug dealers and remove their drugs and dangerous weapons from our communities.”
The 23 defendants indicted on federal charges include:
WILLIAM LEON WOODS III, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia
KEVIN ELLIOTT GAINES, 29, of Thomson, Georgia
ANTONIO DANTWAN GRISSON, 27, of Thomson, Georgia
EDDIE DEWAYNE GALISON, 27, of Thomson, Georgia
GREGORY VALENTINO IVEY, 24, of Thomson, Georgia
SOLOMON MANDRELL GRIER, 32, of Thomson, Georgia
DEVICCO TROY MOSS, 29, of Thomson, Georgia
CEDRIC FERLANDO JOHNSON, 30, of Thomson, Georgia
ROBERT LEE BELTON, JR, 32, of Thomson, Georgia
CHRIS ANTONIO MOSS, 33, of Thomson, Georgia
SANTIONO TYWAN CARTLEDGE, 29, of Thomson, Georgia
TITO NAVADA HATCHER, 37, of Sparta, Georgia
ERNEST ROYMETTRIS HATCHER, 28, of Sparta, Georgia
SANCHEZ VANQUIS JONES, 27, of Thomson, Georgia
ROBERT LEE WILLIAMS, 31, of Thomson, Georgia
ROBERT LEE NEAL, 49, of Thomson, Georgia
JAMES BOUTTRY, JR., 24, of Thomson, Georgia
JAMARIO QUILTON LEE, 26, Thomson, Georgia
MARIO DEANGELO CLEMONS, 28, of Thomson, Georgia
QUANTAVIOUS ANTWAIN DAWSON, 26, of Thomson, Georgia
CHRISTINE MICHELLE WILLINGHAM, 36, of Appling, Georgia
APRIL OLIVIA DAWSON, 37, of Thomson, Georgia, and
DEBRA GAINES, 48, of Thomson, Georgia.
Mr. Tarver stressed that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010
New Anti-Fraud Program Launched in Georgia
Aim is to Protect Consumers and Financial Institutions from Fake Check Scams
Today, the Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs, Consumer Federation of America (CFA), the Georgia Bankers Association, and Georgia Credit Union Affiliates are announcing the start of a new and innovative program to protect consumers and financial institutions from fake check scams. Under the program, participating banks and credit unions will hand a brochure created by CFA, “Don’t Become a Target,” to every consumer who comes in to deposit checks or money orders of $1,000 or more or to withdraw $1,000 or more. Nearly 60 banks and credit unions in Georgia have signed up to participate. “The key is to prevent consumers from being victimized by educating them about these scams at the very point where they may be at risk,” said Susan Grant, CFA’s Director of Consumer Protection, who is coordinating the program. “We’re pleased to have such a great response from financial institutions in Georgia.”
In fake check scams, the consumer receives a genuine-looking check or money order for something and is asked to wire money somewhere in return. For instance, the check may be described as an “advance” on millions that the consumer has won in a sweepstakes or lottery. The consumer is instructed to send money to pay the taxes and claim the rest of the prize. In another popular scenario, the consumer is recruited to work at home as a “mystery shopper” or processing payments for a company and is instructed to send money somewhere as part of the job. No matter the story, the check or money order is phony, and when it bounces, the victim owes the money back to the financial institution where it was deposited or cashed. The average loss is $3,000 to $4,000. “It’s impossible to detect these counterfeits just by looking at them,” said Joseph B. Doyle, Administrator of the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs. “The message that we want to give consumers is that there is no legitimate reason why anyone who wants to give them money would ask them to send money anywhere in return. If that’s the deal, it’s a scam.”
Federal law gives consumers the right to access their funds quickly, usually within a day or two. But it is often difficult or impossible for the consumer’s financial institution to tell if there is a problem with a check or money order until it goes through the system to the person or company that supposedly issued it. That can take several days or weeks. “These crooks take advantage of the trust that the financial system is built on,” said Joe Brannen, president and CEO of the Georgia Bankers Association. “This campaign is a service to help consumers understand they are responsible for the checks and money orders they deposit or cash because they are in the best position to know if the people who gave them to them are trustworthy.”
“Fake check scams are a serious problem for consumers. Credit unions want to do all they can to educate their members. That’s why we’re excited to be a partner in this consumer education program,” said Cindy Connelly, senior vice president of association services for Georgia Credit Union Affiliates “Consumers and credit union personnel need to be able to recognize the warning signs of fraud in order to prevent it.”
CFA is providing the brochure to participating banks and credit unions at no cost (CFA is asking them to cover the shipping expense if they are able to do so). To help the financial institutions prepare for the project, CFA gave them training materials about fake check scams and advice about handing out the brochures. In addition to the hard-copy brochure, which is English on one half and Spanish on the other, there are two electronic versions, one in English and the other in Spanish, on CFA’s Web site at www.consumerfed.org/fakecheckscams. There visitors will also find a new PowerPoint presentation that CFA has created for consumers and other educational materials about fake check scams.
Quantities of the brochure will also be available to government agencies in Georgia such as the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs and nonprofit organizations that conduct consumer education in the state. CFA is not offering hard-copies of the brochure directly to consumers.
Georgia is one of several states in which CFA will be conducting this project to fight fake check scams over the next several months. Participating financial institutions in Georgia are listed below. Banks and credit unions in Georgia that have not yet signed up to participate are welcome to do so and should contact Susan Grant at CFA, 202-939-1003.
Georgia Doctor Convicted of Making False Statements to a Federal Officer
G.F. Peterman, III, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announces that on September 23, 2010, Bradford G. Brown, M.D., was convicted by a jury of his peers in federal court in Macon, Georgia.
Brown was convicted of one count of conspiracy to provide false information to a federal officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 in connection with Section 1001. Brown was also convicted of four counts of providing false information to a federal officer, Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001.
Brown will be sentenced in approximately 60 days at a date to be determined by the court. Brown faces a maximum possible penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment on each count.
Brown’s co-defendant, former Hancock County Commissioner Adam Jackson, entered a plea of guilty to Count One of conspiracy to provide false statements and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 18, 2010.
The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Gregory McClendon. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman.
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Friday, September 24, 2010
Atlanta Man Pleads Guilty in Investment Fraud Scheme
ROBERT L. DUNCAN, 49, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty this afternoon (September 23) to a criminal information which charges that DUNCAN convinced several local investors to allow him to invest $3.5 million, falsely telling them that their funds were in individual capital accounts and invested through licensed securities brokers.
United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said: “This is another case of a financial predator who has defrauded individuals of millions in savings. As part of the president’s Financial Fraud Task Force, it will remain a focus of our mission to root out and address these crimes and to help instill a measure of confidence in our financial system.”
According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: The investors transferred their funds to DUNCAN’s investment program, known as “Seaside Partners Fund,” after he falsely represented that their principal would be held for their benefit in individual capital accounts and invested by licensed securities brokers. DUNCAN periodically furnished his investors with fraudulently altered account statements, which falsely showed that their investments were doing well, when in fact, DUNCAN was using their investment principal for his own business and personal expenses. The criminal information charges DUNCAN with wire fraud for causing the investors’ funds to be electronically transferred in interstate commerce to execute his scheme to defraud.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
This case is being investigated by the Atlanta Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Atlanta District Office of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission has conducted a separate civil investigation and referred this case for prosecution.
Assistant United States Attorney David E. McClernan is prosecuting the case.
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Monday, September 20, 2010
Woman Indicted for Trafficking Young Women from Nigeria to Work for Her as Nannies
BIDEMI BELLO, 41, a former resident of Buford, Georgia and a citizen of Nigeria, was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Janet King, following an indictment issued by a federal grand jury on September 10, 2010. BELLO faces federal charges of forced labor, trafficking with respect to forced labor, document servitude, and alien harboring.
United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the case, “Forcing young women to work without compensation for their services is modern day slavery. The laws of the United States protect all victims from such abuse, regardless of where they came from or how they came to be in the United States.”
“The use of violence, threats, and intimidation to force individuals to work is reprehensible and illegal,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “In our country, we have the right to choose to perform or not perform labor or services, and the Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting individuals who force persons to do work against their will.”
Brian D. Lamkin, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “Human trafficking is not only a global problem but a very real problem for the FBI and its law enforcement and community-based partners in the Atlanta area as well. Victims of human trafficking are often fearful and reluctant to talk with law enforcement. The victims are often traumatized through violence or intimidation and are often immigrants from other countries and, as such, unsure of who to turn to for help. The FBI would like to encourage anyone with information regarding human trafficking to contact their nearest FBI field office. Providing the much needed relief from such exploitation is a very gratifying endeavor for the FBI agents working these matters.”
According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: The indictment alleges that BELLO brought one young woman from Nigeria to Georgia and compelled her to work in BELLO’s home without pay from October 2001 through March 2004. The indictment further alleges that, after her first victim escaped, BELLO brought a second young woman from Nigeria to Georgia and compelled the labor of the second young woman from November 2004 until April 2006. The indictment alleges that BELLO threatened, physically abused, and isolated both victims from their families in order to force them to work for her without pay, and that she took custody of each victim’s passport and government identification documents in order to maintain their services. This is known as “document servitude.”
Each of the four labor trafficking charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The two document servitude counts carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Lastly, the alien harboring count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
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Nationwide Drop in Alcohol-Related Driving Fatalities Demonstrates Progress in the Fight Against Drunk Driving
/PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine and beer company and an industry leader in promoting responsible drinking, applauds the efforts that contributed to a 7.4% decline in alcohol-related driving fatalities in 2009. This data, reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), found that 33 states and Puerto Rico experienced a decline in the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2009 compared to 2008. Nevertheless, Diageo believes more must be done to reduce alcohol-related fatalities.
"This data shows that significant progress is being made in the fight against drunk driving, and that strong anti-drunk driving enforcement campaigns are having a positive effect. But the reality is that the fight is far from over," said Guy L. Smith, Executive Vice President of Diageo, North America. "Diageo has a zero tolerance policy toward drunk driving, and we call upon elected officials across the country to pass meaningful legislation that enforces more severe penalties for hardcore and repeat drunk drivers."
Research shows that there is one group of drunk driving offenders that should be the focus of efforts to combat alcohol-related fatalities: hardcore drunk drivers, repeat offenders and those who drive with a high blood alcohol concentration of .15 or above. Hardcore drunk drivers are responsible for approximately 63 percent of alcohol-related traffic fatalities, according to the NHTSA.
Smith continued, "States must enact proven and effective comprehensive legislation that targets these offenders, and we are ready, willing and able to work with state legislatures to pass appropriate laws." He noted that Diageo has a strong record of supporting measures that combat hardcore drunk driving and is working to encourage that laws are passed in many states that do not have comprehensive drunk driving programs in place.
Diageo is a founding member and major supporter of The Century Council, an organization funded by some of the country's leading distillers committed to developing programs to combat drunk driving and underage drinking. These programs include 'Combating Drunk Driving Judicial Education' and 'Girl Talk.' The Century Council also works with a broad array of education and prevention professionals on alcohol issues. In addition, Diageo is an active supporter of the Federal Trade Commission's anti-underage drinking campaign, 'We Don't Serve Teens'.
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State Farm® Survey Shows Fewer Teens Believe They Will Have an Accident or be Killed Texting While Driving Versus Drinking While Driving
A new State Farm ® survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, shows that despite academic research indicating the consequences of texting while driving can be as severe as drunk driving, some teens still don't see it that way.
In the survey, fewer teens view texting while driving as leading to fatal consequences as compared to drinking while driving. Of 14-17 years-olds who intend to have or already have a driver's license, the survey found that 36 percent strongly agree that if they regularly text and drive they could be killed one day. In contrast, the majority of teens (55 percent) strongly agree that drinking while driving could be fatal.
The survey also showed that teens think the chances of getting into an accident are still higher when drinking while driving versus texting while driving. In the survey, of these same teens, 63 percent strongly agree they could get into an accident if they text and drive. This compares with 78 percent who strongly agree they could get into an accident if they drink and drive. The survey was conducted in July among 697 U.S. teens 14-17 years of age.
The awareness gap becomes more pronounced among teens who admit to texting while driving versus teens who refrain from the practice. Among teens that have never texted while driving, 73 percent strongly agree they will get into an accident if they text and drive. Yet among teens that admit to texting while driving, only 52 percent strongly agree they will get into an accident as a result of the practice.
"Some teens still think the consequences of reaching for a cell phone are less severe than reaching for a beer bottle," said Laurette Stiles, vice president of Strategic Resources at State Farm. "We have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to helping teens understand that texting while driving can be every bit as dangerous as drinking while driving. It's an awareness gap that must be addressed."
Reaction Times
In the survey, aspiring and current teen drivers also think their chances of narrowly avoiding an accident are better texting while driving versus drinking while driving. With texting while driving, 55 percent of these teens agree they will have some situations when they almost get into an accident but will recover just in time. This compares to 36 percent of these teens who agree they can recover just in time in situations where they are drinking and driving.
While many teens may believe their ability to respond during a texting while driving incident is greater than with drinking while driving, research shows that texting may be as dangerous as or more so than drinking. In a 2008 study by TRL, the United Kingdom's Transport Research Laboratory, reaction time of drivers 17-24 years of age was reduced by 35 percent when typing a text message, compared with 12 percent when driving after consuming alcohol to the legal limit. A similar study was released in 2006 by the University of Utah using participants 22-34 years of age. This study found that the impairments associated with talking on a cell phone can be as profound as those associated with driving while intoxicated during those times when drivers are directly engaged in cell phone use. Researchers also pointed out that drinking creates impairment throughout the entire practice of driving. They found that texting while driving only creates impairment while the driver is directly engaged in the practice. Once reengaged in driving, drivers who text do not display the same characteristics as intoxicated drivers during routine operation of a motor vehicle.
The National Safety Council estimates that 200,000 crashes each year are caused by drivers who are texting.
The Role of Parents
The survey also underscores that parental engagement on texting while driving is not fully breaking through when compared to discussions about drinking and driving.
Of teens who talk often with their parents about driving, 82 percent strongly agree that if they regularly drink and drive they will get into an accident. That number falls to 72 percent among teens who rarely or never talk to their parents about driving. A similar pattern was evident around texting while driving but in these cases teens view the consequences of texting as less severe. In the survey, 67 percent of teens who often talk to their parents about driving strongly agree that if they regularly text and drive someday they will get into an accident. This compared with 56 percent of teens who rarely or never talk to their parents about driving.
The Survey
For this State Farm survey, Harris Interactive conducted the survey within the United States on July 22-26, 2010 among 697 U.S. 14-17 year-olds, including 694 who intend to have or already have a driver's license. Figures for age, sex, geographic region, and race/ethnicity were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. The estimated margin of error is +/- 3.7 percentage points for the entire sample and is higher among subgroups.
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Friday, September 17, 2010
Former Hall County School Bus Driver Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography Offenses
JOHN COOPER SPINKS, 41, of Oakwood, Georgia, a former bus driver for the Hall County, Georgia school system, was sentenced September 16 by Senior United States District Court Judge William C. O'Kelley to six years in federal prison for his convictions of distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography.
United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “As a school bus driver, this defendant was in daily contact with the children of Hall County. While he was entrusted with our children by day, he was later searching for, downloading, and distributing sexually exploitative images of children at his home computer.”
SPINKS was sentenced to six years in federal prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release. He was also fined $2,000. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to United States Attorney Yates and information presented during the guilty plea hearing on June 18, 2010, SPINKS distributed images of child pornography over the Internet to an undercover law enforcement officer who he encountered in a chat room named "#baby&toddlerlove." In January 2010, SPINKS was again found in a chat room known for trading images of child pornography. On March 25, 2010, federal agents executed a search warrant at SPINKS' home and seized a laptop computer and several other pieces of electronic media. SPINKS admitted to agents that he had searched for, downloaded, and viewed images of child pornography and that he had distributed child pornographic images over the Internet. FBI agents did in fact find hundreds of images of child pornography on his home computer.
This case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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Thursday, September 16, 2010
Governor Announces CCA Awarded Corrections Contract in Georgia
CCA Jenkins Correctional Center to bring up to 200 jobs
Governor Perdue announced today that CCA, the nation's leader in partnership corrections, has been awarded a contract by the Georgia Department of Corrections to manage up to 1,150 male inmates in the CCA Jenkins Correctional Center, which will be designed, constructed, owned and operated by CCA on property currently owned by the company in Millen.
“This is yet another great example of public-private partnerships in Georgia,” said Governor Perdue. “By partnering with CCA, Jenkins County will see a positive economic impact that will include up to 200 full-time jobs.”
CCA anticipates beginning construction of the $56.8 million prison in approximately three months and expects to be ready to receive the first Georgia inmates in the first quarter of 2012. CCA already has a strong presence in the state of Georgia, operating a total of five prisons and detention centers, employing approximately 1,500 corrections professionals with about $54 million annual payroll and paying nearly $8 million in property taxes and utilities annually.
“For more than 12 years, CCA and the State of Georgia have worked in close partnership as CCA has provided safe, secure corrections management solutions that save hardworking taxpayers' dollars,” said Damon Hininger, CCA president and chief executive officer. “We are proud to currently own and operate two prisons in Georgia for the state and greatly value being entrusted with an expanded partnership that allows us to build and operate the CCA Jenkins Correctional Center.”
"We are so very grateful to the residents, business and civic leaders and the elected officials in Millen and all of Jenkins County for showing us such an outpouring of support over the past months, when CCA was in the process of proposing that Georgia build and operate a prison on our Millen property, " said Tony Grande, CCA executive vice president and chief development officer.
In addition to owning and operating the Wheeler Correctional Facility in Alamo and the Coffee Correctional Facility in Nicholls for Georgia, CCA owns and operates the McRae Correctional Facility in McRae on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. For Immigration and Customs Enforcement, CCA owns and operates the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin and operates the North Georgia Detention Center in Gainesville. Collectively, CCA is responsible for more than 7,000 inmates and detainees in Georgia.
CCA has named Flintco as the national contractor for this project and is working with the architectural firm, DLR Group.
About CCA
CCA is the nation’s largest provider of partnership corrections to federal, state and local government, operating more than 60 facilities, including more than 40 company-owned facilities, with approximately 87,000 beds, in 19 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to providing the residential services for inmates, CCA facilities offer rehabilitation and educational programs, including education, vocation, religious services, life skills and employment training and substance abuse treatment, knowing that positive behaviors learned in prison means these individuals are less likely to re-commit crimes. CCA has operated prisons as a partner to federal, state and local government for more than 25 years. CCA facilities follow the strictest accreditation standards of the American Correctional Association, the oldest, largest and most respected correctional organization in the world. CCA combines the strict oversight from government with the efficiency of business – and that means safe, humanely-operated prisons that provide cost savings to taxpayers. Forbes magazine has named CCA as one of “America’s Best Big Companies" and Corporate Responsibility Officer magazine ranked CCA as one of the nation’s “Top 100 Corporate Citizens”. Please visit www.correctionscorp.com for general overview of CCA.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Making Strides to Keep Kids Safe in Car Crashes
/PRNewswire/ -- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) this week announced its latest round of booster seat evaluations. State Farm, a long time supporter of IIHS, applauds these new findings and, like IIHS, encourages greater consistency in the way booster seats function across most vehicle makes and models.
Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of accidental death of children over age one, yet most of these tragedies could be prevented through proper safety restraint use. Belt-positioning booster seats are used to properly position shoulder and lap belts to provide restraint in a car crash. A good booster seat directs the lap belt across the child's upper thighs, and the shoulder belt at midshoulder. IIHS provides examples of good belt fit and their booster seat evaluation results at www..iihs.org/news/rss/pr090810.html.
Research shows that up to 70 percent of child restraint systems are installed or used incorrectly. That's why, since 2001, State Farm has hosted more than 2000 car seat check-ups and inspected more than 73,000 car seats. "This is one way State Farm demonstrates its commitment to helping make our roadways safe for everyone," said Laurette Stiles, Vice President of Strategic Resources at State Farm. "We want to help parents with the important yet often complex task of protecting their children in the car."
More information about child passenger safety can be found at the Learning Center at www.statefarm.com. Find a car seat inspection site at www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm.
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Monday, September 13, 2010
Alarm Company Scam Targeting Neighborhoods
Home alarms should provide some sense of security, but there is a new warning about an alleged scam targeting people with home alarm systems.
This summer, beware of door-to-door home security scams. These guys are swindlers and they will lie to get you to switch your account. Their offer will sound great, but it’s not legitimate. You might end up with some unpleasant consequences: double bills, a non-working security system, and a real headache trying to get the situation fixed. Never change your security provider without calling your original provider.
Look for the signs of a scam:
1. Offering free upgrades or equipment - They might claim that your system is analog and will quit working. This is not true.
2. Claiming that your provider is out of business.
3. Using high pressure sales talk, trying to make you switch security companies. - The pressure should be a red flag: honest and legitimate sales people don’t need to be pushy.
These people are often friendly, neatly dressed, and college-aged. They are usually unassuming and can be perceived as very helpful and informative. The sales pitch varies, but often they will deceive you by saying that your home security alarm system is inadequate or faulty and needs to be replaced. They might claim that your provider is out of business. None of it is true.
Homeowners say the reps are carrying clipboards and wearing shirts.
Don’t be surprised. The last thing you should be doing is to let anybody in the house and definitely don’t let them mess with your security system. That's what keeping people safe.
They're taking advantage of customers who end up having two contracts, one with their current company, and one with this new company that's going be gone in a week and you're never going be able to get in touch with them.
So, if someone comes knocking and tells you your alarm system doesn't work or your company has gone out of business, you should definitely be alarmed.
If you think it's a scam, call police and check with your alarm company right away. Report these scammers to the Newnan Police at 770-254-2355. Any sales person coming to your door should have an ID from the Newnan Police Department.
Rec'd from: CITY OF NEWNAN POLICE WARNS CITIZENS ABOUT ALARM SCAMS
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Fire Safety Pledges Can Earn Local Fire Departments $10K in Funding From Liberty Mutual Insurance
Local Residents Support Their Fire Departments by Testing Fire Safety Knowledge at www.BeFireSmart.com
From New York City to Madison Township, Ind., cities and towns of all sizes are watching a life saving institution struggle for funding, and in some cases close its doors: the community fire house. In fact, less than a quarter of U.S. fire departments are operating with sufficient budgets, according to a 2008 National Fire Protection Association survey. To curb this trend, 10 local departments can again turn to their own community residents to help them earn desperately needed funding: Liberty Mutual Insurance’s $100,000 BeFireSmart Safety Pledge Program renews today, enabling community members to complete a fire safety quiz at www.BeFireSmart.com that could lead to their local department earning one of ten $10,000 grants.
This is the second year of the BeFireSmart Safety Pledge Program, designed to help America’s fire houses with new equipment or fire prevention program resources. Last year, Liberty Mutual awarded a combined $100,000 to these ten winning communities’ fire departments: Ashburn, Va.; Bay City, Mich.; Carmel, Ind.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Crescent Springs-Villa Hills, Ky.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Quincy, Mass.; Upton, Mass.; Westfield, Ind.; and Weymouth, Mass.
“Struggling cities and towns across the country are making drastic decisions to shutter firehouses or cut back on personnel due to budgetary constraints. This is an opportunity for residents to unite in support of our fire service men and women who tirelessly work to keep us safe and secure,” said Greg Gordon, Liberty Mutual senior vice president, Consumer Marketing. “At the same time, the short quiz and tour through the interactive site will provide moms and dads with valuable information about protecting their families and homes from the devastation of a fire.”
Now through October 31, residents can support their local fire departments by taking the online “Burning Questions” quiz at BeFireSmart.com to demonstrate their fire safety knowledge. The quiz asks true/false questions about where fires start and how to prevent and extinguish them. Those who complete the quiz, by answering ten questions correctly, pledge that they are “fire smart” and earn a credit for their local fire department. They can then spread the word by importing their e-mail contacts and sending a challenge to friends and neighbors to encourage them to make the same pledge. The ten fire departments that accumulate the greatest number of credits based on the size of their community will each receive a $10,000 donation for their station.
The Liberty Mutual BeFireSmart Safety Pledge donations will be awarded to fire departments based on the size of the communities they serve – small (less than 10,000 residents), medium (between 10,000 and 100,000 residents) and large (greater than 100,000 residents). Communities must have a minimum participation of 1 percent of their population to be eligible.
About BeFireSmart.com
There are vast resources for parents at www.BeFireSmart.com to help them prepare their families about fire safety and to prevent home fires from occurring. The site includes games, instructional videos, interactive fire safety quizzes and a tool to build your own fire escape plan. The fast and fun kids’ section also features a downloadable coloring book that tells a story about the importance of never hiding from a firefighter during a fire. The site also offers classroom lesson plans for teachers, and resources for firefighters.
About Liberty Mutual Group
“Helping people live safer, more secure lives” since 1912, Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group (Libertymutualgroup.com) is a diversified global insurer and fifth-largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. based on 2009 direct written premium. Liberty Mutual Group ranks 71st on the Fortune 500 list of largest U.S. corporations, based on 2009 revenue. The company has over 45,000 employees located in more than 900 offices throughout the world. The eighth-largest auto and home insurer in the U.S., Liberty Mutual (libertymutual.com) sells full lines of coverage for automobile, homeowners, valuable possessions, personal liability, and individual life insurance. The company is an industry leader in affinity partnerships, offering car and home insurance to employees and members of more than 12,000 companies, credit unions, professional associations and alumni groups.
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Thursday, September 9, 2010
Masked Armed Bank Robber Arrested
Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, in conjunction with the Atlanta Police Department, announces the arrest of the following individual, responsible for September 9, 2010 robbery of the Chase Bank, located at 3330 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, Georgia:
Abdul Khaliq Amin, age 52, was arrested after an FBI SWAT entry was made at a Decatur, Georgia residence earlier this morning. A crucial tip from a viewer of a local area television station broadcasting photographs of the robber prior to donning his robbery mask was considered instrumental in today’s arrest.
Amin will have his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Atlanta, Georgia later this afternoon.
On Tuesday, September 7, 2010, during the mid morning hours, a lone black male entered the Chase Bank, located at 3330 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, Georgia, and, after putting on a porcelain doll-type facemask, entered the above bank and brandished a semi automatic handgun while announcing a robbery. The robber then jumped over the teller counter and forcibly obtained an undisclosed amount of money.
The robber was described as being a black male, late 30’s to late 40’s in age, 5’8” - 5’10” in height, scruffy beard/facial hair, prescription eye glasses, black wool cap, white t-shirt, blue jeans, silver semi-auto handgun, porcelain doll-type facemask.
While the robber was masked, two very detailed photographs of the robbers face were taken by the bank’s ATM just prior to the robber placing the mask over his face.
It is noted that the above are mere allegations and that all persons are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Armed Takeover Bank Robbery on Paces Ferry Rd
The robbers were described as follows:
Robber #1: Black male, early/mid 20’s in age, medium build, bald, mustache, wearing black gloves
Robber #2: Possible Hispanic male, early/mid 20’s in age, slender/medium build.
Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000.
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Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Armed Robbery of Wachovia Bank Branch in Snellville
Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, requests the assistance of the public in identifying and locating two armed bank robbers responsible for today’s robbery of the Wachovia Bank, located at 3520 Centerville Highway, Snellville, Georgia. These individuals are believed to be responsible for a series of recent takeover-style armed bank robberies within the metro Atlanta, Georgia area wherein the robbers often wore shoulder-length black wigs.
On Wednesday, September 8, 2010, at approximately 12:00 noon, two black males wearing masks and brandishing handguns entered the Wachovia Bank, located at 3520 Centerville Highway, Snellville, Georgia. Customers were forced to the floor and the teller counter was vaulted. During the robbery, one shot was fired into the bank’s ceiling by one of the robbers. The robbers obtained an undisclosed amount of money and were observed departing in a Dodge Magnum, which was recovered nearby and determined to have been stolen from Cobb County, Georgia several days prior.
While nobody was injured, a bank employee was transported to a nearby hospital for medical observation as a precaution.
As a result of today’s robbery, Wells Fargo has authorized a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for these takeover robberies.
The robbers are described as follows:
Robber #1 is described as a black male, 20-30 years in age, 5’8”-5’10” tall
Robber #2 is described as a black male, 20-25 years in age, 6’0” tall
Prior similar area robberies include:
7/27/10 - Wachovia, Clairmont Rd, Atlanta/Dekalb County, GA. Two black males, wigs, guns, takeover-style, 10:44 a.m.
7/30/10 - Chase Bank, 5552 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA. Four males entered the bank, demanded money; two of the males were armed with pistols and a third was armed with an assault rifle; described as black males, wearing dark clothing and ski masks; ranged in height from 5’5” – 5’10” tall. 10:15 a.m.
8/16 /10 - Wachovia Bank, 3374 Holcomb Bridge Rd., (Holcomb Corners) Norcross, GA. Two black males, wearing wigs, displaying guns, takeover-style robbery. 10:20 a.m.
8/20/10 - Chase Bank, 1050 E. Piedmont Rd. (Piedmont Commons), Marietta, GA. Two black males, armed takeover-style robbery, wearing masks, no wigs. 1:11 p.m.
8/25/10 - Wachovia Bank, 1280 Dogwood Rd, Conyers, GA. Two black males, wearing wigs, displaying guns, takeover-style robbery. 10:43 a.m.
8/26/10 - BB&T, Covington, GA. One black male, takeover-style robbery, stolen silver Lexus recovered.
8/27/10 - Chase Bank, 2079 S. Hairston Rd. (Hairston Crossing) Decatur, GA. Two black males, guns displayed, takeover-style robbery, no wigs. 10:15 a.m.
Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000.
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Hinesville Man Charged in Connection with Incident at Ft. Stewart
Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, announces the filing of federal charges via criminal complaint in connection with the September 6 incident involving an armed individual at the Winn Community Army Hospital in Ft. Stewart, Georgia.
Robert Anthony Quinones, age 29, of Hinesville, Georgia, is being charged via federal criminal complaint for violation of Title 18 United States Code 111, assault of a federal officer; Section 1201, kidnapping; Section 871, threatening to kill the President of the United States; Section 879, threatening to kill a former President of the United States.
On September 6, 2010, at approximately 4:00 a.m., it is alleged that Quinones, recently discharged from active U.S. Army service and currently serving at Ft. Stewart as a civilian, entered Ft. Stewart and subsequently Winn Community Army Hospital, carrying four firearms, those being an MP-5 assault rifle, an AR-15 assault rifle, and two handguns. Quinones is accused in the complaint of seizing and confining U.S. Army personnel while making certain demands. Based on comments made later to investigators, Quinones is also being charged with threatening the life of a current and former U.S. President.
It is anticipated that Quinones will make his initial appearance in front of a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Savannah, Georgia on Wednesday, September 8, 2010.
It should be noted that the above are mere allegations and that all persons are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Armed Bank Robber Unmasked
On Tuesday, September 7, 2010, during the mid-morning hours, a lone black male entered the Chase Bank located at 3330 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, Georgia, and, after putting on a porcelain doll-type facemask, and brandished a semi-automatic handgun while announcing a robbery. The robber then jumped over the teller counter and forcibly obtained an undisclosed amount of money.
The robber is described as being a black male, late 30’s to late 40’s in age, 5’8” – 5’10” in height, scruffy beard/facial hair, prescription eye glasses, black wool cap, white t-shirt, blue jeans, silver semi-auto handgun, porcelain doll-type facemask.
Two very detailed photographs of the robber’s face were taken by the bank’s ATM machine just prior to the robber placing the mask over his face.
Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000.
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Friday, September 3, 2010
Former Atlanta Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Public Corruption and Drug Trafficking Charges
LUCIUS T. SOLOMON, III, 31, of Atlanta, formerly an officer with the Atlanta Police Department, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal district court to corruption and drug charges.
United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “Instead of protecting and serving the people of this community from the scourge of the illegal drug trade, this former police officer took money to protect the very drug dealers he had sworn to pursue and arrest. There is no greater breach of a police officer’s oath than to actively participate in criminal conduct that so powerfully harms the community.”
Brian D. Lamkin, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Office, stated, “Public corruption investigations are a high priority at the FBI given that the potential for damage and discredit to law enforcement is very high. While these corruption cases are a serious breach of the public trust, it should be noted that the vast majority of those working within law enforcement fully understand their oaths and reflect often on their commitment to public service.”
Atlanta Police Chief George Turner added, “The public simply must have confidence in its police officers. While I believe this incident is not indicative of the vast majority of hardworking, honest and dedicated officers out there on the streets of Atlanta day in and day out—it does send a strong message to those who would stray from their mission to uphold and enforce the law.”
According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: On three occasions in 2009 and 2010, SOLOMON provided protection for what he believed to be multi-kilogram cocaine deals. For each deal, SOLOMON agreed to protect the people he thought were drug dealers in exchange for $2,000. On two of those occasions, SOLOMON was on duty, in uniform, and in his marked police vehicle when he provided the protection. SOLOMON’s participation in each of these three drug transactions forms the basis for both the corruption and the drug charges.
SOLOMON was indicted in March 2010; he pleaded guilty today to corruption and drug offenses and could receive a maximum of 20 years in prison on the corruption charge, and a maximum of life imprisonment on the drug charge. SOLOMON faces fines of up to $4,250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 9, 2010, at 9:30 a.m., before United States District Judge Richard W. Story.
This case is being investigated by special agents of the FBI and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Division and the Atlanta Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey Brown, Elizabeth Hathaway, and Zahra Karinshak are prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following website: www.justthinktwice.com.
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Thursday, September 2, 2010
Three Defendants Plead Guilty to Their Roles in $6.5 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme
Alfredo Rasco, 51, and Niurka Rasco, 49, both from Miami, Florida, and Iris Oswald, 54, from St. Simons Island, Georgia, pleaded guilty earlier this week before United States District Court Judge William T. Moore, Jr. to their roles in a scheme to defraud Medicare of $6.5 million. Seconds before the scheduled start of the government’s evidence in the trial, the defendants pled guilty.
United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver stated, "Health care fraud is one of our most urgent and widespread national challenges. Offenders who steal from Medicare will be caught, sentenced to long prison sentences and their ill-gotten gains will be forfeited. The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to strengthening the Medicare program through the vigorous prosecution of those who defraud the American people."
Evidence during the guilty pleas showed that from December of 2005 through March of 2008, Alfredo Rasco, Niurka Rasco, Iris Oswald, and others operated United Therapy, a phony medical clinic located in downtown Savannah. The defendants and others lured Medicare beneficiaries to United Therapy with free food, transportation, and gift cards. Many of the Medicare beneficiaries targeted by the scheme were afflicted with HIV or AIDS and lived in local homeless shelters and Section VIII housing. Once at United Therapy, the Defendants used the patients’ Medicare information to submit $6.5 million worth of phony bills to Medicare for infusion services that were not provided to those patients. Before law enforcement put a stop to this fraud, the defendants stole over $4 million from Medicare.
For his role in the scheme, Alfredo Rasco faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 12 years in prison, fines up to $500,000, and three years of supervised release. Niurka Rasco faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to six months in prison, a fine up to $2,000, and one year of supervised release. The Rascos also forfeited proceeds of the scheme, including $1.3 million seized from their bank accounts and a 42' powerboat they named "Thank You, God." For her role in the scheme, Iris Oswald faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison, a fine up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release. Ms. Oswald also agreed to forfeit a home she purchased on St. Simons Island with proceeds of the fraud scheme.
All three defendants remain on bond pending sentence, which will be held upon the completion of a pre-sentence investigation and report.
Mr. Tarver praised the hard work and dedication of Special Agents Tony Alig and Josh Hayes of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with Special Agent David Graupner of the Office of Inspector General for HHS, who led the investigation of this case. Tarver noted that the indictment against these defendants arose out of Operation Redex Infuscam, a major investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Office of Health and Human Services (HHS) into fraudulent infusion billings to Medicare in and around the Southern District of Georgia. Tarver also recognized the extensive efforts provided by investigator Kim Reinken and auditor Karen Hartley of the United States Attorney’s Office for their contributions to a successful prosecution.
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